Starbucks coffee shop at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. You can go underwater without even having to get wet! If you continue to the southern point of Grand Turk, youll be at Boaby Rock Point, and near some snorkeling reefs.

float: left; We get a true look during a busy call at the cruise destination. Nopepulls up alongside the dock there. Turks and Caicos Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update. In addition to all the amazing activities we have listed above, you can also descend into the ocean in Grand Turks semi-submersible craft.

The unparalleled Governor's Beach is found less than a mile (1 km) to the north, unfortunately, its not possible to walk to this location on the beach due to the Government Dock which interrupts the coast. Tip: If you are planning to visit the Margaritaville, do so early to get good seating and avoid crowds. The cruise port is located in the southernmost part of the island.

SNUBA works by connecting the diver by air-line to tanks on the surface. Located one mile away, governors beach has the whitest sandy beaches and clear blue waters in Grand Turk. There are amenities such as restaurants, spas, and if you love shopping, there are gift shops and local jewelry stores on the port. For a beautiful meal with a view of the ocean, head on over to the southernmost end of the Old Cockburn Town to the Bird Cage Restaurant and enjoy Jamaican cuisines like the popular conch cuisines, which mostly include fried conch fritters and conch salads. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Also nearby is a statue of a breaching humpback whale, highlighting the excellent whale watching at Grand Turk during the winter months. You can get soaps and bath salts from the salt house gift shop. It used to be a salt-producing town, and evidence of the salt industry from the late 1600s to early 1900s is still available in some parts of the capital Cockburn Town. For a deeper understanding of the salt industry history, visit the Salt House Shop to view a historical exhibit of Grand Turks salt industry. Also on the south side of the Cruise Center, you will find a rarely mentioned historical exhibit commemorating the NASA Mercury space program and the historic 1962 Splashdown of the Friendship 7 capsule off the coast of Grand Turk. Purchase your cruise accessories for your vacation right here. The open area of the Terminal is surrounded by the inevitably ubiquitous shops to be found in all Caribbean: Dufry, Colombian Emeralds, Effy Jewelers, Diamonds International, Piranha Joe, Silver Emporium, Del Sol or Tanzanite International. The island is uninhabited and bears beautiful beaches on its west coast. However, US citizens do not need to have visas in order to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands as a tourist for a short duration of time. Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville at Grand Turk is the largest in all the Caribbean. All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. Even if you just enjoy the beach - and the ones by the Cruise Center are stunning enough - there a few other beaches that any cruise traveler should explore. Although close to the pier, there isn't a walking path along the beach and the road is not well signed. There are plenty of sun loungers on this beach, grab one and enjoy the beach for free. 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.

While at the museum also visit the gift shop which sells amazing souvenirs to remember the place by. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice.It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursions of Grand Turk.If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

Grand Turk is a small island (7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide). IQCruising recommends a taxi to get there - $5.00 per person each way. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a 13 acre complex and cruise port on the southern end of Grand Turk. Standing 60 feet tall and the first of its kind, it was built in 1852. Theres a wide range of tourist gift and souvenir shops, art galleries, and jewelers at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. If you prefer a more quite spot to enjoy the stunning sea in Grand Turk, there is a nice stretch of sand to the right side (south) of the Pier - known as South Beach - with less vendor hassle but also with free chairs. The guides are very caring and professional. .dropcap-letter { So if excursions dont necessarily rock your boat then definitely grab lots of sunscreen, shades and a hat or visor before heading over to one of the beautiful post-card-like picturesque clear blue water, white sandy beaches.

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. The cruise port is designed to be a little center of luxury for your port day. In front of the complex is the cruise center beach known as the SunRay Beach.

