Turks and Caicos Islands / Beach Life

Superb white sand, vivid blue sea, good snorkelling and a lack of crowdsall add up to make the beaches on the Turks and Caicos Islands exceptional. Some consider them to be amongst the best in the world. All Turks and Caicos beaches are public up to the high water mark, so you can visit the smaller islands if you wish, but if the land is owned, say by a hotel, you will need to contact them in advance if you wish to use their facilities. Many of the beaches are undeveloped and so you should take all you need in terms of water and food.

Below is a selection of the best Turks & Caicos beaches.

Providenciales Beaches 

Grace Bay - On the north coast of Providenciales. Miles and miles of pristine sand looking north to a barrier reef offshore which breaks the incoming surf to create calm, crystal-clear water. There are many hotels and condominium developments giving excellent facilities, also superb walking. 

Erebus Beach - Accessible snorkelling at the mouth of Turtle Cove. 

Leeward Beach - Located at the eastern end of Grace Bay, a secluded stretch of sand with stone jetties and small cliffs. Easily accessible by various roads and paths in the Leeward district. 

Malcolm Roadstead - Spectacular two mile beach near the north west shore of the island, with excellent snorkelling and Tiki huts to provide shade. Accessible with a four wheel drive vehicle a short ride from the Blue Hills area. 

Sapodilla Bay Beach - Fairly secluded, warm shallow waters on the south of Providenciales. Also an anchorage for visiting yachts. 

Islands east of Providenciales (West to East) 

Little Water Cay - An excellent stretch of sugar white sand with plenty of opportunity for beach combing. The endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguanas can be seen on the island and there is a nature trail. Day trips visit this island. 

Pine Cay - Stunning silky sand beach stretching for two miles. The Meridian Club is a private resort but you can get lunch there if you contact them in advance, t 946 5128. 

Parrot Cay - Excellent white coral sand giving onto azure sea, a beautiful place to spend a day. Home to the Parrot Cay Hotel, t 946 7788, so you need permission to go visit the island itself. 

North Caicos - A relatively undeveloped area with miles of wild and empty sand on the north coast, protected from the Atlantic swell by offshore islands and reefs. 

Middle Caicos - Breathtaking views of coastal bluffs, caves and cove-enclosed beaches from Mudjin Harbour. Nature trail runs along the cliffs. 

South Caicos - Idyllic curves of undeveloped sand on the northern side of the island, right by the airstrip. Take food, drink and snorkelling gear if you plan to spend the day.

Grand Turk - Governor’s Beach, which runs south from Cockburn Town, is a popular picnic and party spot. Food, drinks and watersports gear available at the hotels along the central shore. Pillory Beach, near the Guanahani Beach Resort, is a wide stretch where it is rumoured Columbus landed. 

Salt Cay - A gorgeous white sand beach hems the entire north shore of the island. There are also sandy coves on the eastern side.