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19 Best Things to Do in Grand Turk on a Cruise [Port Guide]

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If you’re visiting Grand Turk on a cruise, you’re in luck. Grand Turk is a favorite Caribbean cruise port for many cruise travelers!

With soft white sand and exquisitely clear blue water, the islands that makeup Turks and Caicos (which include Grand Turk) are known for phenomenal snorkeling and scuba diving.

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Grand Turk on a cruise, including shore excursions as well as inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Turk cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions. 

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Grand Turk Cruise Ports 

The two-berth dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the primary port for cruise ships. The Cruise Center was designed by Carnival Cruise Lines in 2006 to be a full-service destination. When you dock here, you are steps away from a gorgeous public beach, a free swimming pool, and numerous restaurants, bars, and excellent duty-free shopping. 

Many passengers will enjoy their entire port day at Grand Turk within the Cruise Center. 

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Grand Turk Cruise Port

Upon exiting your ship, you are steps away from the beach. On the left side of the pier, the first section of blue chairs is free to use. There are plenty of palm trees, however if you plan to spend the day at the Cruise Center beach, you’ll want to get there early. 

There are many shops, restaurants, and bars located within the Cruise Center boundaries, including the largest Margaritaville in the world.

The official currency in Grand Turk is the U.S. Dollar (USD). 

English is the official language of Grand Turk island. 

Grand Turk island is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). 

High temperatures in the Turks and Caicos Islands hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The hottest months are July, August, and September when the average high temperature is 89 degrees F and the lows are 80 degrees F. 

The water temperature near Grand Turk island ranges anywhere from 3-6 degrees lower than the high temperature on land.

Getting Around Grand Turk

This small island is mostly known for white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. If you decide to leave the Cruise Center, there are a few different ways to explore this little island. 

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is easily walkable on foot and wheel chair accessible. If you decide to explore beyond the center, it is not recommended that you explore Grand Turk island on foot. The lack of sidewalks and spotty signage makes the island difficult (and dangerous) to walk. 

Public Transit

There is no public transportation available on Grand Turk island. 

Taxi cabs are one of the primary modes of transportation here. There are taxi cab stands as you exit the Cruise Center terminal.

Golf carts are an easy way and fun way to get around Grand Turk Island. Venture outside of the Cruise Center gates for the most golf cart rental options. 

Electric Bikes (EBikes)

There are a few eBike rental companies right outside of the Cruise Center terminal. Because the island of Grand Turk is so small, an eBike is an ideal way to enjoy the sunshine and fresh ocean air as you see the sights.

Rentals include a bike lock, helmets, and a map for easy navigation. Just beware of wild donkeys!

Car Rentals

Many streets on the island are one-way and parking can be limited, so renting a car may not be your best option for getting around. 

However, there are cars for rent, including Jeeps. Look for rental options near the taxi stands as you exit the Cruise Center. 

Best Grand Turk Shore Excursions

Grand Turk is the largest of the Turks Islands that make up Turks and Caicos. The island is small, measuring only 6.9 square miles, however it has both historic and natural wonders that cruise passengers will enjoy exploring.

Here are some of the main attractions you can find when you port in Grand Turk. 

1. Go Shopping in the Grand Turk Cruise Center 

The Cruise Center has an astounding 45,000 square feet of shopping including Diamonds International, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Tanzanite International, and Colombian Emeralds. There are also locally crafted souvenirs and gifts available to purchase as well as 10,000 square feet of duty-free shopping . 

If you love to shop-until-you-drop, the Cruise Center is a convenient location with many unique offerings. All stores at the Grand Turk Cruise Center accept credit cards.  

2. Relax by the Pool 

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is home to one of the largest swimming pools in the Caribbean. There is no charge to use the swimming pool and loungers, but it is “first come-first serve” and a popular attraction for cruisers. 

There are private air-conditioned pool cabanas available to rent through your cruise line. However, there are no towels provided, so be sure to bring your own from the ship. 

3. Spend some time in Margaritaville

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is home to the Caribbean’s largest Jimmy Buffett ’s Margaritaville restaurant, bar, and retail shop. 

Cruisers could easily spend the whole day in Margaritaville enjoying the laid-back, Caribbean vibes. Be sure to try the nachos, burgers, jerk salmon and conch fritters, and swim up to the bar for a signature Margarita. 

Related: 50 Best Jimmy Buffett Quotes – The Ultimate Collection

4. Catch a Wave on the Grand Turk FlowRider

In the Cruise Center, near Margaritaville, you’ll find a self-contained water attraction called the FlowRider. High-pressure water jets shoot a thin layer of water moving over a cushioned surface creating an artificial wave perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, or kneeboarding. 

You can schedule this hour-long, shared excursion through your cruise line, and don’t forget to purchase pictures of your epic wave. If you’re cruising with teenagers , this could be a fun port activity!

5. Enjoy a Catamaran Excursion

Starting from the Cruise Center, you’ll board a catamaran and set sail for a dreamy deserted beach. 

Enjoy the smooth sailing catamarans are known for, as well as stops for snorkeling along the way. After spending time relaxing on the beach, you’ll sail back to the Cruise Center and enjoy a complimentary beverage. 

6. Have an Off-Road ATV Adventure

If you’re looking for a non-water excursion on Grand Turk, you can see another side of the island on an ATV tour. 

Most ATV excursions leave from right outside of the Cruise Center. You’ll be outfitted with a helmet and goggles and your own four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle.

ATV excursions last around an hour and a half. Your guide will take you past local attractions including the Ridge Trail, Grand Turk lighthouse, and the North Creek Bird watching area.  

7. Try Conch Fritters at Jack’s Shack

Located about 500 yards up the beach from the Cruise Center, this restaurant is a favorite of both locals and tourists. Besides a gorgeous setting right on the beach, Jack’s Shack is famous for their conch fritters, jerk chicken and rum punch. 

If you purchase something at Jack’s you can use their free wi-fi. They also have beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent if you want to relax on this beach. 

8. Whale Watch at the Grand Turk Lighthouse

Built in the 1850s to help ships navigate the shallow reefs at the northern end of the island, this historic building is the only lighthouse on Grand Turk island.

The lighthouse is included in many tour itineraries. However, if you want to go on your own it is an easy 20-minute taxi ride, golf cart or bicycle ride to get there. In February and March, this is also a popular spot for whale watching. 

9. Swim with Stingrays in Gibbs Cay

Gibbs Cay is a tiny, uninhabited island on the eastern side of Grand Turk. It has some of the most beautiful beaches and the best diving sites the Turks and Caicos islands have to offer. 

Located a 1-mile boat ride away from Grand Turk island, the best way to visit stingrays in Gibbs Cay is through a tour. They will provide information and instructions to ensure your safety.

Many tours include additional stops to snorkel and some have a unique opportunity to dive for conch and feast on fresh conch salad. You won’t want to miss out on the stunning beaches and chance to interact with marine life at Gibbs Cay. 

10. Relax at the Governor’s Beach

Most cruisers use a Grand Turk port day as a beach day, and there are plenty of picture-perfect beaches to choose from on this Island. If you want to venture from the more crowded beach at the Cruise Center, Governor’s Beach is a short distance away. 

Your best option is to grab a quick taxi which should cost around $4 per person each way. Governor’s Beach is perfect for sunbathing or swimming, however, the absence of reef in this area means this isn’t the beach for snorkeling or scuba diving. There are usually vendors selling cold drinks and souvenirs here. 

11. Try Power Snorkeling

If you want the magic of snorkeling with a little more speed and adventure, power snorkeling is an exciting excursion available in Grand Turk. 

The power snorkel is a lightweight, underwater propulsion device that helps you to cover greater distances, get past rougher currents, and view more underwater creatures. 

Power snorkel excursions depart out of the cruise center and include transportation to and from a snorkeling beach on Grand Turk, and all of the equipment you’ll need for this unique snorkeling adventure. 

12. Learn About Local History at the Caicos National Museum

If you want to learn more about the intriguing history of the Turks & Caicos Islands, you might want to visit the national museum located on Grand Turk. 

Located in the lovely Guinep House, built during the colonial era, the museum is small in size, yet full of fascinating exhibits.  It is a great place to learn about the splashdown of John Glenn’s Mercury spacecraft to the south of Grand Turk, the Lucayan Indians indigenous to the islands, the salt trade, and the oldest shipwreck in the northern hemisphere dating back to the 1500s and located in the waters off Grand Turk. 

