Grace Bay Beach

Grace Bay is one of those places that leaves you bruised. But the wounds you get from repeatedly pinching yourself are a small price to pay for beach perfection. Situated on the north side of the British-ruled island of Providenciales, and located in the Northwest Caicos island chain, Grace Bay beach boasts five glorious miles of pristine coastline. The surf is generally calm, which makes it an ideal spot for splashing in the waves. There’s even a coral reef just off shore in front of the Coral Gardens Resort, which offers easily-accessible snorkeling opportunities.

A conversation-stopping 12-mile crescent of white sand juxtaposed against turquoise and jade hued water, Grace Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful in the world. Best of all, it is not only visually stunning, it is also accessible: the water is warm and calm, and you can snorkel just offshore. It’s about as close to paradise as you can get, and this island nation keeps mass development at a minimum so it isn’t marred by high-rise buildings or fast-food chain restaurants (they’re banned). The clarity and color of the water here comes from the crushed pink coral that actually makes up the sand, which varies from sugar-white to golden, depending on where you’re located.

Since 1962, the Turks and Caicos islands have been a colony of the British Crown. Until recently, these islands were quiet and remote. As years have gone by, they have become top beach and travel destinations. The weather is balmy in Fall, Winter, and Spring. In the Summer months (besides being hurricane season) it gets hot but the constant trade wind leaves the day quite comfortable. The salt ponds and marshes on Provo are an important habitat for about 170 species of migratory birds and waterfowl. The salinas are very important for the Provo eco-system. I stayed on Grace Bay in Provo which is the most developed island of the Turks and Caicos. The beaches there are jaw dropping with sugary white sand surrounded by teal and turquoise waters.There is also a coral reef which makes snorkeling among the sea life a colorful and exciting adventure. Relaxing, swimming, boating, fishing, and snorkeling are just a few of the activities available at the beaches. Usually, set these up at your hotel. I stop at the little tents and shops for trinkets to bring home. I help the local economy and get to bring gifts home to the children. Grace Bay has been voted THE BEST BEACH IN THE WORLD. There are luxury hotels and condos, restaurants, shops, and spa experiences available on Provo. Visit the Turks and Caicos. Their beauty and climate are perfect for a vacation, a rest, or more active pursuits. The official tourism website of the Turks and Caicos : www.turksandcaicostourism.com

The Turks and Caicos water gets its amazing color and clarity in part from the crushed pink coral sand bottom. This visibility, combined with coral heads and lots of multi hued fish found in calm shallow water within sight of the sandy white shore, makes for some of the most accessible, but very worthwhile, snorkeling I’ve experienced. Best off all it is accessible right off Grace Bay Beach—no need to take out the boat. If traveling with kids this is especially appealing as you can just stop when they get tired. It also works well for less confident swimmers. Try an area called Coral Gardens/Bight Reef (in front of Coral Gardens resort) or Smith’s Reef, both on Grace Bay Beach.