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19 Best Things to Do in Grand Turk on a Cruise [Port Guide]

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If you’re visiting Grand Turk on a cruise, you’re in luck. Grand Turk is a favorite Caribbean cruise port for many cruise travelers!

With soft white sand and exquisitely clear blue water, the islands that makeup Turks and Caicos (which include Grand Turk) are known for phenomenal snorkeling and scuba diving.

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Grand Turk on a cruise, including shore excursions as well as inexpensive or free activities. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Turk cruise port for the day and get answers to commonly asked questions. 

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Grand Turk Cruise Ports 

The two-berth dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the primary port for cruise ships. The Cruise Center was designed by Carnival Cruise Lines in 2006 to be a full-service destination. When you dock here, you are steps away from a gorgeous public beach, a free swimming pool, and numerous restaurants, bars, and excellent duty-free shopping. 

Many passengers will enjoy their entire port day at Grand Turk within the Cruise Center. 

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Grand Turk Cruise Port

Upon exiting your ship, you are steps away from the beach. 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. 

There are many shops, restaurants, and bars located within the Cruise Center boundaries, including the largest Margaritaville in the world.

The official currency in Grand Turk is the U.S. Dollar (USD). 

English is the official language of Grand Turk island. 

Grand Turk island is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). 

High temperatures in the Turks and Caicos Islands hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The hottest months are July, August, and September when the average high temperature is 89 degrees F and the lows are 80 degrees F. 

The water temperature near Grand Turk island ranges anywhere from 3-6 degrees lower than the high temperature on land.

Getting Around Grand Turk

This small island is mostly known for white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. If you decide to leave the Cruise Center, there are a few different ways to explore this little island. 

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is easily walkable on foot and wheel chair accessible. If you decide to explore beyond the center, it is not recommended that you explore Grand Turk island on foot. The lack of sidewalks and spotty signage makes the island difficult (and dangerous) to walk. 

Public Transit

There is no public transportation available on Grand Turk island. 

Taxi cabs are one of the primary modes of transportation here. There are taxi cab stands as you exit the Cruise Center terminal.

Golf carts are an easy way and fun way to get around Grand Turk Island. Venture outside of the Cruise Center gates for the most golf cart rental options. 

Electric Bikes (EBikes)

There are a few eBike rental companies right outside of the Cruise Center terminal. Because the island of Grand Turk is so small, an eBike is an ideal way to enjoy the sunshine and fresh ocean air as you see the sights.

Rentals include a bike lock, helmets, and a map for easy navigation. Just beware of wild donkeys!

Car Rentals

Many streets on the island are one-way and parking can be limited, so renting a car may not be your best option for getting around. 

However, there are cars for rent, including Jeeps. Look for rental options near the taxi stands as you exit the Cruise Center. 

Best Grand Turk Shore Excursions

Grand Turk is the largest of the Turks Islands that make up Turks and Caicos. The island is small, measuring only 6.9 square miles, however it has both historic and natural wonders that cruise passengers will enjoy exploring.

Here are some of the main attractions you can find when you port in Grand Turk. 

1. Go Shopping in the Grand Turk Cruise Center 

The Cruise Center has an astounding 45,000 square feet of shopping including Diamonds International, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Tanzanite International, and Colombian Emeralds. There are also locally crafted souvenirs and gifts available to purchase as well as 10,000 square feet of duty-free shopping . 

If you love to shop-until-you-drop, the Cruise Center is a convenient location with many unique offerings. All stores at the Grand Turk Cruise Center accept credit cards.  

2. Relax by the Pool 

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is home to one of the largest swimming pools in the Caribbean. There is no charge to use the swimming pool and loungers, but it is “first come-first serve” and a popular attraction for cruisers. 

There are private air-conditioned pool cabanas available to rent through your cruise line. However, there are no towels provided, so be sure to bring your own from the ship. 

3. Spend some time in Margaritaville

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is home to the Caribbean’s largest Jimmy Buffett ’s Margaritaville restaurant, bar, and retail shop. 

Cruisers could easily spend the whole day in Margaritaville enjoying the laid-back, Caribbean vibes. Be sure to try the nachos, burgers, jerk salmon and conch fritters, and swim up to the bar for a signature Margarita. 

