When you’re planning your getaway to Providenciales, exploring our incredible underwater world is
probably right at the top of your to-do list. The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the world’s third-
largest barrier reef system, which means our crystal-clear turquoise waters are home to wild green
sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, spotted eagle rays, southern sting rays, nurse sharks and bright colorful
fish and seabed’s surrounding coral gardens.
Many travelers want to witness this spectacular marine magic without having to gear up, get wet, or
worry about swimming. When you’re searching for ways to do that, you’ll generally find some options
around the island: a clear kayak or a clear boat or our safe and accessible custom-designed, semi-
submersible ocean-viewing vessel, the Undersea Explorer.
As a proudly locally owned and operated company with over 24 years of presence and experience in
these Beautiful by Nature waters, we’ve perfected the art of showing off our island’s marine treasures.
Operated by an all female crew, we love what we do and we do it well! We want to share why the
Undersea Explorer vessel offers a vastly superior, comfortable, and unforgettable perspective of the
coral reefs and marine life on Providenciales.
True Underwater Immersion vs. Looking Down into a “Fish Bowl”
The biggest difference in available options comes down to your view. Others are essentially a
standard, open-air boat with a see-through plastic floor. To see anything at all, you have to lean
forward on a bench and stare straight down between your feet. Whether you are in a kayak or a boat
floating on top of the water will only offer aerial perspectives, and only of what you float directly on top
of. Most marine life do not live on top of corals but underneath the coral formations as hiding offers
fish and marine animals more safety. Honestly? Staring at your toes for an hour can lead to some
neck strain and back discomfort. Plus, when you’re looking down from above the surface, things like
bright sun glare, floating bubbles, mucky footprints and water movement can distort your view.
The Undersea Explorer is built entirely differently. Instead of floating on top of the water you will board
the Undersee Explorer’s upper deck and then you’ll walk down a few stairs into a climate-controlled
observatory situated five feet below the surface. Seated comfortably with large wraparound windows
to your left and right hand side meaning you’ll experience a scuba diver’s exact panoramic viewpoint.
As we slowly maneuver, expertly, in close proximity to the coral formations, guests are able to peer
directly into reef crevices and marine hidey-holes to spot wildlife up close. This air-conditioned
observatory cabin allows guests to experience the natural wonders of the underwater world while
remaining completely shaded and dry. This is suitable for all ages and we specialize in family
excursions.
Structural Differences for Viewing Marine Life.
Our barrier reef isn’t just a flat floor of sand—it’s a dynamic, living wall full of deep crevices,
overhangs, and hidden smaller coral formations inside the barrier that we visit on the north coastline
of Grace bay.
The unique design of the Undersea Explorer allows for close proximity maneuvering to corals so
guests see so much more because they are seated five feet below the waves surrounded by
panoramic views. Most fish and marine animals use the reef for protection, tucking themselves away
into little caves. These secret hidey-holes in the corals can only be seen from a side view not from
above! As the Undersea Explorer cruise right alongside the coral formations, you can peer directly
into these little hiding spots to see sleeping nurse sharks, tucked-away spiny lobsters, and sleeping
sea turtles that a clear boat might glide right over without ever noticing.
Because a floating kayak/boat stays entirely on top of the water, it can only show you what happens
to pass directly underneath the hull. It completely misses the vertical dimension of the reef. The
juvenile, colorful and best marine creatures don’t just sit out in the open on the bright white sand or on
top of coral heads waiting to be seen. They swim for shelter hang out in the shadows on the sides of
coral heads and inside the hidey-hole structures underneath the coral formations.
Viewing Feature Caicos Tours Undersea Explorer Clear Boats
Viewing Angle Direct, panoramic (left to right) side-on view Top-down only (staring at your feet)
Comfort Level Relaxed, eye-level bench seating High neck strain from looking downward
Reef Visibility Explores the deeper, multi-dimensional reef
wall Only sees shallow flats from above
Climate Control Fully air-conditioned cabin comfort Open air (exposed to harsh island sun/heat)
Hidden Wildlife Clear window-view straight into ledges and
overhangs Missed entirely due to the overhead angle
Local Knowledge and Skillful Navigation
Navigating a boat right next to a delicate, living coral reef takes an incredible amount of skill,
precision, and learned local knowledge. Other clear kayaks/boats are very lightweight, meaning they
easily get pushed around by surface currents and choppy winds. Because of this, they often have to
keep a wide distance from the most vibrant reef formations to stay safe and not damage the corals.
