Fishing & Bonefishing in Turks and Caicos
Stalk bonefish on the quiet flats of the Caicos Islands or head offshore for wahoo, tuna and marlin. Here is where to go, what bites when, and the licence and national park rules you need to know.
- Best time: Bonefish year-round; wahoo and mahi-mahi in winter; tuna and marlin in summer
- Level: All levels; fly fishing for bonefish takes practice
- Cost: Licence is low price; guided bonefishing and deep-sea charters are high price
- Best for: Fly fishers, sport fishing groups, families on reef trips
Turks and Caicos is known for world-class bonefishing. The shallow saltwater flats and tidal creeks of the Caicos Islands hold a healthy bonefish population, the water is crystal clear, and many of the best flats are quiet and uncrowded.
Deep-sea fishing is close at hand, too. Off Providenciales and Grand Turk, the ocean drops to very deep water within minutes of the shore, so you can be trolling for wahoo, tuna, mahi-mahi and billfish soon after leaving the dock. Reef and bottom fishing for snapper, grouper and jacks is an easy option for beginners.
Before you cast, know the rules. Every visitor aged 16 or older needs a fishing licence, and fishing is illegal in all national parks and nature reserves, which cover many of the most famous beaches on Providenciales.
Where to go for fishing & bonefishing
1. Bottle Creek Lagoon and the North Caicos flats
North Caicos · All levels with a guide
An expansive, scenic flat between North and Middle Caicos that can hold schools of hundreds of bonefish. Parts of the surrounding area are protected, so fish with a guide who knows the boundaries.
2. Middle Caicos and East Caicos creeks
Middle Caicos · Intermediate
The extensive, complex intertidal creeks on the south coasts of North, Middle and East Caicos are a big part of why the bonefishing here is so good.
3. South Caicos and the Caicos Banks
South Caicos · Intermediate
The wide shallow flats of the Caicos Banks offer bonefishing, and South Caicos is a base for both flats and offshore trips.
4. Offshore from Providenciales
Providenciales · All levels on a charter
Deep water lies a short run from shore, putting wahoo, tuna, mahi-mahi and marlin within easy reach on a half-day or full-day charter.
5. Heaving Down Rock
Providenciales · Beginner
Near Leeward, one of the better legal spots for fishing from shore on Providenciales, where much of the coast is protected.
6. Offshore from Grand Turk
Grand Turk · All levels on a charter
Like Providenciales, Grand Turk has very deep water close to shore, making it a good base for deep-sea fishing.
Fishing & Bonefishing tours & operators
Caribbean Cruisin'
Group and private boat tours, Jet ski tours and rentals, Clear kayak trips, Island drop-offs, Fishing, North and Middle Caicos island tours, Kids treasure hunts · Departs Heaving Down Rock Marina (Walkin Marina), Leeward · $
A big local tour and water sports company with a wide fleet, from catamarans to fast small boats. Trips visit Iguana Island, the Caicos Cays beaches, reefs and the La Famille Express shipwreck.
Duration: A few hours to full day
Good to know: Also runs island drop-offs on quiet beaches, and its sister company runs the ferry to North Caicos.
Website · Phone: +1 649 231 4191
Catchin' Caicos
Half-day and full-day deep-sea fishing, Bottom fishing, Private yacht charters, Island hopping, Seasonal whale watching · Departs Turtle Cove Marina · $$
A sport fishing and private charter company led by local Captain Roy. Its fleet includes a 60-foot Hatteras sport fishing yacht, a smaller fishing boat and a skiff.
Duration: About four hours (half day) or eight hours (full day)
Includes: Fishing gear and equipment
Good to know: Anglers of any skill level can join. Whale watching runs in the winter months.
Website · Phone: +1 649 244 2927
Grand Slam Fishing Charters
Deep-sea fishing, Bottom fishing (private or shared), Fish and snorkel cruise, Sunset and island-hopping cruises, Seasonal whale watching · Departs Turtle Cove Marina · $$
A fishing charter company with more than 20 years on the water, chasing wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna and marlin. It is one of the few on Provo that also offers shared trips.
Duration: Four to nine hours
Includes: Snacks, drinks, fishing gear and licenses; they fillet your catch
Good to know: Transport from Grace Bay resorts is included.
Website · Phone: +1 649 231 4420
Talbot's Adventures
Deep-sea and reef fishing, Bonefishing and fly fishing, Turtle and wildlife safaris, Seasonal whale watching, Conch and lobster diving trips · Departs Heaving Down Rock (Walkin Marina); office in Grace Bay · $$ · Good for families
A local fishing and wildlife company led by Captain Levardo. Trips range from sport fishing and flats fishing to turtle safaris and custom island days.
- Good to know: Photo and drone packages are offered. Whale watching runs about January to April.
