The Turks and Caicos archipelago divides into two distinct island groups: the Caicos Islands to the west, centred on Providenciales, and the smaller Turks Islands to the east, separated from the Caicos by the deep Turks Islands Passage. A 300,000 euro weekly budget positions you in the premium tier of Caribbean charter. At this rate you are looking at motor yachts of 55 to 65 metres, often from European yards known for transatlantic capability, with hull forms and engineering designed for open-ocean passages. The Caicos Bank, averaging five metres of depth across its vast expanse, defines every itinerary. Its aquamarine surface is best appreciated from the upper deck of a large motor yacht as you glide from Providenciales across to North Caicos and the hidden channels of the Caicos wetlands. Snorkelling the barrier reef off Grace Bay, exploring mangrove waterways by tender, and anchoring off Middle Caicos with no other vessel in sight fills four days before you reach Grand Turk or Salt Cay. The 300,000 euro rate covers vessel and crew only. An advance provisioning allowance of around 90,000 euros handles fuel, food, marina fees at Turtle Cove and Blue Haven Resort, drinks and daily provisioning. Larger yachts carry greater fuel consumption, a consideration when planning longer passages to the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico. At this budget the crew reaches eight to ten people. Many yachts in this range carry a full-time dive instructor, invaluable given that the Turks and Caicos wall diving ranks among the Caribbean finest.
