Although centrally located, this location doesn’t see many visitors. The beach is decent, but the water tends to be shallow, with the occasional rock or sea plant. Interesting snorkeling can be found farther out.
3 star rating for Babalua Beach by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
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Located between
Turtle Cove and
Thompson Cove, Babalua Beach (sometimes referred to as Blue Mountain Beach) is often overlooked by many. The ocean here doesn’t offer as pristine
swimming conditions as
Grace Bay,
The Bight and
Leeward do, but the area is a bit more secluded while still being easy to access.
Babalua Beach is about 3000 feet (900 meters) long and because it’s bordered on one side by the channel into
Turtle Cove Marina on one side and sea cliffs on the other, it’s not possible to walk along the coast to other beaches.
Reefs and Underwater Sights
Great
snorkeling can be found 1400 feet (425 meters) down the beach west from the main access, but the easier to find and more expansive nearby
Smith's Reef probably makes more sense as a snorkeling site.
The water depth in the area is generally quite shallow, and sea grass beds occupy much of the water off the beach. In addition to the small reef near the Babalua Beach access, another larger reef system can be found a bit further down the coast and near the ocean cliffs of
Blue Mountain.
Babalua Beach is part of the
Princess Alexandra National Park.
Accesses
Babalua Beach has only one public access, which is found by following Cherokee Road from
Leeward Highway to its end. The access is hidden on the far side of the large villa.
Dangers
Turtle Cove Marina is located here, and there is a small threat to swimmers from vessels entering and leaving the marina. However, this isn’t much of a concern due to the no-wake speed limit, and the narrow entry lane into the marina. Nonetheless, you are advised to be cautious if nearby the channel.