Website · Phone: +1 649 243 0271
Caicos Dream Tours
Half-day snorkel cruise, Sandbar snorkel tour, Adults-only shipwreck and floating bar trip, Sunset cruise, Fishing charters, Private charters, North and Middle Caicos day trips · Departs Grace Bay Beach at The Bight (Princess Drive) · $ · Good for families
A Grace Bay tour company running popular group snorkel cruises, plus private boats and day trips to North and Middle Caicos.
Duration: Half day to full day
Includes: Drinks on board
Good to know: Most tours welcome all ages; the shipwreck and floating bar trip is 18 and up.
Website · Phone: +1 649 231 7274
Grace Bay Adventures
Half-day and full-day private charters, Group catamaran trip, Private catamaran charters, Sunset cruise, Bottom fishing · Departs Beach pickup in Grace Bay · $$ · Good for families
A private boat charter company that picks up from Grace Bay beaches and visits Iguana Island, reefs, a shipwreck and a floating bar.
Duration: Two hours to full day
Includes: Catering, drinks, snorkel gear and water toys
Good to know: Group catamaran trips are shared; private trips take up to 10 guests.
Website · Phone: +1 649 332 1280 · WhatsApp: +1 649 332 1280
Panoply Sport Fishing & Luxury Charters
Deep-sea fishing, Bottom and reef fishing, Fish, snorkel and island hopping combos, Sunset cruises, Custom luxury charters · Departs Turtle Cove Marina · $$
A sport fishing and private charter company whose fishing grounds are a short ride from Turtle Cove. Charters can mix fishing, snorkeling and cay visits.
- Good to know: Every charter is set up around your plans.
Website · Phone: +1 649 432 3566
Silver Deep
Bonefishing, Deep-sea and bottom fishing, Half-day beach cruise, Full-day BBQ trip, Private charters · Departs Ocean Club West, Grace Bay · $ · Good for families
A long-running local charter company offering fishing, bonefishing with Captain Arthur Dean, and beach and snorkel cruises.
- Good to know: They say their trips suit the whole family.
Website · Phone: +1 649 231 0056 · WhatsApp: +1 649 441 9807
Turkoise Wave Adventure
Bottom and reef fishing (4 hours)
Four-hour bottom and reef fishing trips from Providenciales.
Turks Fly Fishing Charters
Half-day and full-day bonefishing charters · Departs Providenciales · $$
A fly fishing guide service for bonefish on the flats around Provo, Pine Cay, Water Cay and the Caicos islands.
Duration: Four or eight hours
Includes: Rods, reels and tackle
Website · Phone: +1 649 347 8815 · WhatsApp: +1 649 347 8815
The Great Bonefishing Company
Full-day guided bonefishing, Lodge and fishing packages, Kayak fishing access · Departs Bottle Creek, North Caicos · $$
Local guides who grew up on the water take anglers onto the Bottle Creek flats by skiff. There is an on-site lodge on the creek for fishing stays.
Includes: Guide, flats skiff, and all tackle
Good to know: Two anglers max per boat. Newcomers should start with a guided day before any self-guided kayak fishing.
Website · Phone: +1 649 241 6263
Twin Islands Adventure
Guided cultural tour of North and Middle Caicos, Self-drive day with ferry and car, Beer and rum tour, Guided mangrove kayak tour, Kayak rentals, Snorkel trips, Fishing, Private boat charter · Departs North Caicos (meets the ferry) · $$
A locally run tour company for North and Middle Caicos, with guided island days covering caves, plantation ruins and flamingos, plus kayak tours, snorkeling and fishing.
Includes: Guided tour includes ferry, guide, site visits and a local lunch
Good to know: Offers a self-drive day that bundles the ferry, rental car and gas.
Website · Phone: +1 649 241 1276
Adventures by Salterra
Caicos Bank Adventure cruise, Sunset cruises, Guided bonefishing and fly-fishing, Snorkel and dive trips, Discover Scuba, Kiteboarding and wing-foil lessons, Guided kayaking, Whale watching, Trail biking and birdwatching · Departs Salterra Resort & Spa, South Caicos · $$
The water sports and excursion center at Salterra Resort, offering boat trips to Long Cay, guided bonefishing, diving, kite lessons and whale watching. It is also the island's only kite school.
- Good to know: Activities are mainly for resort guests; off-resort visitors can sometimes be accommodated. Book through the resort concierge.
Website · Phone: +1 866 297 6248
White Sands & Crystal Seas Adventures
Gibbs Cay stingray and snorkel trip, Reef snorkel trips, Whale watching (seasonal), Private charters, Beach barbecue charters · Departs Local Village, Suite 7, Grand Turk · $ · Good for families
A personal, small-boat outfit running snorkel trips, Gibbs Cay stingray visits, whale watching and custom charters around Grand Turk and nearby cays.
