excursions on grand turk

Grand Turk Boat Charters and Excursions

The vast majority of tourism on Grand Turk revolves around the cruise ships, and consequently, popular boat excursions may get crowded when a cruise ship is in port.

Several of the local boat cruise operators have signed up to offer bookings through the cruise line, yet the option remains to reserve directly with a local water sports company as well.

Beach Island Destinations

A great aspect of the typical boat excursion is exploring the incredible beaches of the Turks and Caicos. There are so many beautiful and secluded sites, each with perfect turquoise water and soft white sand.

Many tours include a beach BBQ, often with drinks and freshly-caught conch.

Snorkeling Cruises

The best snorkeling reefs near Grand Turk can only be reached by boat, so if you’re looking to do some underwater exploring, we definitely recommend that you take one of the dedicated snorkeling boat cruises offered by one of the local dive companies.

These tours visit the shallow reefs that surround many of the uninhabited islands and cays off Grand Turk. There’s plenty to see as the waters of the Turks and Caicos teem with sea life.

Reef fish are everywhere, including angelfish, snappers, groupers, wrasse, blue tangs, French grunts, horse-eye jacks, butterflyfish, damselfish, and triggerfish, as well as the uniquely-shaped trumpetfish and porcupinefish.

There are also larger sea animals to see—stingrays, eagle rays, small sharks , and turtles. If you get lucky, there may even be a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins !

One of the most common marine species in the Turks and Caicos is the parrotfish, and this colorful fish plays a tremendous part in creating and replenishing our spectacular beaches. Almost every reef in the country supports a school of parrotfish, so you’ll be able to see sand creation in action as they scrap algae off the reef and break down old corals.

The little stingray haven of Gibbs Cay is the single most popular destination for cruises departing from Grand Turk, and for good reason.

This island is tiny and uninhabited and is found a few miles off the east coast of Grand Turk. The cay features an exquisite beach on its west coast, yet this beach is not its only claim to fame.

When a boat approaches Gibbs Cay, friendly southern brown stingrays flock to greet the vessel, and freely interact with people. You’ll be able to see and snorkel with the stingrays—an all-too-rare chance to see large marine wildlife close-up in its natural habitat.

Most boat excursions to Gibbs Cay also stop at some of the excellent snorkeling sites in the area, so tours to the cay are usually multi-activity and will appeal to all ages.

Humpback Whales

During the January to April winter months, you may be able to have the unforgettable experience of snorkeling with migrating humpback whales . There’s no guarantee of an in-water encounter, yet it will be unforgettable if it does occur. If you’d like the best possible chance of a snorkeling encounter, a private or small group cruise will be the better choice.

Reservations and Booking

As is the case with most activities on Grand Turk, cruise ship guests have the option of either booking an activity or adventure as a “shore excursion” through their cruise line, or reserving on their own with a local tour business.

As may be expected, it is simpler and easier to book a tour that is sold by the cruise line. Due to the higher crowd density, the activities offered through the cruise lines are typically less expensive per person than if you reserve separately. In either case, local businesses work with ship schedules to get you back in time for your cruise ship departure.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, book private tours in advance to ensure a spot. If you’re an overnight visitor , you’ll want to work around the cruise schedules for the best experience. Keep in mind that there are relatively few overnight visitors to the island, and boat trip availability may be limited when a cruise ship is in port.

Tour groups typically depart from the Grand Turk Cruise Center : either from the shore excursion dock south of the main pier, or from the complex’s front gate, if land transport to another site is necessary.

Drinks, refreshments, and snacks are complimentary on most boat excursions, as well as land transport if necessary.

Shared Cruise… or Private Charter?

A private charter is more expensive, yet the trip experience is often much better than on the typical boat tours. The greatest advantage of a private cruise is that you’ll be able to spend your day doing what you’d like, and won’t have to tag along with a huge crowd. The small group size also allows for more time on the water, as the buffer times between tour departures will be less.

If you’re looking to bring the per-person excursion rates down a bit, consider arranging the boat tour privately with some fellow cruise guests.

