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Tropical beaches, a rich history, and all sorts of activities for cruisers are only a few reasons why cruisers Grand Turk. 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. The Grand Turk Wall, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Caribbean, is a massive underwater cliff that drops off 7,000 feet just off the coast of Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Grand Turk Cruise Ports
Be sure to try the nachos, burgers, jerk salmon and conch fritters, and swim up to the bar for a signature Margarita. Likewise, seashells tend to not be local, and are of Pacific origin. 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. The only lighthouse in the country, this beautiful (albeit not very large) structure is the main historical attraction on Grand Turk.
About Grand Turk Island
I sailed with Holland America on the Tropical Caribbean cruise when we visited Grand Turk and you’ll find this stop on many Eastern Caribbean cruises. Holland America Line, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity, Princess Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Virgin Voyages all have cruises that visit the Grand Turk cruise port. 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. If you find yourself in Grand Turk for the day, take advantage of all of the water excursions available!
How to Visit Grand Turk, the Capital Island of Turks and Caicos - Travel + Leisure
How to Visit Grand Turk, the Capital Island of Turks and Caicos.
Posted: Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Snorkel with Stingrays at Gibbs Cay
Only eight are inhabited, yet offer 230 miles of white sandy beaches. You’ll most likely be exploring SunRay Beach when visiting by cruise ship, also home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef. The cruise port's UK locode is TCGDT (Turks and Caicos Grand Turk). In 2006, CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines financed (USD 50 million) the construction of "Grand Turk Cruise Center" (dock and terminal) that currently has capacity to handle 3 liners simultaneously. Among the most-booked cruise shore excursions are bus tours (to historical sites), horseback riding, ATVs, water sports activities, fishing boat excursions. When ships are in port, you’ll also find vendors selling souvenirs and cold drinks.
Secluded Beaches
Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. A great beach for snorkeling would be the Boaby Rockpoint, located on the southern side of the Grand Turk, the beach is rocky, but on calm days can be great for snorkeling. If you are undecided on whether to stay on the beach the whole day or ongoing on some light water activity like snorkeling, then head over to pillory beach, which has the best snorkeling spots. Grand Turk is a haven for divers, located along the third-largest barrier reefs; the island has some great diving spots off the west coast on the Columbus Landfall National Park.
Main Attractions
As is also the case with the Cruise Center itself, the restaurants tend to be quite crowded when a ship is in port. If you plan to rent a car and explore Grand Turk, consider dining at one of the Cockburn Town restaurants if you’re looking for a bit more tranquility. Complimentary beach lounger use is also offered near the Cruise Center for cruise guests. Be advised that some beach hawkers attempt to rent their own chairs out. 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.
See Humpback Whales Up Close on a Boat Tour
The vibrant exteriors of British colonial buildings, quaint restaurants, cafes and shops, and friendly locals create a unique Caribbean atmosphere. If you’re looking for a slice of paradise close to the port of Grand Turk, Governor’s Beach is the place to go. This stunning beach is only a 5-minute drive from the port, making it the perfect destination for those looking for instant relaxation and tropical beauty. IQCruising recommends a taxi to get there - $5.00 per person each way. Inevitably there are only a few excursions to explore farther inland and just a few activities to enjoy.
Today, visitors can explore the island’s historic lighthouse and view maps and other navigational tools used by sailors in the past. A wide range of water sports and activities are available right off the ship, like diving, parasailing, and floating obstacle courses. The island offers many options for guests to take an organized tour or explore independently. The beaches are just a short walk from the cruise center, allowing visitors to swim, sunbathe, and relax in the warm Caribbean sun. The Grand Turk Cruise Center encompasses 14 acres and features a two-berth pier, port complex, bars, a pool, retail, a shore excursion hub, on-site attractions, and gorgeous white-sand beaches.
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. 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. Clam shell shade for the beach chairs, floats, and snorkeling equipment are available for rent at the Beach Rental Hut centrally located on the beach.
Indulge in some retail therapy at charming boutiques, grab a coffee at Starbucks, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. Explore popular shops like Effy, Piranha Joe’s, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and Swarovski for a memorable shopping experience. Where cruise ships dock, things to do, how to explore on your own and with shore excursions.
Once you are at the port head over to the Margaritaville, it’s just one and a half minutes from the pier. Once there you will be greeted by a large yellow parrot statue at the entrance. It hosts the oldest excavated shipwreck ever, (the molasses reef wreck) which was discovered in West Caicos.
Try the conch fritters at Jack's Shack Beach Bar & Grill for a mouthwatering bite. The locals of Gibbs Cay are eager to meet you — they also happen to be stingrays. The harmless rays dwell off this small, seven-acre island, also known as Stingray City. A short boat ride gets you to one of the most enjoyable things to do in Grand Turk. On a cruise to Grand Turk, you can explore the oldest excavated European shipwreck — the Molasses Reef Wreck, from 1515. Discovered in West Caicos, it is on display at the Turks and Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town.
If you want to venture from the more crowded beach at the Cruise Center, Governor’s Beach is a short distance away. 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. Cruisers could easily spend the whole day in Margaritaville enjoying the laid-back, Caribbean vibes.
There are many guided snorkeling tours offered, and you can book them online, through your cruise line, or with local tour vendors. These guided tours will introduce you to the world of stingrays, where you can swim alongside them, feed them, and even hold them. It’s a heartwarming experience that offers a new perspective on marine life. Grand Turk cruise port is nestled on the pristine southwestern shores of Grand Turk, the capital island of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory located southeast of the Bahamas. Known for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant marine life, and the laid-back appeal of island living, Grand Turk is a tropical paradise where unforgettable memories are made. The cruise ships dock at a pier that is located south of Cockburn Town.
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. 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.
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Grand Turk cruise port, your gateway to adventure and relaxation in the heart of the Caribbean. The museum is about a 12-minute taxi ride north of the Cruise Center. 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. 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.
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