Grace Bay: Half-Day Snorkeling & Iguana Island Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling Grace Bay reefs plus lunch on Little Water Cay

You’ll swim above Grace Bay’s barrier reef with locals who know every fish by sight, then relax on Little Water Cay with lunch and cold drinks while iguanas watch from the dunes. Afterward, leap from the boat into deep blue water or slide right in—ending your day salty-skinned and smiling.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it’s like to float above a coral garden in Grace Bay while your mask fogs up just a little and you can hear your own breath echoing in your ears? That’s how our half-day snorkeling trip started—me fumbling with my fins, salt already drying on my lips. Our guide (I think his name was Marco?) handed out masks and cracked a joke about “meeting the local turtles.” I didn’t expect to actually see one, but there it was—gliding past us like it had somewhere better to be. The water here is so clear you can see every twitch of a parrotfish tail. Sometimes I’d just stop swimming and listen for the distant clink of someone’s wedding ring tapping their snorkel tube—tiny sounds under all that blue.

After we’d had enough of pretending we were marine biologists, the boat took us over to Little Water Cay—locals call it Iguana Island. You step off onto this pale sand that almost squeaks under your feet, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you feel about lizards), you’ll spot an iguana or two sunning themselves like they own the place. Lunch was simple—sandwiches, cold drinks, maybe some fruit—but I swear everything tastes better when you’re still dripping wet and there’s salt in your hair. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet for a second, watching clouds drift over turquoise water. Kind of peaceful in a way I didn’t expect.

The last bit is honestly just pure fun—anchoring out in deeper water near Grace Bay Beach so people could jump off the boat’s rooftop diving board or race down these curved water slides. I’m not usually the first to volunteer for that kind of thing (heights aren’t really my jam), but somehow I ended up laughing my head off as I hit the water. No one cared if you looked ridiculous; even our guide joined in at one point, splashing everyone like he was twelve again. And then suddenly it was time to head back—hair tangled, skin tight from sun and salt, but feeling lighter than when we left shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and island exploration

• Snorkel at Turks and Caicos barrier reef
• Explore Little Water Cay beach
• Enjoy lunch and beverages on island
• Jump from rooftop diving board
• Slide down curved water slides

Top questions

How long does the Grace Bay snorkeling tour last?

The group half-day snorkeling excursion lasts approximately 4 hours.

Is lunch included on the Grace Bay snorkeling trip?

Yes, lunch and assorted beverages are included during the stop at Little Water Cay (Iguana Island).

Are snorkel gear and flotation devices provided?

Yes, use of snorkels, fins, masks, and flotation devices is included.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Grace Bay Beach with select beach pickup locations available.

Can beginners join this snorkeling excursion?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome—from novice to experienced snorkelers.

What should I bring for this day trip?

You should bring sunscreen, towels, hat, sunglasses, GoPro or camera, voucher, and a bag for your things.

Will we visit Iguana Island during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) for beach time and lunch.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Soda, water, beer, and rum punch are provided during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes beach pickup and drop-off from select locations around Grace Bay Beach; use of snorkels, fins, masks and floatation devices; all local taxes; plus sandwiches or light lunch served with soda, water or even beer or rum punch as you relax on Iguana Island before heading back out for more fun in deeper waters.