Turks & Caicos: Full Day Cruise with Snorkeling, BBQ Lunch & Iguana Island

Summary

Snorkeling coral reefs, island BBQ lunch and wild iguanas in Turks & Caicos

You’ll snorkel vibrant reefs near Providenciales, meet wild Rock Iguanas on their own island, try your hand at finding conch shells with local guides, then relax over an island-style BBQ lunch with drinks on Fort George Cay. End your day sandy and sun-kissed after searching for shells on Shell Island—a cruise that leaves its mark long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mask and snorkel before I’ve even had my first coffee. The sun’s already sharp over Grace Bay, but there’s this salty breeze that wakes you up better than caffeine. Our guide—Sam—grins as he checks our gear, joking about how many times he’s lost his own fins (apparently it happens more than you’d think). We pile onto the boat, still a bit sleepy, but the mood shifts once we’re out on the water. The color of the sea here is unreal—like someone turned up the saturation just for us.

The first stop is Leeward Reef. I’m not much of a swimmer, but Sam says just float and watch—so I do. There’s this moment when you put your face in and suddenly it’s all parrotfish and flashes of yellow and purple. The coral looks like brains and antlers—I think they called one “elk head”? Someone points out a turtle gliding by, slow as if it owns the place (which, honestly, it probably does). Back on board, there’s laughter about who got water up their nose. Happens to everyone.

We swing by Iguana Island next. Didn’t expect to find lizards with such attitude—the Rock Iguanas kind of stare you down like they’re sizing up your shoes. Li from our group tries to say their name in Creole; she gets it wrong and one of the crew cracks up. Then we’re off again, hunting for conch shells on Caicos Banks. The crew dives in like it’s nothing—I try once and mostly get sand in my shorts—but they show us how to spot them buried under ripples of turquoise water.

Lunch at Fort George Cay smells like grilled fish before you even see it. There’s BBQ chicken too, buttery corn, peas n’ rice—the works—and rum punch that sneaks up on you if you’re not careful. I eat way too much garlic bread while watching someone try (and fail) to open a coconut with a rock. Afterward we drift to Shell Island; I pocket a small shell that still smells faintly like saltwater—don’t tell customs.

Pine Cay reef is our last swim. My mask fogs up but I don’t care; there are these huge brain corals below and someone shouts “turtle!” again (I miss it this time). On the ride back to Providenciales, sunburned and sandy, everyone’s quieter—just wind and boat spray and that feeling you get when you know you’ll remember something longer than you expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day cruise with snorkeling and lunch

• Pick up by shuttle or boat
• Check in at Alexandra Resort
• Gear up for snorkeling
• Cruise along Grace Bay beach
• Snorkel at Leeward Reef
• Visit Iguana Island to see Rock Iguana
• Hunt wild conch on Caicos Banks
• Learn about conch history and anatomy
• Explore Fort George cay
• Enjoy island style BBQ lunch
• Find shells or snorkel for sand dollars at Shell Island
• Snorkel at Pine Cay reef
• Cruise back to Providenciales
• Drop off at hotel beach

Top questions

How long is the full day cruise from Providenciales?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with multiple stops including snorkeling reefs, visiting islands, lunch, and shell hunting before returning in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included for this Turks & Caicos cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included depending on where you're staying in Providenciales.

What food is served during the BBQ lunch?

The lunch includes BBQ chicken, grilled fish, lobster (seasonal), conch salad, peas n' rice, buttery corn, garlic bread plus drinks like rum punch and local beer.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No need—all snorkeling gear is provided as part of your day trip from Providenciales.

Will we see wildlife during this Turks & Caicos cruise?

Yes—you’ll likely spot colorful reef fish while snorkeling and visit Iguana Island to see native Rock Iguanas.

Is this cruise suitable for children or families?

The tour welcomes families; children must be accompanied by an adult and infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Unlimited drinks—including local beers, sodas, water, and rum punch—are available throughout the cruise.

Can non-swimmers join this snorkeling tour?

Yes—even if you're not confident swimming; guides offer support and there are options to stay on board at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Providenciales or nearby resorts, all snorkeling equipment so you don’t have to pack extra gear, unlimited drinks from an open bar throughout the trip—including rum punch—and a buffet-style island BBQ lunch with fresh seafood options before returning to your hotel by boat or shuttle in the afternoon.