Long Bay Beach
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos · 2 min read
A three-mile beach on the southeast side of Providenciales with shallow water that runs a long way out. It's the island's most popular kiteboarding spot.
At a glance
- Size: About 3 miles (4.8 km) of beach
- Water: Shallow, clear and often windy
- Access: Shore Club access and several small lanes
- Best time: November to May for wind; calm days for wading
- Best for: Kiteboarding, Families, Quiet
Overview
Long Bay Beach runs for about three miles along the southeast side of Providenciales, in front of the Long Bay Hills neighborhood. The sand is fine and white, and the water stays shallow for a long way out.
Because it faces the shallow Caicos Banks, Long Bay doesn't get the open-ocean swell that sometimes reaches the north coast. The trade winds blow onshore here, though, so you'll often see small, choppy waves. On rough days it can still be calmer than Grace Bay.
That steady wind and shallow water make Long Bay the most popular kiteboarding beach on the island. On windy days dozens of kites can be in the air. The southwestern end is quieter, with villas set back from the sand. Out on the horizon you can see the wreck of the freighter La Famille Express, grounded on the banks by Hurricane Frances in 2004.
When to go
For kiteboarding, the winter months from November to May have the most consistent wind, typically 15 to 20 knots.
If you want to wade or relax, pick a calmer day, or head to the quieter southwestern end.
Parking at the main access fills up in the daytime, so arrive early or be ready to park on the roadside.
Things to do
Kiteboarding
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- What you need: Kite gear, or book a lesson
- Where: New kiters do best at the Shore Club and Stubb's Cove accesses, where the water is shallow and other kiters are around. Experienced riders often prefer the Central and North accesses.
Kite lessons
- Level: Easy
- What you need: Provided by the school
- Where: Kite schools teach from the beach. Most of the bay is only waist-deep, so you can stand up between tries.
Wading and walking
- Level: Easy
- What you need: Water shoes and sun protection
- Where: Anywhere along the beach. The shallow water lets you walk a long way from shore.
Watching the kites
- Level: Easy
- What you need: Beach chair and shade
- Where: Near the Shore Club access, where most of the kiting happens.
Tours & activity guides
- Kiteboarding: The most popular kite spot in the country, with shallow water, a sandy bottom and onshore or side-on wind. Beginners do best where the water is shallowest and other kiters are around to help.
- Fishing & Bonefishing: Stalk bonefish on the quiet flats of the Caicos Islands or head offshore for wahoo, tuna and marlin. Here is where to go, what bites when, and the licence and national park rules you need to know.
Getting there
Long Bay is on the southeast side of Providenciales, about a 10-minute drive from Grace Bay.
Drive southeast on Leeward Highway, then turn onto The Shore Club Road or Long Bay Hills Road. The main public access is next to The Shore Club. Several smaller lane and path accesses along the beach are easy to miss.
You'll need a rental car or taxi. When the main lot is full, people usually park on the roadside nearby.
Beach access & parking
1. Stubb's Cove access
At the northeast end. Shallow water and plenty of experienced kiters around make it a good spot for beginners.
- Eat nearby: Captain Oak's Tiki Bar (5 min walk), SUI-REN (5 min walk), The Almond Tree (5 min walk)
2. Shore Club access
The main public access, beside The Shore Club. Follow the signs to the resort. This is where most of the kiteboarding happens, and it suits beginners.
Parking: Small lot that's usually full in the daytime. People park on the roadside nearby.
Eat nearby: SUI-REN (2 min walk), The Almond Tree (2 min walk), Captain Oak's Tiki Bar (8 min walk)
3. North access
A small lane access that's easy to miss. Quieter, and preferred by experienced kiters.
- Eat nearby: SUI-REN (6 min walk), The Almond Tree (6 min walk)
4. Central access
A small lane access partway along the beach. Quieter, and preferred by experienced kiters.
Facilities
- Parking: Limited. The Shore Club lot is small and usually taken by staff and beach businesses in the daytime. Roadside parking is common.
- Sunset view: No. The beach faces southeast, away from the evening sun.
- Small parking area at the Shore Club access
- Kite lessons and water sports rentals from beach operators
- Otherwise no services, so bring water and shade
- No lifeguards
Where to eat near Long Bay Beach
- SUI-REN: Fine dining · Japanese-Peruvian, sushi, 1.7 km away
- The Almond Tree: Casual · Comfort food, Southern classics, wood-fired pizza, 1.7 km away
- Crackpot Kitchen: Local · Turks and Caicos and Caribbean, 2.0 km away
- Coco Bistro: Fine dining · Caribbean and international, 2.1 km away
- Conch & Coconuts: Local · Local seafood, 2.1 km away
- Pork Shack: Takeout · Sandwiches, wings and tacos, 2.1 km away
Safety
- There are no lifeguards. Swim at your own risk and keep children close.
- Watch for boats and jet skis, especially near sunset when light is low.
- Keep well clear of kiteboarders and their lines, and follow the posted right-of-way sign at the beach.
- Dogs must be on a leash by law.
- Wind and sun are strong here. Use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Local tip
Learning to kiteboard? Start at the Shore Club or Stubb's Cove accesses. Experienced riders tend to use the Central and North accesses.
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