Some think <strong>the</strong> perfect dive vacation consists <strong>of</strong> doing a couple <strong>of</strong> dives during <strong>the</strong> day and <strong>the</strong>n enjoying island-life amenities like eating at oceanside restaurants, walking on <strong>the</strong> stunning beaches, and strolling through <strong>the</strong> local shops. O<strong>the</strong>rs view <strong>the</strong> ideal dive vacation as diving as much as possible (including night dives), sleeping and eating, and <strong>the</strong>n doing it all over again every day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir vacation. These differing perspectives require thought in <strong>the</strong> planning process to achieve <strong>the</strong> desired experience for your perfect dive vacation. There are a few options for diving our beautiful reefs and walls. You can choose to mix diving in with o<strong>the</strong>r aspects <strong>of</strong> your vacation by diving day boats; you can immerse yourself in all <strong>the</strong> diving possible by choosing a liveaboard; or you can choose a private charter and create your own schedule. The Turks & Caicos <strong>Islands</strong> boast some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most beautiful resorts in <strong>the</strong> region, overlooking pristine white sand beaches leading into turquoise waters so stunning <strong>the</strong>y look Photoshopped—but I can assure you <strong>the</strong>y are absolutely real! When you choose to stay on land and dive with a day boat operator, you get to enjoy any one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se beautiful properties while still getting your dive fix, which for a diver is crucial on all vacations. Most land-based operators provide two-tank trips, so you dive one location, have a surface interval with water and snacks, move to a new location, and <strong>the</strong>n dive <strong>the</strong> second dive. Some <strong>of</strong>fer three-tank specials and private charters, where <strong>the</strong> schedule is a little more customizable. Because day boats are much smaller than liveaboard vessels, <strong>the</strong>y have <strong>the</strong> ability to get to locations that are inaccessible to liveaboards due to depth or weight restrictions on <strong>the</strong> mooring balls. Once your diving thirst has been quenched for <strong>the</strong> day, <strong>the</strong>re are a variety <strong>of</strong> available adventures to be had above <strong>the</strong> surface. Everything from dining out, shopping, golf, tennis, casinos, exploring <strong>the</strong> pirate cave at Osprey Rock, The Hole in Long Bay, or trying ano<strong>the</strong>r sport like kite surfing, parasailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding <strong>the</strong> mangroves. A must-do for every visitor is <strong>the</strong> Thursday Night Fish Fry on Providenciales. This is a festive celebration <strong>of</strong> island culture with music, dancing, and local vendors. When choosing land-based diving, you will have plenty <strong>of</strong> time to enjoy o<strong>the</strong>r activities. Ano<strong>the</strong>r benefit <strong>of</strong> diving land-based is it gives you <strong>the</strong> opportunity to visit <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Islands</strong> and expand <strong>the</strong> boundaries <strong>of</strong> your holiday. You can choose to dive at some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r islands as well—each has features unique to <strong>the</strong> area—and broaden your diving experience in <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos. A couple <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> all-inclusive properties include diving with your reservation, which is a big help with <strong>the</strong> budget. If you are traveling with friends and/or family members who don’t dive, this option usually works best so you can dive and still have time to spend with your travel companions. The all-Inclusive properties usually provide non-divers with activities to enjoy while you are out playing underwater. Everyone is happy! ©AQUA TCI—WWW.AQUATCI.COM Dive operators have Instructors or Dive Masters in <strong>the</strong> water with you, and <strong>the</strong>y tend to know where you may have a magical encounter. This pod <strong>of</strong> dolphins was captured by Aqua TCI (www.aquatci.com), who specialize in small group diving, private charters, and private guiding. 46 www.timespub.tc
This exciting dive site is called “Chimney” at North West Point <strong>of</strong>f Providenciales. At a depth <strong>of</strong> about 80 feet, this Caribbean reef shark is watching an intrepid diver who is inspecting <strong>the</strong> wall. Dive Provo is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong>’ oldest operations. BRILLIANT STUDIOS —WWW.BRILLIANTSTUDIOS.COM FOR DIVE PROVO—WWW.DIVEPROVO.COM
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