Grand Turk Whale Watching
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Grand Turk Whale Watching
Although you might not initially expect it, Grand Turk (and the nearby island of Salt Cay) offers great humpback whale watching during the January to April winter months. Every year, humpback whales migrate from the northern Atlantic to the warmer northern Caribbean waters to give birth and to mate.
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The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated on an underwater plateau that rises 11,000 feet (3,350 m) from the surrounding ocean floor. Much of this extensive subterranean shelf is relatively shallow, but a deep channel splits this plateau and separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands. Whales are funneled through this passage and consequently migrate quite close to Grand Turk.
Whale Watching Tours
Quite a few local businesses offer whale watching tours. Most of these trips are afternoon excursions, but custom tours can easily be arranged. From the boat, the deep Atlantic water off of Grand Turk appears a dark navy blue. Yet it takes on an incredibly vibrant and lighter shade when you’re underwater as the sunlight refracts and reflects. On sunny days, the effect is even greater, with distinct rays piercing the depths.
Responsible Whale Watching Tips
As friendly as they can be, the humpback whales that migrate through the Turks and Caicos are, first and foremost, wild animals. The Turks and Caicos Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) has guidelines for interacting with marine mammals, such as dolphins and whales, in the islands. For the whales’ safety and for yours, it’s important to practice the following recommended behaviors when whale watching.