Things To Do In Grand Turk When On A Cruise
Welcome aboard, fellow travelers! If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself cruising to the beautiful island of Grand Turk, get ready for a whirlwind of excitement and adventure. I have found how to make the most out of your shore experience and find things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise.
I have traveled to Grand Turk numerous times while cruising and have loved visiting the island each time. There are so many incredible activities and attractions to explore, and your time in this tropical paradise is sure to be unforgettable. From stunning beaches to vibrant local culture, Grand Turk has something for everyone to enjoy during their cruise stop.
As you step off the ship and onto the sandy shores of Grand Turk, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear waters and warm Caribbean breezes. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for water sports or a history buff eager to explore the island’s rich heritage, Grand Turk offers a wide range of activities to suit every taste.
So grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover all the amazing things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise.
Quick Hits For Grand Turk Cruise Excursions
Are you in a hurry and looking for the best things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise right away? These can help you get to your fun faster. These are some of the best tours in Grand Turk.
- A great way to see Grand Turk with a side of adventure – Grand Turk: ATV Adventure Tour
- An amazing snorkeling adventure – Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling Tour
- Whale watching – Private Whale Watching Charter (Grand Turk)
The Basics To Know Of Grand Turk
Grand Turk is an island in the Turks and Caicos. The Turk and Caicos lies between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Grand Turk is one of those perfect cruise ship ports where you can just forget about everything in life and enjoy your time while visiting.
You will find that Grand Turk is home to Cockburn Town, the capital of the Turks and Caicos. Cockburn Town holds many historical sites to see and tour.
If you are cruising from The United States, you will not have a problem communicating with locals. English is the primary language spoken in Grand Turk. You will also find Spanish and Creole spoken throughout the island.
Any United States citizen will not have to worry about exchanging money while visiting Grand Turk. Their currency is actually the U.S. Dollar (USD). You will also be able to find ATMs located throughout the island if you need to get cash.
With the Turks and Caicos once being a British colony, driving does take place on the left side of the road. I recommend relying on local transportation to get you from one place to another if you are not confident enough to tackle the idea of driving on the left side.
Now that you know some of the basics of Grand Turk, you can fully immerse yourself in the adventures that wait for you there. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach or an adrenaline adventure, these are the things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise.
A Brief History Of Grand Turk
Early History Of Grand Turk
It is believed that the first inhabitants of Grand Turk were the Tainos, a group of native people that populated the island throughout the area including, Middle Caicos, Providenciales, and East Caicos. Though Grand Turk did not host a large population of the Tainos, it did have some small fishing communities established.
***** This next part is still up to be debated but I will include it because it could be true*****
Many historians believe and consider Grand Turk to be the first landing point of Christopher Columbus in 1492. There are many factors which lead many to believe this is true.
One, it offers the closest match of terrain to the account of Christopher Columbus’ description of a “bean-shaped” island with ponds. Another is from Christopher Columbus’ diary that places landfall at an island that is 90 nautical miles from Hispaniola, which is almost the exact distance from Grand Turk. Finally, not long into the 1500s, the original Taino population started to disappear due to disease and slavery.
It is believed Christopher Columbus would have first stepped foot at Columbus Landfall Beach, near JAGS McCartney International Airport.
British Overseas Territory
Towards the end of the 1600s, British colonists from Bermuda noticed that the Turks and Caicos had shallow saltwater ponds. The colonists saw the potential in these ponds to produce salt and the salt industry began with sea salt production in Grand Turk.
The production of salt was strong throughout the centuries up to its peak in the early 1900s. At that point, about 2 million bushels of salt were being shipped annually.
Unfortunately, the salt industry was quickly dying out in Grand Turk in the first half of the century.
American Influence
During the 1950s, Grand Turk was picked for 2 American military bases. The two bases are located on opposite ends of the island.
One is on the northern coast, near the lighthouse. This base was The U.S. Navy NAVFAC 104 Base. During the Cold War, this base was used for The United States Sound Surveillance System program, also known as SOSUS.
The other base is located on the south end of the island. This base was known as South Base. The U.S. Air Force used South Base as a missile tracking station and airport. Grand Turks JAGS McCarney International Airport uses the runway from South Base.
The other base is located on the south end of the island. This base was known as South Base. The U.S. Air Force used South Base as a missile tracking station and airport. Grand Turks JAGS McCarney International Airport uses the runway from South Base.
Things To Do In Grand Turk When On A Cruise
You will find there are many great things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise. From taking excursions to just having a relaxing day at the cruise port, there are plenty of activities to pick from.
Special Note: If you are looking for some great tips when cruising for what you should expect, check out this page by my friend, Semi Pro Cruiser for all your needs while on board.