Includes: Snorkel gear and drinks, including rum punch
Good to know: Whale watching runs mid-January to mid-April. Private trips can be built around your wishes and time.
Website · Phone: +1 649 243 3291
Deep Blue Charters
Sport fishing, Bottom fishing, Cruise and snorkel, Whale watching, Island hopping, Private charters, Eco tours · Departs South Base beach, south of Jack's Shack by the boat ramp (walk from the cruise center) · $$
Captain Kell runs fishing charters, snorkel cruises, whale watching and island-hopping trips on a 31 foot center console. The office doubles as a boutique of locally made goods.
Includes: Drinks, snacks, snorkel gear and snorkel vests
Good to know: Within walking distance of the Grand Turk Cruise Center.
Website · Phone: +1 649 243 6096
When to go
No single season: bonefish are present year-round, and offshore species peak at different times of year
Bonefish are in the islands year-round, so there is no strict bonefishing season. Many guides find that about halfway through an incoming tide is the best time to fish the flats. The tidal range is small, less than 3 feet.
Offshore, the winter months are better for wahoo, mahi-mahi and sailfish, while the summer months are better for tuna and blue and white marlin.
If you plan to catch lobster, the season runs from August 1 to March 31. Nassau grouper may be taken from March 1 to November 30.
Shore fishing on Providenciales is limited because so much of the coast is protected. Besides Heaving Down Rock, the eastern end of Long Bay Beach and Sapodilla Bay can work on calm days.
What to bring
- Your fishing licence, if your guide or charter isn't arranging it
- Polarized sunglasses, which are essential for spotting bonefish
- Long sleeves, a good hat, a buff and sun gloves
- A 7 to 9 weight fly rod for bonefish, with a 9-foot rod the best all-round size
- Light-colored bonefish flies in white, silver, pale pink or coral
- A rain shell for spray and passing showers
Safety
- A fishing licence is required for all visitors 16 and older. It is also required for every person 16 or older aboard a boat with fishing gear, even if they aren't fishing. People with Turks and Caicos Islander Status are exempt, except commercial fishers.
- One-day and 30-day licences are sold at marinas and at the government office on Providenciales, and charter captains usually buy them for you. Fishing without a licence can lead to a heavy fine and up to 12 months in prison.
- It is illegal to fish in any national park or nature reserve, even catch-and-release, and a criminal offense to fish or collect conch or lobster there. On Providenciales that includes Grace Bay, Leeward, The Bight, Turtle Cove and Smith's Reef, Chalk Sound, Northwest Point, and the Frenchman's Creek and Pigeon Pond reserve.
- On North and Middle Caicos, the protected areas that affect fishers are East Bay Islands National Park, the Vine Point and Ocean Hole Nature Reserve, and the large Ramsar nature reserve on the south coasts.
- Fishing with a spear gun is illegal. Lionfish is the only species you can legally spear.
- Recreational catches are limited to 10 pounds of fish plus one trophy fish per person per day, and most edible fish must be at least 6 inches long. Billfish are released.
- Lobster must meet the legal size and be landed whole. Never take egg-bearing or soft-shelled lobster.
- The sun on the flats is intense and there is often a 10 to 20 knot breeze. There are no lifeguards.
Local tip
Book a guide for your first bonefishing day. Do-it-yourself success rates are usually far lower, and a local guide knows both where the fish are and where the protected boundaries lie.
Fishing & Bonefishing FAQ
Do I need a fishing licence in Turks and Caicos?
Yes. All visitors aged 16 and older need a fishing licence, including anyone 16 or older on a boat with fishing gear aboard. Charter captains usually arrange licences for their guests.
Can I fish from the beach at Grace Bay?
No. Grace Bay, Leeward, The Bight, Turtle Cove and Smith's Reef are inside protected areas, and it is illegal to fish in any national park or nature reserve, even catch-and-release.
When is the best time for bonefishing in Turks and Caicos?
Bonefish are present year-round, so there is no strict season. On the flats, about halfway through an incoming tide is often the best time.
Is spearfishing allowed in Turks and Caicos?
No. Fishing with spear guns is illegal. The only exception is lionfish, which you can legally spear.
When is lobster season in Turks and Caicos?
Lobster season runs from August 1 to March 31. Egg-bearing lobster may never be taken.
Who offers fishing & bonefishing in Turks and Caicos?
Operators we list for fishing & bonefishing include Caribbean Cruisin', Catchin' Caicos, Grand Slam Fishing Charters, Talbot's Adventures, Caicos Dream Tours, and 10 more. Each one's details are above.
Is fishing & bonefishing in Turks and Caicos good for kids?
Operators that welcome families include Talbot's Adventures, Caicos Dream Tours, Grace Bay Adventures, Silver Deep and White Sands & Crystal Seas Adventures. Check age limits when you book.