Related: 50 Best Jimmy Buffett Quotes – The Ultimate Collection

4. Catch a Wave on the Grand Turk FlowRider

In the Cruise Center, near Margaritaville, you’ll find a self-contained water attraction called the FlowRider. High-pressure water jets shoot a thin layer of water moving over a cushioned surface creating an artificial wave perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, or kneeboarding. 

You can schedule this hour-long, shared excursion through your cruise line, and don’t forget to purchase pictures of your epic wave. If you’re cruising with teenagers , this could be a fun port activity!

5. Enjoy a Catamaran Excursion

Starting from the Cruise Center, you’ll board a catamaran and set sail for a dreamy deserted beach. 

Enjoy the smooth sailing catamarans are known for, as well as stops for snorkeling along the way. After spending time relaxing on the beach, you’ll sail back to the Cruise Center and enjoy a complimentary beverage. 

6. Have an Off-Road ATV Adventure

If you’re looking for a non-water excursion on Grand Turk, you can see another side of the island on an ATV tour. 

Most ATV excursions leave from right outside of the Cruise Center. You’ll be outfitted with a helmet and goggles and your own four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle.

ATV excursions last around an hour and a half. Your guide will take you past local attractions including the Ridge Trail, Grand Turk lighthouse, and the North Creek Bird watching area.  

7. Try Conch Fritters at Jack’s Shack

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. 

If you purchase something at Jack’s you can use their free wi-fi. They also have beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent if you want to relax on this beach. 

8. Whale Watch at the Grand Turk Lighthouse

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.

The lighthouse is included in many tour itineraries. 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. 

9. Swim with Stingrays in Gibbs Cay

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. 

Located a 1-mile boat ride away from Grand Turk island, the best way to visit stingrays in Gibbs Cay is through a tour. They will provide information and instructions to ensure your safety.

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. 

10. Relax at the Governor’s Beach

Most cruisers use a Grand Turk port day as a beach day, and there are plenty of picture-perfect beaches to choose from on this Island. If you want to venture from the more crowded beach at the Cruise Center, Governor’s Beach is a short distance away. 

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. There are usually vendors selling cold drinks and souvenirs here. 

11. Try Power Snorkeling

If you want the magic of snorkeling with a little more speed and adventure, power snorkeling is an exciting excursion available in Grand Turk. 

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. 

Power snorkel excursions depart out of the cruise center and include transportation to and from a snorkeling beach on Grand Turk, and all of the equipment you’ll need for this unique snorkeling adventure. 

12. Learn About Local History at the Caicos National Museum

If you want to learn more about the intriguing history of the Turks & Caicos Islands, you might want to visit the national museum located on Grand Turk. 

Located in the lovely Guinep House, built during the colonial era, the museum is small in size, yet full of fascinating exhibits.  It is a great place to learn about the splashdown of John Glenn’s Mercury spacecraft to the south of Grand Turk, the Lucayan Indians indigenous to the islands, the salt trade, and the oldest shipwreck in the northern hemisphere dating back to the 1500s and located in the waters off Grand Turk. 

The museum is about a 12-minute taxi ride north of the Cruise Center. Plan on about an hour and a half for your visit. 

13. Enjoy solitude at Pillory beach

This idyllic beach is worth a visit if you want to get away from the cruise ship crowds. Pillory is less than a 15-minute taxi ride from the Cruise Center. There used to be a resort here (Bohio Dive Resort), that is currently being renovated. 

The bottom can be rocky, so bring your water shoes .

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

14. Snorkel or Dive at the Grand Turk Wall

Grand Turk island is the site of the world’s third-largest coral reef structure. Located approximately 1km offshore of the west side of the island, the Grand Turk Wall offers snorkelers and scuba divers the chance to see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, barracuda, reef and hammerhead sharks, rays, and more.

To visit this natural phenomenon, you’ll need to join a dive boat tour. There are several cruise excursions that offer tools for snorkeling and diving at “the wall.” 

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15. Visit Historic Cockburn Town

Cockburn Town is the oldest permanent settlement in Turks and Caicos. A visit to this town offers a peek into the island’s history with attractions like Her Majesty’s Prison, the old Victoria Library, and the vibrant green post office 

You can spend time enjoying the colonial-style buildings along historic Duke Street and visiting local shops. If you want to visit historic Cockburn, it is located about a 10-minute taxi or golf cart ride from the Cruise Center.

16. Snorkel at Cockburn Town Beach

The white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters at Cockburn Town Beach are perfect for snorkeling. This beach is located near the historical town, and several tours combine sightseeing in Cockburn Town and snorkeling at the beach, the perfect combination of history and relaxation.

