Glad you're here!

My husband and I love snorkeling in the Caribbean, so that was a top priority when we visited Turks and Caicos on a romantic getaway.

Smith's Reef in Turks and Caicos is teeming with sea life just yards from the shore, making it a great destination for snorkelers of all abilities to explore. The highlight of our days snorkeling on Smith's Reef was seeing two beautiful eagle rays, but there are also colorful fish, turtles, lobster, and corals. This is the most accessible snorkeling on the island of Providenciales, but because Smith's Reef is very long and has three access points, you need some tips to find the best snorkeling spots.

For prime beachfront accommodations, I highly recommend the Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas right on Smith's Reef. We didn't realize until our third day that we were in the perfect spot to enjoy the best snorkeling on the island, because we didn't know what we were looking for. These tips should help you find the reef much faster than we did.

Know the difference between sea grass and coral

The first time we got in the water, we spent 45 minutes snorkeling over lush fields of sea grass, with very few fish to enjoy. Darker patches in the water are sea grass, and the lighter brown spots are the corals. Turquoise water indicates a sandy bottom. There are 4 or 5 very good coral spots, each separated by vast patches of sea grass. When you are making your snorkeling plan, focus on getting to the light brown patches.

We saw many people spend a lot of time snorkeling all over the sea grass. Make sure to find the corals or you will miss the sea life.

Where to find the best Sea Life

There are 3 beach access points at Smith's Reef: two on Coconut Road and one off of Lower Bight Road. We recommend the middle entrance at the far east end of Coconut Road. Walk west up the beach (toward the marina). This entrance is near the Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas.

Here are some landmarks from our favorite spots near the middle entrance. If you can identify these landmarks from shore, it is easier to look up and identify if you are still on track to find the corals you are looking for. The corresponding pictures here will hopefully help you identify the spot where you swim directly out towards the coral. They are taken from the water to give you an idea of the view you should see as you look back toward shore.

1. Three White Houses. On any Smith's Reef map, this reef will show up as the smallest reef. Go to the three whites houses (pictured below) and swim directly out. When you think you've gone too far, keep swimming. You will pass a sandy channel and then arrive at the corals a couple of hundred feet from shore. Just keep swimming straight out from the three white houses, and you will hit BIG wonderful reefs teeming with fish. In the sandy areas we saw several stingrays as well. The home on the left is the house we stayed in at the Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas.

2. Two Docks. This reef was the easiest to find from the shore. Corals are a bit more patchy but we saw lots of fish, and this was where we saw two massive eagle rays that were stunning. I would the prime spots are about 100 feet off shore directly out from the two wooden docks.

3. Spanish Hacienda. This area had more expansive reefs, but seemed a little smaller than others (shallower water), but still had great things to see. You will see black rocks on the beach that seem to be an extension, since the reefs start just about 30 feet into water.

4. Modern house. About at the “corner” as you get towards the marina exit point. This is still a walk right/east from the parking lot at the WEST end of Coconut drive. The reefs are closer in here as well so great snorkeling is close to the shore.Once you get the feel of the reefs, try swimming laterally to follow the reefs. This line of coral is about 3000 feet across the whole coral field, with large patches of sea grass in between.

Be aware of boat traffic

Plenty of boats bring snorkelers to Smith's Reef. Be aware of the boat lanes and do not go out beyond the buoys.

Print these directions in advance

Internet and WiFi was spotty at best at Smith's Reef. There are some maps posted, but I found them confusing and hard to read. If you want these directions, I recommend you print them in advance and carry them with you.

A word of caution

There are inherent risks associated with any snorkeling trip. Please do not touch the coral as human touch will kill them, plus you can get some nasty scrapes and cuts. You will likely see lion fish, and you should steer clear of them since they are poisonous. I have snorkeled near dozens of lion fish and they will not hurt you if you don't touch them.

When we snorkeled at Smith's Reef, there was a bit of wind that made the water choppy. Be aware of wind and wave conditions, make sure those who need it have proper flotation devices, and enjoy the reefs.

We saw almost as much sea life at Smith's Reef as we did scuba diving in West Caicos. Best of all, it was free and open to the public, and we could snorkel for as long as we wanted!

How else can we help?

Need a place to stay? Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas is an affordable option right on Smith's Reef. Check TripAdvisor.com reviews and rates here.

Need snorkeling equipment or other gear for your trip? Check the selection and prices at Amazon.com here.

Need travel insurance? Anything could happen between now and your trip! Insurance buys peace of mind. Check rates at RoamRight.