★☆☆☆☆
I booked expecting the outer islands, but once we were under way I was told that needed the full-day trip. We went up the canals past the big houses instead, which we had no interest in.
Carol G. · Traveller · January 2024
Top ratedPrivate Turks and Caicos Snorkeling Boat: The Outer Islands and Iguana Island
Outer islands + Iguana IslandHotel or Turtle Cove pickupSnacks aboardYour group, up to 8
Your group, up to eight, has the boat and the crew for four hours. The crew collects you from a Grace Bay hotel or Turtle Cove Marina, heads for the outer islands to snorkel, and stops at Little Water Cay, known to everyone as Iguana Island. You set the pace and the order of the stops with the captain.
What your private four hours give you
The boat is yours
Only your group is aboard, up to eight people, on one fare for the boat.
Pickup where you stay
The crew collects you at a Grace Bay hotel or at Turtle Cove Marina.
The outer islands
The crew takes you to the cays beyond Grace Bay to snorkel and swim.
Iguana Island
A stop at Little Water Cay, the Trust's reserve for the endemic rock iguana.
Snacks between stops
Snacks come aboard, and snorkel equipment is ready for anyone who wants to swim.
Rated 5.0
Every one of 283 reviews averages to a perfect score.
A private Turks and Caicos snorkeling boat, on your schedule
On a shared boat the day runs to a timetable. On this one it runs to yours. You tell the captain what you want to see, and the crew builds the four hours around it: more reef, a longer stop at Iguana Island, a sandbar swim or a slow cruise along the shore.
The boat is small, so it reaches quieter water than the big catamarans and moves quickly between stops. That is what makes the outer islands possible in a half day.
Want a full day instead? The seven-hour private day from the same crew adds Half Moon Bay and Pine Cay. Want a bigger boat for ten? The Turks and Caicos snorkeling private charters page lists every private boat and its size.
How the group fare works
The fare is $1,700 for the boat, for up to eight people. A party of eight pays the same as a party of four, so the fuller the boat, the less each person pays. Children count toward the eight, and any age can come.
That makes it good value for a family or two couples travelling together. For a couple alone, a shared boat costs far less, and a sailing charter priced per person may suit better.
Your four hours, the way the crew runs them
- Pickup at your Grace Bay hotel or Turtle Cove
- Private boat for your group, up to 8
- Snorkel stops around the outer islands
- Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) stop
- Snacks aboard between stops
- Back after about four hours
The steps above come from what the fare includes and where the boat goes; the exact order is yours to set with the captain on the day. Weather decides which cays are calm enough to anchor off.
What the $1,700 group fare covers
In the fare
- The boat and crew for four hours, for up to eight
- Pickup at a Grace Bay hotel or Turtle Cove Marina
- Snacks aboard
- Snorkel equipment for anyone who wants to swim
Not in the fare
- Gratuities for the crew
- A full meal: bring lunch if you want one
- The Little Water Cay fee, if the Trust charges one on the day
Snacks are the food in this fare. If your group wants a proper lunch, eat before you board or bring food with you, and the crew will keep it aboard for you. Bring cash for tips.
Who this suits, and who should book something else
Book this if
- You are a family or small group of up to eight and want the boat to yourselves.
- You want to choose the stops, including Iguana Island.
- You are travelling with a baby or toddler and want your own pace.
- You would rather skip a crowded snorkel group.
Book something else if
- You are a couple on a budget: the Bight Park half day gives you the reef and Iguana Island on a shared boat.
- Your group is larger than eight: the Turks and Caicos snorkeling private charters include a boat for ten.
- You want a sailing catamaran and an open bar: the deluxe sail leaves from the Ritz-Carlton beach.
- You need wheelchair access: this boat is not wheelchair accessible; see the family page for the accessible options.
Still deciding? Compare it with every shared Turks and Caicos snorkeling tour before you choose.
Know before you go
- Call the crew after booking to set your pickup time and place.
- Bring a lunch if your group wants a full meal; snacks are what the fare includes.
- Carry cash for tips and any Little Water Cay fee.
- Bring towels, reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag for phones.
- Tell the crew the ages in your group, so they plan the stops.
- The boat is not wheelchair accessible; most travellers can join.
What travellers said about their private boat
★★★★★
Our captain and first mate were fun and full of information about the islands. We snorkeled, visited Iguana Island, ate a catered lunch on board and went tubing before a cruise along the coast.
Jennifer D. · Traveller · January 2024
★★★★★
We told the crew what we wanted and they used their local knowledge to shape the afternoon. The small boat was just right for island hopping, and the family loved stopping to snorkel and swim, then watching the sunset.
Leighton J. · Family · December 2023
★★★★★
We went with two young children and the crew fitted in with everything they wanted to do. We snorkeled, explored the sandbar and saw Iguana Island, and there were snacks for the kids as well.
Caitlin C. · Family · November 2023
★★★★☆
A hospitable captain and crew. We saw plenty of coral, fish, turtles and iguanas, and the day runs on island time, which is part of the charm.
Janis P. · Traveller · August 2023
★★★★★
Friendly, knowledgeable crew, and the guided snorkel on the reef was a highlight. You can steer the plan yourself, too.
Adoniram S. · Traveller · December 2023
Frequently asked questions
How many people can come?
Up to eight, on one fare for the boat. Any age can join, and children count toward the eight.
Where does the boat pick you up?
At your hotel in Grace Bay or at Turtle Cove Marina. Call the crew after booking to set the time and place.
Is lunch included?
Snacks are included rather than a full meal. Bring lunch if your group wants one, or eat before you board.
Can you choose where you go?
Yes. The crew builds the four hours around what you want, from more reef to a longer stop at Iguana Island, within what the weather allows.
Is there a shared version of this day?
Yes. The Bight Park half day snorkels a Grace Bay reef and stops at Little Water Cay on a shared boat, priced per person.
Other ways out to the cays
Book your private boat
One fare for up to eight, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
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