Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy:

Ocean Vibes reserves the right to cancel a customer’s booking with a full refund in the following cases:

  • Insufficient number of travelers
  • Adverse weather conditions

If weather or other unforeseen circumstances require us to cancel your reservation, you will receive a full refund.

Refund Policy:

  • A full refund is available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start of the experience. Please note, the 2% booking fee is non-refundable.
  • No refund will be provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of the experience start time.

Grand Turk:

If your cruise ship does not dock, you will receive a full refund.

Ocean Vibes is a locally owned and operated excursion company in Providenciales and Grand Turk which was started by local Scuba Diving Instructor and Boat Captain Wayne Hall, as a concierge style dive operation on Providenciales in June 1999. Over the last 25+ years the company has morphed into a full scale adventure company operating a variety of adventures on both Providenciales and Grand Turk island.

As a bonafide Turks & Caicos Islands company operated by someone not only born and raised here but experienced in many different areas of the tourism industry, our knowledge of the area both on land and on the water is unrivalled.

Join one of our adventures and see for yourself why we are one of Trip Advisors highest rated excursion companies in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Go Native! Book now and “Experience The Magic”

We specialize in:

  • Snorkeling excursions
  • Private boat charters
  • Island hopping tours
  • Parasailing
  • Sunset cruises
  • Glow worm tours
  • Whale watching (seasonal)

Ocean Vibes is based in the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands, with our departures being from Providenciales (Provo) or Grand Turk. Exact directions will be provided upon booking.

All of our pick-ups are on Grace Bay Beach by boat. We do not provide a transfer service so please do not wait in the lobby of your hotel. When making your reservation you should have provided the name of your accommodation. If you did not know the name of your accommodation at the time of booking, please notify us where you are staying once you arrive on island so we can co-ordinate the pick-up schedule.

Although our boats are docked in Turtle Cove Marina, our tours do not depart from this location (as we do not return to the Marina in between tours) so we offer pick up and drop off on Grace Bay Beach only.

Public Charters

We pick up by boat on Grace Bay beach in front of selected hotels. Due to time constraints and the number of people on public trips, we try and minimize the number of pick-ups. If you are first to board the last thing you want is to be sat on the boat whilst we pick up at each and every hotel on Grace Bay Beach. Consequently we group guests together and restrict it to 5 pick up locations, each being within a short walking distance from your hotel. If you are not staying on the Grace Bay strip, we ask that you make your way to the Sibonne hotel/Bay Bistro restaurant. There is a public parking lot there than just a short walk down to the water’s edge where the boat will pull in to pick you up.
We will always inform you by email the day prior to your tour of your pick up time and location. If you have booked through our website the email will be sent to the email address used for your booking and if you have booked using a third party booking platform such was Trip Advisor, we are not given your email address and so you will be notified through their messaging platform. If you have not received an email by the evening before your trip, please check your spam mail folder or give us a call.

Private Charters

We can be a lot more flexible on our beach front pick up locations for our private charters and can often pick up in front of your villa. All beach front pick-ups are weather dependent and also depend on which of our vessels you choose for your charter.
If we cannot pick you up in front of your accommodation, then we recommend you meet us on the beach in front of the Sibonne hotel/Bay Bistro restaurant as there is a public parking lot there and then just a short walk down to the beach front where the boat will pull in to pick you up. This is one of the calmest and most accessible points on Grace Bay beach so if the weather is good enough for the tour to operate then the shoreline here is calm enough for a safe beach pick up.

If your tour is part of a Shore Excursion and you arrive on Grand Turk with a Cruise ship, exit your ship and walk along the pier, through the duty-free area, where you’ll see a water fountain ahead, surrounded by tour operator booths. Your tour with Ocean Vibes departs from booth number 4.

If you’re staying on the island, the meeting point is on the beach next to Jack’s Shack Beach Bar. You will find a boat access ramp.

No, transportation is not included. You need to make your way to the pick-up point provided upon booking. However, if you have a tour booked in Grand Turk and you are arriving from Providenciales the same day airport transfers can be arranged (additional fee applies).

In each activity description, you will find a list of what to bring specifically for that tour.

