The Beaches of Providenciales – Western Beaches

Part 3 in a Four Part Series about the Beaches of Providenciales

Your Providenciales beach bucket list should include not only idyllic places for sunbathing or swimming, but also settings to showcase Mother Nature or transport you back in time.

Getting to Northwest Point National Park

The beaches along the western shores offer startling landscapes and fascinating wildlife. About a 20-25 minute drive from Villa del Mar is Northwest Point National Park. To arrive at this western beach of Providenciales, take the Millennium Highway as far as you can and follow the dirt road inside the park area. The road can be uneven and rough in spots, so take care; but the journey is definitely worth it. There is a parking lot at the end; the beach is yards away.

Features at Northwest Point National Park

Northwest Point features a marine park and a pond natural reserve. You’ll see spectacular birds in their natural habitat like osprey diving for food or brown pelicans scooping up fish in their large pouches. The beach consists of rocks and shells which makes it great for beachcombing. There is good snorkeling for intermediate to experienced level snorkelers. You’ll want to make sure conditions are calm. There can be currents and wave action. The area is completely unmonitored, so exercise caution.

Getting to West Harbour Bluff on Providenciales

Further south along the coast in the southwestern corner of Providenciales is West Harbour Bluff featuring stunning sea limestone cliffs and caves. Take Millennium Highway, turn left at Tom Lightbourne Road. It’s best to take your time as the road can be quite rough in places. For those who want to let someone else do the driving, you can get there by boat. There are guided excursions available through Caicos Dream Tours, Big Blue and Silver Deep.

Features of West Harbour Bluff

West Harbour Bluff is also known as Split Rock which describes its physical appearance: two large limestone rock formations side by side. It’s also called Pirate’s Cove referring to the many secluded caves here said to be popular hideouts for pirates of long ago. Chiseled into the rock formations here are names, dates and signatures that invite observers to note past events and people. “Ship St. Louis Burnt At Sea 1842” says one inscription referring to the ship St. Louis which travelled from Boston to New Orleans. Like many of the rock carvings, the message prompts many questions. Who carved this? Where did the ship burn? Did pirates board the ship? Mysteries abound.

Beaches at the western tip and southwestern corner of Providenciales boast natural splendour and they’re a peek into the island’s history that is sure to leave its mark on you.

For more information about visiting Northwest Point National Park and West Harbour Blugg contact our helpful Front Desk staff at Villa del Mar.