There are several tours you can take to learn about its history and admire the British-Bermudian Colonial architecture. margin: 0.22em 0.04em 0em 0; Located north of Cockburn Town this serene beach offers a quiet atmosphere for interacting with the marine life in their habitat. Go on a catamaran boat ride and visit deserted islands and interact with the beautiful marine life. Browse all of these Grand Turk Souvenirs from Amazon. To enjoy more of the island, head to the northern direction from cruise center beach and enjoy beaches in a less populated area. Most of the western to southernmost parts of the island are found under this reserve including the cruise port and Cockburn town. *UPDATED* JULY Calendar Wallpaper featuring YOUR photos! Lets take a look at all the things to do while your cruise ship is spending the day, or should we say half-day (depending on the ship itinerary) in Grand Turk: When cruising the eastern Caribbean itinerary, you will encounter many beautiful sand and sun beaches, and you can choose to be a beach bum on any of those Caribbean islands. text-transform: uppercase; 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 oceans mighty waves, try the FlowRider. Both stand-up surfing and body-boarding is possible. Both eateries serve a menu of American and international grill favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, grilled seafood, and chicken. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. 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. It features a swim-up bar, a trading post and serves delicious meals in the assortment of American, Caribbean and Mexican menus. East, West and South Caribbean Top Cruising Destinations. The highlight of the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the huge, lagoon-like swimming pool. 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. Serves popular bar and grill fare, and is open only when a cruise ship is in. Start by visiting the cruise port; grab a bite from Margaritaville, then head on over to sunray beach for a day of sun and splashing. The largest salt formations can be seen at Hawkes Nest Salina, located near the cruise port, or at the Red Salina salt pond. Others include the white sands and east side beaches which are located on the underdeveloped southern side of the Grand Turk. The John Glenn Splashdown memorial at the Cruise Center. At the Cruise Center, you will be offered a snorkel and swim package including transportation to and from the Governors Beach for $29.99 per person - this also includes snorkel gear (not of great use at this beach). A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports. If you need diving or snorkeling gear, the Boho Dive Resort rents out such gear. To the south of the Cruise Center, the beach becomes a bit more secluded, albeit rocky as well. Its hot most times of the year, especially from May to October. And if that is not enough, head over to the cruise port and visit the splash landing center. You will learn everything on this historical event at the Friendship 7 space program exhibition located at the cruise center. Follow these tips and places to visit on the Turks and Caicos island. Water is jetted over a preformed cushioned surface to create an artificial surfing attraction. GeorgiaMomof4, February 15, 2015 in Grand Turk. Great place to spend the day! A little further from Governors beach lies another rarely visited beach called English Point. SNUBA is a great and simple way to experience the reefs and aquatic life of Grand Turk. This was caused by the north reef, which is a shallow treacherous reef. A large pool provides an alternative for those not wishing to go in the ocean. The cruise ships dock at a pier that is located south of Cockburn Town. If you are undecided on whether to stay on the beach the whole day or ongoing on some light water activity like snorkeling, then head over to pillory beach, which has the best snorkeling spots. To sum up, here is a summary of things you can do at Grand Turk. LauraS

Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match, Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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 a large complex of approximately 30 acres and features the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean. Likewise, seashells tend to not be local, and are of Pacific origin. Take a look at some impressive snorkeling gear from Amazon here. 5-star rating for Grand Turk Cruise Center by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands. If youre interested in finding an authentic Turks and Caicos gift, see Shopping in the Turks and Caicos for ideas. Also Read: 21 Things About Half Moon Cay, Carnivals Private Island.

By Theres a memorial to John Glenn and the historic event at the Cruise Center, and the display features a statue, a replica of the Friendship Seven space capsule, and informative plaques. EASY walk to the beach after stepping off ship. It's located on the southern-end of Governor's Beach, which is the best beach on the island. It has nice warm, clear waters and a white sandy beach. This is the most beautiful beach on Grand Turk Island. 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. Port schedule information is provided by Carnival Corporation/. Fill up on as much as you can and kick back and relax just a few minutes away from the ship. This cruise center is well-designed and provides a variety of shops and restaurants for visitors. Since some of the best snorkeling and diving areas are off the coast and it is difficult to swim out there, take a snorkel boat ride to access the best sites. ATVs are fun and what better way to see the whole island, which isnt that big than to blaze through it at high speeds on challenging nature trails. Tip: You can get to this beach in a taxi, bus or rented car. Here you will get to learn about the Friendship 7 space program, created in honor of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth who splash landed in Grand Turk. However, either because you have been in Grand Turk before or just because you have an explorer's soul, this small island has a couple of sites to explore. Most of these shore excursions can be booked online or onboard your cruise ship. Experience the rich history of Cockburn Town. .dropcap-intro { Amongst top attractions, we have a few adrenaline-pumping favorites such as the 4x4 safari tour, the Dune Buggy drive, a Horseback Ride N' Swim, and the Catamaran sailing. If you are up for an active excursion, book paddle boarding, and kayaking excursions and explore the clear waters of the peaceful north creek. In addition to an ATV tour, you can also opt for a Segway tour. When you take the island excursion and arrive at the lighthouse which is on the other end of the island opposite the cruise center, you will see the zip line course. Photo Courtesy of Grand Turk Cruise Center. There are beautiful monuments and murals erected at the exhibition. So, there you have it an action-packed fun adventure to-do list for the next time you visit the beautiful Turks and Caicos. Explore the colorful burst of marine life in some of the best diving spots in the world. Take a look at this tour of Grand Turk from our friends at I Like Cruise Ships.