The museum is about a 12-minute taxi ride north of the Cruise Center. Plan on about an hour and a half for your visit. 

13. Enjoy solitude at Pillory beach

This idyllic beach is worth a visit if you want to get away from the cruise ship crowds. Pillory is less than a 15-minute taxi ride from the Cruise Center. There used to be a resort here (Bohio Dive Resort), that is currently being renovated. 

The bottom can be rocky, so bring your water shoes .

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

14. Snorkel or Dive at the Grand Turk Wall

Grand Turk island is the site of the world’s third-largest coral reef structure. Located approximately 1km offshore of the west side of the island, the Grand Turk Wall offers snorkelers and scuba divers the chance to see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, barracuda, reef and hammerhead sharks, rays, and more.

To visit this natural phenomenon, you’ll need to join a dive boat tour. There are several cruise excursions that offer tools for snorkeling and diving at “the wall.” 

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15. Visit Historic Cockburn Town

Cockburn Town is the oldest permanent settlement in Turks and Caicos. A visit to this town offers a peek into the island’s history with attractions like Her Majesty’s Prison, the old Victoria Library, and the vibrant green post office 

You can spend time enjoying the colonial-style buildings along historic Duke Street and visiting local shops. If you want to visit historic Cockburn, it is located about a 10-minute taxi or golf cart ride from the Cruise Center.

16. Snorkel at Cockburn Town Beach

The white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters at Cockburn Town Beach are perfect for snorkeling. This beach is located near the historical town, and several tours combine sightseeing in Cockburn Town and snorkeling at the beach, the perfect combination of history and relaxation.

If you don’t want to do a sightseeing tour, you can catch a cab straight to Cockburn Town Beach, about a 10-minute ride from the Cruise Center.

Related: 10 Things to Never Do in Cruise Ports

17. Peek into Prison history at Her Majesty’s Prison (H.M. Prison)

This waterfront prison complex was built in the 1830s and was operational as Grand Turk’s only prison until 1994.

Take a self-guided tour through the prison, which housed both men and women and as many as 60 prisoners. Learn about the day-to-day life of inmates as well as the mass escapes during the Great Hurricane of 1866.

18. Horseback Ride on the Beach

If you like horses, Grand Turk offers horseback tours that include an exciting ride on the beach. After a historical guided tour through Cockburn Town, you can choose to ride your horses straight into the ocean for a cooldown you’ll both enjoy.

Be sure to wear long pants that can get wet, and cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

19. See Humpback Whales Up Close on a Boat Tour

Between January and April, Humpback whales migrate close to Grand Turk island as they move to the warm Caribbean waters to mate and give birth. 

You can book a whale watching boat tour, departing near the Cruise Center, or head up to the Grand Turk Lighthouse for a chance to view these majestic creatures during migration season. 

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Grand Turk Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit grand turk .

The weather is great year-round, however, the best time to visit Grand Turk island is between December and April. Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June through November. During hurricane season, visitor numbers tend to be lower and some smaller businesses may close temporarily.

How far away is downtown from the Grand Turk cruise port? 

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is steps away from the cruise ship ports. There is plenty to do within the Cruise Center including a pristine beach, a swimming pool, bars, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. 

If you want to head to nearby Cockburn Town, a 10-minute taxi or golf cart ride will get you to this historical city. 

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Final Thoughts On Things to Do in Grand Turk Cruise Port

Grand Turk is known for its soft, white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Many cruise passengers make Grand Turk a beach and pool day for good reason. This location has a number of easily accessible beach options, including a beach as you step off the cruise ship.

Have you been to Grand Turk yet? What was your favorite part of this small island?

Happy Cruising!

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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!

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Free/Cheap Things to Do in Grand Turk on a Cruise + Tips, & What to Know

Sitting roughly 600 miles southeast of Miami and about 350 miles northwest of Puerto Rico, Grand Turk enjoys a spot that’s a world away and nestled in some of the most beautiful water on the planet.

The island itself is small — only about six miles long and two miles wide. And sitting near the southern tip is the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

This port area features everything that a cruise passenger could want to enjoy the day, from a pool to a beautiful beach to easy access to the rest of the island. And it’s all there for passengers alone to enjoy, literally in the shadow of the cruise ship in some cases.

For what to expect on visiting Grand Turk, keep reading.

Grand Turk Port Features & What to Expect

The first thing that you’ll notice when you visit the Grand Turk port is that your ship is close to the beach… as in real close. The dock sits out only about 400 feet from shore, meaning the ship towers over the port area.

Walk down the dock and you’ll enter the port area through a duty-free store. Exit the store, and you’ll enter the main plaza of the port area.

Like most cruise ports in the Caribbean, Grand Turk features a dedicated port area that’s enclosed and offers a number of amenities to cruise passengers.

In the center area surrounding the plaza are a number of shops, selling everything from t-shirts to an actual Starbucks location. If you’re wanting a souvenir to remember your trip, you’re sure to find something here.

Head to the right and you’ll pass through some shops before getting to an outdoor restaurant/bar (Beach Whale) and a more “beachy” area where you can relax. There’s also a large sculpture of a whale that makes a fun photo.

If you instead head to the left as you enter the port, you’ll wind through the buildings until you reach Margaritaville Grand Turk. This spot features the famous restaurant, but also a massive pool with thumping music in a party atmosphere. Near this spot at the back of the port is also where you’ll find the port exit to grab a taxi to explore the rest of Grand Turk.

No matter which direction you head, you’ll always be within a few steps of the beach that runs the entire length of the cruise port. Frankly, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. The sand is a soft, white powder with electric blue water. And the ship overlooks the entire area making for a one-of-a-kind scene. Just know that some areas of the water have a rockier bottom (more details in the tips section below).

Free or Cheap Things to Do in Grand Turk

To be honest, given the small size of Grand Turk there isn’t a ton of variety of things to do like you might find elsewhere. Still, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a day in port without spending a lot of money.

Hit the Beach

Without a doubt the biggest draw at Grand Turk is the beach that sits right at the cruise ship. It’s beautiful, wide, and runs a nice distance so there is a spot for everyone and it’s free. However, its popularity can mean it gets crowded, especially close to the ship.

The area north of the pier (to the left as you enter) features a sandier bottom that’s more forgiving on your feet. The area south of the pier sees smaller crowds, but you’ll also want some water shoes if you venture out into the water. There are also rentals available for everything from snorkel gear to clamshell chairs to give you a little shade.

One other alternative? There are excursions offered to other beaches from the cruise line. You can also catch a cab to other beaches around the island, which will be less crowded.

Hit the Pool

If the beach is the biggest draw at Grand Turk, then the pool in the port area is a close second. Here, there is a massive pool that circles around, complete with loungers. It’s right next to Margaritaville, so you can sit and relax (even hangout at the swim-up bar) and get food and drinks served. There are also rentals available for things like umbrellas and cabanas.

Just know that here the atmosphere is lively with music pumping. If you’re thinking of a quiet, relaxing time by the pool, that’s not really the case.

Hit the Water

If you’re looking to get out of the port area, one of the popular things to do is to get out on the water. During our stop, there were excursions available that took passengers out on catamarans for snorkeling tours, often with drinks afterward while on the boat. This part of the world has some of the most beautiful water anywhere, so getting out and enjoying it is well worth the cost of the excursion.

Hit the Town

Want to go explore on your own? It’s easy enough to do with an inexpensive cab ride. The city on Grand Turk is called Cockburn Town and if you want a feel for the “real” Grand Turk, it’s a neat place to visit, albeit a bit spread out. A good spot to start your visit is the Turks & Caicos National Museum .

As for cab rides, the price is set based on zones. The cruise port is in Zone A, and downtown is in Zone B. The trip costs $5 per person one way. It’s only $9 per person to go the entire length of the island.

Get Your Starbucks Fill

If you just can’t live without your Starbucks, then Grand Turk is the spot for you. While many cruise ships offer Starbucks beverages on board, finding them in port is usually another story. But the port area features a full-fledged Starbucks (painted a very noticeable pink). The next closest location? That’s in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, about 200 miles away.

Take a Turn on the Flowrider

One unique feature of Royal Caribbean cruise ships is the Flowrider — a never-ending “wave” that you can surf or boogie board. At the Grand Turk port there is a land-based Flowrider that you can ride for a fee (sorry, it’s not free!). It’s right next to the pool on the north end of the port area. If you have kids or teens, it’s definitely something they’ll want to check out.