Grand Turk Cruise Port
In my time always visiting Grand Turk, I have always really enjoyed the cruise port area. There are many shops to shop in and explore. But the big attraction for the cruise port is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, which is the largest one in the Caribbean.
Shopping
As soon as you are off the ship, you will walk through a duty-free shop which is just the beginning of shopping at the cruise port. You will find many shops set up to purchase all types of things to help you never forget your time spent in Grand Turk.
Beaches
You will notice as you debark from your ship and walk to the Grand Turk Cruise Port, there is a beach to your left. Many people from the ship will stay in the cruise port area and spend the day swimming at this beach, which is Play de Elizabeth Gerhard Beach.
To the right of the Gran Turk Cruise Port, there is another beach with many chairs. This is mostly used for laying out and relaxing as this beach area is very rocky and not as safe to swim in.
So to answer a question that is always asked, “Is there a beach at Grand Turk cruise port”? Yes, yes there is a beach.
Food And Drink
As you walk around the cruise port area, you will notice on opposite sides that there are two restaurants to visit. One is Beached Whale Bar & Grille and the other is Margaritaville Grand Turk.
- Beached Whale Bar and Grille – This restaurant has all the feels of the perfect beach bar. It is right on the beach where you can relax on a chair with your drink. The open-air patio and bar are one of the best ways to experience a relaxing, vacation-worthy beach lunch. You will find people all around this restaurant but it will not be as crowded as Margaritaville, so it is a great spot to go to if you are looking to relax a little more.
- Margaritaville Grand Turk – Margaritaville Grand Turk is the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean. This is a major destination for those coming off of a cruise ship. You will find a great pool here to cool off from the hot Caribbean sun. Along with the pool, there are cabanas to rent and a FlowRider surfing activity. Good News! People always ask, “Is the pool at Grand Turk cruise port free? Yes, this pool is free to come to and use at Margaritaville!
The John Glenn Splashdown Memorial
Personally, one of my favorite things to see when I am at the cruise port is The John Glenn Splashdown Memorial. There is a great memorial set up to commemorate this historical event with a display statue, informative plaques that tell the whole story, and a replica of the Friendship Seven space capsule.
Beaches To Go To In Grand Turk When On A Cruise
If you are a beachgoer, then Grand Turk is one of the perfect destinations for you. Almost the entire island of Grand Turk is a beach to go to. And the best part? All the beaches are free and open to the public.
I recommend sticking to the beaches on the west side of Grand Turk if you are looking to relax on the beach and enjoy the water. The beaches on the east side tend to have a lot of seaweed and flotsam. This comes from the eastern trade winds blowing in. But, this makes them great to explore and discover amazing things while beachcombing.
Governor’s Beach
Governor’s Beach is probably the most popular beach on Grand Turk and is known as the most beautiful beach on the island. It is located just a short drive north from the cruise port. You will find amazing white sand and crystal-clear water. You may never want to leave this beach.
English Point Beach
English Point Beach is just north of Governor’s Beach. You will find this beach to be less crowded. You will enjoy a great beach here but the beach itself and the water do tend to be a little more rocky.
Cockburn Town Beach
Cockburn Town Beach is just north of English Point Beach and is found just off of the capital, Cockburn Town. This is a beautiful beach with clear water and white sand.
Cockburn Town Beach is divided up into small beaches because of seawalls, docks, and jetties. This beach goes into and is a part of the Columbus Landfall National Park. Around the beach, you will find many restaurants and hostels since it is just off of the capital.
Pillory Beach
Pillory Beach is north of Cockburn Town Beach and finishes the beaches of the west coast of Grand Turk. This beach is considered the second-best beach in Grand Turk just behind Governor’s Beach.
You will find a white sand beach and clear water and far fewer visitors. You will have to pay attention while in the water because there are sections that can be a bit rocky. Many historians believe this is the beach where Christopher Columbus made landfall.
Boaby Rock Point
Boaby Rock Point is just south and a short walk from the Cruise Center Beach. Here you will find a more secluded beach because it is rockier than the beaches to the north. There are spots of white sand in between some low rock outcroppings.
This is a beach made to explore and do some beachcombing. If you are a snorkeler, this is a great spot to do some snorkeling as the start of some beautiful reefs are at Boaby Rock Point.
White Sands Beach
White Sands Beach takes up most of the Southeast end of Grand Turk Island. This beach is 1.5 miles long but it is not an ideal location to swim. The water is shallow and has a lot of seaweed. There are a few reefs off the coast that work with snorkeling from Boaby Rock Point which is connected to this beach.
