The Spotted Eagle Ray in Turks and Caicos

One of the true treasures of Turks and Caicos is the experience of snorkeling or diving in the Princess Alexandra National Park. The park is located off the northern and eastern coasts of the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. It is a wonderful, coincidental, and convenient fact that Villa Del Mar is located on the shore of this stunning park. Beneath the surface of the park the marine life enjoys an underwater sanctuary of coral gardens protected by a large reef about one mile from shore. Barrier reefs are simply submerged banks of coral lying close to the land without ever actually touching the shore, and they help shape the way the sea touches the beaches and bays of the island.

If you are fortunate on your snorkeling or diving adventure, you may see a Spotted Eagle Ray breezing along the coral channels. These beautiful rays are generally shy of humans. They like their own company but will often travel in large groups to cross open water. Groups can consist of several hundred individuals. Each with their own unique pattern of white spots. As their name suggests eagle rays have all the majesty and grace of an eagle; however, instead of gliding effortlessly through the sky, they do so underwater. The Spotted Eagle Ray is one of the largest eagle rays with a wing-span that can stretch over three meters.

It might become a life quest to see a group of spotted eagle rays, (a fever of rays), gliding through the clear blue waters of Turks and Caicos. For now, we are content with putting on a mask and fins and heading out to Princess Alexandra National Park to enjoy the day.

Make Villa del Mar Resort your home base for all your underwater adventures. Our resort features two pools, a hot tub, tiki bar, and full bar-to-beach drink service. Villa del Mar is only steps away from Grace Bay Beach and the spectacular Princess Alexandra National Park. See you on the beach or in the water!