# Smith's Reef *Providenciales, Turks and Caicos · 2 min read* A string of reefs just off the beach near Turtle Cove, and the best easy-to-reach snorkeling on Providenciales. You swim straight out from the sand. ## At a glance - Size: Several reefs along three beach accesses - Water: Clear, mostly shallow, deeper outer reef - Access: Free parking off Coconut Road - Best time: Calm days; mornings are quieter - Best for: Snorkeling, Wildlife ## Overview Smith's Reef is a group of reefs and coral heads on the north coast of Providenciales, near Turtle Cove and about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from Grace Bay. You reach it from the beach, so there's no boat and no fee. There are reefs here for new and experienced snorkelers alike. The best coral is on the outer reef off the rocky point between the West and Central accesses, across a channel about 18 ft (5.5 m) deep. Closer in, the water is shallow and the coral heads sit a short swim from shore. You'll see parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and snapper on most visits. Green and hawksbill turtles, southern stingrays and spotted eagle rays are the larger visitors. The reef is part of Princess Alexandra National Park, so fishing and taking shells or coral are illegal. ## When to go Smith's Reef is good year-round, but it's best on calm days. Strong wind makes the water choppy and unpleasant for snorkeling. Some guides suggest going on an incoming tide, when the water tends to be clearer. Mornings and late afternoons are cooler and less busy. If you have time, come back after dark with a dive light. Squid, shrimp and the occasional octopus come out at night. ## Things to do ### Snorkeling the outer reef - Level: Moderate - What you need: Mask, snorkel and fins - Where: Off the rocky point near the West access, across the deeper channel. Eagle rays often pass through the channel. ### Snorkeling the shoal reefs - Level: Easy - What you need: Mask, snorkel and fins - Where: At the Central access, where two reefs run out from the beach over seagrass. Look for stingrays and turtles. ### Snorkeling with children - Level: Easy - What you need: Mask, snorkel and water shoes - Where: At the East access, where small coral heads sit in shallow water close to the beach. ### Night snorkeling - Level: Moderate - What you need: Dive light, mask, snorkel and fins - Where: The same reefs after dark. Go with someone who knows the site. ## Tours & activity guides - [Snorkeling](https://www.sastci.com/activities/snorkeling): A larger, more varied reef near Turtle Cove with three public beach accesses. Look for turtles, spotted eagle rays, lobsters and moray eels under the ledges, and stay well away from the marina channel. - [Family & Rainy-Day Ideas](https://www.sastci.com/activities/family-and-rainy-day): Coral heads near Turtle Cove where kids can spot eagle rays, sea turtles and pufferfish. The outer reefs suit older, stronger swimmers. ## Getting there Smith's Reef is on the north coast next to Turtle Cove Marina, a short drive from Grace Bay. The West and Central accesses are off Coconut Road, which you reach by crossing the small bridge on Bridge Road from Lower Bight Road. The West access has the largest free parking area. The East access is off the S-bend on Lower Bight Road, east of the marina. You'll need a rental car or taxi. Some reefs can be hard to spot, so look for the beach signs and watch where other snorkelers are. ## Beach access & parking ### 1. West access Closest to the best reef, the deeper outer reef off the rocky point, across a channel about 18 ft (5.5 m) deep. At the roundabout at the end of Coconut Drive, take the dirt road on the right. Get in at the sandy patch left of the sign. The current usually carries you east toward Central. - Parking: Free lot, the biggest of the three - At this access: Smith's Reef sign - Eat nearby: [Mango Reef](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#mango-reef) (5 min walk), [Magnolia Restaurant & Lounge](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#magnolia-restaurant-and-lounge) (6 min walk), [Hideaway Grill and Chill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#hideaway-grill-and-chill) (7 min walk) ### 2. Central access Two shoal reefs run out from the beach over seagrass, with stingrays, turtles and lots of parrotfish. The shore is rocky, but there's a sandy spot for getting in and out. - Eat nearby: [Simone's Bar and Grill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#simones-bar-and-grill) (3 min walk), [Jammin' Gelato](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#jammin-gelato) (4 min walk), [Turks Wave Café](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#turks-wave-cafe) (5 min walk) ### 3. East access Off Lower Bight Road. Small coral heads sit in shallow water close to the beach, so it's the best choice with children. - Eat nearby: [Simone's Bar and Grill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#simones-bar-and-grill) (4 min walk), [Jammin' Gelato](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#jammin-gelato) (4 min walk), [Turks Wave Café](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#turks-wave-cafe) (7 min walk) ## Facilities - Parking: Yes. Free parking. The West access has the largest lot. - Accessibility: Limited. Entries are partly rocky, with sandy spots to get in. Take your time, and wear water shoes. - Free parking at the beach accesses - Information signs at the accesses - No toilets, showers or rentals at the beach - Restaurants and shops a short walk away at Turtle Cove Marina - No lifeguards ## Where to eat near Smith's Reef - [Simone's Bar and Grill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#simones-bar-and-grill): Local · Caribbean and Jamaican, 3 min walk - [Jammin' Gelato](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#jammin-gelato): Café · Gelato and desserts, 4 min walk - [Turks Wave Café](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#turks-wave-cafe): Café · Coffee, breakfast and lunch, 5 min walk - [Baci Ristorante](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#baci-ristorante): Casual · Italian, pizza, seafood, waterfront, 5 min walk - [Sharkbite Bar and Grill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#sharkbite-bar-and-grill): Casual · Bar and grill, waterfront, 6 min walk - [Hideaway Grill and Chill](https://www.sastci.com/dining/turtle-cove#hideaway-grill-and-chill): Takeout · Jamaican and Caribbean, 7 min walk ## Safety - There are no lifeguards. Swim at your own risk and keep children close. - Boats come in and out of Turtle Cove Marina. Never snorkel in or near the marina channel or the rock jetty at its entrance. - A current can run along the beach around the point on a changing tide. If you're caught, swim calmly toward shore and walk back. Don't fight it. - Watch out for lionfish and sea urchins. Don't touch fish, coral or the seabed, and wear water shoes on rocky entries. - Stay out of the water in stormy or unusual weather. ## Local tip The current usually runs along the beach, so many snorkelers start at the West access and drift toward Central, then walk back along the sand. [Open Smith's Reef in Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Smith's%20Reef%2C%20Turtle%20Cove%2C%20Providenciales%2C%20Turks%20and%20Caicos%20Islands) ## Photo credits - Turquoise water and white sand along the Turtle Cove shoreline at Smith's Reef, with sea grape and a palm in the foreground: [Tim Sackton](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turtle_Cove_Providenciales_Beach.jpg), [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) - French grunts swimming around coral and sea rods at Smith's Reef: [SNORKELINGDIVES.COM](https://www.flickr.com/photos/77111848@N07/32435356503), [CC BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/) - Welcome sign at the Smith's Reef West Access, with the beach and clear water behind it: [RoadTripWarrior](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beach_sign_at_Smiths_Reef,_Providenciales.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)