Providenciales Clear Kayak Drone Photoshoots
One unique way to remember your visit to the Turks and Caicos is to book a clear kayak photo shoot, which can provide you with incredible pictures that are perfect for social media.
This type of photo shoot first became popular in the islands around 2019. Photos are usually taken in the shallow turquoise waters off the Bight Beach and Grace Bay Beach using a drone. The photographer captures overhead images that make the person (subject) appear to be floating on top of the water without getting wet.
Several local companies specialize in clear kayak drone photo shoots, and are set up to take great pictures at a convenient location that’s chosen according to the day’s weather and ocean conditions. Other companies, such as those that provide guided tours via clear kayaks, can add photos onto excursions.
You can book a clear kayak photo shoot as a solo session, couples session, or small family shoot. Kayaks typically have a maximum capacity of two adults, but some companies can accommodate small families (two adults and two children).
You may also want to explore booking an underwater photo shoot with one of the larger Turks and Caicos photography studios. Some companies, like Brilliant Studios, are specialists when it comes to over-under shots (photos that show subjects simultaneously below and above the water).
What to Expect
The typical clear kayak photo shoot in Turks and Caicos is between 30 minutes and 1 hour long. This is plenty of time for most people, given that you stay mostly dry for the duration of the session and the heat can be pretty intense. During your session, you can expect the photographer to give you advice on poses and positioning in the kayak.
No kayaking is typically required. The entire experience usually takes place in the same spot in shallow water just a few feet from shore.
Keep in mind that clear kayak drone photo shoots are not clear kayak mangrove tours, which visit the nearby mangrove wetlands and estuaries and allow you to see queen conch, turtles, starfish, baby sharks, stingrays, and other animals in their natural habitat. Booking a shoot alone does not usually include any time spent exploring the marine environment.
Prices
Prices for local clear kayak drone photo shoots range from approximately $140–$175 per adult per hour (2026 price). Some companies offer discounts for couples or families sharing a kayak.
This rate typically includes your photographer, delivery of the raw images and 5–15 edited photos, and rental of the clear kayak. Not usually included are tips for staff. Be sure to check whether the base fee includes the mandatory 12% Government Tourism Tax that all tour operators in Turks and Caicos are required to charge—if it's not included, it will be applied to the final price.
Larger groups may be able to negotiate a discount. This can be a nice way to save money if you're traveling with several friends for a birthday, bachelorette or bachelor trip, or other special occasion.
Short video clips or edited videos may cost extra.
Photo Delivery
The turnaround time for these pictures is usually quicker than for any other type of photography in the Turks and Caicos Islands—some companies can deliver the edited photos the same day or right after the session. Most deliver within 24 hours.
Images are usually either transferred by email or a file transfer service or are sent directly to your phone via AirDrop or another application.
Best Clear Kayak Photo Shoot Locations
An excellent aspect of beach and coastal photography in the Turks and Caicos and on the island of Providenciales is the wealth of beautiful locations for photography. Clear kayak photos look especially stunning when there’s a combination of clear and shallow turquoise water and defined sand patterns on the ocean floor, which are created by the natural movement of the water and waves.
Weather conditions should definitely be considered when selecting a spot, as if it’s a bit too windy or wavy, the appearance of the water won’t be optimal.
It’s best to rely on the advice of your photographer when deciding on a location, as they’ll typically be more in tune with the weather and ocean conditions. Certain locations may be more expensive to shoot at due to travel-associated costs.
North Coast
Leeward Beach, Grace Bay Beach, and The Bight Beach are the main locations for clear kayak drone photo shoots in Turks and Caicos (and on Providenciales). These beaches all have crystal-clear turquoise water and a typically clean sandy bottom that makes for beautiful aerial photos. They are also conveniently located near the majority of the island's resorts.
South Coast
Long Bay Beach, Sapodilla Bay Beach, and Taylor Bay Beach are the main locations for clear kayak photo shoots on the south coast of Providenciales. Both Taylor Bay and Sapodilla Bay are exceptionally shallow and are typically very calm.
The beach at Sapodilla Bay can be noisier and less relaxing than at Taylor Bay, but both beaches offer nice backdrops nonetheless. Photo shoots at Long Bay Beach are a little less common, as this beach is often quite windy.
Other Locations
Half Moon Bay Lagoon, Sand Dollar Cove, and Fort George Cay are also picturesque locations, but require transportation by boat to access. Traveling to any of these locations incurs additional fees that may not necessarily be worth the cost, as you can get equally nice photos without having to leave Providenciales.
What to Bring
The best outfit to wear is a bathing suit if you want to capture the illusion of floating in the water. Sunglasses can make the experience more pleasant, especially on bright days, and prevent squinting from ruining your pictures. A large floppy hat is also a nice prop if you're going for an editorial look.
Some companies allow one outfit change, while others do not. Check with your chosen provider before booking.
Wear sunscreen—the sun in Turks and Caicos can be quite intense and sunburn can happen quickly. However, avoid wearing tanning oil or excessively heavy lotions if you can. This can cause you to slide around the kayak and creates a film on the inside of the hull that's difficult for the photographer to remove from pictures.
While there typically isn't any swimming required, bring a towel for drying off and for wiping away any sweat.
Booking and Reservations
Virtually all ages can participate in a clear kayak photo shoot as it involves very little physical activity. Most operators do not have a minimum age requirement for this activity.
If you're planning your photo shoot around a special occasion, like an anniversary, honeymoon, proposal, pregnancy announcement, or birthday, let the company know in advance. They may be able to arrange extra props or add-ons to make your experience more memorable.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary by company, but several companies allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your appointment. Some companies may ask you to pay a deposit to reserve your slot.
Weather
Clear kayak drone photo shoots produce the best results on flat calm days with full sun. To ensure you get the best images, it's highly advisable to check the weather forecast and the wind forecast before booking your photo session.
Flat calm days typically have wind speeds of 8 miles per hour (13 km/h) or less. Wind direction is also important to consider—if the wind is coming from the south, the north side will be calmer (and vice versa).
If poor weather makes it unfeasible to do the shoot, providers often refund your session or will reschedule you at no cost. If the weather is great at a different beach, they may simply propose an alternative location.
Getting There
It's not common for the local clear kayak photo shoot companies to provide hotel pickup and drop-off. In most cases, you'll need to meet your photographer at the beach (see Providenciales Taxis and Providenciales Car Rentals).