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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. If you’re thinking of a quiet, relaxing time by the pool, that’s not really the case. 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. 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.
Final Thoughts On Things to Do in Grand Turk Cruise Port
After many months of inactivity, Grand Turk exploded back to life when two cruise ships visited the islands in the last couple of days. Carnival Freedom visited the port on December 15 during her 6-night voyage, which set off from Miami. 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!). If you have kids or teens, it’s definitely something they’ll want to check out.
Turks and Caicos National Museum
If you love snorkeling this boat rides will take you to great snorkeling spots where you can snorkel to your heart’s content. Ships dock on the southwestern tip of the island, at a pier built specifically for cruise ships; the facility is owned and operated by Carnival Corp. There's a number of duty-free shops, jewelry stores, souvenir stands, bars and restaurants located in the cruise center.
Night Perfect Caribbean Escape & Southern CaribbeanDetails
There is no charge to use the swimming pool and loungers, but it is “first come-first serve” and a popular attraction for cruisers. 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. 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.
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. 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. The north creek doesn’t offer much, but you might see some stingrays, barracudas, and turtles in the water. Most kayaking and paddleboarding tours end at the mouth of the inlet right below the lighthouse.
In many Caribbean ports, active excursions such as zip-lining, kayaking and hiking have replaced lazy days on the beach and the gridlock in shopping and sightseeing areas. But even though it's the capital of the island chain Turks and Caicos, Grand Turk maintains a slower pace of life. If you just can’t live without your Starbucks, then Grand Turk is the spot for you.
FlowRider
It has a pristinely white sandy beach kissed by clear blue ocean waters. Go paddleboarding on its beautiful waters or take a splash and soak in some needed sun. The boat rides are good for exploring the coral reefs and the cays nearby, book a boat excursion with your cruise line or a local tourism company to enjoy this fun adventure. This beautiful sleepy island has gorgeous white sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters and is packed with historical and cultural beauty.
Man blames Carnival after he was kicked by donkey in Grand Turk - Turks and Caicos Sun
Man blames Carnival after he was kicked by donkey in Grand Turk.
Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. 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. 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. Something in common with Carnival Cruise Line destination ports is the horse ride excursion.
Carnival Cruises to Grand Turk
If you didn’t reserve your shore excursions ahead of time, there are tons of vendor booths within the complex for you to choose your tour. Planning excursions can be overwhelming, so try to research before visiting. The port is located near a tourism village packed with restaurants, amenities and jewelry and trinket stores. One of the largest pools in the Caribbean is located conveniently outside of the Caribbean's largest Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant. You also have direct access to an 800-foot stretch of beach with cabanas and changing rooms. Not long after you disembark the ship and walk onto the beach, you'll see hammocks encouraging you to pass out there for a while (and it's tempting).
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. So, there you have it an action-packed fun adventure to-do list for the next time you visit the beautiful Turks and Caicos. Remember to relax and have fun when the cruise ship calls in Grand Turk.
If you will be anywhere near caves on an excursion or while exploring, be sure to have an updated Rabies vaccine, as bats can carry the virus. Also be sure to bring insect repellent due to reports of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Chikungunya. There is a wide variety of activities that guests can partake in, from having fun in the sun at Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville to an exciting ride on the FlowRider surf simulator. Guests can also enjoy Jerk chicken at Jack’s Shack, the popular spot which was destroyed by Hurricane Irma only a few years ago.
She was welcomed with open arms by the locals, who were thrilled to offer activities to visitors once again. The first Carnival-owned cruise ships begin returning to the Grand Turk Cruise Center for the first time since suspensions started in 2020. 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.
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