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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. Cruise ships dock at the Grand Turk cruise port, perfectly situated on the island’s southwestern coastline, right next to the breathtaking white sandy beach. There is one pier with two berths that can accommodate two large-sized vessels at the same time.
A Little History of Grand Turk
On the left side (north) of the Cruise Center, the traveler will find a very large Margaritaville bar, restaurant, with a huge pool and its signature retail shop - the Trading Post. Next to Margaritaville, you will find the Flow Rider surfing attraction that is exclusively offered as a shore excursion through the cruise lines. It is also on the North side that the most popular beach in Grand Turk is located - palm tree lined, with beach chairs on the white sugar powdered sand by the crystal clear turquoise water. If you’re a certified scuba diver, you probably already know that Grand Turk is surrounded by the third-largest coral reef in the world. A scuba dive excursion can take you inside the colorful explosion of color that lives beneath the water’s surface—and it all starts just a 10-minute boat ride away from where the cruise ships dock.
Spend some time in Margaritaville
Governor’s Beach is a little past the port, but it is not accessible unless you leave the port complex, as there is a cargo dock with no trespassing signage between the two beaches. This simulated surfing experience suits all levels, from beginners to experts. This is the same experience found on Royal Caribbean ships but is less reliable than its shipboard counterpart as it is only sometimes operational.
Grand Turk's Top Attractions
You don’t have to scuba to get up close to a stingray in Grand Turk. Excursions to the untouched island of Gibbs Cay provide an easy way to observe these unique sea creatures, whether you snorkel or simply watch the rays frolic in the shallows. Your visit to Gibbs Cay also includes the chance to try conch, a local delicacy plucked fresh from the ocean and prepared in front of you.
This location has a number of easily accessible beach options, including a beach as you step off the cruise ship. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is steps away from the cruise ship ports. There is plenty to do within the Cruise Center including a pristine beach, a swimming pool, bars, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. The white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters at Cockburn Town Beach are perfect for snorkeling.
Enjoy a tour of the island all the way into the shallow waters of the ocean on a horse’s back. The horses are handpicked for you from the ranch according to your preferences, fear, and comfort riding on horses. If you are looking for a bit of excitement and have always wanted to surf but never had the chance to, or was afraid of the ocean’s mighty waves, try the FlowRider. Located on the giant swimming pool at the cruise center, the FlowRider offers a surfing experience almost as exhilarating as the ocean. The largest salt formations can be seen at Hawkes Nest Salina, located near the cruise port, or at the Red Salina salt pond.
Learn about the day-to-day life of inmates as well as the mass escapes during the Great Hurricane of 1866. 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. In the Cruise Center, near Margaritaville, you’ll find a self-contained water attraction called the FlowRider.
Passengers Informed of Debarkation Change for Carnival Cruise Ship - Cruise Hive
Passengers Informed of Debarkation Change for Carnival Cruise Ship.
Posted: Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Whale Watch at the Grand Turk Lighthouse
In 1962 John Glenn splash landed off the west coast shores of the Grand Turk. He did so in his Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft after being on a mission orbiting the earth. There is a replica of the spacecraft near the entrance of Grand Turk’s airport. The taxi stand is located to the left as you exit the airport terminal.
Visit Historic Cockburn Town
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. Walk down the dock and you’ll enter the port area through a duty-free store. The ocean at the Cruise Center Beach is almost always calm and clear, and the majority of the coastline is clean soft sand.
Many tours include additional stops to snorkel and some have a unique opportunity to dive for conch and feast on fresh conch salad. You won’t want to miss out on the stunning beaches and chance to interact with marine life at Gibbs Cay. The cruise ships dock at a pier that is located south of Cockburn Town.
If you’ve always wanted to hang ten, Grand Turk is the place to do it, no experience necessary. At the Grand Turk Cruise Center, you can sign up for a 30-minute body- or knee-boarding session on the FlowRider, which simulates the feel of ocean waves. Enjoy the ride and don’t forget to smile—photographers are on hand to capture your moment of glory, or perhaps a wipe-out to laugh about later. If you’re interested in finding an authentic Turks and Caicos gift, see Shopping in the Turks and Caicos for ideas. For those who don’t want to make the 10-minute walk to Jack’s Shack, a taxi ride costs about $7 each way. Note that the walk is not accessible for people with mobility issues.
You can find Caribbean cruises to book including the Carnival Cruise Line destination of Grand Turk. Take a look at this tour of Grand Turk from our friends at I Like Cruise Ships. 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. It features a swim-up bar, a trading post and serves delicious meals in the assortment of American, Caribbean and Mexican menus. Fill up on as much as you can and kick back and relax just a few minutes away from the ship. The best times to visit Grand Turk are between May and October as that’s when the weather is nice and sunny.
Grand Turk island is the site of the world’s third-largest coral reef structure. Your best option is to grab a quick taxi which should cost around $4 per person each way. Governor’s Beach is perfect for sunbathing or swimming, however, the absence of reef in this area means this isn’t the beach for snorkeling or scuba diving. 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.
To book a diving excursion, you must present a valid C-Card and must have logged a dive within the last two years. Also nearby is a statue of a breaching humpback whale, highlighting the excellent whale watching at Grand Turk during the winter months. A little-known fact is the island of Grand Turk played a part in the 1962 Mercury Space Mission. John Glenn’s first step on dry land after returning to Earth was on Grand Turk, and a U.S.
The museum has a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the islands’ history, including exhibits on the Lucayan Indians, the salt industry, and the wreck of the Molasses Reef. A highlight is a replica of a traditional Caicos sloop used for fishing and transportation in the 18th and 19th centuries. A wide range of water sports and activities are available right off the ship, like diving, parasailing, and floating obstacle courses.
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