Dive Site: Black Coral Forest

About Black Coral Forest

Black Coral Forest is a captivating dive site found off the northwest side of Providenciales in Turks & Caicos, roughly a 30-minute boat ride from the coast. This wall dive plunges from a starting depth of 45 feet to well over 300 feet, showcasing the dramatic underwater topography characteristic of the region where undersea plateaus abruptly give way to deep ocean trenches. The site is particularly renowned for the prominent overhang at 75 feet, which hosts at least five distinct species of black coral, giving the site its name and providing excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography. While black coral is the star, the wall itself is adorned with vibrant marine life. Divers might observe giant barrel sponges, which can live for up to a century, alongside other corals and sponges that thrive in these deep environments. Although specific fish sightings might vary, the area is part of a region known for frequent encounters with marine creatures such as turtles, reef sharks, and eagle rays, making each dive potentially thrilling. The consistent warmth and clarity of the water, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet and temperatures ranging from 79 to 84°F, contribute to an exceptional dive experience. This site is accessible only by boat, aligning with the typical liveaboard itineraries that characterize much of the diving in Turks & Caicos. Currents here are generally gentle, creating an ideal setting for both relaxed exploration and more adventurous experiences along the impressive wall. Divers should nonetheless remain mindful of their depth, as the precipitous drop-offs of the wall can make it easy to exceed planned limits if not paying close attention. It is suitable for divers seeking to explore deep wall environments and capture stunning underwater photography.

Dive site facts: Black Coral Forest

Depth

13.7–61 m

Typical dive

19.8 m, 50-60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

24–30 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall dive, coral garden, pelagic encounters

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Northwest Point, Providenciales

Coordinates

21.828, -72.335

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Black Coral Forest are generally gentle, contributing to a relaxed dive. The site is only accessible by boat. Divers should be mindful of the significant depth drop-off and monitor their gauges to avoid exceeding planned limits.

Marine life & sighting chances

Black coral

common

Hawksbill turtle

common

Caribbean reef shark

common

Nurse shark

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Queen triggerfish

common

French angelfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Lobster

occasional

Moray eel

occasional

Flamingo tongue cowrie

occasional

Arrow crab

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Black Coral Forest typically begins with a descent to the reef wall, which starts around 13.7 meters and plunges dramatically. The main highlight is an overhang at about 22 meters, where you encounter a dense "forest" of at least five black coral species. The dive progresses along this wall, allowing ample time to observe the delicate coral structures and the marine life they host. Above the black coral zone, the reef terrace, at shallower depths, teems with hard and soft corals and schooling fish. You'll often encounter Hawksbill turtles here, methodically feeding on sponges. Caribbean reef sharks and eagle rays are frequent visitors in the blue water along the deeper wall. The average depth for this dive is about 19.8 meters, with a maximum of 33.5 meters for recreational limits. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid contact with the fragile, decades-old coral colonies. The safety stop is conducted along the shallower reef top, offering further opportunities for marine observation.

Underwater photography

Black Coral Forest presents excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For the expansive wall and the impressive black coral formations, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Capture the scale of the coral trees against the dramatic blue backdrop and look for passing pelagics like eagle rays. For macro subjects, explore the intricate details within the black coral branches, where you might find tiny arrow crabs or flamingo tongue cowries. A snoot can be particularly effective here to highlight specific small creatures against the dark coral. Utilize strobes to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish, as ambient light can diminish at deeper sections of the wall. Maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid stirring up sediment or accidental contact with the delicate, slow-growing corals, which are the main attraction.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Shark Hotel

  Known for frequent Caribbean reef shark sightings and a chimney swim-through.

• The Crack

  Features a large fissure and abundant coral formations, including black coral trees.

• The Dome

  A sunken structure offering a unique experience, especially for night dives.

• The Driveway

  Located at West Caicos, known for diverse marine life and a large sand chute.

• Double D

  At French Cay, featuring a sloping reef with two pinnacles and diverse shark encounters.

Getting there & logistics

Accessing Black Coral Forest typically involves a liveaboard trip or day boat from Providenciales (Provo), which serves as the main hub for Turks and Caicos diving. Providenciales International Airport (PLS) handles direct flights from North America. Most liveaboard charters for the Turks and Caicos run for seven nights, offering numerous dives, often including sites around Northwest Point, West Caicos, and French Cay, allowing you to experience various wall dives and marine encounters. Day trips are also available from Provo for local sites. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site, but check with your dive operator for any local marine park regulations.

Safety & environment

Diving at Black Coral Forest requires careful buoyancy control due to the fragile and irreplaceable nature of the black coral colonies; accidental contact can cause decades of damage. Currents can range from mild to moderate, so divers should be prepared for potential drift and maintain awareness of their position relative to the wall. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Providenciales, at the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital. Evacuation in a medical emergency typically involves local ambulance services for initial transport and then air evacuation to facilities in the US, emphasizing the need for comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Black Coral Forest FAQ

Liveaboards diving Black Coral Forest

These liveaboards may visit Black Coral Forest on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Turks and Caicos Explorer II

Turks & Caicos

20 guests

$249/day

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II

Turks & Caicos

18 guests36.6 m

$287/day