Smith's Reef

Also known as: Smiths Reef · Smith's Snorkeling Reef

The reef lies off the north shore of Providenciales close to Turtle Cove Marina and consists of several separate patch reefs and coral heads. Underwater signs along the trail explain the reef ecosystem, and the best section lies off the point between the West and Central beach accesses, across a sandy channel. Eagle rays often pass through that channel, and southern stingrays, turtles grazing in the seagrass and a large green moray are also reported. Tides strongly affect the site: visibility is best at high slack water, while outgoing tides bring weaker visibility and stronger current. According to Provo Turtle Divers, sand moved by Hurricane Frances made the reef too shallow for scuba diving, which is why it is now mostly used for snorkelling.