Bambarra Beach
Middle Caicos
Bambarra Beach is a beautiful and long coast found on the central north coast of Middle Caicos. This beach is on an extensive and shallow bay, so the water here is calm, clear, and a little warmer than on the surrounding coasts.
This beach fronts the small historical settlement of Bambarra, which has stood since the days of the Loyalist plantations in the late 1700s.
Bambarra Beach is a great and calm spot for swimming or relaxing. It is a worthwhile stop to make after visiting the majestic Mudjin Harbour, where the surf and swell can be far more powerful. Consequently, Bambarra Beach is a great place to visit with small children due to the tranquil ocean conditions.
A small pier for local fishing boats is found here, along with several small tiki huts. Casuarina trees line the coastline and provide excellent, dense shade.
There’s no decent snorkeling near Bambarra Beach. See North and Middle Caicos Snorkeling for location and reef information and Beaches of Middle Caicos for a list of beautiful coasts.
Pelican Cay
The uninhabited rock of Pelican Cay is found in the bay fronting Bambarra.
Like many of the little cays and rocks on the northern coasts of the Caicos Islands, this island is primarily marine limestone, with limited amounts of salt-resistant coastal vegetation on top.
Visitors to Bambarra Beach may feel tempted to walk out through the water to Pelican Cay, but be aware that it’s almost half a mile (0.8 km) off the coast and water depth increases further out. Strong winds make it difficult to return to the beach.
Do not attempt to wade or swim to the cay—tourists have died trying.
The Valentine’s Day Cup
Every year in February, the colorful Valentine's Day Cup model sailboat race takes place on Bambarra Beach. This cultural celebration features model Caicos Sloop races, a beach BBQ, and live music. For more festivals and celebrations, see Major Events.
Mosquitoes and Biting Midges
As is sometimes the case throughout North Caicos and Middle Caicos, mosquitoes and ‘no-see-ums' (biting midges) can be present at times. Consider bringing insect repellent.
Finding Bambarra Beach
Navigation across North Caicos and Middle Caicos is simple, as the road layout across the two islands is quite linear. From the passenger ferry port at Bellefield Landing, simply travel on the main paved road across North Caicos, cross the causeway, and continue on the main paved road that leads through Middle Caicos.
If you stay on this main road, you will pass the entrance to Dragon Cay Resort and Mudjin Harbour, as well as Indian Cave. Take the first paved left at the small power substation, which is before the Middle Caicos Airport and Conch Bar Caves.
Following these directions will lead you to the village of Conch Bar. From there, take the first paved right, which is the start of an extensive paved road that leads to Bambarra and Lorimers.
Bambarra Beach Access
The Bambarra Landing Beach Access is located at the popular and colorful beach huts, and is close to the small pier on the beach.
The only tricky part in getting to Bambarra Beach is finding the final beach access road. You’ll want to stay on the road from Conch Bar for 5.5 miles (8.8 km), and the access is on the left. Look for an unpaved road with a few small coconut palms. If the road makes an abrupt right at a cut in the soft limestone hill, you’ve just passed the turn.
Once on the beach access road, continue for 0.75 miles (1.2 km) to the ocean. Check the map below. The parking area with the tiki huts at Bambarra Landing is the main access to this beach.