By Rhonda Massad
Providenciales, or more commonly known as “Provo”, covers an area of 38 miles and is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Found on the western end of the island chain, Provo offers all modern conveniences, including luxurious hotels, villas and condos, numerous restaurants, spas and shopping facilities, a championship caliber golf course, and full-service grocery store. Natural reserves are a big part of the island’s philosophy for protecting the environment. This means miles of white sugary sand with nothing but air and sea. A true visit with Mother Nature at her best. While I chose my four favorite beaches on the island the others are stunning and worth investigating.
Grace Bay
On the north shore of the island, near Grace Bay, you will find the most beautiful beaches, as well as a long coral reef, which is rich in aquatic life. This main stretch is home to the majority of the island major resorts and tourism services. You will find well-known restaurants like Somewhere and Hemingway’s.
The ocean at Grace Bay increases in depth closer to shore, yet due to being on the sheltered side of the island, the water tends to be calmer than Long Bay.
Sapodilla Bay
Known for its gin like shallow waters and white sand, Sapodilla Bay is not to be missed. A great spot for a Seadoo ride and a fresh smoothie. Not much to see with a snorkel but it is a great spot for young families with children.
Stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors can be found on the hilltop overlooking the now abandoned Marina Inn near Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay.
Long Bay
This southeastern beach is 3 miles long and accessible by several paths from the Long Bay Beach Drive. Beautiful and isolated, eastern breezes bring treasures from as far away as South America. The waters are rougher on this side of the island making it a favourite Kite Boarding area.
“The Hole” at Long Bay is a deep and wide Limestone chimney with a mysterious depth of salt water at the bottom. Great place for a photo op!
Northwest Point Beach
Northwest Point Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach that’s found off the remote west coast of Providenciales. This beach is about 2 km long. The exclusive Amanyara resort is found at the southern end of the coast. It’s a bit of an adventure to get to this beach. The “road” is a sand track it’s fairly firm but you have to take care. It’s very very isolated, little shade, no fresh water. . Glorious blue water and interesting snorkeling. Everything you imagine a desert island beach to be.
In my opinion one of the best places to beach comb for sea glass and tiny shells. This is a natural reserve so leaving with any of nature’s gifts is frowned upon.
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