There are 230 miles of beach scattered among these islands. There are many so remote they are only accessible by boat, perfect for nudists and skinny-dippers. Scuba diving is popular here, too.

Governor's Beach

, on the west coast of Grand Turk, is lined with powdery sand and has excellent snorkeling. Salt Cay has plenty of accessible and beautiful beaches on the north coast. Big Sand Cay, about seven miles south of Salt Cay, is famous for its expanse of gorgeous and untrampled sand. West Caicos is accessible only by boat; this uninhabited island has glorious beaches of white sand. Along the north coast of Provo, you'll find a twelve-mile stretch of white sand where, not surprisingly, most of the hotels are located. More secluded are the beaches of Sapodilla Bay and Malcom Roads, where only four-wheel drive can provide access. The beaches of North Caicos are excellent for families; with bonefishing, shelling and snorkeling, there's something for everyone. South Caicos has white-sand beaches, with the eastern coast known for its staghorn coral reefs.

Posted online 07/10/01.