Thursday, April 11, 2024

22 Things to Do in Grand Turk During a Cruise Vacation

turks and caicos cruise port

Let’s delve deeper into what makes Grand Turk Cruise Port a must-visit on your Caribbean cruise itinerary. 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. The power snorkel is a lightweight, underwater propulsion device that helps you to cover greater distances, get past rougher currents, and view more underwater creatures.

The Gold Standard Catamaran, Snorkel, and Beach Shore Excursion, Turks and Caicos Style

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.

Getting to Know Grand Turk Cruise Port

Many passengers will enjoy their entire port day at Grand Turk within the Cruise Center. If you’d prefer to have a guide on your island tour, many of the taxis will be happy to show the sights and sounds of the island. 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. JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) is located just over a mile from Grand Turk Cruise Center.

turks and caicos cruise port

Hang out at Grand Turk Margaritaville

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. A trip to Turks and Caicos isn't complete without exploring the vibrant marine life at Governor's Beach. This white sandy beach sits within the Columbus Landfall National Park and it's a perfect stop for anyone who wants to swim, snorkel, and play in the sun all day. Snorkelers can see schools of colorful fish, sting rays, turtles, and colored sea sponges. To start with, if you have kids and just want to stay near the ship, you can visit the Cruise Center beach right in front of the cruise center or adjacent to the pier.

FlowRider

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. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a 13-acre (5.2 hectare) complex and cruise port on the southern end of Grand Turk. If you want to explore the island on your Grand Turk vacation, visit the numerous historical sites like Her Majesty’s prison, the Light House or the Turks and Caicos museum. If you are the active type book shore excursions and enjoy great diving and snorkeling spots, or just lay on Governor’s beach, the most beautiful beach on the island.

For those looking for a slightly quieter beach, you can turn right upon exiting the pier and you’ll soon reach the South Beach with its Beached Whale Bar & Grill, offering delicious seafood and fish specialties. Whether you’re indulging in a seafood feast, sipping on a local rum cocktail, or enjoying the simplicity of a beachside snack, the culinary landscape of Grand Turk is sure to leave a lasting impression. This section highlights the best places to eat, local delicacies to try, and where to enjoy the island’s vibrant drinks scene. If you want the magic of snorkeling with a little more speed and adventure, power snorkeling is an exciting excursion available in Grand Turk.

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So, there you have it an action-packed fun adventure to-do list for the next time you visit the beautiful Turks and Caicos. Remember to relax and have fun when the cruise ship calls in Grand Turk. Also, take a look at major cruise homeports and destinations with ports tips from Cruise Hive. 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.

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The FlowRider designed in a slope like water slide structure, jets waves of water that create ocean-like waves, but on a smaller scale. Always book early for this fun adventure as it’s always a busy activity and you will be on it with probably 1 or 2 more people. Other restaurants like the Sandbar restaurant and Salt Raker Inn offer seafood and continental cuisines. So, if you are hungry, just grab a cool pina colada, cold beer or a strawberry margarita and enjoy delicious barbeque chicken on the beach. The town maintains houses that have beautiful 1800’s British architecture with the Victorian era designs.

Take a look at this tour of Grand Turk from our friends at I Like Cruise Ships. There is a lot of marine life to explore on the Grand Turk, interact with sea animals like parrot fish, which are very common on the Grand Turk, stingrays, butterfly fish, snappers, trumpet fish and many more. Once you have learned to use the Segway, you can tour through the historic district and explore the Bermudian-style architecture along with the historic churches. 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.

Unlike most Caribbean ports (where cruise ships dock close to a principal town), you will only find the Grand Turk Cruise Center at the end of the pier. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a large open-air cruise terminal dotted with excursion booths offering most of the possible tours and activities in Grand Turk. Most of these shore excursions can be booked online or onboard your cruise ship.

Cockburn Town stretches along the coastline for about one mile/1.6 km and as you stroll through the town’s colorful streets, you’ll discover history and charm. 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.

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. This section covers essential aspects such as docking information, navigating through the cruise terminal, and services available at the port, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure in Grand Turk.

It has a pristinely white sandy beach kissed by clear blue ocean waters. Go paddleboarding on its beautiful waters or take a splash and soak in some needed sun. This beautiful sleepy island has gorgeous white sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters and is packed with historical and cultural beauty. Carnival Cruise Line must have noticed this too when they decided to turn the island into a cruise port in 2006. The island's cruise terminal (Grand Turk Cruise Center) is a beachfront facility located in a beautifully landscaped area sized approx 75,850 m2 (784,100 ft2). The terminal's location offers a safe approach for cruise ships and berthing the whole year-round.

The lighthouse is not operational today, but the grounds are open to tourists. Whether exploring the island’s attractions, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach, the convenience and services offered at the port enhance your Caribbean adventure. Dive into a world where pristine beaches, historical wonders, and vibrant local culture combine to create the perfect cruise destination. However, if you want to go on your own it is an easy 20-minute taxi ride, golf cart or bicycle ride to get there. In February and March, this is also a popular spot for whale watching.

The Grand Turk Wall is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Caribbean." There are no hotel resorts and no tourism developed at all, except for three restaurants where you can taste delicious seafood and catch of the day. Although small in size (Grand Turk covers an area of 18 km2 /6.9 sq miles), it is the largest island in the Turks Islands, the smaller of the two archipelagos that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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. Grand Turk Cruise Port is not just a stopover; it’s a destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Grand Turk cruise port, your gateway to adventure and relaxation in the heart of the Caribbean.

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