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.

Related: 10 Things to Never Do in Cruise Ports

17. Peek into Prison history at Her Majesty’s Prison (H.M. Prison)

This waterfront prison complex was built in the 1830s and was operational as Grand Turk’s only prison until 1994.

Take a self-guided tour through the prison, which housed both men and women and as many as 60 prisoners. Learn about the day-to-day life of inmates as well as the mass escapes during the Great Hurricane of 1866.

18. Horseback Ride on the Beach

If you like horses, Grand Turk offers horseback tours that include an exciting ride on the beach. After a historical guided tour through Cockburn Town, you can choose to ride your horses straight into the ocean for a cooldown you’ll both enjoy.

Be sure to wear long pants that can get wet, and cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

19. See Humpback Whales Up Close on a Boat Tour

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. 

You can book a whale watching boat tour, departing near the Cruise Center, or head up to the Grand Turk Lighthouse for a chance to view these majestic creatures during migration season. 

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Grand Turk Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit grand turk .

The weather is great year-round, however, the best time to visit Grand Turk island is between December and April. Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June through November. During hurricane season, visitor numbers tend to be lower and some smaller businesses may close temporarily.

How far away is downtown from the Grand Turk cruise port? 

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. 

If you want to head to nearby Cockburn Town, a 10-minute taxi or golf cart ride will get you to this historical city. 

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Final Thoughts On Things to Do in Grand Turk Cruise Port

Grand Turk is known for its soft, white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Many cruise passengers make Grand Turk a beach and pool day for good reason. This location has a number of easily accessible beach options, including a beach as you step off the cruise ship.

Have you been to Grand Turk yet? What was your favorite part of this small island?

Happy Cruising!

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Free/Cheap Things to Do in Grand Turk on a Cruise + Tips, & What to Know

Sitting roughly 600 miles southeast of Miami and about 350 miles northwest of Puerto Rico, Grand Turk enjoys a spot that’s a world away and nestled in some of the most beautiful water on the planet.

The island itself is small — only about six miles long and two miles wide. And sitting near the southern tip is the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

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.

For what to expect on visiting Grand Turk, keep reading.

Grand Turk Port Features & What to Expect

The first thing that you’ll notice when you visit the Grand Turk port is that your ship is close to the beach… as in real close. The dock sits out only about 400 feet from shore, meaning the ship towers over the port area.

Walk down the dock and you’ll enter the port area through a duty-free store. Exit the store, and you’ll enter the main plaza of the port area.

Like most cruise ports in the Caribbean, Grand Turk features a dedicated port area that’s enclosed and offers a number of amenities to cruise passengers.

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.

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. There’s also a large sculpture of a whale that makes a fun photo.

If you instead head to the left as you enter the port, you’ll wind through the buildings until you reach Margaritaville Grand Turk. This spot features the famous restaurant, but also a massive pool with thumping music in a party atmosphere. Near this spot at the back of the port is also where you’ll find the port exit to grab a taxi to explore the rest of Grand Turk.

No matter which direction you head, you’ll always be within a few steps of the beach that runs the entire length of the cruise port. Frankly, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. The sand is a soft, white powder with electric blue water. And the ship overlooks the entire area making for a one-of-a-kind scene. Just know that some areas of the water have a rockier bottom (more details in the tips section below).

Free or Cheap Things to Do in Grand Turk

To be honest, given the small size of Grand Turk there isn’t a ton of variety of things to do like you might find elsewhere. Still, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a day in port without spending a lot of money.

Hit the Beach

Without a doubt the biggest draw at Grand Turk is the beach that sits right at the cruise ship. It’s beautiful, wide, and runs a nice distance so there is a spot for everyone and it’s free. However, its popularity can mean it gets crowded, especially close to the ship.

The area north of the pier (to the left as you enter) features a sandier bottom that’s more forgiving on your feet. The area south of the pier sees smaller crowds, but you’ll also want some water shoes if you venture out into the water. There are also rentals available for everything from snorkel gear to clamshell chairs to give you a little shade.

One other alternative? 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.

Hit the Pool

If the beach is the biggest draw at Grand Turk, then the pool in the port area is a close second. Here, there is a massive pool that circles around, complete with loungers. It’s right next to Margaritaville, so you can sit and relax (even hangout at the swim-up bar) and get food and drinks served. There are also rentals available for things like umbrellas and cabanas.

