Grace Bay
#1 rated beach in the world! Long stretches of white sand and welcoming blue water. Grace Bay is in the heart of the tourist zone and is often quite busy but never so much so that you cannot find a spot to be yourself and indulge the sun.
Because we were travelling on our own and not part of a resort package we will not comment on the amenities afforded by the many resort hotels but we did appreciate the fact that the resorts do abide visitor parking and beach access.
This is not completely out of the kindness of their hearts but more to the point that in Turks and Caicos the beach belongs to everyone and no-one can bar you from being there.
Smith’s Reef
The locals say this is the best snorkelling area and they may be right.
Take the turn up Bridges Road by the Shark Bite Café and you can go either right or left to public parking areas. Either way a walk or about a half mile is required to get to Smith’s reef. Look for the house with the castle style turrets on it and you are there.
I am a casual snorkeler and always wary of the characteristics new waters. So it was with some trepidation that I explored this area as the wind and waves were a bit high while we were there.
The water is clear and the scenery is gorgeous. I spotted and octopus right away and saw tons of tropical fish and coral formations and even a sea turtle. Visibility was great and currents were not a factor.
Sunset Beach
Our hosts at Maddie’s cottage told us this was the best place to see the sunset on the island. It offers spectacular views of the rest of the beaches on the Grace Bay side of the island and the sunsets over the more westerly point giving a sweeping panorama of brilliant colors. Great place for beach walks too.
The Bight Beach
This beach surprised me for the quality of the snorkelling. It is located at the public park and always easily accessible to anyone. There are washrooms and picnic tables and it is also the site for the Thursday night Fish Fry. A great place to catch some local color, sample a lot of great food, gulp a few local craft brews, listen to some island reggae and generally people watch.
Again the water was clear and I saw rays along with the usual Caribbean suspects.
Sapodilla Bay
This is where to go when the winds are too strong on the Grace Bay.
Beautiful calm waters and more stretches of white sand. Don’t be shy about squatting in front of the lovely villas that are line the beach because like the rest of TCI the beach belongs to everyone. You can wade out here for what seems like eternity and never get in over your head. Local vendors offer snacks and cool drinks as well as paddle boards and jet skis. This place is great for kids so expect a few squeals of joy.
Coral Gardens
Part of Grace Bay in front of Coral Gardens resort and the Somewhere Café lays a stretch of beach great for the amateur snorkeler and for family fun.
It can be quite busy but the great food and atmosphere of the Somewhere Café make up for that.