Get a Picture With John Glenn

One of the claims to fame for this area was that it was the spot where astronaut John Glenn splashed down after orbiting the earth. That’s why on the port’s southern side you’ll see an area with some information about the NASA program, a model rocket, a sculpture of the capsule splashing down, and a statue of John Glenn in his spacesuit that you can get a picture with.

Tips & Things to Know About Visiting

If you’re visiting Grand Turk, there are some tips and things to know that can make your trip even better. We mentioned some of these above, but in case you missed them, we’ve included them here as well.

Go Down in the Morning for Your Picture of the Ship

By far the most unique thing about Grand Turk is that the ship is unbelievably close to shore. It means there’s a great photo opportunity of the ship right at the beach (also docked at a perfect angle). But one suggestion is to get your photos around mid-morning. Not only will the beach crowds be thinner, but the morning sun will be shining right on the ship, making the colors pop.

The Best Beach is North of the Dock

The beach is phenomenal at Grand Turk and the biggest draw for the majority of passengers. You’ll see people up and down the shore, but if you want the best spot then we’d suggest heading north of the dock (to the left as you face the shore from the ship). This area is sandy from the beach out into the water. The bottom is rockier on the southern side of the pier.

The Beach Is Quieter to the South

While the water to the south side of the pier is rockier, the beach itself is just as nice with lots of sand. And for those wanting a little more space and not as many people, this area is ideal. Head as far down the path as you can go and you’ll find a large group of loungers (near the whale sculpture) with hardly any other people — even on busy days in port.

Taxi Rates Are Set

If you plan to head into town, then a cab is easy. There’s a taxi stand at the port exit and you’ll see the set rates explained. The island is broken into four zones (A, B, C, and D). The cruise port is in Zone A. The rate from the cruise port to the other zones is set at:

• Zone A: $4 per person
• Zone B: $5 per person
• Zone C: $8 per person
• Zone D: $9 per person

Beach Rentals Are Available

To the north side of the pier, you’ll see a stand for beach rentals. While loungers are first-come, first-served, anything else that you need can be rented. This includes snorkel gear, foam mats, clamshell loungers that offer shade, and you can also buy sunscreen and water. Need other items like a cold drink or a snack? There’s a small convenience store right next to the beach rental booth.

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Amber Cove on a Cruise: Things to Do, Prices, Map, and More

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Best Things to Do in Grand Turk: Complete Guide

If you’re wondering what to do in Grand Turk, we have the answers! Nearly one million cruise passengers arrive at the Grand Turk Cruise Center every year, and it’s no wonder why.

Grand Turk Cruise Port is mainly visited by Carnival Cruise Line ships, so you’ll find Princess, Holland America but even Celebrity ships are there, too. A day at Grand Turk can be part of Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. 

Best Things to Do In Grand Turk 

In This Post...

Grand Turk is one of those laid-back islands where wild donkeys and horses roam along the beach and in town.

Tropical beaches, a rich history, and all sorts of activities for cruisers are only a few reasons why cruisers Grand Turk.

Since your cruise ship is stopping in Grand Turk for only a day, you better make the most of it!  

Continue reading to discover the ten best things to do in Grand Turk and what makes this place so unique.

A Little History of Grand Turk

Grand Turk, an island in the Turks and Caicos, is a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean, between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.  

Grand Turk is only one of many islands in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. It’s been the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1766.

Grand Turk cruise port is the only one in the Turks and Caicos. The island is home to Cockburn Town, the capital city and government center of Turks and Caicos.

Grand Turk is a very small island with less than 5,000 residents. It’s common to see slow-moving donkeys and wild horses roam just about everywhere.

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Grand Turk Guide and Info

• Where is Grand Turk? Grand Turk is only 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. Located at the southern end of the Turks and Caicos Islands between the Bahamas and Hispaniola Island (the Dominican Republic and Haiti), about 575 miles southeast of Miami.
• What is Grand Turk famous for? The world’s best coral cliff wall dive. Possibly the first landfall for Christopher Columbus on his journey to find the New World. Plus, John Glenn held his first press conference in Grand Turk a couple of days after his space capsule splashed down offshore.
• Currency: The US dollar is the official currency of the Turks & Caicos.
• Language: English is the official language, but you’ll also hear Creole and Spanish.
• Time Zone: Grand Turk is on Eastern Standard Time, the same as Miami or New York. Daylight Savings kicks in from March to November.
• What’s the weather? Sunny and warm almost year-round. Except for the end of the hurricane season, September and October, there’s not much rain. Summer temps can quickly get into the 90s, while winter months are a balmy 80 degrees on average.
• Best time to cruise to Grand Turk:  Almost any season is beautiful in Grand Turk. If you’re an avid diver, it is best to avoid the late summer/fall hurricane season.
• What travel documents do I need? A current US passport is the recommended document, but it is not required if your cruise begins and ends in the United States. If you are traveling without a US passport, you will need to present two official government-issued IDs.
• Please check with the US Department of State for the proper travel requirements.   Non-US citizens should check with their embassy for appropriate documents.
• How do I get from the Grand Turk cruise port to town? Cockburn Town is located three miles from the port. You can walk there, but you won’t find any sidewalks along the way, and the weather can get scorching. The best suggestion is to take a shore excursion or hire a taxi.
• Best way to get around: There is a car rental office at the Cruise Center, but driving is on the left as a British territory. Bike tours, as well as motor coach tours, are offered.
• What’s suitable for kids? The Cruise Center has family-friendly kid activities, from playing on the beach to the only land-based Flow Rider ($). There aren’t any zip-lines or bungee jumps (yet!), but there is a swim with the stingrays’ tour and kayaking and for older kids.
• Outer Space History: Brush up on your NASA and space exploration history before you walk over to the John Glenn Exhibit, “Splashdown Grand Turk,” near the Cruise Center. Just offshore is the place where John Glenn, the first American to orbit the world, and his space capsule, Friendship 7 splashed down in 1962.

Money, Money, Money

• At the Cruise Center:   Visitors can use traveler’s checks and major credit cards at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.
• Cash for shopping : is king when it comes to handicraft markets, so if you’re looking for locally made souvenirs in and around Cockburn Town, bring some green.
• ATM machines: There is an ATM near the Cruise Center.
• Credit cards:   Most restaurants and stores will take credit cards and Traveler’s Checks if you’re heading into town.
• Tipping: It’s polite to tip 15% at restaurants. Some restaurants add an automatic 10% service fee to the bill, so know what you’re paying. Tipping your taxi driver for good service is standard procedure.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Grand Turk?

There is only one place to dock on all of Grand Turk. Your cruise ship will dock at the popular Grand Turk cruise port complex, easily visible as you approach the island.  

The dock is located at the southern end of Grand Turk, just to help you get your bearings.

This port is technically a pier, located south of Cockburn Town and next to a stunning beach spanning nearly 780,000 square feet. You’ll see locales and tourists sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing as you walk off the ship.  

Carnival Corporation’s Grand Turk Cruise Center consists of 18 acres of shopping, beaches and endless recreational activities located right where your ship docks.

With only a few hours to spend in Grand Turk, you could easily spend a relaxing day at the enormous Grand Turk Cruise Center.

Or you can choose from a variety of shore excursions, many of which will take you on a full tour of Grand Turk.

What to Do in Grand Turk

Relax at the grand turk cruise center .

The Cruise Center Complex is just one of the best things you can do in Grand Turk. This complex is a large open-air area with tons of excursion booths, gift shops, and restaurants.

One of the largest Margaritaville restaurants in the Caribbean is right next door, featuring a swim-up bar and free loungers for your use.  

One of the main attractions at the Cruise Center Complex is an immense lagoon-like swimming pool. This pool also features a FlowRider, where people can test their surfing skills on artificial waves.  

The center also has a John Glenn Splashdown memorial to commemorate his mission and landing site. A picturesque humpback whale is also nearby to celebrate the year-round sea life found at Grand Turk.

Don’t forget to hit up all of the boutique stores to shop for souvenirs and gifts for you and your loved ones. There’s a rental car service is at the center complex, but be sure to make reservations before your visit.

If you didn’t reserve your shore excursions ahead of time, there are tons of vendor booths within the complex for you to choose your tour. Planning excursions can be overwhelming, so try to research before visiting.  

