What’s the Best Beach in Turks and Caicos? (Updated)
Great question, and there’s more than one correct answer. The best beach in Turks and Caicos is the one that suits your style. Let’s explore the possibilities with the finest beaches on these islands.
If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation on a warm, breezy Caribbean island, chances are Turks and Caicos is already on your radar. And with reason. Reputed for having some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the world, this English-speaking cluster of islands offers multiple sun and sand scenarios just for you.
Table of Contents
- Beaches in Providenciales Island
- Beaches on Other Islands
- Our Favorite
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Beaches in Providenciales island
Turks & Caicos consists of six main islands: Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay. The most popular island is Providenciales (or “Provo” as the locals call it). With 48,000 of the overall 59,000+ population of TCI, it’s home to one of the two international airports (the other one is on South Caicos island). Revered by sun seekers and water worshippers alike, Providenciales has topped the charts for ‘Best island in the world. It’s no surprise that here you will find the majority of accommodation and things to do. From Provo, you have many access points for scuba diving in the barrier reef, snorkeling (best at the Northwest Point), and can easily visit the Princess Alexandra National Park (we really like the Little Water Cay part of the park where you can see the the famous rock iguana).
Grace Bay Beach
Providenciales has increased its fame exponentially when it’s busiest beach, Grace Bay, was awarded the coveted ‘Tripadvisor Best Beach in the World’ title for 2016 and 2022, beating out Brazil, Cuba and the Seychelles for the top spot, chosen among millions of travellers. In February 2024, it was honored as the number one beach in the Caribbean and ranked fifth globally in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Additionally, in 2024, Grace Bay was listed as the 17th best beach worldwide by the World’s 50 Best Beaches.
Bustling Grace Bay Beach is considered among the best beaches in the World.
World-famous Grace Bay Beach is indeed beautiful and ideal for those seeking a little bustle. If this is your definition of having a good time, this is a great spot for you. Many visitors call it the jewel of Turks and Caicos. Popular, easily accessible, and lined with hotels and large luxury resorts, it’s by far the busiest on the island. Slightly longer than the quieter Long Bay beach—looking at a map will deceive you as adjacent beaches cannot be reached by walk—Grace Bay has all the makings of a resort area with restaurants, shops, and crowds. Its westside, a section with less density, attracts lots of snorkeling enthusiasts at Coral Garden Reef.
Coral Gardens Reef is close to Grace Bay Beach on Turks and Caicos
Here’s a tip: if you’d like to spend time on Grace Bay Beach, go towards the Club Med but turn left on the street before the entrance of the Club. Go all the way to the end and you will see plenty of parking. You’ll almost be on Club Med’s beach, the widest on the island.
Find Grace Bay Beach in Google Maps.
Long Bay Beach
Say you’re a quieter traveler who enjoys privacy and looks forward to winding down from a hectic lifestyle. Your style might probably be Long Bay Beach. With spectacular water and clean, shallow, sandy bottoms, Long Bay Beach is ideal for those wanting to try kiteboarding, paddle boarding, or even just swimming or cooling off. You can even enjoy horseback riding along this beautiful beach.
With no vendors, no crowds, and mostly villa accommodations in the area, Long Bay Beach has a relaxed, pristine vibe that is safely guarded by the few accesses to get there. Our White Villas privileged location has a direct walking path to this beach, which, spoiler alert, is our favorite and the reason why we wanted to call it home!
Find Long Bay Beach in Google Maps.
Long Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Providenciales by those who like a quieter setting.
Leeward Beach
Leeward Beach is also a quieter option compared to the bustling Grace Bay. It offers a peaceful retreat with its white sand and calm, crystal clear water.
Find Leeward Beach in Google Maps.
This beach is a perfect spot if you want a break from the crowds. It is ideal for gentle swimming, beachcombing, or watching a quiet sunset. It is also a good spot for water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding when you feel like some gentle adventure.
Sapodilla Beach and Taylor Bay Beach
There are many smaller beaches on Providenciales, and visiting a few during your stay can be fun. For example, tinier bays such as Sapodilla Beach or Taylor Bay Beach have very shallow waters and are suitable for those traveling with young children.
How to get there:
Smiths Reef
If you seek adventure and love to snorkel, the easily accessible Smiths Reef in Turtle Cove should be considered.
Malcolm’s Road Beach
Want to add some chic to your day? Spend an afternoon at the rugged Malcom’s Road Beach, another great place to snorkel, and lunch at the famously luxurious Amanyara Hotel, a hotspot for celebrities and politicians vacationing on the island.
Sunset Beach
Lastly, you may want to consider spending the end of a sunny day on Sunset beach, as its orientation is perfect to admire the sun go down in the ocean.
Here’s how to get there:
Other beaches listed on Providenciales may not be worth your time and it’s good to ask locals before planning your day. For example, Cooper Jack Bay beach tends to disappear depending on tides and, because of its topography, tends to accumulate ocean litter more than most. Five Cays Beach, Blue Hills Beach and Thompson Cove Beach are more prone to having seaweed while Turtle Tail Beach is located in a more residential area and challenging to get to.
Beaches on Other Islands
North Bay Beach
North Bay Beach is a hidden treasure on Salt Cay. It offers a peaceful escape with very few visitors, making it ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy nature in a quiet setting.
Find North Bay Beach in Google Maps.
