Snorkeling Providenciales: La Famille Shipwreck & Half Moon Bay

Ride jet skis to a shipwreck, then snorkel the reef and meet wild iguanas

A two-hour jet ski and snorkeling activity from South Side Marina in Providenciales that takes you to the La Famille shipwreck and Half Moon Bay. You pilot your own jet ski to the wreck, snorkel the shallow Caicos Banks to see the boat and marine life, then ride to Half Moon Bay where Turks and Caicos rock iguanas live on Little Water Cay. A professional guide leads the route and provides snorkeling gear and water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jet ski tour and snorkeling adventure

• Introduction and safety briefing at marina
• Explore and snorkel La Famille Shipwreck
• Visit Half Moon Bay and see rock iguanas
• Enjoy views of Long Bay Beach and Turtle Tail
• Return jet ski ride to South Side Marina

The experience

You start at South Side Marina with a safety briefing on your jet ski, then pilot it yourself across the Leeward Passage. The La Famille Express ran aground in the shallow waters during Hurricane Frances in 2004 after dragging its anchor almost 12 miles from South Dock: the anchor still sits in the water nearby. You'll snorkel around the wreck on the reef, where small reefs and marine life now inhabit the boat. The waters are crystal clear and stay shallow enough to see the whole structure.

After the shipwreck, your guide leads you on jet ski to Half Moon Bay, a three-quarter-mile sandbar between Little Water Cay and Water Cay. The northern side has a turquoise beach. The southern side opens into a sheltered lagoon with soft sand and calm water. Little Water Cay is a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos rock iguana: docile lizards you can see on the cay. The route also passes Long Bay Beach and Turtle Tail, a narrow peninsula with views across Flamingo Pond and the Caicos Banks. You jet ski back to the marina to finish.

The jet ski seats two guests and has a 375-pound weight limit per pair. Your guide speaks English and travels with you the whole way. Snorkeling equipment, life jacket, bottled water and GST are included.

What’s included

• Jet ski for two guests with a maximum combined weight of 375 pounds.
• professional English-speaking guide for the full two hours.
• snorkeling equipment and life jacket.
• bottled water.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to3h before

GroupUp to 9 · max 2 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hot Wheels Island Tours

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the route and commentary comfortably. The jet ski seats two, so book as a pair or join another couple to share the cost.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the La Famille shipwreck and why is it in Providenciales?

The La Famille Express was an unmanned vessel that dragged its anchor from South Dock during Hurricane Frances in 2004, traveling almost 12 miles before becoming firmly planted in the shallow waters of the Caicos Banks. The anchor remains in the water near the wreck, and the boat now sits on a reef where marine life has made it home.

Can I see iguanas at Half Moon Bay?

Little Water Cay, the small island near Half Moon Bay, is a sanctuary for Turks and Caicos rock iguanas. These docile lizards are typically numerous on the cay and visible to visitors of all ages.

Do I need experience to operate the jet ski?

No prior experience is required. You receive essential safety instructions at South Side Marina before the tour begins, and your professional guide leads the entire route and stays with your group.

What snorkeling will I do on this activity?

You snorkel around the La Famille shipwreck in the crystal-clear shallow waters of the Caicos Banks, where you can see the wreck sitting on a reef and the small reefs and marine life that inhabit it. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

How long is the jet ski ride to Half Moon Bay?

The tour is two hours total from South Side Marina. Your guide takes you on an exhilarating journey through Leeward Passage to Half Moon Bay, then back to the marina, with time spent snorkeling at the shipwreck and exploring the bay.