Just know that here the atmosphere is lively with music pumping. If you’re thinking of a quiet, relaxing time by the pool, that’s not really the case.

Hit the Water

If you’re looking to get out of the port area, one of the popular things to do is to get out on the water. During our stop, there were excursions available that took passengers out on catamarans for snorkeling tours, often with drinks afterward while on the boat. This part of the world has some of the most beautiful water anywhere, so getting out and enjoying it is well worth the cost of the excursion.

Hit the Town

Want to go explore on your own? It’s easy enough to do with an inexpensive cab ride. The city on Grand Turk is called Cockburn Town and if you want a feel for the “real” Grand Turk, it’s a neat place to visit, albeit a bit spread out. A good spot to start your visit is the Turks & Caicos National Museum .

As for cab rides, the price is set based on zones. The cruise port is in Zone A, and downtown is in Zone B. The trip costs $5 per person one way. It’s only $9 per person to go the entire length of the island.

Get Your Starbucks Fill

If you just can’t live without your Starbucks, then Grand Turk is the spot for you. While many cruise ships offer Starbucks beverages on board, finding them in port is usually another story. But the port area features a full-fledged Starbucks (painted a very noticeable pink). The next closest location? That’s in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, about 200 miles away.

Take a Turn on the Flowrider

One unique feature of Royal Caribbean cruise ships is the Flowrider — a never-ending “wave” that you can surf or boogie board. At the Grand Turk port there is a land-based Flowrider that you can ride for a fee (sorry, it’s not free!). It’s right next to the pool on the north end of the port area. If you have kids or teens, it’s definitely something they’ll want to check out.

Get a Picture With John Glenn

One of the claims to fame for this area was that it was the spot where astronaut John Glenn splashed down after orbiting the earth. That’s why on the port’s southern side you’ll see an area with some information about the NASA program, a model rocket, a sculpture of the capsule splashing down, and a statue of John Glenn in his spacesuit that you can get a picture with.

Tips & Things to Know About Visiting

If you’re visiting Grand Turk, there are some tips and things to know that can make your trip even better. We mentioned some of these above, but in case you missed them, we’ve included them here as well.

Go Down in the Morning for Your Picture of the Ship

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). But one suggestion is to get your photos around mid-morning. Not only will the beach crowds be thinner, but the morning sun will be shining right on the ship, making the colors pop.

The Best Beach is North of the Dock

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). This area is sandy from the beach out into the water. The bottom is rockier on the southern side of the pier.

The Beach Is Quieter to the South

While the water to the south side of the pier is rockier, the beach itself is just as nice with lots of sand. And for those wanting a little more space and not as many people, this area is ideal. Head as far down the path as you can go and you’ll find a large group of loungers (near the whale sculpture) with hardly any other people — even on busy days in port.

Taxi Rates Are Set

If you plan to head into town, then a cab is easy. There’s a taxi stand at the port exit and you’ll see the set rates explained. The island is broken into four zones (A, B, C, and D). The cruise port is in Zone A. The rate from the cruise port to the other zones is set at:

• Zone A: $4 per person
• Zone B: $5 per person
• Zone C: $8 per person
• Zone D: $9 per person

Beach Rentals Are Available

To the north side of the pier, you’ll see a stand for beach rentals. While loungers are first-come, first-served, anything else that you need can be rented. This includes snorkel gear, foam mats, clamshell loungers that offer shade, and you can also buy sunscreen and water. Need other items like a cold drink or a snack? There’s a small convenience store right next to the beach rental booth.

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Grand Turk – Cruise Port Guide

Grand Turk is a very flat, very little island. It’s only about 7 miles long and 1 mile wide. From the highest parts of the cruise ship (ex. the waterslide ladder), you can see the entire island including the Atlantic on the opposite coast and the lighthouse at the far north end. By visiting the Grand Turk Cruise Port, you can see everything that the island of Grand Turk has to offer.

I’m honestly not sure if anybody visits there except for cruise ships. But that’s okay because a day is about all the time that you need (not to mention, I don’t know how else you get there or where you stay!)

Grand Turk is very safe and small, and therefore I recommend that you save some money by exploring it the cruise port on your own. After doing some pre-trip research, I decided that my priority was to see the Grand Turk lighthouse.

