Turks & Caicos Beaches are Distinct
Debbra Brouillette, Dallas Tropical Travel Examiner, is writing a series on “What does your ideal island vacation look like?” In Part III, she compares sand, ocean, and beaches of the various islands in the Caribbean. At the top of her list of 10 Best Beaches is Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, for white sand and calm waters.
The Sand
White, off-white, light tan or pink sand is found on beaches in the “flat, desert-like” or “somewhere in between” categories found on Turks and Caicos. She explains, “The sand itself ranges from fine to powdery and is created by parrotfish who use their beaks to scrape off coral rock. They then digest algae and expel it as fine, white sand. White or light sand beaches are softer underfoot.”
In her footnote, she describes “white” sand color as subjective. While there are many shades of “white sand,” like the white paint colors you have to choose from for the walls in your home, there are many shades of white-sand beaches as well.
The Ocean
Broullette writes, “The color of the ocean water will also change, according to several factors, including the sky conditions (a clear blue sky versus a cloudy day), water depth (light reflected from the sand in shallow water appears to be a lighter color than in deeper water), substances in the water or at its bottom (sand, seaweed), and the sun’s angle (ocean looks darker at noontime due to less light being reflected from the surface, bottom, and interior of the water).
The ocean water on white or light sand beaches will appear to be lighter, usually appearing as shades of aqua and turquoise; while on beaches with darker sand, the ocean water often appears to be darker shades of royal or sapphire blue.”
Windward vs Leeward
All islands have a windward side (think more wind, more waves) and a leeward side (less wind, calmer waters). If you plan to stay at a resort on the islands, check whether it is on the leeward or windward side. Most are located on the leeward, calmer sides.
Read her full beach post in the Examiner.com.