Dive Site: Awesome

About Awesome

The Turks & Caicos Islands, positioned southeast of the Bahamas, comprise a chain of 40 islands and cays, many of which are protected and uninhabited. This territory is renowned for its remarkable underwater beauty, clear, warm waters, and vibrant coral ecosystems, making it a premier global dive destination. A major draw for divers is the third largest barrier reef in the world, alongside dramatic vertical wall diving and diverse marine topography. Dive sites throughout the Turks & Caicos offer a varied experience, featuring impressive sheer walls that transition into shallow sandy bottoms, along with spur and groove formations, sand chutes, and canyons. Depths can vary significantly, with many wall dives starting in shallower waters and dropping off to great depths. The region is particularly celebrated for its wall diving, offering stunning reef structures and abundant marine life. Expect encounters with a wide array of marine species, including various shark species like Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, jacks, and giant groupers. During winter months, divers may even encounter humpback whales and occasional hammerheads. The reefs are characterized by healthy, colorful corals, including massive gorgonian fans and large sponges like the 7-8 foot elephant sponges found at sites like Half Mile Reef. The diving experience is generally accessible to all levels due to typically excellent visibility and minimal currents. Many dive operators depart from Providenciales (Provo) to access remote sites, including offshore locations and the famous West Caicos walls. Liveaboards often offer extensive diving schedules, including daily night dives.

Dive site facts: Awesome

Current

No current

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, Reef

Region / port

Turks & Caicos

Coordinates

21.9168° N, 72.1374° W

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.

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

$187/day

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II

Turks & Caicos

18 guests36.6 m

$287/day