Turks & Caicos - Restrictions
National Parks:
- The Turks and Caicos is home to many marine nature reserves and national parks, and it’s important that yachters are aware of these areas and applicable laws and policies. Boarding officers on arrival will also give information regarding National Parks Regulations and details of the regulations that affect cruising while in national waters.
- It is illegal to harm or remove and natural or historical object, or use jet skis in a protected area.
- Great care and attention must be taken both inside and outside of protected areas to only anchor on sandy bottoms, and not to damage and coral, reef, or sea grass. Significant fines may apply if reef damage occurs.
- Wider Caribbean’s Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)
Larger yachts:
- All vessels greater than 60 feet (18m) in length will require an Anchoring Permit, which is valid for 30 days and can be obtained from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and some of the larger marinas.
- For larger vessels with drafts above 8 feet (2.5m), the choice is a bit more limited to permanent moorings off Grace Bay and the Bight Beach, off Parrot Cay, and off Malcolm’s Road Beach near Amanyara Resort.
Fishing:
Sport fishing without a permit is forbidden, as are spearguns, pole spears, Hawaiian slings and using scuba gear to take any marine life. Lobster may be taken in season (August 1 to March 31) by hand or noose.
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Just a quick update on clearing in at Sapodilla Bay. The customs office at the South Dock is not accessible by boat or dinghy as it is located in a working dockyard. You can however beach your dinghy at the access path between resort properties and walk to the main road and take a right and a right again to get to the yard. You will be given hardhat and vest and directed to office. Clearance was very easy otherwise. Note that the office does not have any idea what Sailclear is at this point, nor do they take credit cards. Optionally, they suggested that it may be easier for cruisers to head to South Side Marina to check in and then find anchorage once cleared. Sapodilla Bay is not within walking distance to any amenities or services but the holding was good in 10 feet of water with protection from North and East.