Are you looking for the best beaches in Turks and Caicos? As a tropical Caribbean archipelago nation, the Turks and Caicos Islands are well known for their paradise beaches, excellent diving spots, water sports, luxury beachfront accommodation, and lapping turquoise waves against powdery white sands. We fell in love with all of the Turks and Caicos beaches as they all have powdery white sand with crystal clear waters.
Whichever type of beach you’re looking for, whether it’s for kayaking and kiting, or simply digging your feet into soft dunes, this list of the best beaches in Turks and Caicos has you covered – including the best beaches on Providenciales, plus the best picks for other islands too.
Best Beaches in Turks and Caicos You Must See
What’s more, one amazing benefit of beach-hopping around the T&C’s 100 islands is that all Turks and Caicos beaches are open to the public – even the most developed beaches or residential areas are legally required to have public access points.
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Beaches in Providenciales
A great many Turks and Caicos beaches can be found on the island of Providenciales (often abbreviated to Provo). This island is host to many resorts, which means it has great infrastructure and getting to your Turks and Caicos beach of choice is a stroll in the sand. One of the best beaches in Turks and Caicos.
If you’re looking to get away from the main beaches to more secluded stretches of coastline, then consider a boat charter or tour, which can take you to lesser-known spots on the island as well as smaller, uninhabited islands on Provo’s periphery.
1. Grace Bay Beach – Beaches in Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay TKCA 1ZZ, Turks & Caicos Islands
Definitely, the most well-known and popular of Turks and Caicos’ beaches, Grace Bay Beach is found on the north coast of Providenciales. Here is where you’ll find luxury resorts and incredible scuba diving locations part of Princess Alexandra National Park.
You’ll often see Grace Bay Beach named not only the best beach in Providenciales or Turks and Caicos but also in the world. The Turks and Caicos beach won the 2013 World Travel Award for the World’s Leading Beach Destination and currently ranks fifth on Trip Advisor’s list of best beaches in the world.
Princess Alexandra National Park – Beaches in Turks and Caicos
Officially declared a national park in 1992, Princess Alexandra National Park covers an impressive 6,532 acres of coastal and marine habitats, including Grace Bay Beach, Bight Beach, Bight Reef, and Coral Gardens, Smither’s Reef, and Leeward Beach.
Highlights of the national park include Little Water Cay (also known as Iguana Island for the rock iguana sanctuary located there), the wetlands of Mangrove Cay, and Donna Cay, plus Bird Cay, Lizard Cay, and the Sinking Cays.
Note that it is illegal to take any natural items from the national park, including seashells, plants, and flowers, or coral. Fishing and conch collection is illegal while littering and vandalism will get you a fine or even imprisonment. Open fires and loud music are also prohibited.
How to get to Grace Bay Beach
There are several public access points for Grace Bay Beach: Grace Bay Road, Forbes Point, Grace Bay Club (limited parking), Grande Court, Manor Street, Regent Street, Rotary Park on Princess Drive, and Sandcastles on Grace Bay Road, and Stubb’s Cut on Princess Drive. Free parking is widely available.
Grace Bay Beach continues as Leeward Beach to the east and Bight Beach to the west. It’s possible to walk from Leeward Going Through Point to Turtle Cove Marina, which covers seven miles.
Why choose Grace Bay Beach?
Water sports (try parasailing for a perfect view of the perfect beach) and the barrier reef that lies a mile out from the bay makes for excellent snorkeling. A beautiful Turks and Caicos beach.
2. Leeward Beach – Beaches in Turks and Caicos
Leeward Settlement TKCA 1ZZ, Turks & Caicos Islands
Wander east from Grace Bay and the sand turns into Leeward Beach. Quieter than big sister Grace, the atmosphere is tranquil and the resorts are few. However, this is a great beach to stay on with several luxury beachfront rentals available.
Of course, many of Turks and Caicos’ beaches boast brilliant turquoise waters and white sands, but Leeward Beach, in particular, is noted for its almost neon turquoise shade, especially when there’s an ocean swell. Be sure to head to Emerald Point and the Leeward Going Through Channel to see the no-filter colors for yourself.
The Caicos Cays
At the eastern end of Leeward Beach is the Leeward Going Through Channel, which is the name for the waterway between Providenciales and the Caicos Cays.
