Malcolm's Road Beach

Malcolm's Road runs several kilometres northwest through the scrub from the main road and ends at a beach that most visitors to Providenciales never see: pale sand, clear water, a reef close in for snorkelling, and usually nobody at all. The track is the reason. It is rough, sandy and potholed enough that ordinary hire cars get stuck, and taxi drivers are reluctant. Those who make it get one of the best beaches in the territory to themselves, with a wall dive offshore that boats run from Grace Bay. There is nothing there: no shade, no water, no shelter, no phone signal in places.

What's there

• The empty beach - usually nobody on it at all.
• The reef close in - snorkelling straight off the sand.
• The northwest scrub - the drive through undeveloped bush.
• The wall offshore - the dive sites boats run to from Grace Bay.

When to go

November to May is the driest and calmest. Go early and allow time for the track. Check the road condition before setting out, since it deteriorates after rain and after storms.

Practical notes

The track genuinely defeats ordinary cars and hire agreements usually exclude it; getting stuck out here means a long walk and a large recovery bill. There is nothing at the beach: no shade, no water, no facilities and patchy phone signal. Currents along this coast can be strong. Do not go alone.

Nearby

Northwest Point is along the same coast; Grace Bay is 30 minutes east.