Clear Wave

Clear Wave is an eco-tour company based on Providenciales that specializes in clear kayak and clear boat tours. Their excursions are suitable for most ages and skill levels, and are a great way to experience the stunning marine wetland environment of the Turks and Caicos.

Clear Wave guides have first aid and rescue training, as well as STCW (an international standard for maritime safety) and TIDES (a local tourism industry service certification) training.

Tours range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, with small groups. As the primary destination are shallow wetland channels, trips are typically scheduled around the higher sides of the tides. Because of this, tours will usually happen around once or twice per day, according to the high tide times.

Guided Clear Kayak Adventures

Guided tours via clear kayak, which are tandems and can carry two guests, are the primary way excursion offered by Clear Wave. Trips operate from the beautiful Leeward area, and then cross the turquoise waters of Leeward Going Through channel to the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve.

The kayaks are made from a single clear piece of plastic, which allows paddlers to see directly into the water.

Clear Boat Wetland Tours

For those that are less able to paddle or would simply prefer a more leisurely experience, the clear boats are a great option. These small vessels, suitable for around six guests, are a little larger and more stable than the kayaks, and are powered by silent electric motors. A guide pilots the clear boat, which is able to operate in much of the same shallows as the kayaks.

Clear Boat Reef Tours

For those that want to see more on the marine side of the Turks and Caicos, the company operates a larger clear boat for visiting the reefs further offshore.

Snorkeling

Another fun option that offers a close-up view of the sea life is snorkeling, which guests can opt for during the reef explorer tour. Typically, the stunning Leeward Cut Reef is the snorkeling spot, yet some of the bay reefs may also be visited.

Wildlife and Nature

Tours mainly visit the wetlands and intertidal creek of Mangrove Cay in the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve. This beautiful area offers a combined environment of marine tidal channels that are lined with red mangroves, and shallow sandy flats.

The wetlands of the Turks and Caicos serve as nurseries for a menagerie of wildlife, and Mangrove Cay is no exception. Turtles, primarily green turtles but also hawksbill turtles, are common in the area and are quite approachable. Southern stingrays and juvenile lemon sharks and nurse sharks are also regular sights. Some of the slower wildlife in the area includes the upside-down mangrove jellyfish and queen conch.

The endemic Turks and Caicos Islands rock iguana can also be seen on Mangrove Cay. This docile lizard subsists on a diet of fruit, leaves and stalks, and insects.

Bird life sightings vary according to the time of day and the season. Brown pelicans, ospreys, green herons, and the smaller seabirds are common. Kingfishers, American oystercatchers, great egrets, great blue herons, and tri-colored herons may also be seen at times.

Located in Leeward

Leeward is an upscale and largely residential region located on the northeast end of Providenciales. The beautiful Leeward Beach fronts the coast here, and the area is home to many luxurious vacation rentals, as well as the expansive Blue Haven Marina.