Long Bay Beach Providenciales
Long Bay is an incredible three-mile-long (4.8 km) beach on the southeast side of Providenciales. The water at this popular coast is breathtaking turquoise, with shallow depths leading off for a very great distance off the beach. Like nearly all beaches in the Turks and Caicos, Long Bay boasts white sand with perfect consistency.
Due to being located on the southern and shallow Caicos Banks side of Providenciales, Long Bay does not experience the open ocean swell waves that many of the northern and western beaches on the island sometimes encounter. Occasionally, it does experience small choppy waves caused by local winds.
The southwestern end of Long Bay Beach tends to be tranquil and features quite a few luxury vacation rental villas. Many of these beautiful accommodations include amenities such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for guests. A villa can be a great choice for kiters or families, as it allows for seclusion and more time on the water.
On the horizon off Long Bay Beach is the grounded wreck of the freighter ship La Famille Express. This popular boat charter attraction is located 2.3 miles (3.7 km) off the coast, and was washed onto the shallow Caicos Banks during Hurricane Frances in 2004.
Long Bay Beach fronts the residential region of Long Bay Hills.
Long Bay Compared to Grace Bay
Both Long Bay Beach and Grace Bay Beach are amazing coasts, yet they are quite different. The ocean at Grace Bay increases in depth closer to shore, making it a more swimmable coastline. Due to being on the sheltered side of the island, Long Bay Beach tends to have calmer water on rough days than Grace Bay (and is a great alternative if the northern beaches are looking choppy).
Beachfront resorts and hotels line much of Grace Bay, whereas Long Bay is a bit more private.
Location and topography play a tremendous part in the creation and quality of beach sand. Another apparent difference between the two beaches is the sand. Grace Bay’s sand is younger, having traveled less from its point of origin on the barrier reef. This results in larger and irregular grains that are soft to walk on.
Long Bay’s sand has generally migrated a much greater distance across the Caicos Banks and is consequently small-grain and consistent, which naturally compacts better.
Kiteboarding
Long Bay is by far the most popular kiteboarding location on Providenciales. Dozens of kites can be in the air on windy days. Due to the northeast trade winds, Long Bay usually has onshore or side-on wind.
In addition to the spectacular water and clean sandy ocean bottom, the shallow depth makes it much easier to learn (as you’ll be able to stand without drifting downwind). This is especially helpful during the transitional period after you've received initial instruction but have yet to fully practice and pick up important skills.
You would be hard-pressed to find a better beginner kite spot anywhere in the Caribbean.
Long Bay Real Estate
The residential community of Long Bay Beach and Long Bay Hills supports a thriving real estate market, with a range of undeveloped residential lots, finished homes, and luxury condos.
South Bank
On the beach and water at Long Bay, there are also several ongoing upscale residential projects. The largest of these is South Bank. This project is a carefully planned community on the southwestern side of the beach, with parcels on the beach, on the limestone cliff coastline, and surrounding the interior marina lagoon.
South Bank is located at a unique section of the coast, and allows for easy access between a great beach and a protected marina. The architecture and design of the project is contemporary Caribbean, with easy access to the ocean and flowing living spaces.
Long Bay Beach Accesses
Long Bay Beach has one primary beach access—the Shore Club access—and several small lane and path beach accesses, many of which are easily missed.
Parking
Nearly all of the established parking spaces at the Shore Club beach access are occupied during daylight hours by persons employed in the area or by businesses that operate from the beach. It is a common practice to park on the side of the road in the area when the main parking area is full.
Kiteboarding
Long Bay Beach is one of the top kiteboarding spots in the region, and can get quite busy on windy days. New and inexperienced kiters are typically best served with the Shore Club or the Stubb's Cove accesses, as the water depth is shallow and there are usually numerous experienced kiters to assist in the event of difficulties.
Proficient kiters may appreciate a more secluded location, which includes the Central and North accesses.