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We mentioned some of these above, but in case you missed them, we’ve included them here as well. 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. If you’re thinking of a quiet, relaxing time by the pool, that’s not really the case. Walk down the dock and you’ll enter the port area through a duty-free store. Grand Turk is truly awe inspiring from the moment you pull into port. Today we are going to highlight some of the amazing things you can see and do while visiting Grand Turk.
Power Snorkel
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. 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.
Paint Your Own Souvenir of Turks and Caicos
Be sure to try the nachos, burgers, jerk salmon and conch fritters, and swim up to the bar for a signature Margarita. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Some of the more commonly purchased items by tourists on vacation Grand Turk include salt, soaps, model sailboats, straw products, conch shells, and rum.
Catamaran Sailing & 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. Take a boat tour to other cays, like Gibbs Cay and snorkel/swim with the stingrays or charter a private fishing trip.
Exclusive Whale Watching
Try SNUBA a new and easy way to experience the world’s underwater beauty. 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. 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. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #grandturk — you may see them right here.
Private Gibbs Cay and Snorkel Charter
You’ll find Margaritaville in Turks and Caicos on sailings from Galveston on Carnival Miracle and from Manhattan on Carnival Venezia. You can find Caribbean cruises to book including the Carnival Cruise Line destination of Grand Turk. The best times to visit Grand Turk are between May and October as that’s when the weather is nice and sunny.
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You’ll see the Grand Turk Lighthouse, with its stunning overlook, plus there’s the Cliffhanger Lookout. From January to March, you might even see passing humpback whales. Grand Turk is known for its many activities, historical heritage, and culture. You will find the Grand Turk Lighthouse, the National Museum, and Her Majesty’s Prison. There are several tours you can take to learn about its history and admire the British-Bermudian Colonial architecture. Right from the cruise center, an island tram will take you to north creek, where you will do a short trail through the wetlands and finally get to the kayaking spot.
Explore the History of the Town
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. If you want the magic of snorkeling with a little more speed and adventure, power snorkeling is an exciting excursion available in Grand Turk. 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. Many passengers will enjoy their entire port day at Grand Turk within the Cruise Center. Who wouldn’t enjoy a private cabana experience complete with food and drinks?
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Best Turks and Caicos Excursions on a Cruise
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. 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.
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. 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. Your guide will take you past local attractions including the Ridge Trail, Grand Turk lighthouse, and the North Creek Bird watching area. Enjoy the smooth sailing catamarans are known for, as well as stops for snorkeling along the way.
Located just a short walk from the cruise dock, Jack’s Shack is only 540 yards north of the Cruise Center. 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. Then you’ll reach another stable where you’ll don a life preserver and your horse will be refitted with a water-suitable saddle. Grand Turk was only one of three islands in the Turks and Caicos that produced salt.
Start by visiting the cruise port; grab a bite from Margaritaville, then head on over to sunray beach for a day of sun and splashing. Others include the white sands and east side beaches which are located on the underdeveloped southern side of the Grand Turk. The east side beach is accessed by roads coming from the lighthouse. 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.
After spending time relaxing on the beach, you’ll sail back to the Cruise Center and enjoy a complimentary beverage. 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. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars located within the Cruise Center boundaries, including the largest Margaritaville in the world.
