The Bight Beach
Providenciales
Scroll down for a map and access information.
The beautiful Bight Beach is found on the central north coast of Providenciales, and adjacent to the west of world-famous Grace Bay Beach.
The coast is typically sheltered from the common eastern trade winds, and hence the water here is usually calm and clear. Unlike Grace Bay Beach, lush seagrass begins to grow on the ocean floor about 75 feet (23 meters) off the beach, which is home to interesting ocean life, including stingrays, eagle rays, starfish, hawksbill turtles, and nurse sharks.
As is a common trait with the beaches in the Turks and Caicos, the sand at the Bight Beach is clean and a brilliant white. The central stretch of the coast is also a bit wider than many other beaches on the island, due to accretion over the years.
On its eastern end, the Bight Beach begins where Grace Bay Beach ends at The Bight Reef (Coral Gardens), and continues west 1.5 miles (2.3 km) to Smith's Reef in the Turtle Cove area.
Many of the villas and resorts on the Bight Beach claim to be on Grace Bay, however, although the Bight Beach is excellent, it is its own distinct section of the coast.
Snorkeling
Several small reefs are found in the area, the most famous of which is The Bight Reef (Coral Gardens).
A small collection of coral heads can also be found about 750 feet (225 meters) out from the Wymara Resort, along with a beautiful little reef located 330 feet (100 meters) out and 900 feet (274 meters)west of the main Children’s Park access. Due to the seagrass and reef marine environment, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, southern stingrays, eagle rays, and barracudas are more common than at Grace Bay.
Although not part of the Bight Beach, the excellent snorkeling of Smith's Reef can be found close by.
Accesses
There are several Bight Beach accesses, yet the Children’s Park is the main access, and the best choice for most visits. This location is on the widest and finest section of the each, and ample and free parking is available.
Other accesses can be found at the Bight Reef, off of Villa Camilla Lane, Lizard Lane, and Delancy Lane, and off the S bend that connects Turtle Cove Drive and Lower Bight Road.
Dangers
By far the greatest danger to swimmers is the reckless usage of powerboats, who blatantly ignore the law without repercussion. Over the years, at least two people have been killed by being struck by a boat. Most of this behavior is by small vessels offering banana boat and wake rides. Recent changes in the law require that such boats have a dedicated spotter, however, this law is not enforced and is often not followed. It’s important to be aware of them.
The Bight Beach is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, which has a 15 mph (24 km/h) speed limit for power vessels. Most boat operators flagrantly ignore this rule.
The coast typically does not have any major currents. When kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming far out, be aware that the wind is usually blowing offshore and it may be difficult to return to the beach.
Accommodation and Dining
