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The dock sits out only about 400 feet from shore, meaning the ship towers over the port area. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll come across a fascinating collection of artifacts, photographs, and displays that offer an exciting glimpse into the islands’ history.
Cockburn Tour
Also known as Stingray City, the enchanting Gibbs Cay island lies around 1 mile/1.5 km off the eastern coast of Grand Turk. This picturesque island is a place where you can interact with stingrays in their natural habitat, creating an educational and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The main attractions are located on two main streets – Queen Street and Front Street, both of which run parallel to the beach.
Carnival Cracks Down on Unsanctioned Poolside Gambling During Cruise
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. It is one of the deepest walls in the world and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and colorful fish. The island has various historic sites and attractions, including the Grand Turk Lighthouse, a visit to the salt mines, and the Turks and Caicos National Museum.
Best Time to Visit Turks and Caicos for Cruisers - Cruise Critic
Best Time to Visit Turks and Caicos for Cruisers.
Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Where ships dock and the cruise center
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). Snorkeling isn’t great here, but rock and coral patches can be found off the coast both to the north and south of the main pier and are home to small amounts of fish. Simply head south past the smaller Cruise Center shore excursions pier and look for the darker patches of ocean.
There is no public transport on Grand Turk, including train service.
Today, visitors can explore the island’s historic lighthouse and view maps and other navigational tools used by sailors in the past. Located steps from the Grand Turk Cruise Center, Margaritaville is convenient for cruise passengers. This chain restaurant offers a familiar menu with various burgers, salads, and its famous (and pricey) margaritas. It’s a fun, laid-back place to enjoy a meal, with a large pool, swim-up bar, a DJ, and a lounging area for guests to relax. Grand Turk does offer its share of restaurants, but guests who plan on eating something ashore – whether it’s a full, sit-down meal or just a snack – can expect a pricey dining experience. Generally speaking, island cuisine tends to be pricey because of the logistics of getting food from the mainland to the island as food and beverages arrive on cargo ships.
Cockburn Town, the capital of Turks & Caicos, is also just a 10-minute drive away and home to the Turks & Caicos National Museum and the H.M. Although parts of the town’s waterfront have been damaged by hurricanes, some of the old colonial buildings still stand. For guests in need of a little island pampering, a beach side massage is sure to melt away any tension one may have. 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. One of the most popular Conch dishes for tourists is Conch fritters.
Cruise Center Beach
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). Not only will the beach crowds be thinner, but the morning sun will be shining right on the ship, making the colors pop. The cruise port is in Zone A, and downtown is in Zone B. The trip costs $5 per person one way.
Plantain chips and jerk chicken are popular selections accompanied with peas and rice. 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. If you’re visiting Grand Turk, there are some tips and things to know that can make your trip even better.
If you are tired of the beach scene and just want an adrenaline-packed escape to a tropical forest, then this excursion is for you. ATV’s are fun and what better way to see the whole island, which isn’t that big than to blaze through it at high speeds on challenging nature trails. The town maintains houses that have beautiful 1800’s British architecture with the Victorian era designs. Every once in a while, you will meet with a wild donkey or horse which were used as transport animals in the salt industry era.
Once on the island, you will head over to the horse shelter north of the cruise center, where a horse will be handpicked for you, and you will start the minutes excursion. The north creek doesn’t offer much, but you might see some stingrays, barracudas, and turtles in the water. Most kayaking and paddleboarding tours end at the mouth of the inlet right below the lighthouse.
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. This is where the overwhelming majority of cruise travelers go to and it can get a bit crowded when there are two mega-ships in port (never more than two ships can dock at Grand Turk). The beach is free and so are the beach chairs, but if you would prefer a Clam shell shade, floats, or snorkeling gear you can rent these at the Beach Rental Hut located on the beach. Naturally, at this beach, you can also get all the pampering expected in a Caribbean beach - massages, drinks, food, and all sort of vendors roam the beach.
But what sets this destination apart and makes it so appealing to cruise passengers? 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. If you want the magic of snorkeling with a little more speed and adventure, power snorkeling is an exciting excursion available in Grand Turk.
Grand Turk is known for its pristine natural beauty and vibrant marine life. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment by avoiding single-use plastics, not touching or stepping on coral reefs, and following all local conservation guidelines. Planning a trip to Grand Turk, especially as a cruise port destination, requires some preparation to ensure you make the most of your visit. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
Grand Turk’s cruise port is one of the best cruise ports for wheelchair users. It has a step-free pier and port exit, as well as ramps and adapted bathrooms. If you’d like something very authentic to Grand Turk, try heading to the National Museum Gift Shop.
For additional information about the port, check out Grand Turk Cruise Center’s official webpage. 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. On the beach itself, you’ll find local vendors, beachside massage, and many drink and food options.
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