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It’s necessary to take the inland roads to get to Governor’s Beach. To the south of the Cruise Center, the beach becomes a bit more secluded, albeit rocky as well. If you continue to the southern point of Grand Turk, you’ll be at Boaby Rock Point, and near some snorkeling reefs. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. The Grand Turk Cruise Center has always been a hugely popular stop for guests, and for a good reason. Carnival Corporation invested $50 million in the cruise port and has pledged a further $73 million in investments in the future.
Whale Watch at the Grand Turk Lighthouse
The coral walls which range from 30 feet to more than 7000 feet deep are just a hundred yards out on the water. Explore the colorful burst of marine life in some of the best diving spots in the world. 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. Other shopping areas are located at the cruise center, where you can get t-shirts, alcohol, jewelry, and trinkets. While at the museum also visit the gift shop which sells amazing souvenirs to remember the place by. Visit the 18th-century prison and explore how prisoners used to be treated in the ancient days.
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It’s less crowded than Margaritaville and other food joints located near the pier. 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. This was caused by the north reef, which is a shallow treacherous reef.
Spend a Day at the Beach

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). 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 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. 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. 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. If you’ve always wanted to hang ten, Grand Turk is the place to do it, no experience necessary.
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. 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. If you want the magic of snorkeling with a little more speed and adventure, power snorkeling is an exciting excursion available in Grand Turk.
Grand Turk Cruise Port Facilities?
The cruise ships dock at a pier that is located south of Cockburn Town. The terminal is named Grand Turk Cruise Center and is a beachfront facility spanning over 780,000 square feet. 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.
Right from the cruise center, an island tram will take you to north creek, where you will do a short trail through the wetlands and finally get to the kayaking spot. Located on the west coast of Grand Turk, north of the cruise center, Cockburn town is the capital of Turks and Caicos. This hidden gem is located a few yards from the pier, at the end of cruise center beach.
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Horseback Ride on the Beach
There’s a small convenience store right next to the beach rental booth. 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). Not only will the beach crowds be thinner, but the morning sun will be shining right on the ship, making the colors pop. The cruise port is in Zone A, and downtown is in Zone B. The trip costs $5 per person one way.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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. Enjoy the smooth sailing catamarans are known for, as well as stops for snorkeling along the way.
Starting from the Cruise Center, you’ll board a catamaran and set sail for a dreamy deserted beach. 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. 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. The water temperature near Grand Turk island ranges anywhere from 3-6 degrees lower than the high temperature on land.
Cockburn Town is full of historical significance and a wonderful place to spend a few hours for those wanting to venture further. While the arrival of Carnival Freedom was reason enough to celebrate, she was not the first cruise ship to return to the islands. That honor befell Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam on her cruise from Fort Lauderdale. 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.
Some of these stores are regional chains, such as the Ron Jon Surf Shop, Margaritaville Trading Post, Dufry duty-free, and Diamonds International. Transportation to other sites of interest on Grand Turk is available directly outside the Cruise Center. Here you’ll find taxis waiting, and rental car pickups take place here as well.
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