East Side Beach
East Side Beach takes up half of the East side of the island and is the longest beach on Grand Turk. This beach is not ideal for swimming because of the strong wind, seaweed, and flotsam. Because of the wind coming directly off of the Atlantic Ocean this beach is perfect for kiteboarding.
Fun Things To Do In The Water
The number one thing to do in the water while in Grand Turk is snorkeling. Grand Turk has some beautiful reefs off of the coast, especially on the Southeast side of the island. The best way to get to these is by booking an excursion to take you out. I highly recommend booking an excursion to take you out to Gibb’s Cay.
Scuba Diving is another amazing thing to do while in Grand Turk. Grand Turk offers some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean for those who travel by cruise ship. There are some incredible wall diving opportunities to see some of the amazing underwater ecosystems and marine wildlife.
You will be able to find a couple more fun water adventures in Grand Turk such as kayak rental, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Unique Things To Do On The Water In Grand Turk When On A Cruise
One of the most exciting things to do in Grand Turk is to go on a whale watching excursion. I have been to Grand Turk a few times and on my third trip, I went on a whale watching excursion and was amazed to see whales in the ocean for the first time. Trust me, this is a DO-NOT-MISS thing to do while here. I was completely blown away by this experience. It was the first time ever that I had seen a whale in the wild and it was exhilarating.
Another thing to do in Grand Turk is to have a clear kayak photoshoot. As you walk around the beach, especially at the Cruise Center Beach, you will see this happening all over the place. In the age where we live with influencers and life on TikTok and Instagram, this is a photoshoot to get you the views you all wish for.
Great Grand Turk Excursions
As you can see, you have a lot of options for things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise. These are the excursions that I recommend that you try to get the most out of your trip.
Best Snorkeling Excursions
As you have read, Grand Turk is known for snorkeling. There are many great spots around and these tours will help you get the most out of your snorkeling adventure.
- Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling Tour – Enjoy this small group tour as it takes you to the Grand Turk Wall which has depths of 7,000ft. You will also visit Gibbs Cay to see stingrays and have a fresh conch salad.
- Grand Turk – Amazing Wall Snorkeling Tour – This snorkel tour takes you to the Grand Turk Wall which starts at 20ft and reaches depths of 7,000ft. YOu will see parrotfish, snapper, angelfish, and amazing coral life.
Best Sightseeing Excursions
Grand Turk packs a lot of great sites to see on a smaller island. Enjoy a great tour while taking in all the things that shaped Grand Turk into what it is today.
- Grand Turk Historical Sightseeing Tour by Tram– Take a great 3-hour tour of Grand Turk while sitting in an open-air tram. You will see many great places such as Cockburn Town, Governor’s Beach, Her Majesty’s Prison, the Grand Turk Lighthouse, and so much more. Keep your eyes open for the abundance of wildlife throughout the island.
- Beach Trail and Swim. Cockburn Town, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos– Enjoy sightseeing from a different perspective while on horseback. Sightsee while being led by your guide throughout Cockburn Town and Pillory Beach. Enjoy while the horses go into the ocean with you to give you a unique experience.
- Landmarks of Grand Turk– Enjoy this tour around Grand Turk in an air-conditioned vehicle while taking in some of the best sites that Grand Turk offers. You will see museums, churches, the Grand Turk Lighthouse, wildlife, and so much more.
- Hop-On and Hop-Off Tour in Grand Turk– Enjoy this fun way to tour the island by being in a converted school bus to a party bus. You will receive drinks while being taken around Grand Turk to see the sites. This is a fun tour that you do not want to miss.
Best Kayak Excursions
If you are looking for something fun to do on the water while exploring the areas? Check out these kayak excursions. Kayaking is a great way to get out and enjoy the water while taking in some of the beautiful scenery that Grand Turk has to offer.
- Clear Kayak Mangrove Safari in Grand Turk – Enjoy this fun kayak excursion from a clear kayak to give you views that most people do not get to see. You will be taken past a shipwreck and then kayak through a mangrove farm to view the wildlife. This is a fun experience that you do not want to miss if you like to kayak.
- 1 Hour Private Kayak Rental In Grand Turk – This kayak excursion is easy to get to as it is located on the beach at the cruise port. Enjoy being in the crystal blue water at the cruise port while kayaking around the area and taking in the beautiful sights along the coast.
- Kayak Mangrove Tours Grand Turk, Carnival Cruise – Take this great kayak tour to the amazing mangrove ecosystem which is located in North Creek. North Creek is considered the largest natural inlet throughout the Caribbean. Keep your eyes open for all the wildlife around including those that live in the water.
