Dive Site: Eagle Ray Pass

About Eagle Ray Pass

Eagle Ray Pass is a notable dive site situated off Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This region, part of the Caicos Islands, is celebrated for its stunning underwater landscapes and outstanding reef characteristics, contributing to the third largest barrier reef in the world. The dive site itself features a moderate depth suitable for various diver levels, offering boat access to its healthy reef systems. The waters here are renowned for their clarity and warmth year-round, making for excellent diving conditions with often superb visibility. While specific details on topography for Eagle Ray Pass are limited in sources, the Grace Bay area generally exhibits spur and groove reef formations with tiered shelves, alongside canyons and sand chutes. Divers can anticipate encountering a variety of marine life, though detailed seasonal highlights for this specific site are not provided. From a practical perspective, diving at Eagle Ray Pass typically involves boat access. The general diving experience in Turks and Caicos is characterized by well-maintained gear from local operators and dive masters leading groups, ensuring a guided and safe exploration of the underwater environment.

Dive site facts: Eagle Ray Pass

Depth

12 m / 40 ft

Current

Mild

Visibility

Often > 30 m / 100 ft

Water temperature

26–29°C (79–84°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, wall (general TCI)

Region / port

Grace Bay, Providenciales

Coordinates

21.8890° N, 72.1207° W

Conditions & Currents

Information specifically detailing current strength and direction at Eagle Ray Pass is not provided, but generally, dive conditions in the Turks & Caicos are often calm with excellent visibility. It is advisable for divers to consult with local dive operators for real-time conditions, as localized currents can vary. Visibility frequently exceeds 100 feet, particularly during calmer weather, enhancing the overall dive experience. The consistent warm water temperatures mean thermoclines are generally not a concern, allowing for comfortable diving. Entry and exit are typically boat-based, ensuring straightforward access to the dive site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Eagle Ray

common

Turtle

common

Reef Shark

common

Grouper

common

Snapper

common

Lobster

common

Moray Eel

common

Barracuda

common

Parrotfish

common

Angelfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Eagle Ray Pass typically begins with a boat entry onto a reef with a reported approximate depth of 12 meters (40 feet). The dive profile for Grace Bay sites generally involves exploring spur and groove reef formations that lead to shelves at varying depths. Divers can anticipate navigating through coral gardens, potentially encountering sandy chutes and canyons prevalent in the area. Given the region's excellent visibility, a gradual descent allows for a comprehensive exploration of the reef's structure and marine inhabitants. Safety stops are usually conducted in the shallower reef areas, often around the 5-meter (15-foot) mark, before ascending back to the boat.

Underwater photography

Eagle Ray Pass, with its clear waters and potential for marine life, offers opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. Wide-angle lenses are effective for capturing the overall reef structure and larger marine animals like eagle rays. Macro lenses can be used to focus on smaller reef inhabitants and coral details. Given the consistently high visibility in Turks and Caicos, ambient light is often sufficient, but external strobes or video lights can enhance color and detail, especially in deeper sections or for capturing fast-moving subjects. Maintaining good buoyancy is crucial to avoid disturbing the delicate coral formations and to achieve stable shots. Always respect marine life by keeping a safe distance and avoiding harassment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Eel Garden

  Eel Garden, situated on the northern side of Dahab, Egypt, is celebrated for its unique population of garden eels.

• Whiteface

  Also known as The Anchor

• Half Mile Reef

  Known for large elephant sponges and barracuda schools

• Aquarium

  Aquarium is a captivating dive site situated off the coast of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, forming part of a diverse…

• Shark Hotel

  Popular for Caribbean reef shark sightings off Northwest Point

Getting there & logistics

Access to Eagle Ray Pass and other Providenciales dive sites begins at Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which has direct flights from North America and other Caribbean hubs. From Providenciales, dive boats provide quick access to nearby reefs and walls. Most dive trips are day excursions, often including two-tank dives. Local dive operators offer comprehensive services, including equipment rental and dive masters leading groups, with smaller boats typically hosting fewer than twenty people. It's recommended to reserve dive trips in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from December to March.

Safety & environment

The Divers Alert Network (DAN) provides emergency assistance for divers in Turks and Caicos, and insurance is highly recommended. While the specific location of the nearest recompression chamber is not provided, international medical facilities are available on Providenciales. Emergency evacuation procedures would typically involve air transport to a specialized medical facility. Site-specific hazards are generally minimal due to the calm conditions and guided dives, but divers should always practice safe diving techniques, including careful gas planning and maintaining good buoyancy control to protect the reef. Respect marine life by observing from a distance and avoid contact with corals to prevent injury and damage to the ecosystem. Reef-safe sunscreen is also advised to protect the delicate coral environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Eagle Ray Pass FAQ

Liveaboards diving Eagle Ray Pass

These liveaboards may visit Eagle Ray Pass on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Turks and Caicos Explorer II

Turks & Caicos

20 guests

$287/day

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II

Turks & Caicos

18 guests36.6 m

$287/day