10 of the best beaches in Turks and Caicos
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Turks and Caicos has an untouched coastline. Put these 10 beaches on your travel wish list.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Turks and Caicos is home to an untouched coastline that beckons those seeking tranquil beaches and adventurers ready to explore its thriving underwater ecosystems.
While the islands’ vibrant coral reefs and luxurious resorts are well-known, the beaches have captured the world’s imagination. Grace Bay Beach, a perennial favorite on global best-beach lists, has not only drawn acclaim but also spotlights the beauty of lesser-known stretches of sand across the archipelago.
Most of Turks and Caicos’ top beaches are found on Providenciales (the most populated island and TCI’s main gateway), but those who venture to quieter islands like North and Middle Caicos will discover secluded, serene hideaways.
From vibrant waters to family-friendly shores and hidden coves far from the crowds, there’s a beach in Turks and Caicos for every type of traveler. Best of all: All the beaches are public and free to access.
Here’s a guide to the best beaches in Turks and Caicos.
Grace Bay Beach
Best beach for a vibrant and luxurious atmosphere
If you’ve done any research about Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay Beach is likely one of the first names to pop up. This breathtaking beach, more than three miles long, is the crown jewel of TCI, and a big part of why the islands are celebrated as a world-class destination. You'll find most of Providenciales’ large luxury resorts there, making it the hub for beachfront dining, bars, shopping and water sports. On any given day, expect to see a lively mix of visitors and residents lounging on the soft sands, savoring local flavors, or taking advantage of the many activities and amenities the beach offers.
Local tip: Grace Bay Beach is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, so it’s illegal to remove shells, coral, plants or wildlife from the beach without permission. Feel free to admire and explore—but leave nature as you found it!
Leeward Beach
Best beach for swimming
Leeward Beach, on the northeast tip of Providenciales, is the ultimate no-fuss spot for swimming in Turks and Caicos. With soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s an excellent place to float and relax without distraction. The beach is refreshingly quiet, offering a peaceful retreat from the usual tourist bustle of the nearby Grace Bay Beach – no vendors, no bars and fewer opportunities for watersports and snorkeling. Rock jetties dot the shore, but they mainly attract small reef fish rather than the vibrant marine life. Leeward Beach also shines as a prime spot for sunsets, with views of the setting sun casting a golden glow over the bay.
Local tip: Some of the access points to this beach have either been sold or blocked off. Three remaining to try: Stubb’s Point (also called Sunset Beach), Pelican Point and Leeward Going Through.
Long Bay Beach
Best beach for horseback riding and kiteboarding
Long Bay Beach, on the southeast coast of Providenciales, is a three-mile stretch of soft, white sand where the turquoise waters are shallow and inviting. The beach’s versatility stands out – whether you're looking to ride horseback or chase the wind, Long Bay Beach is the top spot for both.
For a relaxed ride, Provo Ponies, the island's oldest and most popular stable, offers guided horseback rides along the shore for all ages. Meanwhile, if you're after something more adrenaline-pumping, Long Bay is a kiteboarding hotspot. Thanks to steady northeast trade winds and shallow waters, it's perfect for beginners looking to learn the ropes or experienced kiteboarders eager to take their skills to the next level. Kiteboarding schools like Kite Provo and TCI Kiteboarding offer lessons by the water, so you can jump in and start riding the wind almost immediately.
Smith’s Reef
Best beach for snorkeling and diving
Smith’s Reef, near Turtle Cove on Providenciales’ north coast, is a snorkeling haven celebrated for its vibrant marine life and accessible reefs. This site boasts multiple reef systems catering to both novice and experienced snorkelers. The reefs teem with colorful fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish and barracuda, as well as larger marine creatures like sea turtles, stingrays and eagle rays.
Diverse hard and soft corals, sponges and sea fans thrive at Smith’s Reef, making it one of the healthiest and most picturesque snorkeling spots on the island. For an extra thrill, consider night snorkeling to encounter nocturnal sea creatures like squid, shrimp and even octopuses.
Detour: About five minutes south of Smith’s Reef is the Bight Reef (also called Coral Gardens), another popular snorkeling spot. Green turtles, hawksbill turtles and an occasional nurse shark are among the marine life you’ll encounter here.
