The Best Beaches

Surrounded by the world's third-largest coral reef, the Turks & Caicos Islands have some of the finest powdery-sand beaches and most ethereal turquoise seas in the world. Most are just minutes away from an airport, and you'll rarely have to vie for beach space with anyone else. Tour boats can whisk you to uninhabited cays where you can play Robinson Crusoe for a day. The waters are pristine and diamond-clear, and waves rarely rise above a gentle ripple -- perfect for young kids and snorkelers of all ages.

Grace Bay (Providenciales): These 19km (12 miles) of pale sands and azure seas are the pride of Provo; Condé Nast Traveler has called this one of the world's best beaches. An increasing number of resorts and condo hotels have sprung up along the shore. Like much of the TCI, the beach is fringed by a coral reef system with fabulous snorkeling and diving.

Malcolm Beach (Providenciales): The traditional way to see this charming cove (often referred to as Malcolm Roads Beach) is with a 4*4 along twisting, bumpy Malcolm Roads. You can also access the beach by staying at Amanyara (the resort is adjacent to the beach) or by getting a tour-boat operator to take you there. Its waters are part of the Northwest Point Marine National Park.

Long Bay (Providenciales): The calm, shallow waters of this quiet beach on Provo's southeastern shore make it perfect for young children. Take a horseback ride on the beach here with Provo Ponies.

Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay (Providenciales): Part of the Chalk Sound National Park, these beautiful, shallow bays along Provo's southwest coastline have soft silty bottoms and warm water.

Pine Cay (Caicos Cays): The money shot in Caribbean Travel & Life's coverage of the 2005-06 winter season? A pic of this private island's perfect crescent of pale white sand rimmed by azure seas. The island is also home to The Meridian Club.

Parrot Cay (Caicos Cays): Another gorgeous private island, this one with a secluded beach graced by beach bums of the celebrity variety.

Sandy Point (North Caicos): Up until now, only boaters and those in the know found their way to this crescent of perfect beach, within sight of the Parrot Cay Resort. Ground was broken in 2006 for construction of the Royal Reef Resort, a luxury hotel and condos fronting the beach.

Whitby beaches (North Caicos): The coves of Three Mary Cays are prime snorkeling spots. Step into the shallows of the palm-fringed Pelican Point beach (in front of Pelican Beach Hotel) and find conch shells of every size. Lovely Horsestable Beach has enjoyed its North Caicos seclusion for years (it's also a prime bird-watching spot); now it's the future home of the $70-million St. Charles condominium resort.

Mudjin Harbor (Middle Caicos): This beach is as stunning seen from the green limestone cliffs towering above as it is in an up-close exploration of the wind-swept coves below.

Bambarra Beach (Middle Caicos): Casuarina trees fringe this picturesque white-sand beach. Its calm, shallow aquamarine waters are the site of the festive Valentine's Day model sailboat races, and the Middle Caicos Day beach party is held here in August.

Governor's Beach (Grand Turk): Grand Turk's most celebrated beach has great snorkeling and is a popular picnic spot under shady pines. It's in the Columbus Landfall National Park -- more about Columbus's "landfall" later -- and within sightlines of the new Grand Turk Cruise Center, which in 2006 began welcoming 2,000-passenger ships 2 days a week.

Pillory Beach (Grand Turk): The Bohio Dive Resort is set on this handsome stretch of Grand Turk beach.

The beaches of Salt Cay: This tiny island has some of the best snorkeling beaches in the Caribbean. The calmest waters are usually found on North Beach and Point Pleasant.