Though these islands are uninhabited, there are plenty of attractions here, including the Little Water Cay rock iguana sanctuary, the Mangrove Cay wetlands, and Blue Haven Marina’s collection of yachts.
How to get to Leeward Beach
There are a number of accesses, but Leeward Beach can sometimes be difficult to find. Look for Stubb’s Point (sometimes called Sunset Beach or Pelican Beach), Pelican Point, and signs for Leeward Going Through. Parking is readily available.
Why choose Leeward Beach
The sheltered waters are calmer here, making Leeward Beach the ideal place for kayaking, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. This beach is also a prime sunset location, so be sure to bring your camera for a stunning horizon shot.
3. Long Bay Beach
Long Bay Hills TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
Long Bay Beach on Providenciales is the number one kiteboarding site in Turks and Caicos (and arguably, the Caribbean), fed by consistent easterly trade winds, which provide perfect conditions for the water sport.
If you’re a kiting beginner, then the shallow waters are ideal for when you inevitably fall off and need to get back up again (but, hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?).
Other highlights of Long Bay Beach are horseback riding and shipwreck exploration at the offshore site of La Famille Express. This Soviet oil rig service vessel lived a second life as a Dominican freighter before it was run aground during Hurricane Frances in 2004.
How to get to Long Bay Beach
Long Bay is a common name, so you’d be forgiven for getting a bit lost or confused on your journey to the beach. This Long Bay Beach on Providenciales fronts the Long Bay Hills residential area.
The best access point to Long Bay is the Long Bay North access, near the Shore Club development. Paved parking is available, then it’s just a short boardwalk stroll to the beach.
Why choose Long Bay Beach?
Kiteboarding – riding the waves, having a go for the first time, or simply watching the action.
Beaches at Turks and Caicos in Middle Caicos
Middle Caicos, often lumped in with North Caicos due to a mile-long causeway connection, is one of the largest and greenest of the Turks and Caicos Islands. If you’re looking for more adventure than beach-lazing, this is the destination for you, as these isles are much less-visited and less populated than Grand Turk and Providenciales.
4. Mudjin Harbor
TKCA 1ZZ, Turks & Caicos Islands
Limestone cliffs, white sands, caves, and surf breaks make Mudjin Harbor a major attraction in Middle Caicos. Picture-perfect landscapes offer excellent photography opportunities, including the large, open-faced cave above the sand, and views from the cliffs and Dragon Cay.
Take a hike along the Crossing Place Trail, which winds over the hills, cliffs, and beaches.
How to get to Mudjin Harbor
Mudjin Harbor Beach’s main access point is at Dragon Cay Resort (this was formerly known as Blue Horizon Resort, so double-check your map for both names). Park at the resort and then walk for 150 meters down to the beach.
Middle Caicos and North Caicos are connected by a causeway, so you can explore both by vehicle on a day trip.
Why choose Mudjin Harbor?
Caving and karst formations, epic views, and excellent snorkeling when the ocean isn’t too rough.
Best Beach on Grand Turk
Although the name suggests grandeur, the island of Grand Turk is actually quite small and offers a very different atmosphere to neighboring Providenciales. It’s here where you’ll find the capital of Turks and Caicos, the unfortunately-named Cockburn Town. There are also some excellent beaches…
5. Governor’s Beach
TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
Named for the governor’s mansion, Waterloo, which is found close to the beach, Governor’s Beach is easily the best beach on the island of Grand Turk.
Located on the west of the isle, between Cockburn Town and the Cruise Center, Governor’s Beach offers incredibly soft, peach-pink sand and shallow waters, fringed with casuarina trees for shade in the hottest parts of the day.
Governor’s Beach is also famous for the Mega One Triton shipwreck, which was washed ashore by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Although there were originally plans to remove the ship, due to its vast size and costs involved, the vessel has found a new home here.
Columbus Landfall National Park
Governor’s Beach is part of Columbus Landfall National Park, which covers Grand Turk’s west coast beaches to high tide, the barrier reef, and the deep blue between. This also includes Cockburn Town Beach, Pillory Beach, English Point, and the Cruise Center Beach (also known as SunRay Beach).
The national park is spread over 1,280 acres and is also noted for its scuba diving sites, especially “wall” sites, where the depth suddenly drops from 15 meters to thousands of meters.
Similar to Princess Alexandra National Park, removing natural objects such as seashells here is illegal. Open fires and loud music are prohibited.
