# Leeward Beach *Providenciales, Turks and Caicos · 2 min read* The quiet eastern continuation of Grace Bay, with soft white sand, few people and views across the channel to Little Water Cay. ## At a glance - Size: Several sections broken by jetties and low cliffs - Water: Clear and turquoise; currents in the channel - Access: Three public accesses in Leeward - Best time: Year-round; good for sunset - Best for: Quiet, Swimming, Kayaking ## Overview Leeward Beach is on the northeast end of Providenciales, where the Grace Bay coast continues east past the resorts. It fronts the quiet Leeward residential area and ends at Leeward Going Through, the channel that separates Providenciales from the uninhabited Caicos Cays. The swimming is usually excellent and the sand is soft and white. There's far less development than on Grace Bay, so it's easy to find a stretch to yourself. Low limestone cliffs, a few rock jetties and some large sandbags break up the beach in places. The beach is part of Princess Alexandra National Park. From the eastern end you look across to Little Water Cay, a protected sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, and to the wetlands of Mangrove Cay. ## When to go Leeward Beach is good year-round, and it stays quiet even in the high season. It's a lovely spot for sunset. The channel at Leeward Going Through is busiest during the day, with tour boats, tubing and kayak tours passing through. Early mornings are calmer if you want to paddle. ## Things to do ### Swimming - Level: Easy - What you need: None - Where: Off the Stubb's Point access, well away from the channel. ### Kayaking and paddleboarding - Level: Moderate - What you need: Kayak or paddleboard - Where: Launch from the Leeward Going Through access to explore the channels around Little Water Cay and Mangrove Cay. ### Beach walks - Level: Easy - What you need: None - Where: Along the sand from Stubb's Point. Jetties and low cliffs break up the beach in places. ### Snorkeling - Level: Easy - What you need: Mask, snorkel and fins - Where: Around the small rock jetties. Expect a few reef fish. Smith's Reef and Bight Reef are much better. ## Tours & activity guides - [Boat Trips & Island Hopping](https://www.sastci.com/activities/boat-trips): A small cay just off Leeward that is a sanctuary for the endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguana, managed by the National Trust. Walk the boardwalk trails and watch the iguanas; never feed or touch them. - [Kiteboarding](https://www.sastci.com/activities/kiteboarding): Flat water near Half Moon Bay. Watch for boat traffic in the navigation channels around the marinas, and expect patchy wind near Emerald Point. - [Kayaking & Paddleboarding](https://www.sastci.com/activities/kayak-paddleboard): The most popular paddle in the country. Shallow tidal channels wind through red mangroves, where you may see juvenile lemon and nurse sharks, small turtles, southern stingrays, starfish and conch. - [Family & Rainy-Day Ideas](https://www.sastci.com/activities/family-and-rainy-day): Another wide, sandy north shore beach with generally calm water. ## Getting there Leeward is at the northeast end of Providenciales, east of the Grace Bay resorts. There are manned guard booths at the entrances, but the public may drive in to reach the beaches. Stubb's Point is at the end of Sandpiper Avenue and has the most parking. Pelican Point is off Nightjar Road, with limited parking. The Leeward Going Through access is on the left near the end of Prince of Wales Drive. You'll need a rental car or taxi. ## Beach access & parking ### 1. Stubb's Point (Pelican Beach, Sunset Beach) The best of the three for sand and swimming, though a few rock jetties break up the beach. Locals also call it Pelican Beach or Sunset Beach, and it's a good spot for sunset. - Parking: Plenty of space ### 2. Pelican Point Off Nightjar Road. Often overlooked, so it's usually quiet. The sandy stretch is shorter and has rocky shore on both sides. - Parking: Limited ### 3. Leeward Going Through Off Prince of Wales Drive, facing the channel near Emerald Point. The launch spot for kayaking or paddleboarding to Little Water Cay and Mangrove Cay. Currents and boat traffic make it a poor place to swim. - Eat nearby: [Anchorage Restaurant & Bar](https://www.sastci.com/dining/leeward-long-bay#anchorage-restaurant-and-bar) (11 min walk) ## Facilities - Parking: Yes. Plenty of room at Stubb's Point, limited space at Pelican Point. The Leeward entrances usually have guard booths, but the public can drive in to reach the beaches. - Sunset view: Yes. The best easy-to-reach sunset spot on Providenciales. The sun usually sets across the bay, behind the higher ground to the west. - Free parking at the public accesses, most at Stubb's Point - No vendors or beach rentals, so bring your own supplies - Blue Haven Marina is nearby - No lifeguards ## Where to eat near Leeward Beach - [Cabana Bar & Grill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/grace-bay#cabana-bar-and-grill): Beach bar · Bar and grill, local seafood, waterfront, 17 min walk - [Opus Wine Bar and Grill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/grace-bay#opus-wine-bar-and-grill): Fine dining · Steak and seafood, 18 min walk - [Rickie's Flamingo Café](https://www.sastci.com/dining/grace-bay#rickies-flamingo-cafe): Beach bar · Local and American beach food, waterfront, 18 min walk - [19 Bar and Restaurant](https://www.sastci.com/dining/grace-bay#19-bar-and-restaurant): Casual · Bar and grill, 19 min walk - [Anchorage Restaurant & Bar](https://www.sastci.com/dining/leeward-long-bay#anchorage-restaurant-and-bar): Fine dining · Mediterranean, waterfront, 1.5 km away - [Pelican Bay Restaurant](https://www.sastci.com/dining/grace-bay#pelican-bay-restaurant): Casual · International and Caribbean, 1.9 km away ## Safety - There are no lifeguards. Swim at your own risk. - Beware of currents and boat traffic at Leeward Going Through. Swim well away from the channel, and don't try to swim across to Little Water Cay. - The beach is in a national park. Fishing, collecting shells or coral, and touching marine life are not allowed. - On Little Water Cay, stay on the boardwalks and don't feed or touch the iguanas. Pets are not allowed. ## Local tip For the nicest stretch of sand, use the Stubb's Point access at the end of Sandpiper Avenue. For kayaking to Little Water Cay, use the Leeward Going Through access instead. [Open Leeward Beach in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Leeward%20Beach%2C%20Providenciales%2C%20Turks%20and%20Caicos%20Islands)