Half Moon Bay
Best beach for boating trips
Half Moon Bay is a pristine beach nestled between the uninhabited islands of Little Water Cay and Water Cay. This sandbar, which has evolved over time, is about 400ft (110m) wide and is a favorite spot for boat cruises, day trips, picnics and even kayaking from Providenciales.
The northern side of the bay is a beautiful beach with clear turquoise waters, while the southern side features a calm, shallow lagoon with crystal-clear waters and soft sand. It's also an ideal location to spot the fascinating rock iguana, which thrives in the region's coastal bushland and dunes.
Local tip: Do not feed the iguanas because it can harm their health. Avoid stepping on or disturbing their burrows.
Pine Cay Beach
Best exclusive beach
The beach fronting the north coast of Pine Cay, a private island accessible only by boat or small plane, offers unparalleled exclusivity. With calm waters, untouched sand and stunning ocean hues, it stands as one of the most serene and secluded beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This pristine stretch is rarely crowded, as it is primarily enjoyed by guests of the intimate Pine Cay Resort and the few rental villas on the island.
Stretching across sandbars that link Pine Cay to nearby islands like Water Cay, Half Moon Bay and Little Water Cay, this is six miles of uninterrupted coastline. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing are all done on the beach. The island also offers easy access to scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and boat excursions from nearby Providenciales.
Malcolm’s Road Beach
Best off-the-beaten-path beach
Malcolm’s Road Beach may be a bit challenging to find, but the 30-minute drive from Grace Bay is well worth it for those in search of seclusion and natural beauty. Tucked away on the remote western side of Providenciales, this hidden gem features 1.3 miles (2.09km) of soft, peach-toned sand, framed by the exclusive Amanyara resort and leading into low limestone cliffs at Northwest Point.
What sets this beach apart is its proximity to the "wall" – the dramatic drop-off of the Caicos Islands plateau, creating some of the best scuba diving conditions in the region. The vivid blue waters and soft sand, made from broken coral and shell fragments, add to the beach's appeal.
Local tip: Malcolm’s Road Beach (also called Amanyara) is accessible via a rough, three-mile unpaved route from the Wheeland and Blue Hills area, ending at a small beach access with a pavilion and parking. The road has no official signs so it can be hard to find.
North Bay Beach
Best beach in the TCI Cays
Tucked away on the peaceful island of Salt Cay, North Bay Beach stands out as the premier beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands' small cays (there are eight inhabited cays). With its unspoiled beauty, sparkling white and peach-colored sand, and crystal-clear waters, it's easily one of the prettiest beaches in TCI. Stretching 1.75 miles (2.7km) along the north coast, it is the largest beach on Salt Cay, providing a secluded sanctuary far from the crowds found at other beaches like Grace Bay.
This hidden gem is rarely visited by large groups, so you're likely to have the entire beach to yourself. While it’s accessible only by staying overnight on Salt Cay – day trips from Providenciales aren’t currently an option due to limited flights and ferries – it’s worth the effort.
Local tip: Salt Cay is a perfect location for whale watching so consider visiting January through early April to spot these majestic creatures.
Sapodilla Bay Beach
Best beach for families
Located on the southwest coast of Providenciales, Sapodilla Bay is the perfect family-friendly beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Tucked between sheltering hills, this small, 900-foot (275m) stretch offers some of the most calm and clear waters in the region, making it ideal for families with young children to swim and play safely.
Although the beach can get busier on peak days, it still feels more intimate than the larger Grace Bay Beach. Vendors offer snacks, drinks and rentals, while light music and occasional water sports activities like jet skiing provide added fun for the whole family.
Taylor Bay Beach
Best beach for isolation
For those seeking solitude, Taylor Bay is a hidden gem on Providenciales, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Situated near Chalk Sound, just west of Sapodilla Bay, this small, 2000ft (600m) beach is sheltered by the Ocean Point peninsula, protecting it from the typical southeast trade winds. The shallow, calm and crystal-clear waters are perfect for families with young children. Plus, the beach is never crowded, even during peak times.
Local tip: Access to Taylor Bay is a bit tricky, with limited parking and a somewhat hidden access path. Make the short journey there by water with a rented jet ski from nearby Five Cays Beach.
