Providenciales Sunset Cruises
A Turks and Caicos sunset cruise is an exceptional way to end the day. There’s a wide collection of tours and vessels to choose from, from classic sailboats to catamarans and stylish yachts. Several days after a full moon, there’s also the chance of seeing the phosphorescent display of marine glowworms, which light up the water like stars. If you’re lucky, you may also spot the elusive green flash.
Sunset cruises typically take between two and three hours, and are offered as private trips or as shared public cruises. At least one complimentary drink is usually included, yet many cruises offer bottomless alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as light appetizers or snacks.
Locations, Scenery, and Sights
The waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos are quite challenging from a navigator’s perspective. Consequently, the routes taken on the typical sunset excursion are those within easy access of the marinas of Providenciales. In any case, the sightseeing is still amazing.
The Leeward Beach and eastern Grace Bay area is the most popular cruising region. Tour sights on the typical cruise in this area include the uninhabited island of Little Water Cay (a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos rock iguana), the barrier reef and break, and the resorts and hotels off Grace Bay Beach.
JoJo the Dolphin, Dreamer, or one of the small Atlantic bottlenose dolphin pods that frequent the waters off northeast Provo can be a surprisingly common sight on evening excursions, as dolphins tend to frolic in the wake of boats.
Green Flash
The green flash is an uncommon and fascinating effect observed the instant the sun sets. It’s often best seen during calm and clear weather conditions and on a very flat horizon, such as on the open ocean.
Sunset Sail or Powerboat Cruise?
Sailing vessels are quiet and offer a romantic atmosphere for catching the sunset, while powerboats typically offer better access to quieter scenic sunset locations. In the case of a private charter, a powerboat can travel further distances in less time, allowing you to catch the sunset away from the usual cruise areas.
If it's your first time on a sunset cruise in Turks and Caicos, consider a sunset sail. In most cases, sailboats are typically the best option, as the tour sailboats are usually larger ships or wide catamarans that offer better stability and a more relaxing ride than smaller motorboats.
Private cruises are usually significantly more expensive for couples and small families than simply joining a shared cruise, yet they are a great option for parties and large groups.
An alternative way to catch the sunset from the water is on an evening parasailing charter. These charters combine a boat ride with the opportunity to fly high above Grace Bay and watch the sun bathe the coast in a warm glow.
Private Sunset Cruise
Custom sunset excursions are a great choice for large families or groups, travelers wanting privacy, and those celebrating special occasions like a birthday, a honeymoon, or a proposal. Private sunset trips can be booked on most of the available tour vessels, including those that offer public sunset cruises.
Custom sunset trips usually cover longer distances than shared boats, so some of the scenic spots further afield may be viable destinations.
Due to their shorter duration, private sunset trips are usually less expensive than a half-day or full-day charter (though some half-day and full-day private trips do allow for additional time to watch the sunset). The captain and crew are typically happy to accommodate your wishes regarding locations and activities, especially if you discuss them prior to booking.
Food and Drinks
Most sunset charters and shared cruises include complimentary rum punch and local beer (Turk’s Head) as well as soft drinks and other non-alcoholic refreshments. Some private charters may also offer wine and champagne. It’s best to confirm what’s included on your cruise prior to booking. Mixed cocktails (other than punch) are typically only available on the larger cruises.
Light snacks are often complimentary, and the food served varies widely by tour. Chips and dip are a popular snack on public cruises, while more expensive private tours may include light appetizers, conch salad, and cheese and fruit platters.
Guests can typically bring their own food and beverages to enjoy, and most vessels have coolers with ice onboard.
Booking and Reservations
As is the case with most boat cruises and ocean activities in the Turks and Caicos, it's recommended that you book your sunset cruise before arriving in the islands, especially if you're booking a private charter.
The regularly scheduled and public sunset sailing voyages, such as the evening Atabeyra cruise, tend to have a bit more space for last-minute bookings.
Most private sunset cruises require a deposit at the time of booking.
Glowworms
Three, four, and five days after a full moon and approximately 55 minutes after sunset, small marine glowworms rise from the ocean floor and light up the water with a greenish glimmer.
Usually occurring on the ebbing tide and best seen in the shallow waters of the Caicos Banks to the south of Providenciales, this phenomenon is caused by a fluorescent photoprotein that the female worm releases with its egg mass.
The glowworm performance isn’t completely predictable, with many variables—including weather and location—affecting the experience. It's best to contact boat cruise operators in advance to determine the most appropriate time and date for your cruise.
It’s not always necessary to book a cruise to see glowworms. A few locations directly off the coast of Providenciales can offer a spectacular show. Coastal spots that are sheltered and near shallows and wetlands are typically best. Such sites include West Harbour Bluff and Old Grace Cove on the far eastern end of Long Bay Beach.
Stargazing and Fireworks
A stargazing night sail or cruise off Grace Bay during a fireworks display is an unforgettable experience. On clear nights, the moon, stars, and constellations over the Turks and Caicos are breathtaking, and during the large Grace Bay fireworks displays around holidays like New Year's Eve, the bay is one of the best places to catch the show.
Night sails and cruises are a less common tour type on Providenciales, but a sufficient number of businesses offer them, either as custom trips, stargazing and glowworm tours, or specialty shared cruises on New Year's Eve. Some sailing charters operate scheduled stargazing adventures, where the captain highlights the main sights with a powerful laser pointer.
Other events and holidays that may feature pyrotechnic displays at resorts include the Fourth of July and Guy Fawkes Day. Vessels can be booked well in advance of events, so it’s advisable to inquire early.
Sunset Cruise Companies