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Visit the Grand Turk Lighthouse

If you’re going to Grand Turk for a day, you have to visit the lighthouse. This lighthouse, completed in 1852, is the only lighthouse in all Turks and Caicos Islands. Although this is no longer an active lighthouse, for only $3 per person, it’s a perfect spot for tourists and locales to spend the day and catch some sights.  

The grounds around the white, french-style lighthouse are stunning. You can admire the old light-keepers house and a scenic coastal path that leads along the top of the marine limestone cliffs of the coastline. You may even see some donkeys on the grounds!

Although you cannot bike or walk to the lighthouse, you can use a rental car, taxi, or ATV. Be sure to check any island tours you’ve reserved, as the lighthouse may be part of the excursion.  

Stop By the Turks and Caicos National Museum

The Turks and Caicos National Museum offers tours year-round, a perfect spot for the history buff. Located in the capital, Cockburn Town, the museum opened in 1991.  

Enjoy an array of exhibits, including the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck excavated in the western hemisphere. You’ll also see an exhibit dedicated to the first inhabitants of Grand Turk, the Tainos. You’ll see how they lived and what they contributed to the island to make it what it is today.

See the Salt Salinas

Grand Turk was only one of three islands in the Turks and Caicos that produced salt. Turks and Caicos had one of the world’s first and largest salt industries.  

Ultimately, production declined on the island; however, you can still see what used to be magnificent salt flats. Take a ride into Cockburn Town and view the dividing lines and salt ruins from the shore. You can also take an ATV trip to a more underdeveloped area called Hawkes Nest Salina. There you’ll see tons of natural white crystal sea salt.

Spend a Day at the Beach

When you get to Grand Turk, the first beach you’ll see is Cruise Center Beach, right at the pier. However, there are many other beaches where you can spend the day!  

Governor’s Beach

On the west side of the island between the cruise port and Cockburn Town is Governor’s Beach. Most guests agree that this beach is the best beach on Grand Turk because of its beautiful landscape and shallow waters, perfect for swimming.  

Cockburn Town Beach

This beach is home to many surrounding restaurants, hotels, and shopping. Cockburn beach spans far and sections into smaller beaches due to seawalls. Mainly, the waters are calm, but when the tide is high, you may catch some waves.

Pillory Beach

Pillory Beach is one of the quieter beaches located north of Cockburn Town. Away from the crowds at the other beaches, this is a place to come if you’re seeking solitude or somewhere quiet to read a book. If Christopher Columbus did first land at Grand Turk, this would have been the beach where he arrived.

Splash in the Water!

If you find yourself in Grand Turk for the day, take advantage of all of the water excursions available! If you’re a diver, you’ll want to go diving in Grand Turk. Plenty of charters are available.  

You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddles, and boats for a day out on the water. Looking for an adrenaline rush? You can rent jet skis and go kiteboarding.

Don’t forget about trying a whale watching tour as well.   Note: whales are only in these waters from January through late March – early April. Thank you to Salt Cay Divers for the whale watching information. 

Try a Land Tour

Besides seeing the island from the water, there are plenty of tours to see the island from land. Explore the capital on a segway tour with guided audio. There are also open-air trucks available to cruise around and learn about the town.  

You can also rent ATVs to explore the more underdeveloped eastern side of the island, where many roads are unpaved, including Hawkes Nest Salina. Horseback riding is also a lot of fun to do along the shore of the beautiful beaches.

Head Over to Gibbs Cay

Gibbs Cay is a small island about a mile off of Grand Turk. This island is a short trip away and accessible by jet ski or boat.  

Gibbs Cay may have the best snorkeling in all of Grand Turk, unlike some shore beaches. Here you might see plenty of colorful reef fish, sea fans, corals, turtles, stingrays, and maybe even a small shark!

With snorkel and flippers, you can make your way out about 300’ to the edge of a coral reef or just wade into the water and watch for the throng of graceful stingrays as they come in for a scheduled feeding.

If a slow horseback ride along a white sandy beach is on your to-do list, Grand Turk might just be the perfect place to try it. Available as a ship’s shore excursion,  it’s necessary to sign up at the beginning of your cruise to avoid a sold-out disappointment.

After a short van ride to the stable, guests are given a safety briefing before mounting their steed. First is a short ride through some scrub brush and pathways. 

Then you’ll reach another stable where you’ll don a life preserver and your horse will be refitted with a water-suitable saddle. Then off you and your group will go, into the ocean. 

A few minutes in one direction and the leader gives the signal for the horses to head for home. Almost in unison, the horses turn in the ocean and set their sights on a quick return trip to their home. 

Hold on, because the herd really wants to get moving. It’s a wonderful experience, both in the water and on land.

Where to Dine in Grand Turk

Grand Turk has some of the best and freshest seafood you could imagine with plenty of restaurants.  

Jack’s Shack is one of the most popular restaurants on the island because of its proximity to the cruise center port and its authentic Jamaican dishes.  

While in Grand Turk, you need to taste all the local flavors it has to offer. The most common seafood on the island is Conch. Considered a delicacy, Conch is served both raw and cooked.

One of the most popular Conch dishes for tourists is Conch fritters. Breaded, spiced, and fried, this dish is usually paired with an equally delicious dipping sauce.  

Lionfish and Snapper are also popular seafood choices on the island along with Mahi Mahi and Lobster.

The local spices of Grand Turk have a kick, so don’t be surprised if you get some heat with your dinner! Plantain chips and jerk chicken are popular selections accompanied with peas and rice. 

Here are a few places to grab lunch, a cold brew and maybe stay for the entire afternoon!

Jack’s Shack has become the afternoon escape from the hub-bub and tackiness of Margaritaville at the Cruise Center. Located just a short walk from the cruise dock, Jack’s Shack is only 540 yards north of the Cruise Center.

Chef Leroy cooks up a mean jerk chicken on the grill, plus local conch dishes and fried fish. You can even print out a coupon from their website to get a free shot of locally-produced rum.

If a quieter luncheon is more your taste, hop into a taxi to the Osprey Beach Hotel  and the Bird Cage Restaurant. There you’ll find poolside dining with a bird’s-eye view of the ocean. Free wifi, too.

Of course there’s good ol’ Margaritaville back at the Cruise Center. Great for those less adventurous or prefer to stay close to the cruise port.

It’s basically the same menu at all of Jimmy Buffet’s restaurants, but if you plan to go back and forth to the ship all day, it’s convenient.

INSIDER TIP:

If you plan to use WiFi at Margaritaville, you should know that it’s very slow. However, I found that fastest connection is near the router on the second level. Just bring your lunch upstairs.

Where to Shop in Grand Turk

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a great stop when you arrive or right before you leave because it is right at your ship’s dock. Expect to see a big crowd since it’s one of the most popular areas on the island for shopping. Before you leave Grand Turk, you have to walk away with a gift or souvenir.  

The Grand Turk Cruise Center will have jewelry, t-shirts, alcohol, and more. You’ll also be able to stop at the only Starbucks in all of Turks and Caicos for a one-of-a-kind Starbucks Grand Turk souvenir mug.  

You can also find a lot of gifts on Front Street in Cockburn Town. There are a few permanent shops, but when tourism is at its high point, you’ll see many vendors pop up a tent to sell their handmade items.  

If you’d like something very authentic to Grand Turk, try heading to the National Museum Gift Shop. Here you’ll find books, postcards, and gifts related to the island. The Grand Turk retail outlet also hosts many items from local artisans, including handmade baskets, sailboats, and more.  

Shells are also a popular souvenir from the island. However, there are specific rules that tourists need to follow. For example, non-locales are only allowed to leave with no more than three conch shells. Be sure to follow the rules and protocols to help protect the natural ecosystem and island of Grand Turk.  

Wrapping Up Your Visit to Grand Turk 

With beautiful weather nearly year-round (the exception of course being the unpredictable height of hurricane season-August and September), cruise passengers have come to love their brief visit to this modest, little island. 

Grand Turk is an incredible island with tons of activities and places to explore. You’ll taste the local flavors, relax on some of the best beaches, see extraordinary sea life, learn the fascinating history and culture of the island, and much more.

Whether you choose to hang out, eat and shop at the cruise center, venture into town or purchase a shore excursion, a port call in Grand Turk is sure to be a fun and memorable experience.

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44 comments.

Duly noted and corrected. Thank you for reading the article and taking the time to leave your comment. Much appreciated!

