Turks & Caicos: Grace Bay Private Boat Tour, Snorkel & Cays

Summary

Swim with stingrays snorkel reefs and wander white sand cays

You’ll ride a private boat from Grace Bay with a local guide, snorkeling vibrant reefs, spotting wild iguanas on Little Water Cay, swimming near stingrays or dolphins if you’re lucky, and relaxing on quiet beaches. Sandwiches, cold local beer, pickup and drop-off are all included—just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a dry bag for your phone).

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to be that blue — like someone cranked up the color just for us. We met our guide right by Grace Bay, and he had this easy laugh that made me feel like we’d known him longer than five minutes. The boat was ours for the day (I kept forgetting that), and as we pulled away from the dock, you could smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the breeze. There was music playing softly — something local I didn’t recognize — and I remember thinking how different it felt from any other day trip I’ve done.

First stop: Little Water Cay. Our guide pointed out these rock iguanas sunning themselves like old men at a café — he even gave one a name, “Big Tony,” which cracked us up. Then we slipped into the water with masks on; suddenly it was all quiet except for my own breathing and the click of fins against coral. A couple of stingrays drifted by so close I almost forgot to breathe (not recommended). Later, he handed out sandwiches and local beer — nothing fancy but somehow perfect after swimming. The bread was soft, maybe a bit squished from the cooler, but honestly? Tasted great out there.

We cruised past a few more cays where the sand felt almost powdery underfoot. Dolphins showed up for about thirty seconds and then vanished — blink and you’d miss them. I tried to say thank you in his dialect (failed miserably), but our guide just laughed and offered me WiFi so I could show off photos right away. The sun started sinking lower but I wasn’t ready to go back yet. Still not sure if it was the light or just being out there with friends, but something about that afternoon stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour and island exploration

• Board private boat in Providenciales
• Explore Turks and Caicos islands
• Swim with sting rays and dolphins
• Visit rock iguanas
• Snorkel along beautiful reef
• Relax on pristine beaches of cays

Top questions

How long is the private boat tour in Grace Bay?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Grace Bay tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for all guests.

Are food and drinks included during the boat trip?

Yes, sandwiches and local beer are provided onboard.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Turks & Caicos?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your location are included.

Can infants or small children join this private boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Will we see dolphins or stingrays during the trip?

You may see dolphins or swim near stingrays around Little Water Cay.

Is WiFi available on board during the Grace Bay tour?

Yes, free WiFi is available on the vessel for guests.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup from your location in Turks & Caicos, a private boat with free WiFi onboard, snorkeling equipment ready to use along the reef near Grace Bay and Little Water Cay, sandwiches for lunch plus cold local beer served by your friendly guide before returning you safely back at the end of your adventure.