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One of the reasons I recommend renting a Golf Cart to discover the island is because Grand Turk is very small. Driving from the Grand Turk cruise port to the Lighthouse at the other end of the island only takes about 30 minutes and there are plenty of place to visit along the way. 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.
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]
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
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. The cruise port is a 13-acre complex that is meticulously maintained and provides a range of amenities to enhance your visit. Indulge in some retail therapy at charming boutiques, grab a coffee at Starbucks, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day.
Road Trip Dining at Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque Restaurant in Kansas City, MO
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. 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.
Grand Turk drops in Rank for Cruising, Port profits down; Still Optimism High after major meeting with Carnival - Magnetic Media
Grand Turk drops in Rank for Cruising, Port profits down; Still Optimism High after major meeting with Carnival.
Posted: Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Visit Historic Cockburn Town
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. The massive duty-free shop at Grand Turk’s cruise port is only one of dozens of stores available within a short walk of the pier. Other restaurants and shops can be found a short drive away in Cockburn Town. With so much to do on-site, some passengers choose to spend their entire time on the island right at Grand Turk’s cruise port. Aside from a massive pool, there’s a pretty beach with free and paid loungers.
Best Things to Do in Grand Turk Cruise Port
Lionfish and Snapper are also popular seafood choices on the island along with Mahi Mahi and Lobster. The dock is located at the southern end of Grand Turk, just to help you get your bearings. Today, visitors can visit the landing site and see the replica capsule and monument commemorating this historic event.
Wrapping Up Your Visit to Grand Turk
There’s also a large sculpture of a whale that makes a fun photo. A small, white St Mary’s Anglican Church with distinctive red shutters, ranks among the most Instagrammable spots on the island. All chairs on the beach and around the pool are complimentary, except for the private pool cabanas that you can rent through your cruise line.
Shopping
With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World - disembarking/embarking can be at times frustrating but there are some good insiders tips to discover. Besides interesting storyboards, the exhibit features replicas of an Atlas rocket, the Friendship 7 capsule and a three-dimensional replica of astronaut John Glenn in spacesuit. Close by, there is a Massage Cabana and at the southern tip, there is a Beach Volleyball Area. And, last but not least, the Editor's favorite spot in Grand Turk to enjoy a quick bite - the Beached Whale Bar & Grill. Amongst top attractions, we have a few adrenaline-pumping favorites such as the 4x4 safari tour, the Dune Buggy drive, a Horseback Ride N' Swim, and the Catamaran sailing.
Whale Watching
While the food and drinks may be a bit pricey, the experience and atmosphere make it worth every penny. For those with accessibility needs, there is the Exploring Grand Turk by Open-Air Tram. This relaxing and enjoyable tour is also perfect for elderly individuals, just like my parents, who have enjoyed it on multiple occasions. Experience a piece of history at the Astronaut John Glenn Replica Park on the beautiful island.
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. 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. 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. Your guide will take you past local attractions including the Ridge Trail, Grand Turk lighthouse, and the North Creek Bird watching area. If you’re looking for a non-water excursion on Grand Turk, you can see another side of the island on an ATV tour.
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. And if that is not enough, head over to the cruise port and visit the splash landing center.
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. 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. Poolside cabanas are available for those who want to relax in a more private setting.
Snorkeling equipment and cabanas with waiter service can be rented for a fee. Located north of Cockburn Town this serene beach offers a quiet atmosphere for interacting with the marine life in their habitat. Don’t worry about being under the harsh sun all day long; some parts of the beach are lined with trees that offer you natural shade. If you need diving or snorkeling gear, the Boho Dive Resort rents out such gear. On your ride back, you will go on the salt industry tour, visiting Salinas like the Red Salina and even make a stop at the Salt House exhibit. Then you will return to the cruise center have a drink, a meal and go enjoy the beach if you have time.
One of the most popular is Governor's Beach, just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) north of the Cruise Center, and considered by many as the best on the island. It is located close by the historical Governor’s mansion, Waterloo, hence the name. With so many facilities with such easy access, most cruisers do not venture much farther than the Cruise Center. However, either because you have been in Grand Turk before or just because you have an explorer's soul, this small island has a couple of sites to explore. The oldest town in the island - Cockburn Town - and the Salt Museum close by are offered on tours and the Lighthouse is a famous landmark.
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 boat rides are good for exploring the coral reefs and the cays nearby, book a boat excursion with your cruise line or a local tourism company to enjoy this fun adventure.
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. 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. 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.
Most of these shore excursions can be booked online or onboard your cruise ship. The pier where cruise ships dock in Grand Turk is next to a stunning beach, inviting passengers to spend the day basking in the sun, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water activities. 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.
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