There’s fishing , scuba diving , and snorkeling , yet in our opinion, the most enjoyable activity is exploring the uninhabited and rarely-visited cays between Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Gibbs Cay offers the largest beach of these islands, yet attracts the cruise crowds. If you venture a little further, there’s Round Cay , Long Cay , and Cotton Cay , each with its own secluded beach, in addition to several other sandbar shoals.

Beachcombing on the tiny cays is often great. You’ll never know what you may find. It may be glass ball floats or antique bottles, seashells, or the classic message in a bottle.

Another great place to visit is Salt Cay . This historical island offers colonial buildings, beautiful terrains and coasts , salinas from the old salt industry , and Turks and Caicos donkeys! This tranquil island still exhibits an old Caribbean atmosphere, something that’s difficult to find today.

Boat Charters

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Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling

• Enjoy 3.5 hours of breathtaking snorkeling at Grand Turk
• Explore the world-famous Amazing Wall coral shelf
• Engage with playful stingrays at Gibbs Cay
• Dive for live conch and watch a conch demonstration
• Relax on a white-sand beach and savor a fresh conch salad

This 3.5-hour Grand Turk excursion is a must-do for ocean lovers! The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the third largest barrier reef in the world. Upon arrival the excitement starts as you board a boat and be on your way to snorkel the beautiful turquoise waters of Grand Turk.

Whether you are an advanced snorkeler or beginner, this is an opportunity to get up close and personal with the beautiful sea life right below you.

From there you will travel to the Amazing Wall, a coral shelf internationally famous with divers due to its dramatic shelf drops. The wall begins in the shallows at 20 feet, then drops to 70 feet, then 700 feet and finally to a depth of 7,000 feet and beyond.

During this Grand Turk excursion you will snorkel along the shallow shelf and watch as fish dart in and out of the dozens of species of dancing coral and sea fans. This magical undersea world is also home to numerous sea life including manta rays, sea turtles and an assortment of beautiful reef fish. While here, swim to the shelf's edge to see divers disappearing into the blue as they descend lower and lower down the wall.

Then it's back on the boat for a short ride to Gibbs Cay with a stop to dive for live conch. Upon arrival at Gibbs Cay you will be greeted by curious stingrays. Here's your chance to get up close and personal with these graceful gliders.

Once back on shore, enjoy a live conch demonstration then sit back and relax as your captain prepares a fresh conch salad for you. After your meal, you can hike up the cliff for fabulous views of the ocean or just stretch out on the white sand with a rum punch and let the waves lull you to a deep state of relaxation before your return trip back to port.

This popular tour sells out fast! Book now for an incredible day in Grand Turk among spectacular coral, sharks and stingrays.

Please Note : Snorkel gear, mask, snorkel, fins and inflatable snorkel vests are provided.

Featured Products

Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling Tour

Gibbs Cay Stingray & Conch Dive Adventure

Grand Turk Amazing Wall Snorkeling Tour

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Description.

Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a small island bursting with turn-of-the-century Caribbean charm, retaining the look and feel of the Caribbean 40 years ago. Grand Turk was founded by Bermudan salt rakers some three centuries ago and its Bermudan-British-colonial architecture surrounded by colorful local dwellings make the island a treasure to visit. It is recognized as being one of the first places in the New World where Christopher Columbus landed and also gained worldwide attention when John Glenn splashed down near Grand Turk on his historic first mission to space. Grand Turk is six miles long and just over a mile wide with a population of only 6,000. It is blessed with miles of uncrowded, beautiful beaches and is close to several uninhabited cays such as Gibb's Cay, home of the stingray encounter. While there are many landside attractions to explore such as the Old Prison, Lighthouse Park, and the re-created salt salina, the real beauty of the island lies underwater. Grand Turk is world-famous for its healthy and beautiful coral reefs that surround the island, stretching almost from the coastline to the 7,000-foot vertical wall just offshore.

Points of Interest

• Cockburn Town
• Turks & Caicos National Museum
• Grand Turk Lighthouse
• Snorkeling & Diving
• Outdoor Adventure
• Grand Quay Salt Company

More about Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Points of Interest

Historic 18th-and 19th-century Bermudian architecture lines the long, narrow streets of Cockburn Town, the administrative capital of Turks and Caicos.

The museum, located in one of the oldest stone buildings on the islands, chronicles Grand Turk's history from 700 A.D. to modern times and features artifacts from the Molasses Reef wreck.

