Providenciales: Half Moon Bay Snorkel & Iguana Island Cruise

Summary

Snorkeling Leeward Reef then searching for iguanas on Half Moon Bay

You’ll cruise from Providenciales with a small group, snorkeling Leeward Reef’s clear waters before relaxing at Half Moon Bay’s sandbar with snacks and drinks. Explore Iguana Island or just float with rum punch in hand — expect laughter, sun-warmed skin, maybe even spotting wild rock iguanas if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

It started with Captain Ray grinning as he handed me a cold ginger beer — “You’ll want this for the ride,” he said, and honestly, he was right. The wind whipped my hair all over as we pulled away from Providenciales, past Grace Bay’s pale sand and those impossible blue shades you always see in photos (but they’re real, somehow). I caught myself laughing at nothing, just the feeling of salt air and the boat bouncing along. There were maybe eight of us? Everyone sort of quiet at first, but that didn’t last long.

At Leeward Reef, Ray tossed anchor and handed out snorkels. The water was so clear I could see straight down — flashes of yellow fish darting around coral heads. I’m not a strong swimmer but it felt safe; Ray kept an eye out from the boat and called out little facts about the reef (third largest in the world — who knew?). Someone spotted a stingray gliding under us. When I climbed back up, my skin prickled from the sun and salt, but they had fresh fruit waiting. Oh — there’s a slide off the side of the boat too. I almost chickened out but ended up going twice because why not?

The cruise to Half Moon Bay was slower, music playing low while we drifted past Little Water Cay. We docked and wandered onto this long sandbar where you could actually spot rock iguanas if you looked carefully enough — one scuttled right across my path and startled me so much I nearly dropped my rum punch (which would’ve been tragic). Some people swam again or just sat in the shallows with their toes buried in cool sand. It was easy to lose track of time there.

I still think about that light over the water as we headed back toward Provo — everything softening into gold, everyone kind of quiet again but in a good way this time. Ray put on some old soca tunes and passed around conch fritters and wraps. It wasn’t fancy or anything, just really good company and that feeling you get when you know you’ll remember something long after it’s done.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and explore Half Moon Bay

• Cruise Grace Bay
• Snorkel at Leeward Reef
• Cruise to Half Moon Bay
• Explore Little Water Cay
• Walk sandbar or swim
• Enjoy rum punch on board
• Use onboard slide
• Slow cruise back to Provo

Top questions

How long is the Providenciales snorkel & Half Moon Bay cruise?

The tour is a half-day excursion departing from Providenciales.

Is lunch included on this snorkel tour?

Yes, assorted wraps (turkey, tuna, veggie), fresh fruit, conch fritters, cookies and brownies are included.

Are drinks provided during the trip?

Yes, both alcoholic (like rum punch) and nonalcoholic drinks are available throughout the cruise.

Can children join this Providenciales snorkeling trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed on board.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point on Providenciales.

Will we visit Iguana Island during this tour?

Yes, you'll have free time to explore Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) during your stop at Half Moon Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling gear is provided by the crew.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible for travelers with mobility needs.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling equipment plus plenty of snacks like turkey or tuna wraps (veggie upon request), fresh fruit platters, conch fritters, cookies and brownies. Both alcoholic drinks such as rum punch and nonalcoholic options are served on board while you relax between stops at Leeward Reef and Half Moon Bay before returning to Providenciales.