Here are some overall recommendations:

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Non-aerosol, reef-safe sunscreen
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • Waterproof camera/GoPro (optional)
  • A light cover-up or rash guard
  • Flip flops (there can be sand spurs that can pierce your feet when you go explore away from the beach front on the Cays)
  • Sweater or a jacket for sunset cruises (it can get windy and cool once the sun has gone down!).
  • If you are going to do the National Trust guided tour on Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) then you will need cash per person: see link
  • Cash for the gratuity
  • For infants, we recommend bringing your own life jacket so you have the exact fit.

Yes for most tours! We welcome families and have activities suitable for kids. Children are not permitted on our public Sunset cruise as it is an Adult Only cruise (min age 18). However, for our Private Sunset Charters there is no age restriction.

For all of our sailing and snorkeling tours, there is no minimum age. You can only purchase a ticket for children aged 3-11 because children under 3 are welcome aboard free of charge.

For our parasailing flights, the minimum age is 4 years.

Absolutely! Private charters are a great way to explore the islands at your own pace. We customize each charter based on your interests—whether it’s snorkeling, island hopping, or simply relaxing on a secluded beach.

Our public trips are scheduled for specific days and times and operate to a set itinerary. Of course if our schedule fits in with yours and you don’t mind mixing with others, a public trip is always a good option. There is no room for flexibility on our public trips.

The benefit of opting for a Private Charter is that the boat is exclusively yours for the duration of the charter. With that exclusivity comes flexibility and privacy. Let us plan your perfect day on the water. Whether your ideal trip is action-packed snorkeling coral reefs or floating in the turquoise waters while sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun on secluded beaches, Ocean Vibes will tailor the trip to suit your needs. This flexibility means you can spend time doing what you enjoy most.

You can book directly through our website, call us, or visit our booth at Grace Bay. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season. We accept all major credit cards if you are booking through our online reservation system. If you reserve by phone, we can only accept Visa and MasterCard.

Gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. Tipping is at your discretion and there is no pressure. We are often asked what is an appropriate tip for your Captain and crew. This based on your personal experience but a good guide is 20% of the net of tax price.

Ocean Vibes does not operate in unsafe weather conditions, but a light rain shower is not a deterrent. The Captain will assess the weather and should the Captain determine that the conditions are unsafe to run the tour, the tour may be postponed or it will be cancelled. If a trip is cancelled by Ocean Vibes for any reason, every effort will be made to reschedule the trip during your stay in Providenciales. If you are unable to reschedule, you will have the option of receiving a full refund. Every effort will be made to run tours, as advertised but occasionally adjustments are required based on changing weather conditions.

We strongly encourage the use of reef-safe sunscreens on all tours.

We request the use of non-aerosol sunscreens on all of our boats. Aerosol sunscreens are popular for their ease of application but the spray leaves a residue on the boat which causes surfaces to become slippery. If you must use a spray sunscreen, then please apply at the back of the boat, downwind so that the residue does not fall aboard.

For our public trips we can provide vegetarian/vegan/gluten free alternatives provided these are requested in advance.

Our private charters are catered by a private chef so any allergies and intolerances can be accommodated on request.

On public charters the Captain is the DJ but requests can be taken.

For private charters we are happy for you to connect your music to our Bluetooth stereo so you can be your own DJ.

For details of the specifications of each of our vessels, please click on the “boats” link on our website.

All of our boats have plenty of shaded areas and you can see photos of the different boats ‘here’ depending on which tour you are doing.

No. We can offer bare boat charters but all of our boats come with a Captain and Crew.

None of our boats have slides, tubing or subwings.

For residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands we provide discounted rates so please contact us by telephone to obtain the best rates.

Snorkelling FAQ

Do I need to have experience to join a tour?

Not at all! Most of our tours are beginner-friendly and include instruction.

You do not need to be a great swimmer but you need to be comfortable in water that you cannot stand up in. We can provide a snorkel vest and flotation aids if required.

For all Grand Turk Shore Excursions, the wearing of a snorkel vest is mandatory.

Yes, all snorkeling tours include high-quality masks, fins, and snorkels but you are welcome to bring your own equipment. We also have snorkel vests and flotation aids available if required (In Grand Turk Shore Excursions the wearing of snorkel vests are mandatory).

If buying your own gear we recommend trying on and fitting a number of masks before choosing the right one as you will enjoy your experience much more if you have a good fitting mask.

The time spent in water snorkelling will depend on the tour that you choose.

Private charters are totally customisable so you can choose to spend as much or as little time snorkelling as you wish.