Because of its seclusion, North Bay Beach is a great choice if you are seeking privacy and tranquility. It is perfect for quiet walks, reading under a palm tree, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.
Mudjin Harbour
Mudjin Harbour is a true wonder located in the Middle Caicos. It is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, vast white sand expanses, and rugged natural beauty.
The rugged cliffs and untouched nature make Mudjin Harbour a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers. It is a quiet retreat away from the busy tourist spots and can provide a memorable day trip if you rent a car or join a guided tour. The only problem is that it is hard to get to, so plan a full day trip.
Find Mudjin Harbour in Google Maps.
Half Moon Bay Beach
Half Moon Bay in Little Water Cay is a unique beach known for its crescent shape and sheltered waters, which are perfect for calm swimming and family picnics.
Families love Half Moon Bay for its safe, calm waters and beautiful views. Besides swimming, you can spot local wildlife, such as small sharks and tropical fish. A boat trip or even a kayaking adventure from nearby Providenciales can let you explore the bay further.
Find Half Moon Bay in Google Maps.
Our Favorite
We arrived in Turks and Caicos over 10 years ago after searching the world for the best holiday location and fell in love immediately with this piece of paradise! Soon after our arrival, we started looking obsessively for the best spot to build our White Villas, which essentially came down to finding the best beach (mainly) as well as a location good enough to enjoy the local restaurants, cafes and amazing community. The result of this search for the perfect spot led us to Long Bay Beach which to this day has retained the perfect balance of beauty, tranquillity and prime location in this iconic Turks and Caicos archipelago.
White Villas offer tours to the beach of your choice
What’s the best beach in Turks and Caicos for You? Whatever your personal preference is, Turks and Caicos certainly lives up to its reputation for gorgeous beaches, and there’s no denying its clean water, white sand, and soft ocean bottom.
Whether you want to dive, snorkel, read, snooze, kitesurf, or just wade in revitalizing crystal clear waters, spectacular soft sands and stunning sunsets await.
Come see for yourself.
Warm regards,
Simon, Pina and Max.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the best time of year for a Turks and Caicos vacation? Turks and Caicos enjoys beautiful weather all year, but the most popular time to visit is between December and April, when the days are cooler and drier. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and better deals, consider the off-season from May to November—just keep in mind there’s a small chance of tropical storms.
2. Do Turks and Caicos beaches have public access? Yes, every beach in Turks and Caicos is open to the public. Grace Bay is easily accessible, while others like Long Bay or Malcolm’s Road might take a bit of local know-how to find the right path in.
3. Are there restaurants and restrooms available at beaches? Some beaches have more facilities than others. Grace Bay is well-equipped with plenty of beachfront dining and restroom options, while quieter spots like Sapodilla Bay or Long Bay might not—so it’s wise to come prepared.
4. Can I rent beach gear on Providenciales? Definitely. There are lots of places to rent gear for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even kiteboarding. Many all inclusive resorts and local businesses, including White Villas, can point you in the right direction or help arrange rentals.
5. Are beaches safe for children? Yes, especially on Providenciales. Calm, shallow beaches like Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay, and Half Moon Bay are perfect for kids to splash around safely.
6. Which beaches are best for snorkeling? For snorkeling, you can’t go wrong with Smith’s Reef near Turtle Cove, Coral Gardens close to Grace Bay, or Malcolm’s Road Beach. All three offer clear waters and vibrant marine life.
7. Are dogs allowed on beaches? Yes, dogs are welcome at most beaches, as long as they’re leashed and their owners clean up after them. It helps keep the beaches clean and protects local wildlife.
8. What’s the best beach for water sports like kiteboarding or windsurfing? Long Bay Beach is the go-to for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The breezes are steady, the water’s shallow, and there’s plenty of room—great whether you’re just starting out or already experienced.
9. What beaches are best for privacy and romance? If you’re after seclusion and scenic views, head to Long Bay, Malcolm’s Road Beach, or Mudjin Harbour on Middle Caicos. They’re perfect for couples looking for a quiet, romantic escape.
10. Which beaches offer spectacular sunset views? Sunset Beach lives up to its name, but Grace Bay and Malcolm’s Road Beach also serve up breathtaking sunsets—ideal for a peaceful evening walk.
11. Do I need a car to explore the beaches? Having a car makes it easier to reach more remote beaches like Mudjin Harbour or Malcolm’s Road. Alternatively, local tours can be a great way to explore without the hassle of driving.
12. Are these top beaches crowded? Grace Bay tends to be lively, especially in peak season. But if you’re after peace and quiet, try Long Bay or Malcolm’s Road—they’re typically less crowded, even when it’s busy.
13. Can I horseback ride on the beach? Yes, you can! Long Bay Beach offers horseback riding experiences through local tour providers. It’s a fun activity for beginners and experienced riders alike.
14. What wildlife can I expect to see at Turks and Caicos beaches? In the water, expect to see colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and the occasional small (and harmless) shark—especially near reefs like Coral Gardens or Smith’s Reef. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy.
15. What should I pack for a day at the beach in Turks and Caicos? Bring the essentials: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, snacks, a towel, swimwear, and maybe some snorkeling gear or water shoes if you plan to explore coral areas.
16. Are there beaches I should avoid? Some beaches—like Cooper Jack Bay, Five Cays, Blue Hills, Thompson Cove, and Turtle Tail—can be tricky due to tides, access issues, or seaweed. Asking locals or your accommodation for advice can help steer you toward the best spots.