John Glen was the first American to orbit the earth, not the first person. Russian Yuri Gagarin was the first person to orbit the earth.

Hi Tayah, Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers to your questions. I would suggest your doing some research online to see what beaches you would like to visit. Also, check your cruise line’s shore excursions – they’ll usually include if there are lockers available to stow your belongings.

Thank you for your comment and have a wonderful time! Sherry

hello I was just wondering if id be able to go jetskiing on the island and where id be leaving my personal belongings,and will they be safe because everything I need to get back on the cruise ship will be in my bag?

Hi David, While Grand Turk is small, you will need a taxi or a tour to see the island. From the cruise dock, you can have a very nice day but to get into town or around, it’s not really walkable. I hope this helps. Thank you for your question. Sherry

Is Grand Turk small enough to visit via a walking tour or do recommend another way other than the cruise ship excurisions?

Hi Mechelle,

Sorry I can’t help with golf cart rental recommendations. Maybe you can contact the visitor’s bureau in Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos) and they can point you in the right direction. Have a great time! Sherry

Looking for golf cart rental recommendations in Grand Turk, close to the cruise port.

Hi Traci, I think you should start here and help your friend get the proper marriage license. http://turksandcaicostourism.com/weddings/marriage-license-requirements-turks-and-caicos/ From there, you can view the island’s list of wedding planners who will help you put together the port day wedding. Sounds exciting to me! Sherry

A group of us are traveling to Grand Turk on the Carnival Sunshine, docking there for a day. We are looking for a place to put on a wedding. Looking for steel drum music and a beautiful, yet simple, wedding ceremony. I’d appreciate a local contact there to help me arrange a beautiful wedding on a beach! We are looking for something not “tourist-y”. We did something similar 2 years ago for another couple on Isla Roatan in Honduras. It was simple and beautiful. Flower pots set up for an aisle, our Broker is ordained and will do the ceremony. What we wanted from the island natives is a cake, a musical option, flowers for the Bride, and a photographer. A contact for a planner would be great!

Sounds like you have a nice cruise planned. Yes, there are other activities to do beside those offered through the cruise lines. Please visit http://turksandcaicostourism.com/grand-turk/ and click on Things to Do. There are links to companies that offer things to do that you’d book on your own. Chukka Tours offers things to do there, too. Https:www.chukka.com If you want something a little more cultural there’s the Turks and Caicos Museum. They also have activities. https://www.tcmuseum.org/

Have a wonderful time! Sherry

Hi, I will be traveling to Grand turk via Carnival Vista the end of this month with 3 teenagers. I’ve heard alot about the beaches near the port. I would like to know if there are any activities for a fee available like jetskiing or speedboat at the nearby beaches instead of doing an excursions. Thanks in advance, Denise

Hi Linda, Unfortunately, the Turks and Caicos National Museum is permanently closed, due to severe hurricane damage last year. However, they are happy to report that their gift shop is open! The distance from the Cruise Center to the museum (gift shop) is about 1/2 mile. If anyone in your group likes to ride horses, I’ve done that with the ship’s shore excursion and it was a lot of fun. Sherry

Hi Sherry, I usually book my excursions through my ship ,however while in Grand Turks we would like to go to the National Museum. Can you tell me approximately how long that taxi ride would be. we will be in port from 8am – 4pm. I want to calculate an appropriate amount of time . Thank you

Hi Darryl, Thanks for reading and your comment. There are several companies that offer shore excursions and to the best of my knowledge, they all provide a fairly similar experience to that of the cruise line…many times with a smaller group. While going with the cruise line’s shore excursions does ensure a level of confidence, many if not all of the alternative shore tour companies guarantee you will get back in time for your ship’s departure. Here are a few of the shore excursion companies that I have paid for and used: Shore Excursions Group, Viator, Shore Tours. There is also CruisingExcursions.com but I have not tried them.

Sometimes, word of mouth or going online to a particular port’s page may give you ideas, too.

With your wide range of ages, families may want a more kid-oriented shore excursion while millennials may go for the adrenaline-inducing experiences. Your oldest in the group may want more overview tours aboard a motor coach. I hope this is helpful. Have a wonderful family reunion cruise! Sherry

Hi we will be having a family reunion cruise, on Carnival Magic December 2019. We have people from age 14 – 93 years of age. What private company would recommend for a tour of the island? Or any other recommendations?

Grand Turk is so much fun. I’d check with Cunard’s shore excursion options – it should include the horseback riding tour. While Grand Turk is up and running post-hurricanes, I don’t know 100% for sure that the stables are all repaired. I will check into it.

Thank you for your email.

Your site has given me food for thought. How can I book the horse riding on the beach. This would be fantastic. We arrive with Cunard on Sat 20th Jan and would love this as an activity to do. Are you able to send me contacts to achieve this please. Many thanks Jo

In Grand Turk, your ship will dock at the beach so there’s really not too much more to do than walk over to it. In Aruba, my favorite beach is Baby Beach, around the other side of the island. You might though, need to make arrangements to be picked up by the taxi or use an Uber or Lyft app if that’s possible.

Thanks for your email and have a wonderful trip!

Best beaches for shoreline snorkeling in Grand Turk,Aruba and domican republic we will be on Vista 12/1617. We r avid cruisers and always enjoy jumping in a cab and finding the best beach. Any suggestions??

We had a great snorkel experience there. I am not sure what will be left of the island after Irma.

Hi Gira, Lucky you! I really enjoyed Carnival Sunshine a year or so ago. Grand Turk is lovely. I’ve done horseback riding there and it was wonderful. I think 6 is the minimum age so your 8-yr old would qualify. Other things I like in Grand Turk is the history and town tour. But…the bus ride on the way to the riding stable is a mini town tour in itself so you almost get both. Try to leave a little time to wander the cruise center too or cool off in the pool at the end of the day. Margaritaville is fun…but crowded. Upstairs is less busy if you and your kids want a snack later. When you read the shore excursion reviews on Carnival’s site, be sure to check the age range for the reviewer. That’s a good clue to the demographic you’ll find on the tour. Horseback riding attracts all age groups.

Have a wonderful time! Feel free to send a note back after your cruise to let me know what excursion you chose.

Thanks! Sherry

Hi Sherry, We are taking a cruise with Carnival Sunshine on Aug 20th. Grand Turks is one of the ports we will be stopping at from 7am to 4pm . I have my 14 yrs old daughter and 8 yr old son with me and we are cruising for the 1st time. I would love to get your suggestions on how we can spend our time there. I like the horse back riding excursion as none of us have done that before. Would you suggest to book that through the cruise or once we get to the port? Anything else that would be great for us to try?

Hi Ana, Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary! My recommendation would be to contact the hotels on Grand Turk as inquire if any can arrange a vow renewal ceremony. Your cruise line might also be able to arrange someone on the island…but it might be more expensive. Turks and Caicos tourism has a list of event planners and maybe someone there can point you in the best direction for Grand Turk.

Have a wonderful ceremony and celebration! Thanks for your comment. Sherry

Hi my husband and I are planning our first cruise for our 15 year Anniversary next year….per the cruise line we are looking into on our date 8/23/18 it looks like the ship will port on the island…we would like to do a Small ceremony to renew our vows on the beach…any recommendations?.

Thank you in advance for your prompt response

Hi Buffie, Good question. If you’re thinking of renting a vehicle, please note that cars drive on the left. Maybe you live in the UK so that’s not an issue. But if you’re willing, there are several car rentals companies just outside the port. Also Grand Turk has wild ponies and donkeys that can appear out of nowhere. I’ve always taken a shore excursion on Grand Turk or just hung out at the Cruise Center or walked down to Jack’s Shack. There are a lot of historical and interesting points and places on this small island that you might otherwise miss without a tour guide. Whatever you decide to do, be safe and enjoy the island. Sherry

We are docking with a group. Someone had suggested renting jeeps or something and just driving around the island and exploring, any suggestions?

Hi Chelsey, Thanks for your question. If you simply want a day at the beach, it’s walkable to get there. When you dock in Grand Turk, just look to the left of the Cruise Center. There’s a huge stretch of beach (it’s in the photo in the article). Grab your gear and head on over! As far as other beaches around the island, Governor’s Beach is gorgeous but requires either a taxi, golf cart or car rental to get there. But really, if you just walk a little bit further away from the Cruise Center complex, you’ll find the crowds beach continually thin out. Only about one-third of a mile north (to the left) of the Cruise Center is Jack’s Shack, a landmark stop for drinks and nibbles. Keep walking north and the beach widens and there are less visitors. Have a wonderful cruise and thanks for your email. Sherry

I hear the beaches are beautiful at Grand Turk. My family and I are cruising there in January. I noticed our cruise line doesn’t offer exclusive beach excursions and we really just want to spend the day at the beach. Any recommendations?

