Turks & Caicos: Glow Worm Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Pickup

4.55

(147 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush that settled as we left Grace Bay behind — just the low hum of the catamaran and some laughter from the crew. Our guide, Marcus, handed out rum punch (honestly, stronger than I expected) while pointing at the horizon, explaining how the glow worms only show up for a few nights after the full moon. He said something about “timing it right with nature’s clock,” which made me realize how lucky we were to catch this day trip from Providenciales to see the glow worms in person.

I kept watching the water change colors as the sun dipped lower — pinks and then that weird blue you only get right before night. The appetizers came out (some flaky pastry thing I can’t name but tasted like coconut and spice), and everyone sort of drifted into quiet, waiting. When it finally started — these tiny green sparks flickering all over the surface — someone near me whispered “there they are,” like we’d all been holding our breath. It’s not fireworks or anything big; it’s softer, almost secret. I tried to film it but gave up after a minute because it felt better just to watch.

Marcus told us about how locals grew up timing beach parties around this glow worm show, and Li laughed when I tried to say their scientific name in English (I definitely butchered it). The whole thing lasted maybe 20 minutes, but time got weird out there — just gentle waves, a salty breeze, and those little bursts of light. On the way back, someone started singing quietly and a few people joined in. I still think about that view over Caicos Banks, all dark except for those flashes. It’s hard to explain why it sticks with you, but it does.