Just a few minutes’ boat ride from the shore awaits a place very few have had the privilege of visiting. Home to over 60 species of coral and more than 250 species of fish, the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef is one of the largest in the world; a mecca for marine life, and for those who wish to encounter what lies beneath the water’s surface.  

From tiny blue tangs to elusive Hawksbill turtles, commanding reef sharks and majestic eagle rays, a plethora of creatures create the reef’s own unique eco-system—one that must be seen to be believed. Schools of parrotfish and chub fish weave through the coral, angelfish peek from shaded crevices and triggerfish circle their territory. Occasionally, barracuda and moray eels may also appear, adding an unexpected thrill.  
 

For advanced divers, the island of Providenciales offers some of the most thrilling sites in the Caribbean, where the scale and drama of the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef truly come to life.

Perhaps the most impressive of all is The Wall, along the island’s north shore, where the ocean floor drops suddenly into an indigo void plunging thousands of feet. A vertical ledge, descending The Wall’s edge offers a once in a lifetime feeling of exhilaration, revealing the stark contrast between light and dark, where the familiar meets the unknown.  

Elsewhere, Northwest Marine Point and nearby West Caicos offer pristine coral formations, dramatic swim-through opportunities and the chance to encounter larger species such as reef sharks, barracuda, eagle rays and even migrating humpback whales during the winter months. With excellent visibility year-round, experienced divers may choose to push their limits, exploring these vast underwater landscapes and being rewarded each time with a rare glimpse of the ocean in its most natural state.  
 

Even for first-time divers, experiences aim to offer unmatched ocean discovery, tailored to personal preferences and pace. For novices, the PADI-recognised  'Discover Scuba Diving'  experience or 'Try Dive' provide a careful initiation in calm waters, where private instruction leads to the moving experience of breathing underwater for the very first time.  

From shallow reef gardens to deep drop-offs, those wishing to advance their skills can curate their own dive with confidence and ease. With warm seas and glassy visibility, Grace Bay and the nearby Bight Reef (also known as Coral Gardens) are particularly popular, offering abundant reefs at accessible depths. Here, crystal-clear waters make these sites perfect for observing marine life up close, while gentle currents allow intermediate divers to explore comfortably. In the summer months, from June to August, optimal conditions bring the added thrill of dolphin pods, often spotted nearby. 
 

For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkelling offers an equally enriching experience. Drift past vibrant coral gardens, marvel at expansive sea fan beds from above and paddle in shallow waters teeming with marine life, all without venturing too far from the shore. Just moments from Amanyara’s Beach Club, schools of fish dart and dive, crabs trace patterns across the sand and rays soar close to the surface. Venturing a little further afield, the Bight Reef also presents some of the most accessible and rewarding waters for snorkelling in Turks and Caicos. 
 

To dive is not only to explore, but to understand the vastness and fragility of the world’s oceans. More than appreciating its creatures, diving connects you with landscapes—including the powder-soft sands formed by coral and shell erosion.  

At Amanyara, diving is approached with the same environmental care and respect as onshore. Through eco practices, guests enter the water more mindfully, learning how controlling their movements helps prevent damage to corals, the reasons for choosing reef-safe sunscreen and how quietly observing marine life – without touching – allows the eco-system to thrive. These lessons ensure that each dive is both an adventure and an act of preservation.  

By partnering with those who share the same environmental considerations, Aman continues its guardianship of the national park it calls home. Working together with the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, Big Blue Collective further champion sustainable practices, helping to preserve this marine wonderland for generations to come.