Best Turks and Caicos Beaches in the Caribbean

You won't find beaches more magical than these.

Best Turks and Caicos Beaches in the Caribbean

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean

Is there such a thing as an ugly Caribbean beach? Probably not. Especially not on the idyllic shores of Turks and Caicos.

This British Overseas Territory is south of the Bahamas and comprises 40 islands and cays. Only nine of these islands are inhabited, but most can be reached by an inter-island road or by boat.

You'll find plenty of things to do in this amazing destination, but nothing can beat soft sand, green palm trees and water turquoise water. Turks and Caicos is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. These are the best.

15. Horsestable Beach

Location: North Caicos

Horsetable Beach is the easternmost beach in the long stretch of sand covering the northern tip of North Caicos, and it is gorgeous and secluded.

Shallow water makes it family-friendly and also allows for the creation of sandbars, which you can often swim or walk to. Visitors love the famous turquoise water and white sand, but there is also an abundance of wildlife.

If you're lucky, you'll be able to see pelicans, stingrays and lemon sharks. Don't worry, this species is very tame.

14. Sapodilla Bay Beach

Sapodilla Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Location: Providenciales

Though small, Sapodilla Bay Beach is as calm as can be. You won't have to worry about heavy waves here. The hills that surround the bay prevent strong winds and currents. Its geography makes it feel like your own private slice of heaven.

Once you're out of the water, take some time to visit Sapodilla Hill for sweeping views of the water. You'll also get to see big rocks where sailors carved messages and names.

13. Cove Beach

Location: South Caicos

This South Caicos beach has a great vibe and plenty of activities. Swimming is, of course, the preferred way to enjoy the water, but snorkeling just off the shore is also very popular.

Cove Beach Bar is right on the beach, providing food, drinks and — most importantly — bathrooms to happy beachgoers. Stay until dark to see an incredible sunset.

12. Big Sand Cay

Location: Salt Cay

With a population of about 108 people, Salt Cay is one of the smallest islands in Turks and Caicos. It's also somewhat sheltered from mass tourism, by nature of it not being connected to the rest of the islands.

Still, it's possible to take a boat to beautiful Salt Cay and make the trip to Big Sand Cay. The effort will be rewarded with a tranquil beach setting that will instantly make you feel at peace.

11. Cedar Point Beach

Location: Middle Caicos

If you're not one for all-inclusive resorts and crowded beaches, you'll love Cedar Point Beach. Just reaching this point is an adventure in itself, and one that will most likely require you to rent a 4x4. You'll drive the vehicle through somewhat rough terrain and to the wild beach.

Needless to say, don't expect to find bars, beach chairs or any type of facility here. It'll be you, the waves and the wind. But if you make the trek here, that's probably exactly what you're looking for.

10. Sandy Point Beach

Sandy Point Beach, North Caicos, Caribbean

Location: North Caicos

North Caicos is known for being the greenest island of the group, which is why it's also a great bird-watching spot. This is part of what draws people to Sandy Point Beach. That and the nearby caves.

But even without these things, the beach itself is worth a visit. Its crescent shape makes it look as if it were hugging the warm, powdery blue Caribbean water that surrounds it.

9. Long Bay Beach

Turks and Caicos, Providenciales - Long Bay Beach

Location: Providenciales

Lying on the beach is amazing, but some people want a bit more action on their vacation. If this is you, set your eyes on Providenciales' Long Bay.

Often regarded as the best place in Turks and Caicos to go kiteboarding, the beach is blessed with winds that will take you through the waves. And if you fall, don't worry. The water is so shallow that you won't have a problem walking back to your kite.

Feeling up for something unique? Try horseback riding on the beach.

8. Pine Cay Beach

Location: Pine Cay

The privately owned Pine Cay is home to the Meridian Club, a resort that proudly boasts of having Pine Cay Beach. Picture-perfect sea-green waves crash into the impossibly white sand.

But what sets the beach apart is its proximity to the Pine Cay airstrip, where you can see small planes landing right next to the beach.

7. Bambarra Beach

Location: Middle Caicos

Bambarra Beach is one of Turks and Caicos' most kid-friendly beaches. Its shallow water stretches far from the shore, so your children can feel like they're exploring the ocean while still being safe.

The beach also has a pier with tiki huts and fishing boats, so you won't have to worry about your children turning into hangry little gremlins.

6. Malcom's Road Beach

Malcom's Road Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Location: Providenciales

Another beach for the intrepid traveler, Malcom's Road Beach is best reached by 4x4. You'll get through an unpaved road, then walk down a wooden staircase to reach the sea.

But rather than peacefulness, this beach offers excitement, with the closest point to the reef wall that surrounds Providenciales. Snorkelers and divers will be met with a 7,000-foot drop teeming with marine life.

If you want the experience without the headache, you can book a snorkeling tour that includes transportation.

5. Governor's Beach

Location: Grand Turk

Governor's Beach is nestled within Columbus Landfall National Park, one of the three possible points for the historic arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.

And while that arrival proved tragic to the indigenous people of the Greater Antilles, the park protects a great part of Grand Turk from overdevelopment and environmental damage.

The governor of Turks and Caicos once called this his own private beach, as his mansion was located right on it. You can still see the mansion, named Waterloo sans governor, and enjoy knowing you're in one of the most coveted spots in the territory.

4. Mudjin Harbour

Location: Middle Caicos

Mudjin Harbor attracts tourists to Middle Caicos with its tall limestone cliffs overlooking a sea that turns from blue-green to deep blue to bright turquoise.

A small beach of white sand lies nestled between the cliffs. From here, you can observe the powerful waves crashing against the limestone.

Boats who bring people to the beach also take them around the surrounding sea caves, an experience we definitely recommend.

3. North Bay Beach

North Bay Beach in Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos

Location: Salt Cay

You won't find dizzying crowds in any of Salt Cay's beaches, but North Bay Beach is particularly peaceful. If you come at the right time, you may even have the beach to yourself — a dream that almost seems impossible in the popular islands of the Caribbean.

Besides white sand, you'll see faintly pink sand, and get the chance to snorkle around small reefs right off the shore.

2. Half Moon Bay

Location: Pine Cay

Half Moon Bay is a very coveted boating spot on Pine Cay. The sandbar lagoon has plenty of natural beauty, with dunes and thatch palm trees framing the views of the ocean. Boats and yachts dock around it in groves while people play music and take a dip in the sea.

If a boat excursion seems too loud (or too expensive) you can also kayak — yes, kayak — to Half Moon Bay from Providenciales.

1. Grace Bay Beach

Grace Bay Beach in the Caribbean, Turks & Caicos

Location: Providenciales

Gorgeous, gorgeous Grace Bay Beach is located in Princess Alexandra National Park and has a colorful barrier reef. This makes it perfect for diving and snorkeling.

But you'll also want to allow time to enjoy its seven-mile beach. And there are plenty of other fun activities, including horseback riding, parasailing, jet skiing or taking a luxury boat tour.

Grace Bay is not only the best beach in Turks and Caicos. It is often considered one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean and the world. Without a doubt, it's one of the reasons why Turks and Caicos ranks as a must-visit Caribbean island.