Ecotours and Conservation
At Deep Blue Charters, we pride ourselves on our strong conservation ethic - a common thread which runs through all of our charters and tours. Our on-staff marine biologist ensures that all of our tours have an environmental focus, placing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and positive action. Our aim is to provide visitors to Grand Turk the opportunity to have a positive impact through their tourism, learn more about the incredible environment both above and below the water, and leave the island with a greater understanding of how they can help to conserve the natural environment both in Grand Turk and at home through small actions. We are also excited to offer a range of eco-tours, from sea turtle conservation excursions to humpback whale watching, perfect for young families and inquisitive adults alike!
Sea Turtle Conservation Ecotour
Learn about sea turtle biology and conservation in the Turks and Caicos Islands from our sea turtle researcher (4 hrs).
Join our sea turtle biologist for this interesting and educational experience, and have the opportunity to learn about sea turtle research in the Turks and Caicos Islands. With more than 13 years experience working with sea turtles, including coordinating nesting beach and in-water sea turtle conservation projects in the TCI and beyond, our marine biologist will aim to give you and your family an exciting experience with these beautiful animals, providing insight into the work of a researcher.
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During this trip, you will visit locations where sea turtles are commonly seen, both on the coral reefs and seagrass beds. The Deep Blue Charters team will aim to show you sea turtles in their natural environment, and explain the importance of the project in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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You will also have the opportunity to visit a sea turtle nesting beach to look for signs of recent nesting, and learn about the issues facing sea turtles both on the beaches and in the water. This trip can cater to children, families or anyone who is interested in learning about sea turtles.
Humpback Whale Watching
Seasonal (January - April) viewing of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) (3.5/7 hrs)
At Deep Blue Charters, our humpback whale watching excursions are more than simply going out to look at whales. Our experienced marine biologist is on board to provide information about these majestic animals and answer all the questions you may have. We strive to create incredible experiences for our guests, whilst also being respectful of the whales during this critical phase of their life. As such, we follow international guidelines for whale watching, and all encounters, both above and within the water, are dictated by the whales.
During the trip, the Captain will ensure you have the best possible encounter with these breath-taking whales. Known for their acrobatics, humpback whales are often seen breaching and tail-slapping. You may also be lucky enough to encounter a mother and her newborn calf resting in shallow waters. If the conditions are perfect, there is the possibility of slipping quietly into the water with snorkel gear to get a whale's-eye view that you'll never forget!
Learn all about the citizen-based science humpback whale project in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and find out how you can be a part of this research by contributing your photographs and videos!
Coral Reef, Stingray and Island Ecology Ecotour
Learn about the stunning coral reefs of Grand Turk, find out about the inquisitive stingrays in the shallows of Gibb's Cay, and discover the environmental importance of island (4 hrs)
This environmental-education focused charter provides your family with the opportunity to go beyond the regular snorkel and Gibb's Cay experience, and learn about the stunning environments and animals you encounter throughout the trip.
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Spend the day with our marine biologist, and have all your questions about coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and tropical island ecology answered. Learn about conservation issues in the Caribbean, and the steps that are being taken to help protect the incredible marine life in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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This unique excursion in Grand Turk will leave you with a greater understanding of these stunning islands, both above and below the water. We can't wait to show you this breath-taking underwater world!
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease with Turks and Caicos Reef Fund
Learn about the stunning coral reefs of Grand Turk, find out about the inquisitive stingrays in the shallows of Gibb's Cay, and discover the environmental importance of island (4 hrs)
This environmental-education focused charter provides your family with the opportunity to go beyond the regular snorkel and Gibb's Cay experience, and learn about the stunning environments and animals you encounter throughout the trip.
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Spend the day with our marine biologist, and have all your questions about coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and tropical island ecology answered. Learn about conservation issues in the Caribbean, and the steps that are being taken to help protect the incredible marine life in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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This unique excursion in Grand Turk will leave you with a greater understanding of these stunning islands, both above and below the water. We can't wait to show you this breath-taking underwater world!
conservation ethic
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, everything is dependent on and connected to the health of the marine environment. As a tourism and water-sports company, we recognise that we have a responsibility to operate in a sustainable manner, and we are proud to be an advocate for the marine environment. If we don't take care of the coral reefs and all that reside there, and if we don't educate visitors to these beautiful islands about why it is critical that we behave in certain ways, then who will?
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With this in mind, we have taken steps to promote a strong conservation ethic, and we hope to inspire others to do the same. If you'd like to talk to us about this further, or have ideas for other initiatives we can undertake, please do let us know! Below are some of the steps we have taken, and principles we operate by:
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No single use plastic water bottles - we have a large water cooler on the boat filled daily with cold (with ice!) drinking water. We have reusable cups on the boat, and we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle to refill. Drinking water is also available in our office when you return from your trip.
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We strongly encourage the use of reef-safe sunscreens on our boat and on all tours. It would be great to see an island-wide ban on non reef-safe sunscreen in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but until that time we ask that you consider the footprint you leave behind on our reefs and marine ecosystems during your stay here. We have reef-safe sunscreen available for purchase in our shop/office, and they are widely available in the USA (Target, Walmart, Walgreens), the UK and Canada. If you'd like to know more about this issue, please let us know!
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At Deep Blue Charters, we never feed the fish, stingrays, sharks or any other marine life. This behaviour is illegal throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and disrupts the balance of the delicate marine ecosystems that sustain the islands.
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We do not handle the stingrays at Gibb's Cay - we believe that marine life should be respected, and that the stingrays at Gibb's Cay should not be picked up out of the water, placed on people's backs, or lifted up for photo opportunities. These are wild animals, and this type of activity negatively impacts their health and behaviour.
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During humpback whale season, we do not chase or harass the whales. The whales dictate the interactions that we are able to have with them. Much of the time, if they are approached in an appropriate manner, we are able to have incredible encounters. On some occasions, we do not get the in-water encounters that everyone dreams of, but we hope that our guests appreciate our approach to this activity so that it remains sustainable and the whales are not adversely effected by our presence.
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In our shop, we only stock products that are locally sourced or environmentally-conscious. We aim to support local artists, creators and entrepreneurs, and to promote a style of living that leads the Turks and Caicos Islands to be more conservation-minded.