On our half day public group charters in Providenciales it is usually approximately 40 minutes. You cannot ask for more time snorkelling on a public charter as there are other guests to consider and the itinerary is not flexible. If you want more flexibility we recommend booking a private charter.

Yes we are lucky enough to have a healthy eco-system here in the Turks & Caicos Islands and we often see sharks when snorkelling. The types of sharks that we usually see are nurse sharks and reef sharks, neither of which tend to bother swimmers or snorkelers.

We have some great healthy reefs here in the Turks & Caicos Islands and there is an abundance of marine life and colourful fish. We often see Sharks, Turtles, Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, Dolphins. In season you may be lucky enough to see a Humpback Whale. Remember it’s the Ocean not an aquarium so no sightings are guaranteed but all sightings are possible.

Jojo has been cruising the waters of Grace Bay (Providenciales) since the 70’s. The Captain and Crew are always looking out for him or one of his family so that you can have a great interaction. However all interactions are on the Dolphin’s terms and we cannot guarantee sightings. Under NO circumstances must you ever try and touch a wild dolphin.

Private Half Day Sail & Snorkel FAQ

Can you cater to food intolerances?

Our private charters are catered by a private chef so any allergies and intolerances can be accommodated on request.

Let us know in advance if someone in your party is celebrating a special occasion and we will do our best to make it extra special.

This is a private charter so is customizable to your preferences, more snorkel time, more beach time etc.

To give you an idea, our general tour, if you leave it to the Captain to make your day a great adventure on the water, is as follows:

  • Board the boat on Grace Bay Beach
  • Reef Snorkel
  • Iguana Island
  • Sail back/lunch

The main differences are the type of boat and the number of stops.

The Sail & Snorkel Tour, on the other hand, is a more leisurely experience aboard a sailboat, focusing on snorkeling and enjoying the scenery under sail, with two stops which are the reef and Iguana Island.

The Reef, Beach & Sandbar Tour takes place on a power catamaran, allowing for a faster ride and an additional stop at a sandbar of Pine Cay, along with snorkeling the coral reef and Iguana Island.

Both tours offer great snorkeling and beautiful views. The choice depends on whether you prefer a faster-paced trip with an extra stop, or a relaxed sailing experience.

Group Half Day Sail & Snorkel FAQ

Can you cater to food intolerances?

For our public trips we can provide vegetarian/vegan/gluten free alternatives provided these are requested in advance but unfortunately we cannot cater to food intolerances or allergies.

Due to the number of people on our group trips we cannot accommodate special requests. We will make sure your experience is one to remember but if you would like us to go that extra mile for someone’s birthday etc. then you should book a private charter.

As this is a group trip there is no flexibility. The tour is a combination of snorkeling, beach and Iguanas. If you want more time snorkeling or more beach time etc. then please choose the private charter option as you can customize this to your preferences.

We have a general itinerary for the excursion but Ocean Vibes reserves the right to change any part of the tour at any time. All stops are dependent on the weather and sea conditions.

The general itinerary for the public charter is as follows:

  • Board the boat on Grace Bay Beach
  • Reef Snorkel
  • Iguana Island
  • Sail back/lunch

The tour is 4 hours in duration. You may get a little longer than 4 hours depending on whether you are the first or last pick up. The first people to be picked up are the last people to be dropped off and the tour commences once the last people are picked up. Please bear this in mind when you are making plans.

We pick up by boat on the beach in Grace Bay only. Never wait in the lobby of your hotel.

We ask all guests to check in for the tour either by email or telephone to reconfirm the reservation and inform us of where they are staying. We prepare a pick up schedule which minimizes the amount of stops so a short walk along the beach to a nearby hotel may be required. We send an email the day prior to your tour to inform you where you will be picked up. If you do not receive an email then it may have gone to your SPAM folder so please call us to confirm where you will be picked up.

For people who are not staying on Grace Bay Beach we ask that you meet the boat on the beach in front of the Sibonne Hotel/Bay Bistro restaurant. There is a public parking lot there and then just a short walk to the water’s edge where the boat pulls in.

The tour start time on your receipt is just an indication. We may have several pick-ups that day so the first pick up may be 8:30am and the last 930am. Please follow the instructions you receive in your email from us and be ready for pick up on the beach at that time.

The Captain will not wait for you if you are late as it is not fair on the next pick-ups who are patiently waiting on the beach.

The main differences are the type of boat and the number of stops.