More than 150 years ago, this lighthouse was brought from the U.K. to help halt shipwrecks on Grand Turk's reefs. Today, it's a prized historic site, protected by the National Trust.

The unspoiled, uninhabited island of Gibb's Cay is located about a mile from Grand Turk. A luxurious white-sand beach and fascinating snorkeling make this a favorite among visitors.

Enjoy one of Grand Turks' beautiful beaches.

The crystal-clear waters and underwater visibility are trademarks of Grand Turk.

Grand Turk offers horseback riding, biking, dune buggies, kayaking - and even a Flowrider® near the pier.

Tour Grand Turk's "Salt House," a museum that focuses on the island's salt and slave trade heritage. You can even purchase a variety of culinary salt blends on site!

28 Excursions

The rainbow calypso tram.

Easy Activity

From $ 39.95

Charm of Grand Turk by Open Air Tram

From $ 54.95

Charm of Grand Turk by Open Air Tram (Wheelchair Accessible)

Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity

Panoramas & Painting

Moderate Activity

From $ 79.95

Local Conch Recipes, Sightseeing, Beach & Lunch

Easy Activity, Includes meal

Island Highlights & Beach Break with Local Flavors

From $ 94.95

Private Beach with Open Bar & Rum Tasting

Island vibes & beach swim.

From $ 64.95

Grand Turk Highlights & Beach Break

From $ 89.95

Bajari Beach Escape

From $ 44.95

Bajari Beach Escape All Inclusive

Adults only beach house retreat.

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $ 109.95

Junkanoo Party Bus, Rum Tasting & Beach

From $ 59.95

Jeep Adventure & Beach

From $ 199.95

Island Exploration by Electric Hummer

From $ 219.95

Dune Buggy Island Adventure Tour

From $ 279.95

Grand Turk by Golf Cart - 4 Seater

From $ 149.95

Grand Turk by Golf Cart - 6 Seater

From $ 169.95

Duck Boat Adventure

Whale watching adventure.

From $ 134.95

Best of Grand Turk: Scenic Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach

From $ 119.95

Snorkel & Stingray Adventure

Horseshoe reef & round cay snorkel adventure, poolside retreat for two, private poolside cabana rental, bajari beach cabana for the day, flowrider® body / kneeboarding.

Strenuous Activity

From $ 29.95

Deluxe Flowrider®

From $ 34.95

The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

The purchase window for certain products and activities closes before to the sail end date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us on board, we'll help you find what you’re looking for.

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Top 6 Grand Turk Excursions

• Supreme Snorkeling ($139.99)
• UTV Adventure ($249.99)
• 4-6 Seater Golf Cart Adventure ($164.99)
• Gibbs Cay and Conch Dive ($89.99)
• Amazing Wall Snorkel ($89.99)
• Adventure ATV ($134.99)

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• Pick up and drop off from outside your Grand Turk Cruise Ship Terminal!
• Fully licensed and insured Golf Cart!
• Complimentary bottled water during the excursion!
• Several stops for pictures and shopping opportunities!
• Grand Turk welcome sign photo stop!
• Historic downtown - for local food and souvenir shopping, museum view!
• Grand Turk lighthouse - sightseeing! 
• On-road adventure ride through!
• English-speaking shore excursion guide!

• Pick up and drop off from the outside of your Grand Turk Cruise Ship Terminal!
• Fully licensed and insured UTV!

• Pickup and round-trip boat ride steps away from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified sightseeing and snorkeling excursion guide!
• Guided snorkeling at the Amazing Wall!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, a sanitized snorkel, masks, and a vest!
• Complimentary cold bottled water!
• Conch salad and Smooth Island Rum Punch are included!
• Stingray encounter at Gibbs Cay!

• Friendly, professional English-speaking sightseeing excursion guide!
• Complimentary bottled water!
• Conch ceviche, salad, and Smooth Island Rum Punch are included!

• English-speaking certified sightseeing and snorkeling guide!
• Guided snorkeling at The Amazing Wall!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, masks, and a vest!

