The Beaches of Providenciales – The Leeward Beaches

Part 1 in a Four Part Series about the Beaches of Providenciales

The word Caribbean immediately conjures up an image of a beautiful sandy beach. And the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos is the perfect place to check things off on your “beach bucket list”.

Let’s start things off on our check list with a look at the Leeward Beaches of Providenciales along the northeastern shore. These beaches have powdery sand that is virtually rock free making them ideal for young children.

Getting to Bight Beach

Snorkeling enthusiasts will love Bight Beach, a 1.5 mile stretch of beach from Bight Reef to Smith’s Reef. About an eight minute drive west from Villa del Mar, Bight Beach is known for its calm waters and great snorkeling. It’s an ideal beach for the whole family to experience the spectacular marine life around Providenciales. Lush sea grass grows 75 feet out from the shore and is home to numerous colourful fish, stingrays and turtles.

Parking at Bight Beach

There are several beach accesses with the main one at the Children’s Park where there is ample free parking and covered picnic gazebos. Other accesses include Smith’s Reef or Bight Reef off Via Camilla Lane, Lizard Lane and Delancy Lane.

Getting to Leeward Beach

Are you looking for a private place to retreat? Then, Leeward Beach is the place to go. It takes its very name from the Old English world “hleo” meaning shelter or protection. Leeward Beach is a short seven minute drive east from Villa del Mar. This beautiful beach area has minimal visitors so it can be perfect for picnics, wedding photos, shelling, and simply getting away from it all.

You’ll find three accesses to it: Pelican Point (take Nightjar Road), Stubb’s Point (follow to the end of Sandpiper Avenue), and Leeward Going Through (follow Prince Of Wales Drive, access is on left almost at the end). The beach boasts inviting blue water, calm winds, and a tranquil atmosphere. Pack a picnic meal and relax. Or go for a good walk or beachcomb for some spectacular shells.

Parking at Leeward Beach

There is a small parking lot on Sandpiper Avenue.

Getting to Grace Bay Beach

No beach bucket list would be complete without Grace Bay Beach. Selected by TripAdvisor as the #2 beach in the world, Grace Bay offers over 12 miles of wonderful white sand. If you’re a guest of Villa del Mar, there is an area of this beach exclusively for your use complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas and beach attendants at the ready with cold drinks and fresh linens. It’s an ideal area for snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing, diving, sailing, and swimming.

Parking at Grace Bay Beach

Most visitors to the island stay along Grace Bay Beach, in some of the top hotels in Providenciales, so convenient parking is generally available on hotel property. For those driving to the beach from other areas, there are many access roads to Grace Bay Beach along which parking is available. If you are having a meal at one one the hotels along the beachfront, please ask for a parking pass so that you may visit the beach.

Beach Safety

To enjoy a sun safe day at the beach be sure to pack sunscreen, water, hats and sunglasses. Even though the beaches are generally calm and the water shallow, make sure that little ones are always within reach. Avoid picking up sea creatures, both for their safety and yours. When you are ready to leave, please take all your belongings with you and seek out garbage receptable to discard any trash. And remember that taking only pictures creates the best souvenir of your vacation time on the beaches of Providenciales.