Best Kayak Photoshoots
You will notice as you walk around the beaches that there will be many photoshoots going on from drones while people are on a clear kayak. This is a huge thing in Grand Turk and I always see people lined up to do it. It is best to purchase it ahead of time. These are the best ones to pick from.
What a great way to make a memory while being in the crystal blue water of the Caribbean! In the age of social media and influencers, this is a perfect way to show off!
- Clear Kayak PhotoShoot Grand Turk Island – This photoshoot is a great option because you meet at Margaritaville at the cruise port. You will taken out to an area where there are fewer people to make the shoot more private. You will take the photos and review the edits to ensure you like how it all turned out.
- Clear Kayak Drone Photoshoot in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos – Another great photoshoot that meets at the Grand Turk cruise port. You will be able to get the perfect shot that you want out on the water. While waiting for your moment, enjoy the discounted Rum Punch at the local beach bar which they have partnered with.
- Couples Clear Kayak PhotoShoot Grand Turk Island – What a perfect couple’s thing to do? Take a photoshoot on the crystal blue waters with your significant other and create a memory that will last a lifetime to look back on. Capture your moment together while on vacation and share it with everyone.
- Crystal View Kayak Drone Photoshoot in Grand Turk – This photoshoot takes place outside of the cruise port area and meets in Cockburn Town. You will be taken to your location and have your photoshoot taken. Singles and couples are welcome to enjoy. You will enjoy being taken care of like a real model on a photoshoot!
Best Whale Watching Excursions
Grand Turk is a great place to do some whale watching. Again, I have personally seen whales while spending time in Grand Turk. You will not be disappointed if you get to see one or more.
- Private Whale Watching Charter (Grand Turk) – Take a catamaran out into the water led by your captain who knows all the best spots to find whales. With the perfect timing, hopefully, you will be able to see the whales jump out of the water. You will get a chance to get in the water and see the whales up close and personal.
Best Golf Cart Rentals
If you are planning on leaving the cruise port area, one of the best ways to get around Grand Turk is to rent a golf cart to explore the island. Warning though, Grand Turk drives on the left side of the road, the opposite of The United States. Enjoy the wind in your face and explore the island on your own time.
- Drive GDT – Golf Cart Rentals – Pick up this golf cart just outside of the cruise port terminal area. Get your golf cart and start exploring Grand Turk.
- 4Seater UTV Golf Cart in Grand Turk – Enjoy exploring Grand Turk in this comfortable golf cart. It is equipped with a Bluetooth player, speakers, rear-view camera, and many more options. You will meet right outside of the cruise port terminal to pick it up.
- 6-Seater Golf Cart: Grand Turk – Is your party larger than 4, which most golf carts hold? Rent this 6-seater to help get everyone in your part around Grand Turk. Pick up one or more of these just outside of the cruise port terminal.
Best ATV and Jet Ski Adventure Tour Excursions
Are you looking for a little more adventure with some adrenaline? These excursions will help you find you get what you are looking for. Enjoy these more adventurous excursions while you are in Grand Turk.
- GRAND TURK: ATV Adventure Tour – Enjoy seeing Grand Turk from an ATV. You will follow your guide as he takes you down historic roads and dirt trails. You will see many locations that Grand Turk has to offer including Ridge Trail and the Lighthouse.
- Parasailing Grand Turk – Get an entirely different view of Grand Turk while being in the air! Enjoy being over the crystal blue waters and taking in this fun adventure while seeing Grand Turk from the sky. Keep your eyes open to spot all the treasures that are in the water of Grand Turk, including whales!
- BMC Watersports -Jet Ski Guide Activity – This is such a fun activity to do on the crystal blue waters. Enjoy a fun afternoon with your friends as you Jet Ski around taking in the beauty of Grand Turk.
Best Private Tour Excursions
If you are looking to do excursions or tours by yourself and want to stay away from groups, then private tour excursions are your best option. Enjoy these different tours to take in as much of Grand Turk as possible.
- Private Tour Landmarks of Grand Turk – This private tour will take you all around Grand Turk to see major historical sites and amazing wildlife. You will see the Lighthouse, St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, and many more sites. During this tour, you will be guided around but then also have 2 hours to walk on your own and discover parts of Grand Turk.
- Private Freedom Adventures Tiki Booze Cruise – Enjoy this fun Tiki Booze Cruise as it takes you along North Creek with views of the coastal mangrove ecosystem. This booze cruise includes alcoholic beverages and a BBQ lunch. Enjoy fun and learning about Grand Turk on this unique adventure.
- Private Tour to Highlights of Grand Turk Island with Rum Cake – This tour will take you through all the major sightseeing locations of Grand Turk. Enjoy seeing all the iconic landmarks in your private air-conditioned tour. You will also receive rum cake to enjoy as you tour around the island.