• Pick up from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified ATV guides!
• Driving instructions and all security equipment provided!
• Automatic CF Moto 600 easy-to-drive ATVs (2-person vehicles). 
• Cold bottled water

• Grand Turk Bohio Beach Resort Day Pass!
• English-speaking, friendly beach resort staff!
• Freshly cooked seafood plate (other options available as well)!
• Welcome drink - rum punch, local beer, juice or cold bottled water with lunch!
• Beach bars, beach lounge chairs, and showers!
• Other beach resort activities for rent (kayaks, paddleboard, etc)!

• Guided marine park snorkeling excursion at 2 sites - shallow reef and wall!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, a silicone mask, and a vest!

• English speaking professional Grand Turk Jet Ski expert to provide instructions and supervision!
• 30 minutes or 1 hour Jet Ski rental options (check price chart)!
• 3-seater Yamaha 2013, powerful jet skis!
• Life jackets!
• Beach restaurant and beach bar on site!

• Round trip, 26 ft covered snorkel excursion boat ride from beach resort with an experienced captain!
• One hour of snorkeling or ocean swimming at the Grand Turk Wall!
• Beach Break at the private resort - valid from 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM!
• Bambarra Rum tasting session!
• One complimentary rum cocktail with your choice of Bambarra Rum!
• Beach Resort facilities - beach bars, beach lounge chairs, hammocks, and showers!
• Other beach activities and water sports for rent (kayaks, paddleboards, etc)!

• Driving through Grand Turk Island!
• Professional Grand Turk dune buggy cruise excursion guide!
• Security driving instructions and equipment!
• Cold bottled water!
• Dune Buggy Lucky 800cc with automatic transmission - no shifting (2-person vehicles)!

• Round trip 26 ft covered boat ride and experienced Grand Turk snorkel excursion captain!
• One-hour snorkel or ocean swim above the famous Grand Turk Wall!
• Snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, silicone mask, and vest!
• Resort beach break - open 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM!
• English-speaking resort staff!
• Freshly cooked seafood plate (other options available on-site)!
• Welcome drink - rum punch, local beer, juice or cold bottled water!
• Beach bars, beach lounge chairs, hammocks and showers!
• Other beach activities and beach water sports for rent (kayaks, paddleboard, etc)!

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified guide!
• Round-trip boat ride from the beach to two snorkeling sites!
• Guided snorkeling at 2 sites - shallow reef and wall!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk!

• Pickup is close to your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• Small whale-watching groups only, personalized shore excursion service!
• Expert, experienced, licensed Grand Turk whale-watching cruise excursion guides, staff, and captain!
• Coastal Caribbean Grand Turk island sightseeing!

• Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• Round-trip boat ride from the beach to stingray encounters and snorkeling sites!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk island!

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation from your Grand Turk Cruise Ship Terminal!
• Complimentary WiFi in the van!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk, the jewel of the Turks and Caicos Islands!
• Escape the crowded and rushed cruise ship-sponsored Grand Turk shore excursions!

• Round trip boat ride to Gibbs Cay!
• Stingray encounter and snorkel with the Stingrays at Gibbs Cay!
• Free WiFi in the van!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk island, part of Turks and Caicos!

THE 5 BEST Grand Turk Private Tours

Private tours in grand turk.

• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Photography Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Shopping Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Glass Boat Mangrove Tours Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands

2. Kayak Mangrove Tours Grand Turk , Carnival Cruise

3. Private Freedom Adventures Tiki Booze Cruise

4. Private Tour Landmarks of Grand Turk

5. Cultural Tour with Rum Cake

6. Private Tour Cockburn Town Cultural with Rum Cake

7. Private Tour to Highlights of Grand Turk Island with Rum Cake

8. BMC Watersports -Jet Ski Guide Activity

• BMC Watersports -Jet Ski Guide Activity
• Kayak Mangrove Tours Grand Turk , Carnival Cruise
• Glass Boat Mangrove Tours Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands
• Private Freedom Adventures Tiki Booze Cruise
• Cultural Tour with Rum Cake
• ANC Taxi and Tours
• Rell , Big D
• Wet Money Enterprises
• Papa J Tours
• J&S Caribbean Rentals

Shore Excursions

• Power Snorkel
• Ultimate Snorkeling
• Swimming Pool Cabanas
• Grand Turk Flowrider
• Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach

 Catamaran Sailing & Beach

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