Beautiful Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos is the focal point of many visitor’s holidays. With some of the best beaches in the TCI, a thriving restaurant and nightlife culture, and fantastic private villas available to rent, it’s a holidaymaker’s dream come true! Here’s everything you need to know about Grace Bay before you visit on your globetrotting adventure– including some Big Blue Collective secrets!
The best beaches in the TCI (and world)
We’re sure you remember that Grace Bay Beach has been nominated as one of the best beaches in the entire world! It’s been described as the ‘Hallmark of the Islands,” and offers one of the best beach holidays you’ll ever have. It was named after Grace Jane Hutchings, wife of the TCI commissioner in the 1930s, and one of the very first things that will strike you about the beach is its consistency. You won’t find just one or two beauty spots- the entire area is a lush, spectacular expanse of beach. You’ll notice the stereotypical Caribbean soft white sand and remarkably calm water from the second you arrive. This is due, in part, to the exquisite barrier reef lying just offshore. You’ll be able to take a dive or snorkel trip out to enjoy its tropical beauty, but be sure to just enjoy some casual beach-time first!
The beach covers 12km of pure, untouched coastline, with the Leeward Beach connected on the East and Bight Beach to the west. For a fantastic holiday memory that’s utterly Instagramable, take a horseback ride through the surf one morning. If you love walking, it’s a gorgeous destination and offers a good challenge, too! You can even take a local homeless ‘potcake puppy’ to the beach for some playtime.
The weather is perfect to swim, too, although there will sometimes be small powerboats in the bay so take all standard precautions. While cruise ships can dock at Grand Turk, they won’t venture to Provo, so you’re safe from encountering these behemoths or having them spoil your view. Grace Bay Beach is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, a preserved, mostly marine, conservancy area that boasts a wealth of exciting animal sightings you’re sure to enjoy. Don’t skip out on Iguana Island for the little ones, either.
Whatever you do, make sure to spend at least one sunset sipping cocktails (the drinking age is 18 in the TCI) and enjoying the best of Grace Bay Beach. It’s a heart-grabbing sight that will never leave you- and a perfect opportunity for a romantic shared moment, too. Many sea-view private villas will have a perfect balcony or sun deck to enjoy the sight from.
Wonderful water (and wind) sports
What’s even better than a beautiful beach to bask on? One packed with fun things to do! The best beaches in the TCI aren’t just there for relaxing. The Turks and Caicos is a world number one for wind and water sports. Come try your hand at stand up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, jet skiing, paragliding, and so much more. Or take it under the waves with diving and snorkelling. If you’re looking for the perfect day trip, you can even hire a private yacht and head wherever your heart desires. This is also the perfect way to see the best sights of Bight Reef, as well as explore numerous other thrilling dive-and-snorkel sites that can only be accessed by boat. At Smith’s Reef, you may even have a chance to spot Eagle Rays or Hawksbill Turtles.
From a slow, gentle paddle down the mangrove channels to a rigorous day of kitesurfing our trade winds, you’re sure to find something to delight your heart. The Turks and Caicos main season may be winter, but there’s fantastic weather almost year-round and the monsoon season is rarely much more than a bit of rain, so you can enjoy the sea and the beach at any time.
Finding a place to stay
Provo, as one of the two main islands of the Turks and Caicos, has fantastic accommodation options across a broad spectrum of tastes and budgets. Here you will find spectacular private villas, tailorable to any group size, with gorgeous views and the very best facilities. There’s also resorts on the island, if that’s more to your vacationing taste, including one of the biggest waterparks in the Caribbean to enjoy.
From here, it’s easy to walk, grab a cab, cycle, or hop on a shuttle to get to the beach. In Provo, especially around Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos show off the very best of locally caught seafood. You’ll be able to sample succulent seafood almost straight from the boat. Enjoy in a restaurant, or get down with the locals and join one of the many fine eateries that proliferate in the area. Nassau grouper, lobster and the local delicacy, the conch, will all be displayed to their very best. During the season, keen anglers can even join in with fishing. This is also the place to go if you’re looking for some nightlife after you leave the beaches.
If you’re heading to the Turks and Caicos in 2021, Grace Bay is a must-visit. The best beaches in the TCI, and one of the most welcoming atmospheres in the world- what could be more perfect? Let Grace Bay and the Turks and Caicos woo your heart and soothe your soul with the adventure of the lifetime. Remember, the Big Blue Collective’s concierge service is always on-hand to help you make the holiday of your dreams come true. From private villa bookings to water sports tuition, we have you covered every step of the way.