Turks & Caicos: Provo Cays Snorkeling, Iguanas & Beach BBQ

Summary

Snorkeling turquoise reefs, wild iguanas, shipwrecks and a beach barbecue in Turks & Caicos

You’ll snorkel vibrant reefs off Grace Bay, spot wild rock iguanas on Little Water Cay, wander past a real shipwreck and hunt shells on Fort George Cay before sharing a barbecue lunch on the sand. With local guides, all gear included and plenty of time to swim or just listen to the waves — this day is about simple joys in Turks & Caicos.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a cold bottle of water as we bob gently off Grace Bay — I’m still salty from the first swim at Emerald Reef. The boat smells like sunscreen and grilled fish already. Our guide, Devon, laughs as he points out the snapper darting under us (“they’re faster than you think!”). I didn’t expect to see so many turtles gliding by; their shells look almost painted in the sun. It’s loud with everyone splashing around but then you duck your head under and it’s just quiet blue everywhere.

We pulled up to Little Water Cay after that — Iguana Island, Devon called it. I’d never seen rock iguanas before; they watch you sideways and sort of freeze until you move closer (one blinked at me, swear). There was this funny moment where Li tried to pronounce their local name and got it all wrong — Devon just grinned and shook his head. We wandered sandy trails while the air felt sticky-sweet, almost like mangroves mixed with salt.

The shipwreck was next, La Famille Express. It looks haunted from a distance but up close it’s more rust than scary. Some folks climbed up for photos — I just sat on the edge of the boat dangling my feet, thinking about how weird it is that something can be both abandoned and full of life (fish everywhere). Then Fort George Cay for shell hunting — sand gets everywhere but you stop caring when you’re hungry and someone’s firing up a barbecue right on the beach. The smoke smelled like pepper and lime. Lunch tasted better than anything back home, maybe because we were barefoot with seaweed stuck to our ankles. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore cays and snorkel reefs

• Snorkel at Emerald Reef
• Visit Little Water Cay/Iguana Island
• See Rock Iguanas
• Visit La Famille Express shipwreck
• Island hop to Fort George Cay
• Hunt for shells on beach
• Enjoy barbecue lunch on beach

Top questions

How long is the Provo Cays snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, a barbecue lunch is prepared fresh on the beach at Fort George Cay.

Will we see wildlife like iguanas or turtles?

You’ll visit Little Water Cay to see rock iguanas and often spot turtles while snorkeling Emerald Reef.

Are drinks provided on board?

Soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included during your trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included for guests to use.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants and young children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Does the boat have WiFi or air conditioning?

The vessel offers free WiFi as well as air conditioning for comfort between stops.

What islands are visited during this Provo Cays day trip?

You’ll explore Emerald Reef near Grace Bay, Little Water Cay (Iguana Island), La Famille Express shipwreck, and Fort George Cay.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, use of snorkeling equipment for exploring Emerald Reef near Grace Bay, visits to Little Water Cay (Iguana Island), La Famille Express shipwreck, shell hunting at Fort George Cay plus a freshly prepared barbecue lunch right on the sand with drinks — even WiFi onboard if you want to share photos before heading back.