Turks and Caicos Whale Watching Excursions

The Annual Humpback Whale Migration

Every year, from December through April, humpback whales migrates from the cool waters of the northern United States to the warmer waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Dominican Republic to mate and calve. This offers visitors to the islands the unique and awe-inspiring opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures, and if you’re lucky the chance to have an in the water encounter and swim with them.

Humpback whale breaching at the surface, Turks and Caicos whale watching

Humpback Whales in Turks and Caicos

The humpback whale is a spectacular marine mammal, their sheer size making them a remarkable sight. They can grow up to 50ft in length and weigh over 40 tons. With their characteristic long pectoral flukes, short curved dorsal fin and tubercles on their heads and flippers, they are easy to distinguish from other species. Individual whales can also be identified by the distinct colours and patterns on their tail flukes. This identification method has allowed researchers to track many whales as they return to our waters year after year.

As a baleen whale, humpbacks feed using vertical baleen plates in their mouths, sifting up plankton, krill and small fish.  They mate and give birth during the winter months on their annual migration through Turks and Caicos to the Mouchoir and Silver Banks located southeast of Grand Turk and Salt Cay. The Turks Passage and Mouchoir Passage guide these majestic creatures past the Turks Islands, making them a premier destination for whale watching. Boat  tours in Providenciales offer visitors the incredible opportunity to witness the whales up close and, if the whales allow, even the chance to snorkel alongside them. This unforgettable experience is a must-do while visiting Provo.

Turks and Caicos Whale Watching Tours

For those visiting Turks and Caicos and staying in Providenciales, there are great opportunities to go whale watching. In Provo, whale watching is usually included in snorkeling and island hopping charters during the migration season, which lasts from December to April. The timing of the whales’ arrival and departure may vary slightly each year. Charter operators collaborate by sharing whale sightings over the radio, ensuring that guests have the best possible chance to see them. Whales are often seen in groups of two or three, including a mother and calf along with a male escort. At the surface they can often be seen coming up for air, breaching and tail or fluke slapping – a real sight to behold.

Those fortunate enough to have a close encounter in the water with these enormous and remarkable creatures find it truly breathtaking. We always follow the cues from the whales and observe their actions to determine if they are willing to allow snorkelers into their surroundings. Safety for guests and for the whales are always top priorities.

Dedicated humpback whale watching tours are available in Grand Turk and Salt Cay and they offer an exceptional opportunity for those staying in the sister islands or keen to take a day trip for the occasion. These islands are a 20-30min flight from Provo and can be done in a day with an early morning departure and an evening return.

Humpback Whale Surfacing in Blue Water

Responsible Whale Watching Tips

There are several things we can do to avoid disturbing the whales during our whale watching and in water encounters. If we all observe these best practices for whale watching we can ensure the safety of guests and the whales.

  • Keep a safe distance, maintaining 100 yards from the whales when underway
  • Do not chase the animals, circle them or trap them between two or more boats
  • Don’t approach if another boat is nearby, more vessels can disturb the animals
  • When approaching from a safe distance, stay parallel and from behind – do not cut off the animals
  • Slow down and put the engines in neutral
  • Turn off fish finders and echo sounders
  • Avoid bubble patches, these indicate whales feeding
  • Changes in behaviour can indicate distress or disturbance, take the cue and move on if observed
  • Never feed marine mammals
  • For in the water encounters, avoid splashing your arms or legs excessively
  • Approach whales slowly and carefully while maintaining a safe distance

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