Dive Site: The Gully

Dive site facts: The Gully

Depth

14–23 m (45–75 ft)

Typical dive

18–30 m (60–100 ft)

Current

Mild

Visibility

24–30 m (80–100 ft)

Water temperature

26–29°C (79–84°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, reef, swim-through

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

West Caicos

Coordinates

21.6669, -72.4939

Conditions & Currents

Currents at The Gully are generally not described as strong, suggesting a comfortable diving experience, though conditions can vary. As a wall dive off West Caicos, which can be reached via a longer boat ride from Provo, conditions here benefit from the generally clear and calm waters characteristic of the area. Visibility is consistently excellent, often ranging from 80 to 100 feet, allowing for expansive views of the wall and its inhabitants. Entry is typically from a day boat, where divers descend to the reef top before heading to the wall. Divers should maintain good buoyancy control, especially when navigating the gully swim-through, and be mindful of gas consumption given the potential for deeper exploration along the wall. The site is part of the West Caicos Marine National Park, benefiting from protected status.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eels

occasional

Garden eels

occasional

Hogfish

occasional

Spotted eagle rays

occasional

Barracuda

common

Grey reef sharks

occasional

Grouper

common

Sea turtles

common

Schooling fish

common

Sponge formations

common

Vibrant corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at The Gully begins with a descent from the boat, typically to a white sandy bottom at around 50 feet. From here, you'll head towards the edge of the wall to locate the distinctive 'penny slot' gully. This swim-through starts at approximately 45 feet and deepens to about 75 feet, offering a unique navigational experience. After exiting the gully, the dive continues along the dramatic wall, which drops into deeper waters. Along the wall's edge and top, you'll observe diverse coral formations and schooling fish. Divers should monitor their no-decompression limits (NDL) and air supply, as deeper sections of the wall can be enticing. The turn point is determined by NDL and gas, after which a gradual ascent is made, with the safety stop conducted in the shallower, coral-rich areas near the reef top before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The Gully offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography due to its dramatic wall topography, clear visibility, and the unique 'penny slot' gully. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive reef architecture, large sponge formations, and the overall grandeur of the wall and swim-through. For close-ups of schooling fish or individual species like moray eels and hogfish, a macro lens can be rewarding, especially within the gully or reef crevices. Strobes are beneficial to bring out the true colors of the corals and sponges, which often appear muted at depth without artificial light. Practice good buoyancy to avoid disturbing delicate corals, particularly when navigating the narrower sections of the gully. Be prepared for subjects like barracuda and reef sharks, which might require quick adjustments from macro to wide-angle.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Elephant Ear Canyon

  Another West Caicos wall dive with impressive formations.

• Highway to Heaven

  A West Caicos site known for its extensive coral and marine life.

• Driveway

  A diverse West Caicos site with a sand chute leading to the wall.

• Rock Garden Interlude

  West Caicos wall divided into sections with beautiful sponge formations.

• The Anchor/Whiteface

  Features a 17th-century anchor and swim-through gully.

Getting there & logistics

Access to The Gully typically involves flying into Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which has direct flights from North America and other Caribbean hubs. From Providenciales, dive operators offer day trips by boat to West Caicos. These trips often last a half-day or full-day and include multiple dives. For more extensive exploration of West Caicos and other remote sites, liveaboard options like the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II offer week-long itineraries, providing up to five dives daily. West Caicos is part of a marine national park, ensuring a pristine environment. Park fees are usually included in dive trip costs, but it's advisable to confirm with your chosen operator. The site is a key highlight in West Caicos wall diving itineraries.

Safety & environment

Safety at The Gully, like all dives in Turks and Caicos, prioritizes responsible diving practices. The nearest recompression chamber is located on Providenciales. Divers should carry personal dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation, as access to advanced medical facilities can be limited. Site-specific hazards include potential currents, especially in and around the gully, though usually mild. Good buoyancy control is essential to prevent contact with the wall and its delicate ecosystems, particularly when traversing the narrow gully. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and adhere to dive computer limits, ensuring adequate gas for the dive profile and safety stops.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Gully FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Gully

These liveaboards may visit The Gully 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