Turks & Caicos: Half Day Snorkel Cruise with Iguana Island

Summary

Snorkeling reefs, iguana island walks, rum punch and easygoing laughter

You’ll board right from Grace Bay’s beach for a half day cruise in Turks & Caicos—snorkeling vibrant reefs, sliding into turquoise water, tasting fresh sandwiches and fruit, and meeting rock iguanas on their sunlit island home. Hotel pickup makes it all easy; what stays is that feeling of salt on your skin long after.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto the boat right from the sand at Grace Bay—no shoes, just warm water swirling around our ankles. I remember the salty air mixing with sunscreen and that faint coconut smell from someone’s bag. Our guide, Marcus, grinned and handed out masks, cracking a joke about who’d see the weirdest fish. I kind of froze for a second when I looked down into that clear blue—there’s this wild feeling when you realize you’re about to snorkel the third largest reef in the world. The water was cooler than I expected but not in a bad way, more like waking up your skin.

I lost track of time drifting above coral heads, watching neon parrotfish nibble away. There was this moment where everything got quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel—I still think about that silence sometimes. Back on deck, someone dared me to try the slide off the boat. It’s steeper than it looks (and yes, I screamed). The crew had already set out sandwiches and fruit by then—honestly, nothing fancy but somehow perfect after swimming so much. Cold rum punch in hand, we cruised toward Iguana Island.

Iguana Island is exactly what it sounds like: sun-bleached sand and these prehistoric-looking rock iguanas lazing around like they own the place (which I guess they do). Marcus told us their local name—I tried repeating it and got laughed at gently by one of the crew. We wandered past tangled bushes to dip our toes on both sides—the Atlantic felt rougher than the Caribbean side somehow. Heading back along Grace Bay Beach, everyone was quiet for a bit—just wind and sunlight flickering off the water. So yeah, if you’re looking for something glossy or over-the-top…this isn’t that. But it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon snorkel cruise and island visit

• Check in at beach hut
• Board the boat from the beach
• Snorkel at the third largest reef
• Use slide and diving platform
• Visit Iguana Island and take photos
• Walk between North Atlantic and Caribbean sides
• Cruise along Grace Bay Beach
• Drop off at Grace Bay Beach

Top questions

How long is the half day snorkel cruise in Turks & Caicos?

The cruise lasts approximately half a day, including snorkeling and visiting Iguana Island.

Is hotel pickup included for this Turks & Caicos cruise?

Yes, roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off within Grace Bay are included.

What food and drinks are provided on this tour?

You’ll get gourmet sandwiches, fresh cut fruit, light snacks, local beer, rum punch, sodas, and water.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No—all snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your tour.

Are children allowed on this snorkel cruise?

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

Can travelers with health issues join this cruise?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What should I bring for this half day trip?

Towels, hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and a camera are recommended.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Grace Bay, use of all snorkeling equipment so you don’t have to pack extra gear, plus lunch with deli sandwiches and fresh fruit alongside cold drinks like local beer or rum punch—all handled by your friendly local crew before returning you to your hotel later on.