French Cay
French Cay dive site · West Caicos approach — French Cay
21°28.20'N 72°03.60'W
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding on sand in 3–10m. French Cay is at the western edge of the Caicos Banks system — the deeper north anchorage is more manageable than the extreme shallows of the central Banks. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range still creates significant depth variation in the 3m portions of the anchorage. Set 75m alarm; monitor for northerly and westerly weather — French Cay has significant exposure on the north and west sides. The dive wall on the south/west of the cay is extraordinary but requires a dinghy or short motor to the south side.
Caicos Banks Tidal Warning
Tidal range 0.6–0.9m. Maximum draft 1.2m at low water. Navigate in good light only. Anchor alarm is essential — set immediately on anchoring and monitor depth readings continuously.
About This Anchorage
French Cay is one of the finest dive destinations in the entire Turks & Caicos Islands — an uninhabited cay at the southern tip of the West Caicos reef system with a world-class wall on its south and west sides that drops from 8–10m to over 3,000m in the Caribbean Sea. The wall is draped in pristine coral in excellent condition — black corals, large gorgonians, sponges, and abundant reef fish. Pelagics patrol the wall edge — bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, hammerheads (seasonal), and occasional whale sharks. French Cay is increasingly known in the dive community but remains far less visited than Grand Turk or even Provo's northwest point due to the difficulty of reaching it. The most practical approach is from Providenciales via a day passage across the Banks (18nm), or from South Caicos (12nm). The north anchorage serves overnight stays; the south wall is accessed by dinghy or short motor around the cay.
Protected From
S · SE · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Dive moorings on south wall — fees may apply; north anchorage free
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- TCI cruising permit (~$50 USD) required. French Cay is within a DECR protected area — marine park rules strictly enforced.
Restrictions: DECR Marine National Park — no anchoring on reef or coral; use dive moorings on south wall; no fishing in the park area; anchor only in sand on north side; TCI cruising permit required.
Hazards
- !Remote — 18nm from Provo, 12nm from South Caicos; full self-sufficiency mandatory
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — north anchorage depth variation significant; Banks approach requires shoal-draft awareness
- !Northern and western exposure — cold front conditions dangerous; confirmed weather window required
- !Coral heads on all approaches — visual navigation in good light essential; no night approach
- !The south/west wall — the drop from 8m to 3,000m is abrupt; anchor/moor on the plateau only; never on the wall itself
Skipper's Tips
- →French Cay wall diving is TCI's best-kept secret — pristine coral, abundant sharks, and virtually no other boats; if you dive, this is unmissable
- →Motor around to the south side of the cay at dawn for the first dive session before wind and swell build — the wall in flat calm early morning conditions is extraordinary
- →Bull sharks are resident at French Cay year-round — some of the best bull shark diving in the Caribbean for experienced divers
- →Hammerheads visit the wall seasonally (January–April) — ask about recent sightings from South Caicos dive operators
- →This is a serious expedition destination — plan your approach weather window carefully and carry full emergency provisions
Facilities
No facilities whatsoever. Nearest services at Turtle Cove Marina, Provo (18nm N) or South Caicos (12nm E).
Nearest provisions: Turtle Cove Marina, Providenciales (18nm N) (18nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
December–April in settled conditions. Expedition destination — experienced crews with full self-sufficiency and confirmed weather windows. One of TCI's most rewarding anchorages for diving-focused sailors.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
On the Caicos Banks, in 1–4m of water with a 0.6–0.9m tidal range, the anchor alarm is not optional — it is your primary safety tool. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously, night and day.
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