Turtle Cove vs Grace Bay
 

Would like feedback on Turtle Cove vs. Grace Bay in T&C. As a first-time visitor who would like to stay in a condo or villa, should I stay on Grace Bay? I am travelling with my hubby and one-year old and would like a sandy beach that is great for long walks and exploring. We do plan to rent a car. This will be our first trip with our baby and I would like things to be very simple and easy for us once we reach our destination. Any suggestions on an affordable condo along Grace Bay ($2K range) or are there mostly resorts?

We are looking at Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas in Turtle Cove, which are affordable for my family but the available villas do not offer an ocean view and I am not sure about privacy. I have read there's excellent snorkeling at Turtle Cove, we are big snorkelers. The marina at Turtle Cove sounds nice, we can take the stroller for early dinners or happy hour with our little man if the road is safe for walking. But I have read that the beach is rocky - is this true? Should I focus more on Grace Bay?

T&C lovers, any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

I think Grace Bay is much nicer than Turtle Cove. But before anyone makes recommendations, what are your dates and is that budget hotel-only?

Hi WWK, our dates are October 25 - November 1, 2014. I did a quick search on VRBO for condos/villas on Grace Bay and do not see anything in our budget. We would prefer our own space since we have a baby and will likely cook most dinners at home.

I just checked your dates at some of the condos/hotels along West Bay. I found a 1-bed jr. suite w/ full kitchen at WINDSONG, for $2,114,00 for your dates. WINDSONG is a very nice resort, just in back of CORAL GARDENS, which is a prime snorkeling spot.

You could also check in with Turksandcaicosreservations.com. We book our own accommodations these days, but in the past, Val has been very helpful in letting us know about specials etc.

At that time of year, many of the resorts do offer deals/specials b/c it's still hurricane season. So if you are going then, I'd advise taking out hurricane insurance, just in case.

Good luck!

I meant to write that I checked along Grace Bay. Sorry!

Catch 22-- for snorkeling off the beach you need the rocks! Snorkeling areas are not really strolable at night. Dark areas. To stay in the hub of Grace Bay you need the car to snorkel! (and for the rock free sections of Grace Bay)

Most resorts are condos anyway.

Windsong is gorgeous if in your price range, but make sure the price is for a full kitchen unit since you plan to cook.

Coral Gardens would be in your price range.

Alexandra might work well for you too- close to hub for restaurants and shops, 15-20 minute walk to snorkel.

The beach at turtle cove is rocky. Great snorkel though.

Keep in mind most prices add 24% tax.

Since you'll have a car, if you don't mind a block from the beach, you can get terrific Townhouses and resorts for your price:

Grace Bay Townhomes
Island Townhomes
Inn at Grace Bay (3rd floor unit you see the ocean, although it sits back)

Nice luxury for the price

Also check out Sands Resort, close to the hub so yu can stroll, walk to snorkel about 20 minutes.

Thank you both for the suggestions. Since we do plan to rent a car for our entire stay, looks like Grace Bay Townhomes might be a good fit for our family.

Grace Bay Townhomes is awesome, best hosts on island!

You're actually strolling distance with sidewalks to many things, just not snorkel. Snorkel is about 5-10 minutes away. Gbth provides beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, so you can hang out on all the beaches. (do not miss Sapadilla Bsy, terrific with baby, shallow waters for hundreds of yards.

You won't believe the luxury for the money you get too

Thank you for the info, blamona. Since we will have a car, we will drive to the snorkel destinations/reefs. Can I assume parking is relatively easy at these spots?

Parking is easy everywhere