Grand Turk Excursions: A Quick Guide

Long the historical and cultural hub for the country of Turks and Caicos, Grand Turk Island is one of the Caribbean’s top cruising spots thanks to its laid-back vibes, rich history, exquisite beaches, and a once-in-a-lifetime reef wall diving and snorkeling experience.

About Grand Turk

Grand Turk Island is the largest island in the Turks section of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a combined group of islands in the Lucayan Archipelago; these islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Bahamas, and are a British overseas territory.

Just 7 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width, Grand Turk is the only island in the Turks and Caicos that hosts cruise ships. It also has something most cruise ports don’t; it has beaches on both sides of the port area where you can practically step off the pier and right onto the sand.

Almost one million people cruise to Turks and Caicos each year to experience the world’s third largest reef system, making it a must-do destination for snorkelers and scuba divers everywhere. The area boasts some of the most amazing weather, with 80 to 90 degree temps pretty much year round.

A Little History

The island of Grand Turk was historically populated by the Tainos (or Lucayan natives) before being colonized by Bermudians in 1681. The Bermudians developed a once-booming salt industry here by creating artificial ponds for the sea water, collecting the remaining sea salt as the water evaporated. It is rumored that U.S. President George Washington asked for — and received — the island’s highly prized salt during the American Revolutionary War thanks to Bermudian ships that were able to skirt the British blockades.

There is speculation that Christopher Columbus’ first landfall in his 1492 New World voyage was actually at Grand Turk instead of the Bahamas. A careful examination of the land descriptions and latitude measurements in his sailing journals aligns more closely with the theory of a Grand Turk landing.

Historic Hotspots

United States Air Force Tracking Base and Military Relationship

The United States military has had a strong relationship with Grand Turk over the years. The island was the first to use the U.S. Air Force’s Missile Impact Location System (MILS); this down range tracking base helped the Air Force to detect the splashdown of test missile debris.

The U.S. Navy used the island’s shoreline for undersea surveillance missions for a little over two decades until the onshore facility was decommissioned in 1980. In the 1950s the Navy erected a LORAN radio station on the island and, in 1966, the U.S. launched five sounding rockets from Grand Turk.

Today, there is a replica of astronaut John Glenn’s Friendship 7 Space Capsule at the entrance to the island’s airport to commemorate the actual 1962 capsule landing that occurred just off the island’s coast. On South Beach you will find an open air NASA exhibit with storyboards, replicas related to the Mercury space program, and a life-size replica of John Glenn in his astronaut suit.

Turks and Caicos National Museum

Located in Cockburn Town and opened in 1991, this museum is a treasure trove of historical exhibitions and artifacts displaying the rich history of the island. Learn about the Taino natives who populated this tropical paradise until the 1500s, about the British settlers, and the once-thriving salt industry. While here, check out the Molasses Reef Shipwreck that sank off the coast in the 16th century; to date it is the oldest Spanish (or possibly Portuguese) shipwreck excavated in the Americas. Pop into the gift shop – considered the best on the island –  for island-themed books and decor that will make great gifts as well as souvenirs.

Cockburn Town

Cockburn Town (pronounced “Co-bern”) is the capital city and oldest settlement in the Turks and Caicos. It is also the administrative seat of the British territory and the island’s financial center. This charming seaside town sports British colonial, Victorian, and Bahamian-style buildings created out of limestone and stucco, with wood planks used for the roofs and the floors. Sadly, some of these structures in Cockburn had to be rebuilt due to hurricanes.

While in town, look out for the wild donkeys and horses roaming freely in the streets here and anywhere else on the island.

Grand Turk Lighthouse

This 60-foot tall lighthouse is the only one on Grand Turk and is situated on the island’s northeastern end. It was built in London in 1852, then shipped in pieces to Grand Turk and reconstructed  in hopes of saving the island’s salt trade. The bright white lighthouse was operational until 1972, after which it was electrified. While you can no longer go inside the lighthouse, you can wander the grounds (for a small fee); the nearby light keeper’s house is now a gift shop selling snacks and souvenirs.

Things to Do in Grand Turk

The Grand Turk Cruise Port

Once you step off your ship you will follow a lengthy, wide pier to Grand Turk’s cruise port area with its four distinct sections. The first section welcomes you with a colorful shopping and marketing area; you will find duty-free shops including Diamond International and Del Sol, plus a local craft market selling island-style jewelry, souvenirs, and other handicrafts.

The second section is the pool area with a large pool and a Flowrider (an artificial surfing attraction). The pool is free however the Flowrider requires a booking. The Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville is here, as well as a local food bar for drinks, snacks, and meals (additional cost).

The third area is the North Beach; with its beach chairs, lounge chairs, smooth waters, lots of shade, and longer stretch of sand it is the most popular beach area at the port.

The fourth area is South Beach with the NASA exhibit. This beach is smaller, quieter, and has more rocks in the water — but you’ll have less crowds and an easier time claiming a lounge chair. Both the North and South beaches have food and drink options on site.

