Dive Site: Awesome

Dive site facts: Awesome

Depth

15 m+ (wall drops to thousands of feet)

Typical dive

Variable depending on profile

Current

Mild to moderate (variable)

Visibility

15–45 m

Water temperature

26–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels (appreciation for wall diving helpful)

Dive type

Wall, reef, big animals

Region / port

Providenciales

Coordinates

21.9168, -72.137358

Conditions & Currents

Diving conditions in the Turks & Caicos are generally favorable, characterized by excellent visibility ranging from 50 to 150 feet (15 to 45 meters) and typically little to no current across many sites. This calm environment contributes to the destination's appeal for divers of all experience levels, including underwater photographers. Water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from the mid-70s to 80°F (22-27°C) year-round, making a 3mm wetsuit or shorter appropriate for thermal comfort. While most sites experience minimal currents, some sections of reefs might offer less current pull due to their positioning, and northerly winds can occasionally affect diving conditions. Divers should be aware that liveaboard itineraries may involve extensive diving, up to five scheduled dives daily including night dives, suggesting consideration for Nitrox use to maximize bottom time and reduce nitrogen loading.

Marine life & sighting chances

Caribbean reef shark

common

Nurse shark

common

Grunts

common

Snappers

common

Goatfish

common

Sea turtles

common

Eagle rays

common

Humpback whale

January to March · occasional

Hammerhead shark

occasional

Lobster

common

Angelfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Groupers

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at "Awesome" begins with a boat entry, usually a short distance from the wall at Northwest Point. Divers descend along the impressive vertical drop-off, which starts around 15 meters. The dive profile typically involves exploring the upper sections of the wall, paying close attention to the numerous gullies, cracks, and overhangs that harbor diverse marine life. Deeper sections of the wall can be explored by advanced divers, though many choose to remain in the shallower, more brightly lit areas to maximize bottom time and coral viewing. Turning points are generally dictated by air consumption and no-decompression limits, with divers ascending slowly along the wall. The safety stop is conducted at 5 meters, often against the wall or in the blue, depending on current conditions, before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

The clear waters and dramatic wall at "Awesome" offer superb opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive reef and plunging drop-offs with schools of fish. Consider a fisheye lens to emphasize the sheer scale of the wall and its abundant hard and soft corals. For capturing the resident reef sharks, a mid-range zoom lens can be effective. Due to the deep blues of the wall, external strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially in the deeper recesses. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate corals along the wall and to capture stable shots. Be patient with marine life, observing from a respectful distance to capture natural behaviors, particularly with the more elusive sharks.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Shark Hotel

  Known for Caribbean reef sharks and a chimney swim-through.

• Black Coral Forest

  Features an overhang rich in various species of black coral.

• The Chimney

  A noted swim-through at Northwest Point, similar to Shark Hotel's.

• Coral Gables

  A novice-friendly site with a gently sloping wall and diverse fish.

• Graceland

  Offers close encounters with reef sharks, turtles, and barracuda.

Getting there & logistics

Access to "Awesome" is exclusively via day boat trips originating from Providenciales, the most populated island in Turks and Caicos. Providenciales International Airport (PLS) serves as the main gateway, with direct flights from North America and other Caribbean hubs. The boat ride to Northwest Point takes approximately 45 minutes. Dive operations are abundant on Providenciales, offering daily two-tank dives. While liveaboards also visit the Northwest Point area, day trips are common for this specific site. Park fees are typically included in dive package costs, as many dive sites fall within protected marine parks, such as the Northwest Point Marine National Park. Trips usually involve two dives with a surface interval onboard, often including snacks and beverages.

Safety & environment

Diving at "Awesome," like all Turks and Caicos dive sites, benefits from a strong safety record and professional operators. However, divers must prioritize personal preparedness. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Providenciales. Evacuation for serious medical emergencies would involve air ambulance to facilities in the United States. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering medical emergencies and evacuation, is highly recommended. Site-specific hazards include potential currents along the wall, requiring careful attention to buoyancy and group positioning to avoid separation or unintended descents into deeper water. Always pay close attention to dive briefings, follow your guide's instructions, and monitor your depth and air consumption, especially on deep wall dives. Never dive beyond your certification level or experience, and bring a dive light to explore recesses in the wall.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Awesome FAQ

Liveaboards diving Awesome

These liveaboards may visit Awesome on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Turks and Caicos Explorer II

Turks & Caicos

20 guests

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II

Turks & Caicos

18 guests37 m