Baia do Sancho is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking pristine natural beauty and abundant marine life, while Grace Bay Beach is better suited for those who prioritize accessibility, safety, and convenience with readily available amenities.
| Attribute | Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil | Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Color | White | Fine, soft, gloriously white with pink and peach hues due to broken-down seashells and hard corals |
| Water Clarity | Crystal clear turquoise/emerald waters | Clear and turquoise with visibility exceeding 100 feet |
| Accessibility | Difficult. Access is either by boat or via a steep ladder through narrow rock splits. The land access involves a hike along dirt tracks, climbing down a series of rickety ladders, and squeezing through an opening in the rocks. | Many well-marked beach access points along Grace Bay Road and Lower Bight Road. Free parking at major access points. Most accessible beach for wheelchair users |
| Crowd Level | Not too crowded. It's possible to enjoy the beach with barely anyone else around. | Not often too crowded, but can get crowded during peak season |
| Natural Shade Availability | The beach is at the foot of high cliffs covered in vegetation. | Generally no shade directly on the beach |
| Wave Conditions | Generally gentle waves, making it suitable for swimming. However, Baia do Sancho faces the open ocean, which can sometimes result in rogue waves. Wave height can exceed 1 meter and be dangerous for swimming. | Generally calm and safe for swimming due to a barrier reef. More active waves during winter months |
| Marine Life Visibility | Excellent. The waters are teeming with marine life, including turtles, hundreds of fish species, and dolphins. | Vibrant reefs with coral formations and tropical fish. Sea turtles and rays possible. Common marine life includes parrotfish, turtles, stingrays, lobsters, and corals |
| Nearby Amenities | Limited. There aren't many facilities at Baia do Sancho. There is an observation area. | Many luxury hotels and restaurants, upscale restaurants, beach bars, luxury resorts, hotels, condominiums, and villas |
| Cleanliness | Pristine. | Clean and free of seaweed, rocks, and pollution. Coast usually free of seaweed due to trade winds |
| Safety | Generally a safe area for swimming due to its sheltered bay. However, the bottom is rocky. No lifeguards are present. | Generally considered safe with calm waters protected by a barrier reef. Stay aware of boat traffic. Laws in place regarding boat speed and spotters |
| Scenery | Stunning. Crescent-shaped beach with rocky formations and high cliffs covered in lush vegetation. | Soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. Considered one of the best beaches in the world |
| Cost of Access | Visitors must pay an admission fee to access the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park. One source states the fee as R$358.00 per person. Another source states the fee as R$179.00. A 10-day pass costs R$179.00. Another source mentions an "environment tax" of $12 per person. | Free. Parking is also free at major access points. |