Swim with Humpback Whales in Grand Turk — Workshop | Turks & Caicos
Into The Blue With Humpback Whales
In the water. Face to face with gentle giants in some of the clearest water on earth.
March 13–18, 2027 · Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
DATES
March 13-18, 2027
LOCATION
Grand Turk, TCI
GROUP SIZE
Max 6 Guests
ACTIVITY
Snorkel · No Dive Cert Needed
STARTING FROM (LODGING INCLUDED)
$6,950 / person
Swim With Humpback Whales in Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
There is nothing on earth quite like this.
WHY THIS TRIP
Being in the water when a humpback whale turns and looks directly at you — 50 feet of living, breathing ocean life, close enough to hear it move and sing. It changes you. Full stop.
This is not a whale watching tour. This is an in-water encounter with some of the most magnificent animals on the planet — snorkeling with humpback whales in one of the most accessible and ethical small-group settings in the world. Led by Sarah Zepnick and Joe Garza Photography, in collaboration with an experienced marine biologist committed to ethical encounters with these incredible animals.
Grand Turk is one of the most accessible places in the world to swim with humpback whales — close proximity to migration routes, shallow clear water, and a small, ethical operator community that keeps group sizes limited. We're in 20 to 40 feet of water, white sand bottom, visibility that goes on forever.
Limited to only six people. Four full days on the water. Lodging and daily transportation included.
No scuba certification needed — this is a snorkel experience, accessible to anyone comfortable in the water. As for cameras, bring whatever you've got. An underwater housing, a GoPro, an Insta360, your phone in a waterproof case — or nothing at all. Some of the best moments in the water don't need to be captured. They just need to be felt.
Come for the experience. Go home with stories you'll tell for the rest of your life, a renewed sense of wonder, and the quiet knowledge that you did something most people only dream about.
“ I co-created this experience because I wanted to share something that permanently shifted how I see the ocean, life, and my own place in the world.”
SNORKELING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES ITINERARY | TURKS & CAICOS
Your 6-Day Itinerary | Humpback Whale Encounter Grand Turk
The water in Grand Turk where we encounter whales is typically 20–40 feet deep — shallow enough to see the sandy bottom, deep enough to watch a 50-foot humpback glide beneath you in full. Crystal clear visibility means you see everything. Every fin. Every barnacle. Every breath.
Day 1 | March 13 — Arrive & Settle In
Arrive in Grand Turk, check in to the Osprey Beach Hotel, meet your fellow adventurers, and get briefed on what the next four days hold. Sleep well — tomorrow starts in the water.
Days 2–5 | March 14-17 — Into The Blue
Each day is built around the whales — their behavior, the conditions, and the light. Your marine biologist guide will lead you to where the humpbacks are, brief you on how to enter the water respectfully, and get you as close as the whales allow.
You'll have the opportunity to listen to humpback whale song through a hydrophone — an underwater microphone that lets you hear what humans almost never get to hear. On good days, in-water snorkel encounters are possible. Every day is different. Every day is extraordinary.
Depending on whale activity, conditions, and the group's interests, our days on the water may also include a stop at Gibbs Cay to wade among friendly southern stingrays, or a visit to the historic and unspoiled island of Salt Cay — home to some of the best humpback whale watching waters in all of Turks & Caicos. Every day is shaped by what the ocean offers us.
Day 6 — Pack Up & Head Home
Morning to pack, reflect, and say goodbye — to Grand Turk and to the version of yourself that hasn't yet been in the water with a whale.
🐋 Humpback whale sightings are highly likely during March migration season — but never guaranteed. We are guests in their ocean.
SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES ADVENTURE | LODGING INCLUDED
Everything Included When You Swim with Humpback Whales in Grand Turk
5 nights lodging^ — Osprey Beach Hotel, Grand Turk
Daily humpback whale excursions (Days 2–5)
In-water snorkel encounter with humpbacks as weather and conditions allow
Citizen science — TCI Whale Project photo ID participation
Guiding and underwater photography coaching with Sarah Zepnick & Joe Garza Photography
Experienced marine biologist eco-tour guide
All snorkel gear provided
Hydrophone — listen to humpback whale song underwater
Lunch, snacks & soft drinks on daily boating excursions
Daily transportation to and from locations
^ Double occupancy, same sex included. Guests can upgrade to a single room for an additional $600
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare · Airport transfers · Meals · Gratuities · Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Osprey Beach Hotel · Grand Turk, TCI
WHERE YOU’LL STAY WHEN YOU SWIM WIHT HUMPBACK WHALES | PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP & SNORKEL EXPERIENCE
Lodging is included in your trip price. You'll be staying at the Osprey Beach Hotel — a relaxed, comfortable oceanfront property that puts you right where you need to be.
Rooms are reserved in your name. You do not need to make your own reservation. If you'd like to arrive early or stay later, coordinate directly with the hotel — any additional nights are your responsibility.
Rooms are same-sex double occupancy with an upgrade to a single room available for $600.
Check in will be on March 13 and check out will be the morning of March 18. Additional nights are the responsibility of the client.
Amenities
Private balcony or patio in each suite
Free WI-Fi
Air conditioning and ceiling fan
Mini fridge, coffee machine, hair dryer, television
Lounge chairs and towels provided for by the pool or beach
Poolside Dining offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Birdcage Bar serving cocktails and beverages - sit back and watch for the green flash on the horizon
GETTING TO GRAND TURK, TURKS & CAICOS
Getting to Grand Turk
Grand Turk does not have direct international flights. You'll fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Provo first, then catch a short connecting flight to Grand Turk (GDT) — typically 30–40 minutes on interCaribbean Airways or a regional carrier.