How to get to Governor’s Beach
As Governor’s Beach can get quite popular, it’s recommended to visit Governor’s Beach earlier in the day, before the tours arrive.
If you’re arriving from the Grand Turk Cruise Center, note that it’s not possible to walk the one-mile distance to Governor’s Beach, as there are no facilities for pedestrians, so a taxi is the best option. If you’re driving, there is plenty of parking.
Why choose Governor’s Beach?
Shipwrecks, pink sands, and crystal clear waters.
Beaches at Turks and Caicos’ Outlying Islands
Turks and Caicos’ best beaches aren’t just limited to the main islands, but also the sandbanks, little cays, and uninhabited isles found just offshore. Whether you explore by kayak, paddleboard or boat cruise, here’s the best pick for beaches located off the beaten path.
6. Half Moon Bay
Water Cay, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
Little Half Moon Bay is aptly located halfway between the uninhabited isles of Water Cay and Little Water Cay. The “bay” was once just a sand bar, but it grew over time and now includes some light vegetation, such as casuarina trees.
Head north for gorgeous turquoise waves, or wander south for a sheltered, shallow lagoon with soft sand.
Water Cay and Little Water Cay
While you’re in the area, stop off at Water Cay and Little Water Cay for some exploration. Little Water Cay is noted for its population of Turks and Caicos rock iguanas, an endangered species endemic to the country. You’ll likely meet some of these creatures at Half Moon Bay too.
Big brother Water Cay is known for its dramatic scenery, including sugar-white sands, rugged limestone coastline and views all the way out to pretty Pine Cay.
How to get to Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a great destination for a boat cruise and there’s a wide choice of tours and charters to choose from, which also include stop-offs at great snorkeling spots.
It’s possible to kayak or paddleboard to Half Moon Bay from Providenciales, but note that due to the wind direction, the return trip is much harder work!
Why choose Half Moon Bay?
The breathtaking natural beauty and new iguana friends.
Where to Stay at Turks and Caicos Beach
Unless you plan on sleeping on the beach, you’ll need a place to stay. Turks and Caicos is a fairly expensive island but don’t let that deter you from visiting.
I was lucky to stay at three different properties on the island that all offered something very unique at different price levels. All of these resorts are located on some of the best beaches in Turks and Caicos.
Club Med Turks and Caicos beach: This resort is an all-inclusive adults-only resort. Club Med Turks and Caicos beach is located on Grace Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. In fact, it is the best beach in Turks and Caicos.
If you are looking for a fun resort then this is it. There are so many great activities included in your stay as well as all the food you can eat and unlimited cocktails. This is the most affordable option for an all-inclusive, worry-free vacation.
Blue Haven Resort: This is another all-inclusive option on the island that is great for families. They have family-sized suites that will accommodate a larger party. When you stay at the Blue Haven Resort you get to dine around at their two other resorts as well. Stay at one and play and dine at all three. Check here for the most up to date prices.
Seven Stars Resort: If you love staying at luxury resorts and price is not a factor, then you will love the Seven Stars Resort. This resort only offers al a carte dining except for the buffet breakfast. They also have large family suites making it a great getaway for families. Check here for the most up-to-date prices.
More of the Best Beaches in Turks and Caicos
With so many amazing Turks and Caicos beaches to choose from, it’s difficult to narrow down choices to a must-visit list of Turks and Caicos’ best beaches.
Honorable mentions include Bight Beach, Sapodilla Bay Beach (plus nearby Taylor Bay) and Malcolm’s Road Beach on Providenciales; Cedar Point and Wild Cow Run on Middle Caicos; Sandy Point Beach and the Whitby Beaches on North Caicos; Pine Cay Beach; North Bay Beach and Big Sand Bay at Salt Cay; Pillory Beach on Grand Turk; West Caicos and West Caicos Marine National Park for diving.
Are there any beaches that we’ve missed from our list, or you believe deserve more attention than the ones highlighted here? Let us know your favorite picks for the best beaches in Turks and Caicos in the comments below. What is your favorite Turks and Caicos beach?
For more on Caribbean travel, be sure to check out “Destinations: The Caribbean” on Diana’s Healthy Living. For some additional Caribbean getaways.
Looking for more Turks and Caicos travel inspiration? Check out these related posts!
- Seven Stars Turks and Caicos
- Montego Bay Excursions
- Blue Haven All-Inclusive Resort
- Club Med Turks and Caicos Adults Only
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