• 1 Unique to Grand Turk Cruise Port:
• 2.1 Lighthouse
• 2.2 John Glenn Memorial
• 2.3 Conch Shell Beach
• 2.4 Gibbs Cay
• 2.5 Downtown Cockburn Town
• 2.6 Spend Time at the Grand Turk Cruise Center
• 2.7 My To-Do List, Next time I visit Grand Turk
• 3.1.1 Before Cruising – Grand Turk Cruise Port
• 3.1.2 Day of Cruising – Grand Turk Cruise Port
• 4 Transportation in Grand Turk:
• 5 Lodging in Grand Turk:
• 6 Restaurants/ Meals & Drinks in Grand Turk Cruise Port:
• 7 Tips/ Things to Know when visiting Grand Turk Cruise Port:
• 8 Helpful Things to Pack for a Trip to Grand Turk:
• 9 My Time Spent on the Island of Grand Turk:

Unique to Grand Turk Cruise Port:

• Visit the lighthouse
• See the John Glenn memorial
• Look for conch shells at the beach
• Swim in the ocean next to the cruise ship
• Famous for postage stamps
• Wild Donkeys

Sights and Adventures in Grand Turk – (5 Things to do in Grand Turk):

There are actually quite a few unique things about Grand Turk and you can hit almost all of them by yourself by following our DIY Itinerary below.

It only takes about 30 minutes to reach the Grand Turk lighthouse even though it’s all the way on the other end of the island. You have plenty of time to see it, drive around the island and then spend the afternoon at the beach or pool. Just a heads up, Grand Turk is home to lots of wild donkeys which will come right up to humans looking for food.

John Glenn Memorial

Technically there are two John Glenn Memorials. If you are traveling to the lighthouse, you will pass one John Glenn memorial on the side of the road right near the entrance to the Grand Turk airport. It’s an actual replica of the capsule that landed off the coast of Grand Turk in 1962. There’s also a (kinda weird) statue of John Glenn at the cruise ship port and a replica of a rocket ship.

Conch Shell Beach

On the south side end of the island, there’s a beach which is known for their conch shells. You can get there by walking along the beach to the south of the cruise ship pier, or you can do what we did and drive the golf carts to the beach. If you are driving, the best way is to take the road that’s directly behind the people where you rent the golf cart. Follow it to the south, east, and then south again as far as you can go (see map below).

The beach is very rocky, so I highly recommend bringing water socks like these . However, once you get past the first 10 feet or so of rocks, then you will see lots of conch shells. They were pretty neat, although I was a little disappointed that most of them appeared to be broken. The conch shells also are all bleached white, not like the pretty colorful ones that you see at many of the shops. They are still the biggest shells that I’ve ever found myself. (There’s also a great picture opportunity at this beach with the cruise ships in the background!)

Gibbs Cay is a small uninhabited island close to Grand Turk. You can swim with stingrays there. You can take an excursion to visit Gibbs Cay. We did not elect to do this because you can swim with stingrays at other cruise ports as well..

Downtown Cockburn Town

The downtown area has a Post Office (to buy stamps), a Museum, Her Majesty’s Prison, a pretty Anglican Church and some souvenir shops. We didn’t stop anywhere downtown on our trip, just zipped through on our golf cart. There’s also something on Carnival’s website about a Clock Tower, but I can’t figure out where or what that is (if you know, send me a message!).

Spend Time at the Grand Turk Cruise Center

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is very nice. Out of all of the ports that I’ve been to in the Caribbean, this one is by far the nicest. They have a huge pool and a beach (both free) where you can swim right next to the cruise ships which I thought was really, really neat. The beach is very smooth, and the water is very clear, no water socks are needed. It also has a Margaritaville with swim-up bar. And there are some cute Humpback Whale statues further down the beach that make for a good Instagram spot (we didn’t make it to those!)

My To-Do List, Next time I visit Grand Turk

• Look for the humpback whale statues
• Check out the food at Jack’s Shack
• Wander further up the beach towards Cockburn town to check out the snorkeling
• Visit the Post Office to pick up some Stamps

Shore Excursions in Grand Turk Cruise Port:

When visiting the Grand Turk cruise port, you have the option of taking several different excursions including snorkeling, horseback riding, buggy rentals, and beach breaks. If it was up to me, I would SKIP THEM ALL. No really. These same excursions are offered at basically every other cruise port. First of all, the snorkeling is definitely better at other islands. You can also see stingrays at other islands. Grand Turk is really easy to get around by yourself. And you will save some money at the same time. Below is our Itinerary to help you.