Plan to arrive in Provo the day before your departure to Grand Turk to avoid missing your connection. We'll provide full travel logistics details upon booking.
Fly into: Providenciales (PLS), Turks & Caicos
Connect to: Grand Turk (GDT) — approx. 30–40 min flight
Arrive by: March 13, 2027 — Day 1 check-in at Osprey Beach Hotel
You are responsible for booking your own flights. Travel insurance that covers trip interruption is strongly recommended.
WHAT TO PACK - SNORKELING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES IN TURKS & CAICOS
Camera Gear & What to Pack
No specific gear required — but if you want to capture what you're about to witness, here's what we recommend.
Mirrorless or DSLR camera body
Underwater housing for your phone, mirrorless, or DSLR
Wide angle lens (15-30mm) for underwater shooting
GoPro or Insta360 for underwater or topside
Extra batteries and memory cards
Microfiber cloths for drying gear, rocket blower
Trash bag or waterproof dry bag to keep your gear dry
Second camera body if you have one — keep one dry, one wet
Telephoto lens (100–600mm) — humpbacks breaching, birds, distant wildlife
Solid tripod with ball head — for sunrise and sunset shoots from shore
Circular polarizer and ND filters, if you have them
CAMERA GEAR RECOMMENDED
Swimsuit and rash guard
Snorkel gear is provided, bring yours if you prefer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Light layers for the boat as weather can be breezy
Hat and sunglasses
Dry bag for valuables on the boat
Motion sickness medication if you're prone
WHAT TO PACK
YOUR GUIDES - SARAH ZEPNICK & JOE GARZA PHOTOGRAPHY
Your Guides
Joe and Sarah have spent years working side by side in and out of the field — as photography partners and as business collaborators, and that dynamic shows up in every workshop.
You'll get serious underwater photography instruction from two people who are wildly passionate about what they do, and both are just as invested in making sure you're fully present in the moment as they are in helping you capture it.
Come for the experience. Leave with memories, laughs, and images that last a lifetime.
Joe Garza | Joe Garza Photography
Joe has been a photographer for over 20 years — and it shows in every frame.
It started during his time in the United States Navy, where travel brought him face to face with the world and a camera became the way the captured it and shared it. What began as a passion became a profession and Joe never looked back.
He's best known for his lighthouse imagery, coastal compositions, Milky Way photography, and underwater work that reflects someone who is equally at home above and below the surface. He shoots across the country — lighthouses, mountains, canyons, deserts, and open ocean — and his work reflects someone who genuinely loves being out there.
In the field Joe is patient, technical, and encouraging. He'll make sure you understand not just what to do but why.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER · WORKSHOP LEADER 
Sarah Zepnick
Sarah is an adventure photographer, expedition guide, and self-described ocean addict who can’t get enough ocean time with humpback whales or other marine megafauna in the wild. She shoots with a Nikon Z8 and Ikelite underwater housing — and she's been in the water long enough to know that the best shots come from being fully present first and photographer second.
She left a corporate career to build a life around wild places and the people brave enough to show up for them. Travel is still at the core of everything she does — photography is just how she captures it and shares it with the people who weren't there. Yet.
In the field Sarah is your hands-on guide, technical support, and the person making sure you're having the time of your life at 5am when you'd rather be sleeping.
ADVENTURER · PHOTOGRAPHER · OCEAN ADDICTWHO IS THIS TRIP FOR? NO SCUBA CERTIFICATION REQUIRES | SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES
This trip is for everyone.
No scuba certification. No experience required. If you're comfortable snorkeling in open ocean water, you belong on this trip.
Camera gear is welcome in all forms — underwater housing, GoPro, Insta360, waterproof phone case. Or bring nothing at all. Not every moment needs to be documented. Some just need to be lived.
"Come for the experience. Go home with a renewed soul and stories you'll tell for the rest of your life."
RESERVE YOUR SPOT | SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES IN TURKS & CAICOS, MARCH 2027
Reserve Your Spot
In the water. Face to face with humpback whales in some of the clearest water on earth. One experience that will change how you see the ocean — and yourself. Only six spots. Lodging included.
$6,950 Double Occupancy | $7,550 Single Occupancy
A 50% deposit is required to hold your spot with the remaining 50% due 60 days prior to the beginning of the trip.
Cancellations prior to 60 days may be refunded or transferred to another workshop if the spot can be filled.
We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum participants are not met or in the event of an emergency. If a cancellation does occur, participants may either use the fee towards a future workshop or receive a full refund. We are not responsible for travel expenses and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance to cover such costs.
What Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No scuba certification needed. This is a snorkel experience, accessible to anyone who is comfortable swimming in the ocean. No prior diving experience required.
-
Humpback whale sightings are highly likely during March migration season in Grand Turk, but encounters are never guaranteed. These are wild animals in their natural habitat and we are guests in their ocean.
-
Included: 5 nights lodging at Osprey Beach Hotel, daily humpback whale excursions, in-water snorkel encounters, hydrophone access to hear whale song, all snorkel gear, lunch and snacks on excursions, photography coaching with Sarah Zepnick and Joe Garza, and an experienced marine biologist eco-guide.
-
Fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Turks & Caicos, then take a short connecting flight to Grand Turk (GDT) — approximately 30–40 minutes on interCaribbean Airways or a regional carrier.
-
$6,950 per person double occupancy, or $7,550 per person with a single room upgrade. A 50% deposit is required to hold your spot.