If you haven’t been snorkeling before, I wouldn’t recommend it as your first try. The water here is saltier than anywhere I’ve ever snorkeled. Take lots of water if you do try it. I was sick in about 10 minutes, and I’ve snorkeled on all the other islands with no trouble. The second time we went we did the two person kayak tour. Wasn’t a lot to see but it was a lot of fun.

Hi Kim, I totally agree! It’s a great place to spend the day. Thanks for your comment. Sherry

I love love love grand turk!!! its so laid back and relaxed!!! my favorite place to go on a cruise to!!

Hi Tracie, Yes, there are local places to shop and eat. You’re best bet is to do some research on Cockburn Town and check out the reviews. Go to: https://visittci.com – Have fun!

is there any local foods or markets/

Hi Cyndi, Thank you for your email. As I don’t know what cruise you will take, I’d suggest reading through your cruise line’s list of shore excursions and see what’s offered that would be child-friendly (yes beach days are perfect!) Also, check with the onboard child care directors…I’ll bet they have some excellent suggestions, too. Have a wonderful cruise with your granddaughter! Sherry

Need some suggestions for something to do with our 4 year old granddaughter that we are taking on a cruise in a month. Any ideas?

Great beach???

Thank you Cyndi

Hi Sue, So nice to hear from you! I was just thinking about you and Tom the other day as I was looking for our “jump” photos from Belogradchik Fortress. I still think you must have been a high school cheer leader! Please email me about your cruise in March so maybe we can meet up before you leave. sherry at cruisemaven dot com. Cheers back and hope all is going well. Sherry

Hi Sherry! So nice to see your blog! I certainly trust your advice and will be making note of your ideas for our stop here on our cruise in March! We’re trying out HAL for the first time on their new ship!

Hope you’re doing well! We’d sure love to meet up with you again sometime!

Cheers, Your cruise mates from your sea-to-sea river cruise, Sue & Tom

Grand turk is a beautiful island not much to do on the island other than touring or goin to acouple of restaurants if theyre open would not recomend more than a 2 night stay on this island after the cruiseship leaves it becomes a ghost town

Hi and thanks for your comment. Grand Turk does look like a fun to stay! Yes, there are about 5 hotels/inns on the island, so if you flew in then you could stay in Grand Turk. Sherry

Can you do a vacation here. Or is this just a day adventure…sound so exciting!

Hi Lindsay, Thanks for your kind words and excellent suggestions. I never seem to get far enough out to explore the lighthouse, but it will be on my to-do list next time. Great idea about the golf carts, too. I need to revisit asap! Thanks again.

I completely agree, lots to see in Grand Turk besides just the pool! But what about the lighthouse and the conch shell beach? Also think renting golf carts is so much more fun than taking a taxi! Just my two cents! Love your blog though! Someday we hope to be as traveled as you! 🙂

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Updated on October 17, 2023 by Sherry Laskin

Grand Turk Cruise Center

The beautiful Cruise Center Beach fronts the complex, and is one of the nicest cruise port beaches in the region.

Unlike many other Caribbean vacation cruise stops, Grand Turk is a very small island, and offers a completely different atmosphere than better-known destinations. There isn’t a crowded city or waterfront, just a laid-back little town with great beaches and a little British Bermudian Colonial heritage.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is the only cruise port in the Turks and Caicos, and the $50 million complex was opened by Carnival Cruise Lines in 2006.

Sights and Attractions at the Cruise Center

The highlight of the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the huge, lagoon-like swimming pool. Private poolside cabanas with waiter service can be rented, but be sure to reserve yours early as availability is limited.

The Cruise Center is located on the beautiful Cruise Center Beach , and the section next to the cruise ship pier is the poorest section–you’ll want to head north up the coast a short distance to experience the best sand and water. Here you’ll also find Jack's Shack , a popular restaurant to grab lunch. Complimentary beach lounge chairs are found fronting the complex, although depending on the number of ships in port, this area of the beach can become extremely crowded. Grand Turk is one of the few destinations in the Caribbean where a great beach can be enjoyed directly off the cruise ships.

To the south of the Cruise Center, the beach becomes a bit more secluded, albeit rocky as well. If you continue to the southern point of Grand Turk, you’ll be at Boaby Rock Point , and near some snorkeling reefs. Further on is White Sands Beach .

The unparalleled Governor's Beach is found less than a mile (1 km) to the north, unfortunately, it’s not possible to walk to this location on the beach due to the Government Dock which interrupts the coast. It’s necessary to take the inland roads to get to Governor’s Beach.

One of the exciting attractions in the Cruise Center is the FlowRider . Water is jetted over a preformed cushioned surface to create an artificial surfing attraction. Both stand-up surfing and body-boarding are possible, and it’s fun to simply watch others’ attempts as well.

The Space Race

A little-known fact is the island of Grand Turk played a part in the 1962 Mercury Space Mission. John Glenn’s first step on dry land after returning to Earth was on Grand Turk, and a U.S. Navy Base that was in operation on the island at the time, NAVFAC 104 , helped in the recovery operations.

There’s a memorial to John Glenn and the historic event at the Cruise Center, and the display features a statue, a replica of the Friendship Seven space capsule, and informative plaques.

Also nearby is a statue of a breaching humpback whale, highlighting the excellent whale watching at Grand Turk during the winter months.

Restaurants and Dining

If you’re looking to enjoy some food and drinks, there are two restaurants within easy access of the Cruise Center: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville , and Jack's Shack . Both eateries serve a menu of American and international grill favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, grilled seafood, and chicken.

Margaritaville fronts the expansive swimming pool at the Cruise Center, and Jack’s Shack is located a short walk up the coast on a perfect piece of beach with crystal clear ocean water.

The cruise center is also home to the only Starbucks coffee shop in the Turks and Caicos, which opened in late 2019.

Immigration and Customs

Immigration and Customs are handled by your cruise agent. Immigration and Customs personnel are present on site, and you may be selected for a secondary inspection. To obtain a stamp in your passport, you must notify your cruise agent during clearance, or visit the Immigration Department located in Cockburn Town .

Transportation and Getting Around Grand Turk

Transportation to other sites of interest on Grand Turk is available directly outside the Cruise Center. Here you’ll find taxis waiting, and rental car pickups take place here as well.

If you’d like to rent a car, golf cart, or scooter, we advise making a reservation in advance of your visit. However, local rental companies may be able to accommodate walk-ins.

Exploring the sights, town, and beaches of Grand Turk is one of our recommended ways of spending the day on Grand Turk. There’s so much to see, including the small yet interesting Turks and Caicos National Museum , the Grand Turk Lighthouse , and the waterfront at our capital city of Cockburn Town (where many of the island’s hotels are located).

If you’d prefer to have a guide on your island tour, many of the taxis will be happy to show the sights and sounds of the island.

There’s a wide range of tourist gift and souvenir shops, art galleries, and jewelers at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. Some of these stores are regional chains, such as the Ron Jon Surf Shop, Margaritaville Trading Post, Dufry duty-free, and Diamonds International.

If you’re interested in finding an authentic Turks and Caicos gift, see Shopping in the Turks and Caicos for ideas. The National Museum and a few other shops also offer local items.

Local prices are similar to other Caribbean destinations, and the majority of the souvenirs and trinkets are relabeled versions of the typical mass-produced mugs, refrigerator magnets, and items seen at every other cruise port (usually from China). Likewise, seashells tend to not be local, and are of Pacific origin.

Port Schedule

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Excursions & Tours

Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling

Conch Dive, Gibbs Cay & Stingray Adventure

Exclusive Whale Watching

Private Gibbs Cay and Snorkel Charter

Grand Turk excursions are an immersion into the serene beauty and historical charm of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with activities like snorkeling in pristine coral reefs and visiting historic landmarks. Grand Turk excursions also cater to those seeking relaxation and adventure, offering pristine beaches for lounging and watersports for thrill-seekers.

