Coral Reef and Diving Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands (“TCI”) are home to one of the world’s most extensive coral reef systems. Measuring 65 miles across and 200 miles long, the reefs in TCI are considered one of the top locations for snorkeling and scuba diving. With underwater visibility reaching about 150 feet divers from all over the world come to the islands for the spectacular marine life, wall diving, colorful flora and fauna, as well as wreck diving. There are many diving companies in the TCI, most offer several dives per day plus night diving.
What is a coral reef? A fragile underwater ecosystem, that is extremely sensitive to water temperature, made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Corals are tiny colonies of tiny living animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Reefs thrive in warm, relatively shallow, clear, sunny and agitated water – typically in the tropics. Occupying less than 1% of the world ocean surface they provide a home to 25% of all marine species.
How are they formed? After the last glacial period melting ice caused the level of the ocean to rise and flood the continental shelves. Reefs were formed and grew toward the light, leaving just enough room for the ocean to cover them.
Condition: Experts agree that coral reefs are dying around the world. Coral mining, pollution, overfishing, pollution, warming ocean temperatures and the dredging of canals and man-made access into the islands pose serious threats to the ecosystems. Approximately 10% of the world’s coral reefs are already dead. Take care when boating and diving or snorkeling near the reef, they are fragile and cannot be replaced. Divers are asked to respect the marine environment and leave the reef as they found it. In the TCI mooring buoys have been strategically placed at all dive sites close to the beaches to avoid further damage.
Diving in the waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos Islands is spectacular. For more information on booking accommodation contact us here, for diving information and bookings click here.