One of the many beautiful beaches on Providenciales. |
Providenciales has some of the best beaches in the world. Because the
Turks and Caicos are of coral origin, the sand is light-coloured and
soft. Volcanic islands, such as Hawaii or the eastern Caribbean, tend to
have
hard coarse sand.
Conte Nast Traveler magazine rated Grace Bay beach "the best in the
world" and once you step onto it you'll agree too!
About our Beaches:
1. All beaches are free.
2. Every single beach in the entire country is public, including beaches
in front of hotels and private homes.
3. Fishing from the beach (or otherwise) is NOT allowed in the national
parks (which cover most of coast).
4. Some beaches are better than others for snorkeling.
5. When swimming, be aware of boat movements in your area. Being hit by
a boat can be deadly.
Providenciales Beaches Interactive Map
The map below shows the various beaches on Providenciales. You can
mouse over areas of the map for a description, or scroll down the page
for a text version.
For information, mouse-over a highlighted beach.
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Beach Descriptions
The Bight ( )
Actually a continuation of Grace Bay beach, this beach is just about as nice and is
less populated while still being easy to get to. The main access has
a large paved parking area, children's playground, restrooms and a
small botanical garden. Great beach for swimming, snorkeling or walking.
Local kiteboarders can be seen here when the wind blows from the north. One
half mile to the east of the main access is the White House Reef snorkeling
site, which has it's own parking area.
Blue Hills ()
This beach fronts one of the three original settlements on
Providenciales. Due to the large amounts of broken coral and sea plants,
this beach is not too good for either swimming or snorkeling.
Blue Mountain ()
This beach ranges from rather good to poor. Some parts have a
excellent beach, whereas other have little or no beach, just the
rough ironshore. No good snorkeling or swimming here.
Chalk Sound ()
Not really a beach, the Chalk Sound National Park area is a large shallow
lagoon with hundreds of small rocky islands. The shore here is almost
entirely of ironshore; however, there are a few little sandy patches. One
of the best areas on Providenciales for
kayaking.
Grace Bay Beach ()
The one, the only, the world famous Grace Bay Beach, the best in the
world. This is the best beach on Providenciales.
Leeward Beach ()
Leeward Beach is located at the Leeward (east) end of the island.
Getting to the beach is getting harder and harder as beach access
lanes are removed. However, fear not, remember that ALL beaches on
Providenciales are free & public BY LAW.
Long Bay ()
This beach is not quite as nice as Grace Bay but is very popular with local
kiteboarders on windy days. The water is
shallow here going out for quite a distance.
Malcolm Road ()
This remote beach is located near the Amanyara resort, and is a long drive
down a dusty dirt road. Not the best for snorkeling or
swimming, but usually deserted. Can be good for beachcombing.
Northwest Point ()
Northwest Point is a small scenic peninsula on the tip of Providenciales.
On the ocean side of the point is Northwest Point Marine National Park. One
quarter mile down the beach from the point is the inland Northwest Point
Pond Nature Reserve, which is probably the best bird-watching site on the
island. Several small beaches are interspersed among the ironshore.
Lots of
shells and junk wash up here, but be careful in the water as there can be
dangerous currents and waves. Not a good area for swimming, but the
snorkeling here can be excellent when the water is calm. Beware of the last
half mile path along the coast to the point as most vehicles can easily get
stuck in the soft sand.
Sapodilla Bay ()
This beach is located in Sapodilla Bay, near South Dock and the
Rock Carvings.
Smith's Reef ()
This is a snorkeling beach near Turtle Cove with a small inshore
reef. 2nd best for snorkeling, not especially great for swimming.
Thompson Cove ()
A small beach near Thompson's Cove. Generally poor overall; you should swim
with caution due to sea urchins. Good for shell-hunting at times.
Turtle Tail ()
This is a small quiet beach on the southern coast of Providenciales. The
water here is very shallow out to several small islands.
West Harbour ()
This remote beach is located at the scenic West Harbour Bluff area, and is a
great place for day trips and exploring the cliffs,
caves and centuries-old stone carvings. Adjacent to the north is the
Pigeon Pond and Frenchman's Creek Nature Reserve.
The last four miles of the ride out is through unique wetlands and salt
marshes. It's more than a seven mile drive down bad roads to the nearest store,
so be sure to bring drinks and food.
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