Snorkeling and Diving Opportunities

Water enthusiasts are drawn to snorkeling and diving in Grand Turk because of the close proximity to the reef, the abundance of marine life, crystal clear water, and very little current. 

The Grand Turk Wall

The Grand Turk Wall (aka the Wall) is 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) and an internationally known coral reef with dramatic shelf drops. It is also called the “Grand Canyon of the Caribbean” thanks to its underwater sea walls, canyons, and pinnacles loaded with every kind of sea life you can imagine.

Admire the marine life at the upper portions of the wall including vibrant corals, grouper, angelfish, parrotfish, and nurse sharks that are more typical of the marine life you see on other reef dives. The farther down the wall you go into the abyss, the less visible the water becomes and the greater chance you will encounter some marine life you don’t normally see in other parts of the world. This is one reef wall you will want to experience and record into your dive log!

Gibbs Cay Stingray Experience

Gibbs Cay is a small, uninhabited island about one mile off Grand Turk and is a popular place for snorkelers due to its crystalline waters and nearby coral reef. Strap on your gear to appreciate the marine life including turtles, stingrays, corals, sea fans, dolphins, and small sharks. Friendly Southern stingrays will surround you to feed and play; your expert guides will show you the best way to touch and interact with them as they teach you how the stingrays breed and how they live.

Conch Diving

On this fun tour your expert captain will lead you in a dive to hunt for conch in the seagrass beds. The conch (pronounced “konk”) is actually a snail with a firm texture and clam-like taste. Non swimmers can stay on shore and watch the captain in action as he brings up conches for your meal.

Once back on land, your captain will prepare fresh conch salad right before your eyes — then it’s your turn to try this popular island staple! While on the tour you will also wade out into the shallow waters to meet up with Southern stingrays as your guides teach you all about the stingrays and how to properly handle them.

A word about water equipment: the easiest place to rent water gear is in one of the many rental shops in Cockburn Town; that being said, double-check with your tour operator first, as any equipment you need is usually provided.

Grand Turk Beaches

On Grand Turk island all of the beaches are open to the public and are free to use and explore. The beaches here are nice and wide, with powdery sand you can sink your toes into.

While the North and South beaches are available right off the ship, they can get pretty crowded; here are a few quieter options to consider:

Governors Beach — the fine, peach-colored sand and turquoise blue waters make this beach a favorite among cruisers and locals alike. The snorkeling options aren’t the best here, but the beach’s calm waters and gentle waves make it great for swimming and sunbathing.

Pillory Beach — this secluded beach north of Cockburn Town has transparent waters and is lined with shady trees for cover when you need a break from the sun. Shops, craft stands, and eateries are in close walking distance.

Whale Watching Tours

You’ll have a whale of a time on this special tour when you head out to the open sea in search of north Atlantic Humpback whales! Your well-seasoned captain and crew are experts in these waters and know exactly where to go for the best chance at seeing these magnificent animals. While whale sightings are not guaranteed, whales have been spotted 98% percent of the time in prior seasons.

Watch in amazement as these whales breach out of the water, then slap and spray the water on their way back down. The best time to go is between January and March when about 1,500 Humpbacks traditionally migrate south through these waters. It is common to see moms with their calves during the season.

Please note: these waters can be very rough and difficult for those who are prone to seasickness.

Tips for Visiting Grand Turk

Restaurant Recommendations

The beachside hangout Jack’s Shack just down from the pier is the place to go if you’re craving authentic Jamaican chicken, barbecue shrimp, grilled burgers, conch, and fried fish.

If you are a fine dining fan, head to Indigo for their award-winning Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Located in the Wymara Resort, the chefs at Indigo will wow you with their Caribbean Mahi Mahi, jumbo King prawns, and juicy rib eye steaks.

Best Time to Visit

May to October brings the heat with temps in the 90s and high humidity; December through March has more mild weather in the 80s, providing a nice refuge for people looking to escape the cold. Divers will want to skip August through November, when tropical storms and hurricane threats can cause rough seas and cloudy waters.

Packing Essentials

• Casual lightweight, clothes over your swimwear (and a change of clothing as needed)
• A rash guard (shirt) for diving and snorkeling
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• A dry bag for your valuables while at the beach or on the boat
• Non-toxic insect repellent
• Comfortable walking shoes or flip flops; water shoes for water sports
• Water is a must as you can get dehydrated here very quickly due to the heat (even during water sports)

Private Excursions and Multi-Port Booking Deals

Shore Excursions Group offers several excursions to make your trip to Grand Turk the perfect Caribbean getaway. Whether you are a water enthusiast, history buff, beach goer, or animal lover, we’ve got you! We also offer private excursions and multi-port booking deals to help you get the most out of your Grand Turk experience as possible. Call us today for more information about booking and planning your trip to Grand Turk Island.