25 Best Sights in Turks and Caicos Islands

The world-famous sweeping stretch of ivory-white, powder-soft sand on Provo's north shore is simply breathtaking. Protected within the Princess Alexandra National Park, it's home to migrating starfish, as well as many schools of tiny fishes. The majority of Provo's beachfront resorts are along this shore, and it's the primary reason Turks and Caicos is a world-class destination. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Only minutes from Provo's eastern tip, Half Moon Bay is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the country. This natural ribbon of sand linking two uninhabited cays is only inches above the sparkling turquoise waters. There are small limestone cliffs to explore on either end where rock iguanas sun themselves, as well as small, sandy coves. Most of the island's tour companies run excursions here or simply offer a beach drop-off. As an alternative, rent a kayak from Big Blue Collective and venture over independently. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

You can hike the trails on the cliffs overlooking Mudjin Harbour and then dip down a hidden staircase to your own private cove if you're looking for total privacy. The main beach, accessible from Dragon Cay Resort, is the beginning of miles that you can stroll. The point of land that joins it to Dragon Cay at low tide is often littered with sea glass. Shallow tidepools between the cay and beach also provide endless entertainment when the wave action is minimal. But as this is Mudjin Harbour, a bit of bodysurfing can be had, because a break in the reef allows larger waves to make it to shore. Kids love it, and it's relatively safe, as there is little rip on most days. Just remember that there's no lifeguard on duty. Shade can be found in the giant, cavelike overhang at the base of the path down to the water, perfect for getting out of the sun. Of course, there’s always the possibility of spending a bit of time in the spectacularly placed restaurant overlooking the harbor; great food, drinks, and viewing are provided. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.

This beach is the best reason to visit Salt Cay; it might be the finest beach in the Turks and Caicos. Part of the beauty lies not just in the soft, powdery sand and beautiful blue waters, but also in its isolation; it's very likely that you will have this lovely beach all to yourself. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

It's said that Columbus made his New World landfall here, just north of Cockburn Town on the protected west shore. And why not? This is the prettiest beach on Grand Turk; it also has great off-the-beach snorkeling. As you enjoy the powdery white sand, you may be visited by one of the many donkeys that pass by. Amenities: parking (free); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

The Bight Beach blends right into Grace Bay Beach as the western extension of Provo's Princess Alexandra National Park; visitors generally think of the two beaches as one and the same. Unlike its world-famous counterpart, Bight Beach has off-the-beach snorkeling where the fringing reef comes in to touch the shore. The Provo Sailing Academy gives lessons to residents some Sundays. The beach also holds the Annual Fools Regatta in June, which everyone can enjoy. Both are held at the far western end in the Children's Park. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

As with all Middle Caicos beaches, Bambarra seems to stretch on forever, shaded by casuarina trees and littered with refuse from the sea. Visiting Bambarra Beach means no amenities, but enjoying a picnic lunch here provides a lifetime memory. Water is shallow, with coral heads nearby so that snorkeling is possible. Stroll on the beach or out to a nearby cay. Watch for rays and juvenile sharks as they patrol the shoreline. Probably the only time you will see others here is when a community gathering takes place; each Valentine’s Day, Bambarra Beach hosts the Middle Caicos Model Sailboat Race, which features hand-carved boats painted in bright colors as well as local music and a number of food and beverage stalls. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.

The beaches of Bell Sound on the Caicos Bank side of South Caicos will take your breath away; lagoon-like waters are warm and shallow, perfect for lollygagging. Expect the beach to be au naturel. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.

Accessible by boat through the on-island tour operators, this tiny, totally uninhabited island is 7 miles (11 km) south of Salt Cay; it's also known for its long, unspoiled stretches of open sand. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming.

To the north of South Caicos, uninhabited East Caicos has an exquisite 17-mile (27-km) beach on its north coast. The island was once a cattle range and the site of a major sisal-growing industry. Today, it's home to wild donkeys and is accessible only by boat, most easily from Middle Caicos but also from South Caicos. Visiting is best in the summer months when the winds die down, making boat access more comfortable. From South, the man to take you there is Captain Tim Hamilton with his son, Tamal, of T&V Tours. His service is excellent, and he knows the waters like no other. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

Directly in front of the official British governor's residence, known as Waterloo, is a long stretch of beach framed by tall casuarina trees that provide plenty of natural shade. The beach can be a bit crowded on days when cruise ships are in port. There are a couple of picnic tables where you can enjoy a picnic lunch, and there is a decent snorkeling spot just offshore. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; walking.

Don't be put off by the overgrown roundabout, because if you carry on to the left you'll find yourself at a wide swooping bay. There are miles to stroll, trees for shade, and only the odd photographer to meet along the way. The water is crystal clear and shallow, and the entire bay is a protected haven. This is where the boats would moor, bringing goods in to the nearby plantation and taking out what they wished to sell. If you cross over the rise where the unfinished home sits, you will find an unprotected coastline, a beachcomber’s delight. There's a wonderful little path that winds through the indigenous underbrush bordered by low rock walls that will lead you to the ruins. The walk out and back takes about 30 minutes. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.