The Sail & Snorkel Tour, on the other hand, is a more leisurely experience aboard a sailboat, focusing on snorkeling and enjoying the scenery under sail, with two stops which are the reef and Iguana Island.

The Reef, Beach & Sandbar Tour takes place on a power catamaran, allowing for a faster ride and an additional stop at a sandbar of Pine Cay, along with snorkeling the coral reef and Iguana Island.

Both tours offer great snorkeling and beautiful views. The choice depends on whether you prefer a faster-paced trip with an extra stop, or a relaxed sailing experience.

Private Reef, Beach and Sandbar FAQ

What is the difference between the Reef, Beach and Sandbar tour and the Sail and Snorkel tour?

The main differences are the type of boat and the number of stops.

The Reef, Beach & Sandbar Tour takes place on a power catamaran, allowing for a faster ride and an additional stop at a sandbar of Pine Cay, along with snorkeling the coral reef and Iguana Island.

The Sail & Snorkel Tour, on the other hand, is a more leisurely experience aboard a sailboat, focusing on snorkeling and enjoying the scenery under sail, with two stops which are the reef and Iguana Island.

Both tours offer great snorkeling and beautiful views. The choice depends on whether you prefer a faster-paced trip with an extra stop, or a relaxed sailing experience.

Our private charters are catered by a private chef so any allergies and intolerances can be accommodated on request.

Let us know in advance if someone in your party is celebrating a special occasion and we will do our best to make it extra special.

This is a private charter so is customizable to your preferences, more snorkel time, more beach time etc.

To give you an idea, our general tour, if you leave it to the Captain to make your day a great adventure on the water, is as follows:

  • Board the boat on Grace
  • Bay Beach
  • Reef Snorkel
  • Iguana Island
  • Sandbar
  • Cruise back

Group Reef, Beach and Sandbar FAQ

What is the difference between the Reef, Beach and Sandbar tour and the Sail and Snorkel tour?

The main differences are the type of boat and the number of stops.

The Reef, Beach & Sandbar Tour takes place on a power catamaran, allowing for a faster ride and an additional stop at a sandbar of Pine Cay, along with snorkeling the coral reef and Iguana Island.

The Sail & Snorkel Tour, on the other hand, is a more leisurely experience aboard a sailboat, focusing on snorkeling and enjoying the scenery under sail, with two stops which are the reef and Iguana Island.

Both tours offer great snorkeling and beautiful views. The choice depends on whether you prefer a faster-paced trip with an extra stop, or a relaxed sailing experience.

For our public trips we can provide vegetarian/vegan/gluten free alternatives provided these are requested in advance but unfortunately we cannot cater to food intolerances or allergies.

Due to the number of people on our group trips we cannot accommodate special requests. We will make sure your experience is one to remember but if you would like us to go that extra mile for someone’s birthday etc. then you should book a private charter.

As this is a group trip there is no flexibility. The tour is a combination of snorkeling, beach and Iguanas. If you want more time snorkeling or more beach time etc. then please choose the private charter option as you can customize this to your preferences.

We have a general itinerary for the excursion but Ocean Vibes reserves the right to change any part of the tour at any time. All stops are dependent on the weather and sea conditions.

The general itinerary for the public charter is as follows:

  • Board the boat on Grace Bay Beach
  • Reef Snorkel
  • Iguana Island
  • Sandbar
  • Cruise back

The tour is 4 hours in duration. You may get a little longer than 4 hours depending on whether you are the first or last pick up. The first people to be picked up are the last people to be dropped off and the tour commences once the last people are picked up. Please bear this in mind when you are making plans.

We pick up by boat on the beach in Grace Bay only. Never wait in the lobby of your hotel.

We ask all guests to check in for the tour either by email or telephone to reconfirm the reservation and inform us of where they are staying. We prepare a pick up schedule which minimizes the amount of stops so a short walk along the beach to a nearby hotel may be required. We send an email the day prior to your tour to inform you where you will be picked up. If you do not receive an email then it may have gone to your SPAM folder so please call us to confirm where you will be picked up.

For people who are not staying on Grace Bay Beach we ask that you meet the boat on the beach in front of the Sibonne Hotel/Bay Bistro restaurant. There is a public parking lot there and then just a short walk to the water’s edge where the boat pulls in.

The tour start time on your receipt is just an indication. We may have several pick-ups that day so the first pick up may be 8:30am and the last 930am. Please follow the instructions you receive in your email from us and be ready for pick up on the beach at that time.