DIY Itinerary – Rent Golf Carts and Explore Grand Turk at Your Own Pace

Here’s an itinerary for the perfect day while your cruise ship is in port at Grand Turk:

Before Cruising – Grand Turk Cruise Port

Once you book your cruise and know that you’re going to be stopping at the Grand Turk Cruise Port, make sure you do just 1 thing.

1. Reserve a golf cart to pick up right outside the Grand Turk Cruise Port Terminal. We booked ours through Karib Auto Rental. They have a website and are responsive unlike a couple of other vendors that I reached out to. Our cruise was in early February and it looks like I made the reservation in mid-December. Make sure you book in advance because if you wait until the day of, they might all be rented. Also, make sure you bring a printed copy of your email receipt. In 2016, it cost us $95 to rent 2 golf-carts for 8 hours (including gas) and we had to pre-pay half of the before we went using PayPal. Each golf cart holds 4 people. Cost per person = $12/per person.

Day of Cruising – Grand Turk Cruise Port

1. Exit the ship and walk just outside the cruise port terminal to pick up your golf cart. The rental pickup place is not a building, it’s just a parking area along the side of the road (Google Maps is a bit vague about this part of the map, so I drew you directions using Google Earth, Below). When we showed up they were waiting for us. We showed them our confirmation email, signed a couple of liability waivers and we were off! (Note #1, make sure your golf cart is set to go the right direction before hitting the gas pedal! Brian knocked over the owner’s moped before we even got left! Oops!) (Note #2, they drive on the LEFT side of the road in Grand Turk. Don’t be nervous, they hardly have any traffic so it’s a great place to practice driving like the British!).

2. Head for the Lighthouse – I believe in starting the furthest away from the cruise ship and making your way back. The lighthouse is located on the opposite end of the island from the Cruise Terminal, but it’s only 7 miles (11.7 km per Google Maps). It only takes about 30 minutes to drive there, even in a golf cart. Google Maps: Route to the Lighthouse

Or my Easy Directions to the Grand Turk Lighthouse: Turn right (head North) after picking up your golf cart. When you come to a T-Intersection, turn Right again. Follow the road past the airport (it’s called Airport Road). In the middle of town (the ocean will be on your left), Airport Road changes it’s name to Pond Road. Stay on it and follow for about half a mile. Take a slight right onto Lighthouse Road and cross the town/island. Go straight through the roundabout. After you get through town, the ocean will be on your right. Follow up the coast as far as you can go until you get to the lighthouse.

3. Making your way back South towards the Cruise Port from the Lighthouse (or be a rebel and stop on your way), hit the following stops/ photo/ instagram opportunities:

• Wild Donkeys (they are everywhere, don’t worry if you miss one, you will see others!) (This lady is feeding them chips).

• The Turks & Caicos Museum (about 3 blocks north of where Lighthouse Road meets Airport Road, on the West coast of island).
• Her Majesty’s Prison (this is just 1 block south of where Lighthouse Road meets Airport Road.
• Anglican Church (a block south of Her Majesty’s Prison)
• Clock Tower (I have no idea where this is, there aren’t any pictures on Carnival’s website and nothing comes up on Google either).
• John Glenn’s Mercury capsule replica is right out in front of the airport.

4. Visit Conch Shell Beach – Before turning in your golf cart, turn East and go past the rental place and then venture South to Conch Shell Beach (see Google Earth Map above to see the road). This is all dirt road, but it’s a very easy path to follow. It’s also a great Instagram worthy spot with the cruise ships parked in the background. It’s not really great for swimming because of the rocks. As mentioned above, I recommend wearing some shoes when walking around this area.

5. Spend an afternoon Poolside/ Beachside near the Grand Turk Cruise Port. After you turn in your golf cart there are a few things you can do within walking distance of the cruise terminal. They are mostly FREE!!!

• Take pictures at the John Glenn statues in the Cruise Terminal
• Take pictures at the Humpback Whale Statues along the beach
• Eat lunch at Margaritaville or Jack’s Shack
• Swim in the free Pool at the Cruise Terminal or take a dip in the ocean near the cruise ship
• Shop for Souvenirs

When you’re finished enjoying your inexpensive and fun day at Grand Turk, it’s just a leisurely walk right along the pier and back onto your ship!

