Turks and Caicos - Hide Away at Taylor Bay

Bring your own chairs, food, fun, babies, and hang out in this paradise without seeing anyone else for hours

Turks and Caicos have lots of beaches to choose from. You could have a perfectly lovely vacation if you just stick with Grace Bay Beach, which is consistently named as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Famous Grace Bay is located on the island of Providenciales, which is the most developed and most populated of the islands in the country of Turks and Caicos. The island country's international airport is located on Providenciales, as are the larger resorts such as Club Med and Sandals. If you want the as-advertised Turks and Caicos vacation, by all means, stick with Grace Bay Beach. It is entirely possible to find a somewhat private and somewhat quiet spot, and to stake out a claim on a swath of sand for a perfectly delightful beach day.True, it is a long stretch facing the exquisite turquoise water.  However, it is not the only game in town.
For an off-the-beaten-path experience shared with hardly any other people, seek out Taylor Bay. It's odd that when you read the tourist information listing the beaches, Taylor Bay's name appears in the line up. But, to go from seeing its name on the list to actually getting your feet in the sand can be an adventure.
We had a rental car and followed the map to the cartoon marking of a beach umbrella plunked along a nonspecific road in a nonspecific residential area. Fortunately, a local had briefed us on how to actually get there.
After turning down a small residential street lined with luxurious homes, we found the unmarked entrance to a shady, winding pathway heading in the direction of the water. We parked the car along the sandy shoulder, took our gear with us (knowing that the beach is 100% pristine with no services and little shade). After a few moments down the sandy trail, we came upon a chain link fence. A thoughtful visitor before us had rigged up a stile of sorts. A beach lounge chair laid flat had a sturdy plastic box placed on top, allowing you to climb high enough so that you could swing your leg over the fence. On the other side of the fence, a step ladder was conveniently set up to receive you on the way down, making for an easy descent.

Access to Taylor Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

The fence is low enough that you can even fling your bags/beach chairs over it before you climb. Just steps beyond the fence, the trail opens up onto a breathtakingly beautiful and serene scene. Dazzling turquoise sea over a very long expanse of shallow water. Because of its sheltered location, there is no surf. It's ideal for small children and for setting up your beach chair right in the water.

TIP: do not try to follow my description. Ask a local for directions.