The Caribbean has achieved outstanding results in the 27th World Travel Awards (WTA), which celebrate excellences of the Travel & Tourism sector across the globe. Caribbean winners include Turks & Caicos Islands, which was voted ‘Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination’. Other Caribbean winners include the paradise island of St. Lucia, which emerged as “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination”, and Jamaica, which was nominated “Caribbean’s Leading Destination”, “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination” and “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.”
Turks and Caicos Islands boost pristine white sand beaches with crystalline turquoise waters. No wonder why this paradise on heart has won the award of leading beach destination. These are the best 3 beaches in Turks and Caicos ideal for water sports:
1. Grace Bay Beach
Grace Bay Beach is a 4.8 km-long beach included in the Princess Alexandra National Park, a 6,532 acres coastal and marine park located on the island of Providenciales. The beach was named after Grace Jane Hutchings, wife of Hugh Houston Hutchings, who was the Commissioner of Turks and Caicos from 1933-1934. The entire beach is characterized by clean water, white sand and no rocks, seaweed nor pollution. Grace Bay is protected from ocean swells by the barrier reef situated 1.6 km off the coast. The barrier reef offers excellent snorkel and dive sites, which can easily be reached by boat. Grace Bay Beach hosts some of the most beautiful resorts of the country and much of water sport activities occur in this area.
2. Leeward Beach
Leeward Beach is another excellence of Turks and Caicos Islands and it is also part of the Princess Alexandra National Park. Leeward Beach continues east from Grace Bay Beach and surrounds the region of Leeward. As on Grace Bay, also Leeward Beach has plenty of white sand, incredible turquoise water, and excellent swimming conditions, but it is generally less crowded, thus you will be able to find a private section and enjoy some time for your own. The channels located east of Leeward are ideal for watersport lovers, especially for kayaking, wakeboarding, and paddle boarding.
3. Long Bay Beach
Long Bay Beach, located on Providenciales island, is the perfect spot for kiteboarding. The constant winds coming from east and the shallow depth create the perfect conditions for kiting, even for beginners. Moreover, due to its location, the beach is not affected by open ocean swell waves. Another popular activity that can be performed on this beach is back horse riding. Like nearly all other beaches of Turks and Caicos Islands, Long Bay Beach features a 4.8 km-long stretch of white sand. There are a few luxury vacation rental villas which include services like paddle board and kayak rental.