Transportation in Grand Turk:

For us, since we wanted to go all the way to the lighthouse, we decided that the best way to get around Grand Turk was to rent golf carts. We went with Karib Auto Rental which I highly recommend. They have a website and are responsive unlike a couple of other vendors that I reached out to. Each golf cart cost $95 for the whole day including gas. You pay half of the rental fee in advance via Paypal and the other half in cash the day you get there. Their stand is a very easy ¼ mile walk past the cruise ship terminal (see map below). All you had to do was sign a waiver when you got there and off we went! And just remember to drive on the left!

If you don’t want to rent a golf cart, there are also tons of taxicabs right at the cruise port which will happily take you anywhere you want to go on the island.

Lodging in Grand Turk:

None seen! Recommend visiting by cruise ship.

Restaurants/ Meals & Drinks in Grand Turk Cruise Port:

Margaritaville – The only restaurant near the cruise terminal was Margaritaville. Grand Turk doesn’t appear to have any famous restaurants or menu items, so it was Just fine with their menu of American bar food options. Just bring extra cash because I think they are a bit overpriced. That being said, it was the nicest Margaritaville that I’ve been to and I’ve also heard that it’s the largest.

Further down the beach is a restaurant called Jack’s Shack . I would probably try that if I ever find myself in Grand Turk again.

Or since it’s so close, you can always get back on the ship and eat the free lunch.

Tips/ Things to Know when visiting Grand Turk Cruise Port:

• Cars drive on the Left side of the road in Grand Turk.
• Cockburn Town appeared mostly deserted when we drove through it. I wouldn’t travel there if you are looking for shopping. The only real shopping that I saw was at the cruise port.
• If you Google “Grand Turk Cruise Center”, the location shown in the middle of the island is not correct. The actual cruise center is all the way at the bottom near the southern tip of the island. Google Maps Showing the Wrong Location – Scroll down to the Bottom of the Island to See the actual Cruise Center –

Helpful Things to Pack for a Trip to Grand Turk:

• Water Socks (for the Conch Shell Beach)
• Waterproof Camera (not pictured, they don’t actually sell mine anymore)
• Waterproof Camera floatie (seriously awesome to keep you from losing your camera overboard)

My Time Spent on the Island of Grand Turk:

• 1 day cruise port in February 2016, on the Carnival Breeze

Hope you find our travel guide helpful!

If you want, you can visit our Travel Guide to St. Kitts & Nevis here. If you want, you can visit our Travel Guide to St. Martin here.

One Reply to “Grand Turk – Cruise Port Guide”

Seems to be a very nice experience! Can you tell me what was your favorite part of all?

I have never traveled on a Cruise, can you give me any recommendations, I’m planning to try it by December or January that it’s when I have my week of vacations!

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Cruise to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Grand turk shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in grand turk.

Off the Wall Diving

Grand Turk is a small Island separated by more than 20 miles from the rest of Turks and Caicos.

Of all the things to do in Grand Turk, wall dives — characterized by vertical descents alongside the edge of coral reefs or other underwater terrain — might be the most dramatic. Grand Turk is home to a 7,000-foot drop a quarter mile from Duke Street beach. The Grand Turk Wall is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Caribbean."

Get Wrecked

A shipwreck abandoned on Governors beach on Grand Turk

On a cruise to Grand Turk, you can explore the oldest excavated European shipwreck — the Molasses Reef Wreck, from 1515. Discovered in West Caicos, it is on display at the Turks and Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town. The museum is inside Guinep House, one of the island's oldest buildings. Other fascinating shipwrecks are on display, including a Spanish vessel.

Soak in the Rays

The locals of Gibbs Cay are eager to meet you — they also happen to be stingrays. The harmless rays dwell off this small, seven-acre island, also known as Stingray City. A short boat ride gets you to one of the most enjoyable things to do in Grand Turk. You can snorkel and get acquainted with these sweet creatures.

LOCAL CUISINE

On a cruise to Grand Turk, you'll discover that these islands are best known for conch (pronounced conk). Visitors will find this shellfish in all forms — curried, fried, stewed or in a salad — and at nearly every island eatery. Try the conch fritters at Jack's Shack Beach Bar & Grill for a mouthwatering bite.

Upon arrival on your cruise to Grand Turk, pick up souvenirs near the pier or venture into Cockburn Town, where you'll find authentic wares at the Turks and Caicos National Museum gift shop, including local artisan handcrafts such as woven hats from the Middle Caicos Co-op.

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By Rose January 6, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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