The Captain will not wait for you if you are late as it is not fair on the next pick-ups who are patiently waiting on the beach.

Sunset Cruise FAQ

Where is the pick-up point?

We pick up by boat on the beach in Grace Bay only. Never wait in the lobby of your hotel.

We ask all guests to check in for the tour either by email or telephone to reconfirm the reservation and inform us of where they are staying. We prepare a pick up schedule which minimizes the amount of stops so a short walk along the beach to a nearby hotel may be required. We send an email the day prior to your tour to inform you where you will be picked up. If you do not receive an email then it may have gone to your SPAM folder so please call us to confirm where you will be picked up.

The tour is 2 hours in duration. You may get a little longer than 2 hours depending on whether you are the first or last pick up. The first people to be picked up are the last people to be dropped off and the tour commences once the last people are picked up. Please bear this in mind when you are making plans.

For our public trips we can provide vegetarian/vegan/gluten free alternatives provided these are requested in advance.

Our private charters are catered by a private chef so any allergies and intolerances can be accommodated on request.

Our group sunset cruises are Adult Only which means over 18 only. We do not permit under 18s on the group Sunset Sail.

However, if you are a group with minors in your party why don’t you check out our private charter options where all ages are welcomed.

Glow Worm FAQ

Why is the Glow Worm cruise not available every day?

The Glow Worm cruise is scheduled according to natural conditions, specifically the lunar cycle. Glow worms are most visible during the third, fourth, and fifth nights after the full moon, when the moonlight is low enough to see their bioluminescence clearly. To give you the best possible experience, we only operate the tour on these optimal nights each month.

Parasailing FAQ

No! We give you a safety briefing and off you go.

Modern methods of parasailing allow for takeoff and landing on the deck of the boat. It’s up to you how wet you get or whether you even get wet at all.
Children have to be at least 4 years old to parasail and there is no maximum age limit.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign their waiver.

Minimum weight required to parasail is roughly 125 pounds. If the flyer is less than this, they will simply fly tandem with someone not to exceed roughly 450 pounds combined weight. Weight requirements may change on any given day due to the wind conditions.

Yes! People love to share their experiences with each other in the air. We fly side by side so everyone gets a great view. Most of our guest choose to fly either double or even triple (3) as long as the combined weight does not exceed 450 lbs.

Yes but you are doing so at your own risk.

Photo packages are also available. Speak with your crew for more details.

Our flight time is 8-10 minute and you may be on the boat for up to an hour depending on how many other guests are on your departure.

Yes! We do allow spectators on our boat for a reduced fee of $25, if we have availability.

Whale Watching FAQ

The whale watching season is January to April, with the peak being from mid-February to mid-March.

Turks and Caicos is a breeding ground for North Atlantic Humpback whales.

Humpback whales migrate from colder northern waters to the Caribbean during the winter months, usually between January and April, to breed and calve in the warmer waters. Just offshore from Grand Turk is the Turks Island Passage, a deep underwater trench that serves as a marine highway for migrating whales. Whales are funneled through this passage and consequently migrate quite close to Grand Turk.

Shallow waters around Grand Turk are important to mothers and calves Humpback whales as they are a safe place where moms can hang out with their newborn calves until they are strong enough to start their journey back to the feeding grounds. Our shallow waters are warm and protected allowing they to rest, bond and nurse in peace.

Yes, whale watching is generally very safe. We follow strict guidelines to protect both the whales and the passengers.

Distances always depend on the sea conditions and the whale’s behavior. Our captain is following the guidelines provided by the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources.

While whale watching is often successful, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Whales are wild animals, and their movements can be unpredictable. However, we typically have a high success rate, especially during peak seasons.

Yes. In water encounters are possible but they depend on the sea conditions and the whale’s behavior. Our captain and marine biologist on board will determine if the conditions are safe for both the whales and the passengers before trying to get in the water with the whales.

This excursion take place on the open sea. Sea conditions depend on the winds and the tides which might include surface chop, swell and sea spray.

No. While whale watching in Turks and Caicos is a fantastic experience, it’s important to note that the tours take place on open water, where waves are common. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to reconsider or take precautions. Even though our 48-foot power catamaran is generally stable, the open sea can still be choppy, especially if the weather changes. If you’re not sure, consider taking seasickness medication an hour before the tour.