Grand Turk Island is the largest of the Turk islands, which are part of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. Enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving among stingrays, boat rides on the Caribbean Sea, and a unique culture with our Grand Turk excursions. Grand Turk has become a popular cruise line destination for travelers visiting from all around the world.

Home to white-sand beaches and exquisite marine life - Grand Turk offers something for every activity level. Head out onto the clear blue water in a private boat tour or catamaran rental for some island sightseeing and snorkeling when you book our Private Champagne Snorkel excursion. Escape the crowded shore tours and take a day off and relax with food and refreshments with our Day at a Beach Resort excursion. Did you know the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to one of the world's largest barrier reefs? Visit Columbus Landfall National Park to watch the whales beyond the reef. Other Grand Turk cruise excursions let you snorkel the beautiful coral reefs in turquoise waters or see the quaint buildings and culture of this archipelago island, an unforgettable and truly stress-relieving experience.

As the country's capital since 1766, Grand Turk (formerly known as "Grand Cay") is also home to Cockburn Town, Grand Turk Lighthouse, the Grand Turk Wall coral reef, and countless other beaches, water sports, and outdoor activities. For decades, crowds have traveled to the small island for escape, adventure, and R&R. Experience timeless memories and natural wonders like no other.

Excursions, Tours, & Things To Do:

There are lots of things to do in Grand Turk:

• Sightseeing day trips
• Nature reserve eco-tours
• Horseback riding
• Rum-tasting
• Private charters with or without tour guides
• Parasailing
• Paddle-boarding
• Whale watching
• Swimming with dolphins
• Sunset cruises
• View marine life (sharks, rays, sea turtles, conch, starfish, and more)

Favorite Grand Turk Beach Getaways:

Note the following are sample tours and may not work with your itinerary. Find excursions for your cruise itinerary here .

• Day at a Small Beach Resort ($106.00)
• Grand Turk Beach Break and High Tea ($55.00)
• Snorkel and Beach Escape ($132.00)
• Beach, Burger and Beer ($69.00)

Best Snorkeling in Grand Turk:

• Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling ($144.00)
• Private Gibbs Cay and Snorkel Charter (starting at $97.00/person)
• Snorkel and Rum Tasting ($72.00)

Top Attractions & Recommended Activities in Grand Turk:

• Exclusive Whale Watching ($193.00)
• Private Half Day Fishing Charter ($1,000.00)

Why wait any longer to book the vacation of a lifetime? Check out our Turks and Caicos excursions on Grand Turk Island excursions!

Best Grand Turk snorkeling excursion? (Carnival)

By TaraLynne , August 29, 2011 in Grand Turk

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I'll be visiting Grand Turk on my Carnival cruise next year and would love some info on what the best snorkeling excursions are :)

In the past I've had very good experiences with excursions booked through Carnival and two of the ones that are on their website look good, so if anyone has info on these specific excursions OR if you can suggest a really awesome less expensive private excursion...I'm all ears. The ones I was looking at are:

Catamaran Sailaway, Beach & Snorkel (this gives you snorkeling & beach time but I couldn't find info on where they take you to snorkel)

Sail Grand Turk & Snorkel (with this one they take you to "the wall" for snorkeling but apparently you have no beach time?)

As a note, I'd love to get some beach time BUT I prefer snorkeling in deeper water, hence my interest in the second excursion that takes you to The Wall...

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LA_FadeAway

I'm researching the same stuff right now. From what I can tell, there is a nice beach right next to the cruise pier and the snorkel trips (at least on Princess) are not real long, so that would leave time to enjoy the beach when we get back. Based on that, I'm looking for the trip with the best snorkeling. We can hang on the beach afterward!

I honestly didn't think about that! Though to be honest I would always add an hour to an excursion's length to be safe...we had one in Costa Maya on our last cruise that was supposed to last 5 hours and lasted over six...we barely made it back to the port on time! It was a cruise line excursion or I honestly would have been freaking out.

I highly recommend "Ultimate Snorkel". I have done that one twice, and it was great both times. The catamaran sails go to the same location as "Ultimate Snorkel" and a couple others, to a bay area a couple miles north of the ship pier, on the west side of the island, opposite Cockburn Town. They all snorkel out by "the Wall" (about 30' deep). Ultimate snorkel also stops on a shallow reef (about 10' deep), while the catamaran goes to the beach after "the Wall". For the two sting ray excursions, they both go to Gibbs Cay, which is on the east side of Grand Turk. We took the "Gibbs Cay and Stingray" excursion, and found it "okay". I guess a lot depends on what you want to do, snorkel and see fish, or experience stingrays. As far as we are concerned, "Ultimate Snorkel" is the best excursion we have done anywhere, hence our having done it twice.

Here are a couple pictures I took, and the link to the whole albums. Part 1 of both cruises covers Grand Turk

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13678200@N07/collections/72157624605608081/

This is the barracuda (named Harry), who met us on the shallow reef. He is about 3 1/2' long.

P7120130 by WillieD13 , on Flickr

Harry hung around the whole time we were there, providing plenty of photo ops.

P7120134 by WillieD13 , on Flickr

Me, hovering over the edge of "the Wall", about 30' down.

P7120070 by WillieD13 , on Flickr

Yes, there are a LOT of fish

P7120054 by WillieD13 , on Flickr

4058P7130040 by WillieD13 , on Flickr

4077P7130102 by WillieD13 , on Flickr

WillieD..what kind of camera did you use?

• 3 weeks later...

I just got back from a Destiny cruise to Grand Turk, and I can recommend the Captain Explorer Snorkel excursion offered by Carnival. It's a fast boat that goes out to some small outer islands where you can snorkel and then swim up to the beach. The snorkels and masks were all sanitized and the guides were super nice and patient with newbies. We saw some cool fish and got to stay in the water for a good long time before heading back. They served rum punch on the ride back which was delicious! I think they could accommodate about 14-18 people, which is a nice size group. The boat ride was a lot of fun!

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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15 Great Things to Do in Grand Turk on Your Cruise

We will tell you all about the 15 most exciting things that you can plan on seeing and doing while on your Grand Turk cruise vacation.

However, here is some helpful information about the port for the cruise ship so you can know where the cruise ship will be docking and what you can expect when you get there.

Grand Turk Cruise Center Info

The pier/port area was built by Carnival Corporation so if you want to visit Grand Turk, you will need to sail on one of their cruise lines (Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Costa Cruises).  View Prices on Cruises to Grand Turk

The port itself has a large space that consists of many restaurants, shops, and beaches, and offers its own amenities to its guests. Many places are within walking distance and most of the tours will offer pick-ups directly from the port. Some tours will only offer pick-ups if they are scheduled in advance, so you should make sure that your favorite choices are booked ahead of time.

There are shuttle services that will be available at the port and will take you to the beach or town excursions, but with many options being so close by, there are few reasons to need them. There are buses that will take you on a tour of the island, but they will pick you up at the port, so there is little need to go very far.

If you choose to rent golf carts, ATVs, or dune buggies, they are all available at different vendors that are near the cruise center so you can walk to them. Maps should be available at information kiosks if you need help finding your way to the vendor you’re looking for.

Here are some great things to do in Grand Turk while on a cruise to this beautiful port:

1.  Grand Turk Wall Snorkeling

Adventuring into the shimmery waters of Turks and Caicos is a fantastic option for spending your time on this small island. The Grand Turk Wall is an extensive barrier reef that is made up of multiple coral formations. This amazing reef offers the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of various fish and underwater creatures that live nearby and to get a chance to see the 7,000 foot underwater wall itself.

This tour includes all snorkeling equipment with the ticket price and will last for approximately an hour. You will be able to take a shuttle to Governor’s Beach where you’ll be taken straight to the Grand Turk where you’ll be able to get your rental equipment and begin your snorkeling journey.

2.      Humpback Whale Watching

It’s not every day that you’ll get to see a Humpback whale in its natural habitat, but with the Grand Turk whale watching tours, you’ll be able to do just that. With a tour on a ship guided by a captain who will stop near the local areas where these majestic creatures are known to swim, you will see some of the largest animals in all the sea.

These tours will last for about four hours and will take you out onto the crystal water to have a close look at humpback whales as they display tail slapping or beaching behaviors. During the trip when you are moving across empty water, your guide will teach you about the whale’s history and behaviors and give you the ability to get in the waters in shallow areas to snorkel too.

