Dive Site: The Crack

About The Crack

The Crack is a distinctive wall dive located off Northwest Point, Providenciales, characterized by its unusual topography. The reef here doglegs to the south, creating a substantial 'penny slot' crack that divers can navigate. This site is famed for its dramatic vertical wall that plunges into the deep blue, showcasing the geological features common to the Turks & Caicos barrier reef system. Divers can expect to encounter a rich diversity of marine life, including schools of fish and a resident sea turtle, enhancing the exploration of this unique underwater formation. The dive profile involves following the wall's contours, with the option to swim through the crack at various points. This site's location within the Northwest Point area, known for its extensive wall diving, ensures clear visibility and generally calm conditions, making it accessible for divers with experience in wall diving. The combination of structural interest and abundant marine encounters makes The Crack a memorable dive in the region, suitable for those looking for both exploration and wildlife observation. The site's defining crack and associated features like a large barrel sponge add to its unique character, providing distinct points of interest throughout the dive.

Dive site facts: The Crack

Depth

14–40 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

30+ m

Water temperature

26–29°C / 79–84°F

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Wall, reef, drift

Region / port

Providenciales, Northwest Point

Coordinates

21.7602° N, 72.0927° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at dive sites off Providenciales, including The Crack, are generally described as mild, making for a relatively gentle drift along the wall. Visibility is consistently excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), providing clear views of the extensive wall and its inhabitants. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging from 26-29°C (79-84°F), reducing the need for thick wetsuits. Entry is typically from a day boat, with divers descending directly onto the reef top near the wall. Divers should be mindful of buoyancy control, particularly when navigating the crack and along the sheer wall, to avoid contact with the delicate coral and sponges.

Marine life & sighting chances

Sea turtle

occasional

Schooling fish

common

Barracuda

occasional

Queen triggerfish

common

Moray eel

occasional

Octopus

rare

Caribbean reef shark

occasional

Nurse shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at The Crack typically begin from a day boat moored near the wall at Northwest Point. Divers descend to the top of the wall, which starts at around 14 meters (45 feet). The primary feature, a significant 'penny slot' crack, doglegs to the south and allows divers to swim through it, exiting at various points. A prominent landmark is a massive barrel sponge, accompanied by an anemone above it, found at approximately 26 meters (85 feet). While exploring, divers may encounter schooling fish and a resident sea turtle by heading south along the wall. The dive progresses along the wall, with opportunities to observe the dramatic drop-off and its diverse coral formations. The safety stop is typically conducted back on the shallower reef top.

Underwater photography

The dramatic wall and unique 'penny slot' crack at The Crack offer fantastic wide-angle photography opportunities. A fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive drop-off and the structural grandeur of the crack. Be sure to include divers in your shots to convey a sense of scale. For marine life encounters, a macro lens can capture the details of the anemone near the barrel sponge or other smaller reef inhabitants. Strobes are essential to bring out the vibrant colors of the coral and sponges against the deep blue. Maintain excellent buoyancy control, especially within the crack, to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging the delicate ecosystem, ensuring clear shots and preserving the environment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Shark Hotel

  Known for frequent Caribbean reef shark sightings and another wall dive.

• Black Coral Forest

  Features an overhang with multiple species of black coral.

• The Dome

  A sunken dome, previously a TV game show site, great for night dives.

• Gullies

  Offers a penny slot gully swim-through and beautiful sponge formations.

• Whiteface

  Also known as The Anchor, featuring an anchor wedged in a gully and pillar corals.

Getting there & logistics

Access to The Crack and other Turks & Caicos dive sites is primarily through Providenciales International Airport (PLS), with direct flights from North America and other Caribbean hubs. Dive operations typically run from Providenciales, with day boats taking divers to sites along Northwest Point and West Caicos. Liveaboards, such as the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II, also depart from Providenciales, offering week-long itineraries with around 27 dives, often including night dives. Day trips from Provo to Northwest Point are common, providing easy access to sites like The Crack. No specific dive permits or fees for individual sites are usually required beyond standard dive operator costs, often included in dive packages.

Safety & environment

For dive emergencies in Turks & Caicos, a recompression chamber is available on Providenciales. Evacuation to this facility or further medical care is coordinated by local dive operators and the Divers Alert Network (DAN), making dive insurance strongly recommended. The generally mild currents at The Crack require good buoyancy control, especially when navigating the unique crack formation, to prevent contact with the reef. Divers should carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it. Always dive within your training limits and follow your dive guide's instructions. The site's wall profile necessitates careful depth and no-decompression limit monitoring.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Crack FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Crack

These liveaboards may visit The Crack 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

$328/day