Finding Bambarra Beach

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

I’m a huge fan of Providenciales, but with roughly 39 other Turks and Caicos to explore, I’m not about to limit myself to just one. And although Grace Bay’s 12-mile white-sand sweep is rightfully famous, you’d figure there must be other great beaches in the archipelago, too.

And you’d be right.

Just hop the TCI Ferry from Provo’s Leeward Marina and 25 minutes and 35 miles later you’ll arrive on North Caicos. Rent a car there and then drive across the mile-long causeway to sleepy Middle Caicos (pop. 300), where you’ll find one of the Caribbean’s most stunning – and least trafficked – strands.

Navigate the bumpy trail that leads left from the main road until you come to a clearing amid the trees, where the idyllic island scene that is Bambarra Beach unfolds.

Gin-clear water, ankle-deep for about a quarter-mile, skims a carpet of ivory sand uniformly rippled by the tides. On the horizon, the tiny islet of Pelican Cay beckons, its emerald landscape a contrast to the surrounding turquoise. And the sand itself is like a generous spill of powdered sugar, embellished only with teasels from the bordering casuarinas and a few stray leaves.

Come here during the week and chances are you’ll have it all to yourself. So no one will see as you dip your toes in the tempting water. There’ll be no bystanders as you contemplate the fact that you didn’t bring your swimsuit. And only the casuarinas will bear witness as you quickly shimmy out of your clothes, strip down to your underwear, and dive right in.

Welcome to Bambarra.