3.   Historical Grand Turk Tour

This historical tour of Grand Turk island is a lovely way to spend a few hours learning about the history of the island with stops at the most famous sites. You will get to see the Old Town, Post Office, the famous Duke Street, the Space Capsule, and the lighthouse with an extra stop off at the beach if you’d like to spend your last few hours on land in the sand.

This tour takes around four hours to complete and will pick you up at the cruise center and drop you off either at the port or at a nearby beach. This trip can include a lunch meal as part of the tour if you choose to add that.

4.  Beach Trip

Nearby the Grand Turk Cruise Center, there are a number of different beaches and tourist attractions that you can walk to. If you would like to spend a relaxing day at a beach that is within walking distance, then taking a short trip to the nearby Grand Turk Beach is the perfect way to spend your hours in Turks and Caicos.

The local beaches at the cruise center offer drinks on the sand, access to rental equipment, and short excursions that are available on the shore. Whether you’re wanting to lay on the white sand or take a snorkeling trip in the waters, you can do it all on the beach.

View Prices on Cruises to Grand Turk

5.  Stingray Swimming

Swimming in the waters at the beach can be great, but if you would like to get in the depths of the Caribbean, then swimming with the stingrays is a great choice for an excursion. These friendly creatures will swim right up to you and eat food from your hand or maneuver under your feet at the bottom of the ocean for a unique and incredible experience unlike any other.

This tour will take you to the middle of the water where you can have enough space to move around and swim with the stingrays so you get the full experience. While on the boat, your guide will teach you about the habits and background of their creatures so you’re able to feel comfortable and safe with these slippery undersea animals.

6.  Margaritaville

This Grand Turk staple is a restaurant and bar that you won’t want to pass up if you visit this island. The fun party atmosphere and local dishes make a great spot for locals and tourists alike, and as the name suggests, their margaritas are the best in town. With live entertainment, a swim-up bar, and outdoor seating, you’ll have a wonderful time just a short walk from the cruise center.

This restaurant is known for its amenities and the close proximity to the cruise center with less than a minute walk to get there. With dishes like jerk tacos and freshly caught calamari, you can get some of the freshest choices by the sea and have a signature drink while laying out by the large pool. If you choose to stay outside the whole time, you can food and drinks with full poolside service.

7.  Segway Tour

Taking a different kind of tour is a specialty in Grand Turk, which offers an interesting way to see the island. With Segway’s available for rent on the island, you can hop on one and make your way around the area for a non-guided tour along the island’s paths.

These Segways are easy to ride and are motorized, which means that you don’t have to work hard to get them going. The slim frame allows you to make your way through narrow pathways and get around the town faster than walking would allow. These devices do have weight and height restrictions so you should call ahead for more information about these restrictions.

8.  Dune Buggy Rentals

Want to explore the beautiful island of Grand Turk with a ride in a small dune buggy? You can’t get this experience in your hometown, so take advantage of the opportunity while in Turks and Caicos. These buggies are rentals that can be taken out for a ride across the island and will give you the ability to see the area in a whole new way.

The buggies can be rented out at the cruise center vendors and kept for a half or a whole day of exploring. The buggies sit two people in each vehicle and can be ridden on the beach or on the pavement for a fun and unique excursion that will get your blood pumping.

9.  Culture and Food Tour

Are you ready for a day of tastings that will give you all the best flavors of Grand Turk? Then, the Culture and Food Tour is the right choice for you and your appetite. This tour will take three hours and takes you to three different stops along the way where you will get to try the local catches, dishes, and signature cocktails.

With three stops, you can get a different dish at each local eatery and try a new tropical drink. Along the trip, your tour guide will tell you about the history and culture of Grand Turk as you pass by historical buildings and sights. Plus, with pick up and drop off service offered, you will be able to leave right from the cruise center and be dropped off right back after the tour is done.

10.  Flowrider

Heading into the crystal blue Caribbean waters can be great, but getting a chance to ride on the Flowrider is an experience you just can’t beat. The Grand Turk Flowrider is an attraction that lets you feel what it’s like to surf while being in a completely controlled environment. The water is sprayed toward you as you learn to get onto a board, or body surf, so you can catch some waves without the ocean.

The Flowrider offers tourists a way to test out their surfing skills without having to brave the uneven waves and uncontrollable environment of the sea while their family and friends get a front-row seat. Each member of your group can take a turn to ride the Flowrider before heading to the cruise center again for a fun time that you won’t forget.

11. Golf Cart Rentals

Not looking to spend your day eating or laying out on the beach, then rent one of Grand Turk golf carts and roam around the island on your own for a few hours of fun and exploration. These golf carts hold two people and come with room in the back for two more to ride backward, or room for your bags. Take these through town or onto the local trails to get a full look at the island.

Grand Turk has many trails and a lot of open lands to ride on, so you won’t have any trouble getting around. However, if you choose to go to places that are filled with people, you will want to make sure to slow down and watch out for travelers. Once you are done for the day, just return the carts to the vendor and you can be on your way.

12.  National Museum

Gaining some knowledge while on vacation is a fun and unexpected way to spend your cruise. With the Grand Turk National Museum not far from the cruise center, you can take a quick trip there and learn about the history of Turks and Caicos dating all the way back to 1513.

This historical museum has two floors of artifacts and exhibits to look at and details the history of the island by offering a walk through the different time periods throughout its history. From old furniture and tools to animals and plant life that was prevalent at the time, you will get to see everything that was there during that period.

The museum is filled with interesting facts about the island and offers insight into the lives of those who lived there long ago. Tickets can be purchased aboard the ship, or at the door, and pickups can be scheduled at the cruise center.

13. Catamaran Tour

If you’re up for a midday party after some snorkeling, then the Catamaran Tour may be the best option for you. The catamaran will take you and your other guests along the blue waters and whisk you away to one of the many beaches of Grand Turk. The tour will stop off at a snorkeling spot where you’ll get to see some fish and corral, then it takes you to a private beach with an open bar and live music for some dancing.

The tour guides will have their special Rum Punch on board, so you can choose to start the party early, and with the open bar at the beach, you can have a few cocktails or beers and dance your cares away on the warm sand. The snorkeling equipment is included in the ticket prices and the tour will end by dropping you off at the cruise center.

14. ATV Tour

Want to take a trip off the main road and head into the dirt paths along the island? Then renting an ATV for an island tour is the way to go. With thirty minutes of safety instructions before you drive off by yourself, you and your group will feel fully prepared to ride off into the dirt roads to explore. The instructors will also teach the proper hand signals for when you’re on the road with others.

Don’t worry if you haven’t ridden an ATV before, because you will have training and practice in an open parking lot before you drive off with your group so even beginners can rent these vehicles. Your tour guides can lead you around the island on your ATV and show you the best places to ride so you get to have the time of your life in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

15. Scuba Diving

Searching for a classic cruise excursion that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further than scuba diving lessons. While in some of the clearest waters around, you’ll be able to take advantage of the underwater clarity and get an up-close look at the various sea animals and coral reefs that are under the surface. You will be able to look at tropical fish, bright coral, and sea turtles in the water as you swim around.

This excursion begins at the cruise center and takes you on a short boat ride into deeper waters for the best diving experience. Once you are out at sea, you’ll have a guide to help you get your equipment set up and ensure that everything is working properly. Then, you’ll be able to step off the boat and take a look at all that the ocean has to offer.

With many different sea creatures in these waters, even if you have done this excursion before, you will have a unique experience each time you dive. The excursion will usually last around two hours, and with the boat ride being only a few minutes from the docks to the diving spot, this is a great option for those who may get seasick on longer boat trips.

This guest post was written by Justin Stewart.

Have you been to Grand Turk before?  What shore excursion or activity did you enjoy?  Let us know in the comments below so we can all benefit.

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Let the name fool you — Grand Turk, of the Turks & Caicos islands, may be small but it’s packed with scenic punch and historic charm. Carnival cruises to Grand Turk deliver you to this enchanted island outpost dotted with old windmills, grassy trails and picture-perfect beaches. Discover an oasis of green set in aquamarine seas, ringed by a pristine coral reef and the steep wall of the continental shelf.

• Swim in the sparkling turquoise seas off Governor’s Beach. 
• Tour historic Cockburn Town and the old salt pans. 
• Shop for duty-free jewelry and local crafts in the colorful Grand Turk Cruise Center. 
• Feel the velvety touch of a stingray’s wings in Gibbs Cay.

Things to do in Grand Turk

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