Plongée à Salt Cay (Whale Diving) — Turks and Caicos

Salt Cay is a tiny, time-capsule island in the Turks where humpback whales pass within metres of divers between January and April. The 7,000-foot wall drops off just offshore, and with fewer than 100 residents, the island feels like a Caribbean of decades past. Seasonal whale encounters are the main draw.

Score
66.2
Visibilité
20–40m
Température
24–29°C
Meilleurs mois
January, February, March
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World Class
Intermediate
Salt Cay (Whale Diving)
Turks and CaicosCentral America & Caribbean
66.2

SCORE

21.3300°N

-71.2000°E

Salt Cay is a tiny, time-capsule island in the Turks where humpback whales pass within metres of divers between January and April. The 7,000-foot wall drops off just offshore, and with fewer than 100 residents, the island feels like a Caribbean of decades past. Seasonal whale encounters are the main draw.

Humpback Whale Encounters in the Turks

Visibility20–40 m
Temperature24–29°C
Max Depth35 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$140
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, April
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML78.0CH72.0VIS82.0SV55.0TMP85.0DA62.0OP72.0TS42.0GT28.0VAL55.0CRD95.0SP68.0

Marine Life

78.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
65
Megafauna Encounters
92
Reef Fish Abundance
70
Macro Life
52
Endemic Species
58
Marine Life Diversity
78.0
Coral & Reef Health
72.0
Visibility & Conditions
82.0
Dive Site Variety
55.0
Water Temperature
85.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
72.0
Topside Experience
42.0
Getting There
28.0
Value & Cost
55.0
Crowding
95.0
Social Proof
68.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

whale watching from shoresalt salinas heritage walkWhite House ruinsbeach walks

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Historic salt ponds and windmills
  • White House plantation ruins

Non-Diver Score

5/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber30 km — Grand Turk Hospital Chamber
Nearest Hospital30 km

Boat to Grand Turk for hospital and chamber; small clinic on island

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Salt Cay Divers

PADI

4.7
42 reviews