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Dive Review of Salt Cay Divers in
Turks and Caicos

Salt Cay Divers, Feb, 2007,

by Mike Scott, Oh, USA (Reviewer Reviewer 3 reports). Report 3322.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 2 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 2 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 2 stars
Comments Quiet and peaceful, small population. Not much going on. The island is beginning to develop due to spillover from Grand Turk and the advent of cruise ships.

We started diving here 6 years ago, the fish and coral life has diminished significantly. Much fewer mature fishes. Probably not from over fishing, maybe from development and warming.

Humpbacks still present, but seem more shy than other years.

Salt Cay Divers uses 2 24' Carolina skiffs that are beat up, with no comfort, but most dive sites are 10-15 minutes out. They have a new, wider 28' skiff but it is usually reserved for whale watching and sunset cruises which are more profitable. They also have a V-hull boat they use for going to the Endymion wreck, a 1 1/2 ride that is hardly worth the time and expense.

The dive operation is some what disheveled. They have no O2 available and much of their gear is just plain worn out. Debbie has too many irons in the fire (real estate, politics, etc.) to be a devoted dive operator. She counts on her dive masters (usually itinerant) and Haitian hired help to run the business. Ollie is a delight however and is a truly great diver and gentleman.

We used to look forward to going every year, but probably won't go back.

The price of food is exorbitant. We bring our own and cook it but spending $100.00/day is about average if you eat out. A beer is $5.00, so do without or prepare to pony up.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Cocos Island
PNG
Bahamas
GBR
Florida
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 74-78°F / 23-26°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 55-100 Ft/ 17-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Follow dive guide along wall into current.
Usually end dive when air was exhausted, often spent several minutes under boat after others went up.
No deco diving, recreational limits of 130'.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas None
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales >2
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 2 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 2 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Small bucket or cooler on small skiff. No arrangements to handle any sophisticated eq.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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