The ATMs are operated through Cirrus and Plus systems and can be found at Scotiabank in Waterloo Plaza and Cockburn Town as well as the Santa Maria Casino and Gaming Saloon at White Sands Beach Resort. The cooler seasons start from December to March. The 50-60 person capacity prison used to hold petty offenses criminals back in the day until it was shut in 1994. If you happen to visit this beautiful island during the winter months of January to April, you can go on a humpback whale excursion. The lighthouse was built as a guiding beacon for ships after both the British and US governments experienced sizable losses from the capsizing of their ships at the northern end of Grand Turk. Carnival spent $50 Million, creating a cruise port for its cruisers. It is the only cruise port on the islands of Turks and Caicos. line-height: .7em; The best thing about excursions on Grand Turk whether provided by cruise lines or local tour operator is the guides who are very professional and put your safety first. He did so in his Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft after being on a mission orbiting the earth. 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. In 1962 John Glenn splash landed off the west coast shores of the Grand Turk. Another tourist attraction is the islands lighthouse. Enjoy a wide menu of coffees, teas, hot chocolate, baked goods, snacks, and more.

} Its a bit rocky but a great beach for beachcombing and maybe a little snorkeling. The terminal is named Grand Turk Cruise Center and is a beachfront facility spanning over 780,000 square feet. The coral walls which range from 30 feet to more than 7000 feet deep are just a hundred yards out on the water. Even a trip by taxi to the Grand Turk Lighthouse, on the northern tip of the island, is affordable - $10 per person each way. The north creek doesnt offer much, but you might see some stingrays, barracudas, and turtles in the water. Private pool-side cabanas with waiter service can be rented, but be sure to reserve yours early as availability is limited. This is a port of call when you really should get off the ship to take in the stunning beaches, experience excursions and take in the local culture. The average daily temperature is about 75 Fahrenheit.

Head on over to the museum and Salt House gift shops as they have more authentic and locally made souvenirs. There isnt a crowded city or waterfront, just a laid-back little town with great beaches and a little British Bermudian Colonial heritage. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and Trading Post. Cork Burn town (pronounced as co-burn) is the capital of the islands, and its where all the administrative tasks of this British territory, take place. We'll send you weekly newsletters to your inbox with the latest cruise news and tips. To get to the best beach on the island, you will need to take a taxi to Governors beach. Dont worry about being under the harsh sun all day long; some parts of the beach are lined with trees that offer you natural shade. They became extinct due to slavery and diseases in the 1500s and actually left the island uninhabited for over a century. This popular attraction surrounds one of the largest swimming pools in the Turks and Caicos. John Glenns first step on dry land after returning to Earth was on Grand Turk, and a U.S. Navy Base that was operation on the island at the time, NAVFAC 104, helped in the recovery operations. If youd like to rent a car, golf cart, or scooter, we advise making a reservation in advance of your visit. Margaritaville fronts the expansive swimming pool at the Cruise Center, and Jacks Shack is located a short walk up the coast on a perfect piece of beach with crystal clear ocean water.

Grand Turk is a haven for divers, located along the third-largest barrier reefs; the island has some great diving spots off the west coast on the Columbus Landfall National Park. There are at least eight popular beaches on Grand Turk. Therefore, in order to honor this great event, if it actually happened on Grand Turk, the island has a national park called Columbus national park reserve.

The cruise center is also home to the only Starbucks coffee shop in the Turks and Caicos, which opened in late 2019. Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers , By: Editor-in-Chief | Date: January 9, 2022. 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. Home page with highlights and full listing of all reviews, port guides and articles by IQCruising. At the cruise center, you will find a big beautiful swimming pool. Find snorkeling gear for your call to the island right here. 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 30-40 minutes excursion. The FlowRider designed in a slope like water slide structure, jets waves of water that create ocean-like waves, but on a smaller scale. Located on Front Street on old Cockburn town, Her Majestys Prison is a tourist attraction that shows the history of the Grand Turk, from architecture to culture and way of life. This site serves as the launch point for cruise ship shore excursions, and offers onsite gift and jewelry shops, restaurants and a spa, as well as the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean (which features a swim-up bar). If you want to explore the island on your Grand Turk vacation, visit the numerous historical sites like Her Majestys prison, the Light House or the Turks and Caicos museum. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. Once you are at the port head over to the Margaritaville, its just one and a half minutes from the pier. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice.