Horse Stable Beach is the main beach for annual events and beach parties for the resident population of North Caicos. Get-togethers spring up occasionally at the North Caicos Community Centre that sits along the beach, making you quite lucky if you happen to be around for one; visitors are always welcome. Stop by if you're a beachcomber, as you'll find shells and sun-bleached coral as well as many other items washed in from the sea off of passing ships. The sand is soft and strolling is a delight. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.

Due south of South Caicos is Little Ambergris Cay, an uninhabited cay about 14 miles (23 km) beyond the Fish Cays, with excellent bonefishing on the second-largest sandbar in the world. Amenties: none. Best for: solitude.

On the southeastern end of the island, visitors will find this a lovely stretch to stroll. It’s not much of a place to swim, as the water is shallow and shells litter the floor. This is where you can pick up a conch shell to take home, as it is not part of the country’s park system. It's ungroomed, so you’ll find many along the shore. Long Bay is also where some will have their dreams of riding horseback fulfilled. The guides with Provo Ponies will also let them swim. Kitesurfers have also made this their mecca. On any one Saturday, there may be up to a hundred kiters enjoying the shallower waters and warm trade winds to advance their skills. If you’re not a participant, come out and enjoy the show. You can watch world-class boarders daily. It might spark some interest so that you find yourself checking in with one of the several instructors giving lessons out on Long Bay. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: kitesurfing; walking; windsurfing.

Otherwise known as East Side, Long Beach is more difficult to get to, but it is the perfect spot for individuals wishing to explore. Without the reef as protection, much washes ashore; search for seashells on the seashore or examine decades of flotsam and jetsam that litters the beach, including old bottles and weathered ships' planking. You will be sure to find total solitude on this side of the island. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.

This endless stretch of beach can be susceptible to rough surf. However, on calmer days during the summer months, you'll feel like you're on a deserted island with no one in sight. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.

This is one of the most stunning beaches you'll ever see, but you'll need to tread carefully; the road is a little rough in spots, and there have been reports of break-ins at the parking area. Don't bring any valuables with you, and never go alone. Also pack your own food and drinks because there are no facilities for miles around. However, if you're looking for a great diving experience, Malcolm's Road Beach offers one of the best as it is located near the wall, which is an underwater plateau covered with beautiful marine life. Even if you're not a diver, the water in this area is so clear, it's amazing how much you can see just from the shoreline. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

Pelican Beach is a gorgeous stretch of beach that blends right into Grace Bay Beach at its eastern extension, within Princess Alexandra National Park. There is little distinction between where one beach ends and the other begins—some people refer to a small stretch in between as Leeward Beach. Because of a cut in the reef, you may find wonderful shells here—but remember that you are within the national park, so they must be left behind for others to see long after you have gone home. This end of the bay is slightly quieter than the rest, as there is much less development here. Enjoy. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

One of the best of the many secluded beaches around Provo is this peaceful quarter-mile cove protected by Sapodilla Hill. The soft strand here is lapped by calm waves, while yachts and small boats rock with the gentle motion. During low tide, little sandbar "islands" form—they're great for a beach chair and make the waters easily accessible to young children. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: sunbathing.

Perfect for familes, Taylor Bay is shallow for hundreds of feet. The beach also offers gorgeous views of the villas that hang over the shoreline on one side of the bay with natural coastline on the other. As it has had many amazing reviews over the years, don’t expect to have this one all to yourself. There is even the odd tour that pulls up. Amenities: none. Best for: sunbathing; wading.

This is about as isolated as it gets on Provo. West Bay has long stretches of beaches to walk and possibly not see another person for hours. You might see large red starfish in the water here, or if you walk out to Bonefish Point you may spot small reef sharks and the odd ray hunting in the shallows. Amenities: none. Best for: exploring; solitude; swimming; walking.

Whitby Beach usually has a gentle tide, and its thin strip of sand is bordered by palmetto palms and taller trees, which provide a bit of shade. As the beach is in its natural state, you may enjoy a bit of beachcombing as you stroll; you'll find small shells, sun-bleached coral, and other ocean castoffs. There are also some coral heads just offshore for those who wish to don a mask and fins. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; walking.

Just a half-mile walk from the cruise-ship terminal on the southern tip of the island, White Sands Beach and Boaby Rock Point offers a secluded alternative to the cruise crowds, with access to the terminal and shops (when a ship is in port). The old weathered fishing boats resting on the beach contrast with the big shiny cruise ships that loom behind them. There is off-the-beach snorkeling; as it is not as protected as along the west coast, you must be a competent swimmer here. The miles of beach offer wonderful exploring with excellent beachcombing. Amenities : food and drink. Best for : partiers; swimming; walking.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore an amazing strand, check out Wild Cow Run. It's at the end of the island, and you're likely to have the beach, as well as the views of the channel and Joe Grant’s Cay, all to yourself. Numerous sandbars form at low tide, and beachcombing is at its best; you'll probably stumble upon the hull of a boat or two that lost its battle against Mother Nature. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.