Shopping And Eating In Grand Turk
When looking for places to eat and shop, Grand Turk really does not have too much to offer in many locations. It is pretty centralized in a few areas of the island, mostly the cruise port area and Cockburn Town.
Shopping
Shopping is not too big in Grand Turk. In most of the shopping areas, you will find the common tourist-driven souvenirs that you get at most places.
The main areas where you will find shops will be the Grand Turk Cruise Center and Front Street in Cockburn Town. Both of these locations are only open when a cruise ship is in port. On Front Street, you will find many stalls and stands set up selling souvenirs and some local goods.
Restaurants
Grand Turk is not a huge restaurant and dining location. Since the island basically runs on cruise ships, you will find that most of the restaurants are open when the cruise ships are in port, so mostly a lunch. There are two main areas where you will find places to dine at: Grand Turk Cruise Center and Cockburn Town.
I have already talked about what to find at the Grand Turk Cruise Center but to recap, there are a few options. The cruise center holds the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean. There is a great grill to get lunch at, Beach Whale Bar and Grille. For everyone who is looking for a taste of home, make sure to get your coffee fix at Starbucks.
A short walk north of the cruise port is Jack’s Shack. Jack’s Shack is a popular bar and restaurant that serves classic bar foods like burgers, grilled chicken, sandwiches, and many drinks.
In Cockburn Town, you will find most of the restaurants located on Front Street, Duke Street, and Queen Street. You will find some of the best ones located within hotels in the area. Make sure to check out the restaurants at Turks Head Inne, The Bird Cage Restaurant, and the Secret Garden Restaurant.
Other Things To Do In Grand Turk
Though Grand Turk is not too big, it does pack a lot of places to check out. That is one of the things I love about going to Grand Turk, there is a lot to do. You can keep coming back and back and find something else to do each time. Check out these locations if you are heading out on your own to discover Grand Turk.
The Turks & Caicos National Museum – This museum is Grand Turk’s only museum about the country’s history. You will find The Turks and Caicos National Museum located on Front Street in Cockburn Town. The main exhibit here is centered on the oldest European shipwreck that has been excavated in the Western Hemisphere, the Molasses Reef Wreck. Besides the main exhibit, you will find many exhibits on the history of the Turks and Caicos.
Her Majesty’s Prison – Her Majesty’s Prison is a small colonial prison which is located in old Cockburn Town. The prison was built in the 1830s and was the country’s only prison until 1994. This is a great historical spot to get an idea of what life was like for prisoners in the Caribbean. Learn about this prison’s history from the Great 1866 Hurricane to the escapes that happened.
The Grand Turk Lighthouse – The Grand Turk Lighthouse, built in 1852, is the only lighthouse in the country. You will be able to find it on the Northeast point of Grand Turk. This lighthouse is the number one historical attraction on Grand Turk. This all-white lighthouse is definitely worth the drive to see.
Is Grand Turk Walkable?
Grand Turk is not the best island to walk around on. Everything is spread out just enough not to make the island fully walkable from location to location. You will want to rent a golf cart or take a shuttle or taxi to where you want to go.
If you are staying in the Grand Turk Cruise Center area, you will be able to walk to everything there, including the beach right off of it.
Once you are in Cockburn Town, most of the attractions are located in a 1-mile area next to the waterfront. You will be able to walk and explore the capital city with ease.
Is Grand Turk Safe?
Overall, Grand Turk is one of the safest areas for a tourist to visit in the Caribbean. Since the island basically runs on tourists, it is catered to keep tourists safe.
Of course, like everywhere, crime does happen but it is relatively low. Just use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Is Grand Turk Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, Grand Turk is definitely worth visiting. This is a great place to stop as you are cruising. I have been to Grand Turk numerous times and have always enjoyed my time there. With this post, it should help you find things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise.
If you are into snorkeling then this is a place for you to visit. With all the reef action around the island, this is a dream place to snorkel and enjoy the waters of the Caribbean.
If you are looking for ports to stop at, Grand Turk is a good one to check out.
Things To Do In Grand Turk When On A Cruise: In Conclusion
In conclusion, Grand Turk has so much to offer for cruise ship visitors. Whether you’re a beach lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking to relax and unwind, this island has something for everyone.
From snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to thrilling whale watching excursions, the possibilities are endless. There are many great things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise.
So, next time you find yourself cruising through the Caribbean, make sure that Grand Turk is a port for an unforgettable experience.
Take advantage of all the things to do in Grand Turk when on a cruise! Don’t miss out on all the fun and make the most of your time on this beautiful island!
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