That’s where our island roots shine. Thanks to our skillful piloting, our captain can safely guide our
ballasted, vessel right along the contours of the reef in most weather condition.
With over two decades of experience navigating these waters, our captain knows the underwater
terrain like the backs of her hand. You will be close enough to see tiny cleaner fish at work on the
coral polyps, or a sleeping turtle bum poking out under the coral formation, all while maintaining
perfect control to ensure our beautiful reef remains completely untouched and preserved. The ballast
and weight of the vessel makes for smooth and comfortable ride, very little motion is experienced.
True Climate Comfort (Beating the Caribbean Heat)
We love our beautiful Turks and Caicos sunshine, but let’s be real—the midday heat in Provo can get
intense!
On the Undersea Explorer, we’ve built a true oasis below deck. Our vessel features a fully enclosed,
air-conditioned observatory for comfort. You can step out of the midday heat and right into a cool,
climate-controlled viewing cabin. You get to watch the underwater world drift by in absolute comfort
without breaking a sweat, getting a sunburn, or needing to wipe salt spray out of your eyes. Rain or
shine our tours commence and you, our guests, stay protected.
An floating boat is entirely open to the elements. Even if they have a small canvas top for shade, you
are still fully exposed to the humid tropical air, the blazing sun reflection off the water, and salty sea
spray. If you are traveling with young kids, elderly grandparents, or anyone who tires out quickly in
the heat, an hour on an open boat can feel pretty exhausting.
Two Tailored Adventures Built for Our Guests
While standard boat excursions usually offer beach combing and snorkeling the possibility of getting
up-close views and observe turtles, rays or sharks is low. Wild marine life usually swim away from
noisy snorkelers. Caicos Tours crew have over 20 years exploring on the Undersea Explorer. Our
crew are very respectful of wild marine life and the turtles have learned to know our vessel’s sound
and know we are not a threat. This means we can get our guests close up and observe marine life in
their natural habitat. It is pretty amazing to witness a southern sting ray rustling up the sand while
feeding, or a turtle munching on the seagrass while we circle quietly not disturbing it, or spotting a
sleeping hawksbill turtle wedged in a coral bed, or a nurse shark taking a snooze under a coral shelf,
we even follow the majestic eagle rays swimming through the turquoise waters of TCI.
The Turtle Reef Adventure
This is our classic eco-tour, perfect for nature lovers, couples, and photography fans. The Captain
knows the best spots inside the barrier reef to observe wild sea turtles, stingrays, and friendly nurse
sharks in their natural habitat. The company approach is respectful of nature, highly informative, and
gives you a front-row window to the daily life of our local marine ecosystem.
The Magical Mermaid Adventure
If you are traveling with little ones, this tour is an absolute must-do in Provo! We mix our eco-friendly
reef exploration with a touch of Mermaid magic. While you’re seated in the observatory cabin looking
out the windows at the fish, a real mermaid will swim up to you, right outside the glass window. Our
Turks and Caicos mermaids are playful and might even blow you a magical mermaid bubble-kiss xxx
She’ll wave to the kids, perform underwater flips, and pose for photos right next to your window,
creating a memory your kids will talk about for the rest of the vacation. Beware of that Caribbean
pirate, he is never far behind the mermaid!
Conclusion: Choose the Best Seat in Provo
If you just want a standard boat ride to look down at shallow sand patches between your feet, a clear
boat is always an option. But if you want to truly immerse yourself beneath the waves, relax in a cool,
air-conditioned cabin, book your own window to look directly into the secret hiding places of a vibrant
reef wall, our semi-submersible is the ultimate choice.
As a local business that has spent over 24 years welcoming visitors to Providenciales, we cannot wait
to show you our home from the absolute best vantage point on the island.
Skip the heat, and come explore with us. Book your window aboard the Undersea Explorer with
CaicosTours.com today!