Also Read: Costa Maya Mexico, Heres What You Can Do.

Remember to relax and have fun when the cruise ship calls in Grand Turk. With close to 5 million passengers per year the Cruise Port of Miami is the busiest in the World - disembarking/embarking can be at times frustrating but there are some good insiders tips to discover. CC Help Jenn Water is jetted over a preformed cushioned surface to create an artificial surfing attraction. Book a poolside cabana and enjoy private time away from the crowds and a dedicated waiter. Where you will witness and if lucky get to snorkel with these majestic creatures as they migrate from the cold Atlantic Ocean waters to the warmer Caribbean waters for mating and childbearing. If you are brave enough, you can even zip line above the water on the last part of the course. Visit historical heritage sites such as Her Majestys prison, the Turks and Caicos Museum or simply get amazing $20-15 minute massages. 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. Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, Garyoosterhonolulushipbest12-17 best1.jpg. You can combine fun and sightseeing with fun wheels.

The pier where cruise ships dock in Grand Turk is next to a stunning beach, inviting passengers to spend the day basking in the sun, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water activities. Theres so much to see, including the small yet interesting Turks and Caicos National Museum, the Grand Turk Lighthouse, and the waterfront at our capital city of Cockburn Town (where many of the island's hotels are located). What in the Turks and Caicos are you looking for?

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.

font-weight: bold; Immigration and Customs are handled by your cruise agent. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2022. font-size: 6.5rem; This pristine beach with shallow water is lined by a thick Casuarina tree grove, ideal for shade and families but not for snorkeling. The National Museum and a few other shops also offer local items. A little-known fact is the island of Grand Turk played a part in the 1962 Mercury Space Mission. Something in common with Carnival Cruise Line destination ports is the horse ride excursion. The cruise traveler will find a taxi stand with metered fares by the east exit of the Cruise Center. Gibbs Cay is probably the most popular destination for cruisers on Grand Turk. The currency used in Grand Turk is the US dollar. Although it is normally secluded and very private, if there are more than one cruise ships docked, you might want to arrive early to get a nice area under the shelter of trees. Started August 27, 2021, By Next to Margaritaville, you will find the Flow Rider surfing attraction that is exclusively offered as a shore excursion through the cruise lines. Tip: Save your money and just admire it from the parking lot. Exploring the sights, town and beaches of Grand Turk is one of our recommended ways of spending the day on Grand Turk. Shuttles, taxis and rental cars/scooters are easily available. This takes place right next to the lighthouse. Started June 21, 2021, By Unless you want to do something special that can only be done on an excursion - like Deep Sea Fishing, a Stingray Encounter on Gibbs Cay, Whale Watching Tours (seasonal) or a Glass-bottom Kayak tour - there are attractions that are perfectly feasible on your own. Most diving and snorkel equipment shops are located at Cockburn Town, and if you head out for more secluded beaches like the pillory beach on the west coast, visitors can rent out water gear at the Boho Dive resort.

It is located close by the historical Governors mansion, Waterloo, hence the name. Explore the island with its historical heritage, lovely secluded beaches, and great sites through a narrated bus tour. Other shopping areas are located at the cruise center, where you can get t-shirts, alcohol, jewelry, and trinkets. Visit Turks and Caicos Islands is a registered trademark. Head on over there and grab a bite while being entertained to enchanting reggae tunes. Some of the more commonly purchased items by tourists on vacation Grand Turk include salt, soaps, model sailboats, straw products, conch shells, and rum.

Hi all - we've never been to Grand Turk and I'm just wondering if you dock there or if it's a tender port? But also by a few local souvenir shops and craft market. The Grand Turk Cruise Center offers shopping, dining and the onsite attractions of the pool and FlowRider. Although Grand Turk was hit by both hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the cruise pier wasn't affected and the terminal area has been revamped. Here youll find taxis waiting, and rental car pickups take place here as well. You can then get on a surfboard and surf. The museum has other shipwrecks too like the treasure hunting Spanish ship, a slavery ship, and Tainos artifacts. All rights reserved. The pool at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. Its less crowded than Margaritaville and other food joints located near the pier. Type your search terms and pause for instant results.

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