Big Blue Collective
Marina Road, Leeward, Providenciales
When it comes to exploring the Turks and Caicos Islands by sea, local eco-adventure tour company Big Blue Collective not only knows all the different places to go, but also has a variety of different ways of getting there.
Whether it’s boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or kiteboarding, for more than 20 years Big Blue Collective has been passionate about the ocean and enjoying all it has to offer in an eco-friendly way.
That means using four-stroke outboard motors, which produce less noise and pollution. They’ve also made biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen mandatory on all their trips and have eliminated single-use plastic bottles, cups, and plates from their tours.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Big Blue is known in particular for their kayaking and paddleboarding eco-tours that explore the shallow and narrow mangrove channels in Leeward that can’t be accessed by boat. The small size of kayaks and paddleboards not only allows guests to explore otherwise unreachable areas, but their lack of a motor means people can quietly explore without disturbing the wildlife that call the mangroves home—which means more sightseeing opportunities for guests.
In the mangrove channels, it’s common to spot a variety of fish and bird life, juvenile nurse sharks, turtles, and more.
For those who want to explore the mangroves beyond Leeward Channel, Big Blue offers backcountry paddle safaris to other areas of the country off the beaten path, such as East Bay Islands National Park and the Ramsar Nature Reserve, as well as Half Moon Bay and Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve.
Custom Boat Charters
Big Blue’s excursions also include a variety of private boat charters customized to suit groups of all sizes. These include sunset charters, half-day charters, and full-day charters, with the option of exploring either the north or south side of Providenciales. Alternatively, guests can book an extended full-day charter that takes them to other islands such as South Caicos, East Caicos, and Little Ambergris Cay.
It’s not unusual to spot dolphins and, between January and April, whales while out cruising the seas. While you shouldn’t under any circumstances touch wildlife, opportunities do arise to get in the water and swim (or dive) with these impressive marine mammals. Guests are, however, discouraged from getting too close to wildlife, and Big Blue ensures any interactions are done from a safe distance and on the animal’s terms.
Snorkeling and Diving
Big Blue offers private half-day and full-day snorkeling charters to the country's best reefs. Prior snorkeling experience isn’t necessary, although it’s recommended that charter guests are strong swimmers. For novice snorkelers, Big Blue guides can provide basic snorkeling instruction. Another fun way to experience snorkeling is with their seabobs: high-performance underwater scooters that allow you to see more reef in half the time.
The eco-tour company also offers private scuba diving charters for advanced and beginner divers (and is a PADI training center). Many students choose Big Blue to learn how to dive. Once you’ve completed your eLearning, Big Blue’s instructors can facilitate your pool training and four open-water dives to get you certified as a PADI Open Water Diver. They also offer PADI Advanced Open Water training and PADI Nitrox certification.
Those who are already certified can choose from a one-tank dive in Grace Bay, a two-tank dive in Grace Bay, Pine Cay, and Northwest Point, or a three-tank dive (full day). The three-tank dive allows for more time and flexibility with diving locations. With three tanks, guests have the option to dive at West Caicos or French Cay—both renowned scuba diving sites.
Book Direct. Make a Difference.
When you book your charter or tour through large booking platforms, a significant portion of your payment goes to fees and commissions. But when you book direct, you’re ensuring more of your money stays with the people who make your trip unforgettable, and ensuring a more sustainable future for the TCI. Make a bigger difference with your dollars. Book direct.
Land Tours
Ocean adventures aside, visitors also have the option of booking a Heart of the Islands trip, which entails a tour of the islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos. This option—recommended for days when the weather doesn’t permit activities on the water—takes guests to all the key sites on the islands, including Wade's Green Plantation, Flamingo Pond, Mudjin Harbour, Conch Bar Caves, and more.
Big Blue also leads specialized tours to the beautiful Wild Cow Run area on Middle Caicos.
Kiteboarding
Finally, for thrill seekers and water sport enthusiasts, Big Blue offers kiteboarding instruction (as well as kiting adventures for experienced kiters). Lessons take place right on Long Bay Beach, a beach on the south side of Providenciales renowned for its ideal kiteboarding conditions, and particularly its consistent trade winds and shallow waters.
If you’re an experienced kiteboarder, you can choose from one of Big Blue’s kiteboarding adventure packages that take you to places such as Half Moon Bay (another spot known for its perfect kiting conditions) and North Caicos.
No matter what kind of experience on the water you’re searching for, chances are Big Blue Collective can provide it. With their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, you can rest assured knowing your excursion will have minimal impact on the unique and fragile Turks and Caicos environment that keeps people coming back year after year.
