Table Of Content
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. Also known as Stingray City, the enchanting Gibbs Cay island lies around 1 mile/1.5 km off the eastern coast of Grand Turk. This picturesque island is a place where you can interact with stingrays in their natural habitat, creating an educational and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The main attractions are located on two main streets – Queen Street and Front Street, both of which run parallel to the beach. Turks and Caicos National Museum, Her Majesty’s Prison, and Cockburn Town Beach represent the main attractions. However, keep in mind there are a lot more shopping options inside the port area so the town is not the most ideal place to shop.
Cruise ship blasts black cloud of soot into the ocean - The Independent
Cruise ship blasts black cloud of soot into the ocean.
Posted: Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Grand Turk Cruise Port Waiting Area and Seating
If you happen to visit this beautiful island during the winter months of January to April, you can go on a humpback whale excursion. 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. The island is uninhabited and bears beautiful beaches on its west coast.
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]
Paint Your Own Souvenir of Turks and Caicos
You’ll see how they lived and what they contributed to the island to make it what it is today. Don’t forget to hit up all of the boutique stores to shop for souvenirs and gifts for you and your loved ones. There’s a rental car service is at the center complex, but be sure to make reservations before your visit. One of the largest Margaritaville restaurants in the Caribbean is right next door, featuring a swim-up bar and free loungers for your use. Grand Turk is one of those laid-back islands where wild donkeys and horses roam along the beach and in town.
Learn About Local History at the Caicos National Museum
Your visit to Gibbs Cay also includes the chance to try conch, a local delicacy plucked fresh from the ocean and prepared in front of you. Save some time for a dose of reggae and refreshments at a local spot such as Reef Shark Bar & Grill before you return to your ship. Grand Turk aims for a slow and methodical return of cruise ships to the islands. Grand Turk does offer its share of restaurants, but guests who plan on eating something ashore – whether it’s a full, sit-down meal or just a snack – can expect a pricey dining experience.
Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
There are plenty of sun loungers on this beach, grab one and enjoy the beach for free. This beautiful sleepy island has gorgeous white sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters and is packed with historical and cultural beauty. Carnival Cruise Line must have noticed this too when they decided to turn the island into a cruise port in 2006. There are many guided snorkeling tours offered, and you can book them online, through your cruise line, or with local tour vendors.
Significant Historical Occurrences on the Island
You control the pace but whatever activity you choose, you can count on scenery—and photos—that will make everyone back home green with envy. When ships are in port, you’ll also find vendors selling souvenirs and cold drinks. A taxi ride from the Cruise Center to Governor’s Beach will cost you $4 pp one-way.
Aside from a massive pool, there’s a pretty beach with free and paid loungers. Snorkeling equipment and cabanas with waiter service can be rented for a fee. One of the most popular shops at the center is the Ron Jon Surf Shop, offering surf gear, beachwear, logo items, and accessories. Visitors can find everything they need for a day at the beach, including swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. Most retail shops are limited to the cruise port as the island is not developed for tourism besides the occasional grocery store, electronics shop, or bar. The beaches are just a short walk from the cruise center, allowing visitors to swim, sunbathe, and relax in the warm Caribbean sun.
Tips & Things to Know About Visiting
Nearly one million cruise passengers arrive at the Grand Turk Cruise Center every year, and it’s no wonder why. The purchase window for certain products and activities closes before to the sail end date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us on board, we'll help you find what you’re looking for. If you’d like to rent a car, golf cart, or scooter, we advise making a reservation in advance of your visit.
This location has a number of easily accessible beach options, including a beach as you step off the cruise ship. 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. In front of the complex is the cruise center beach known as the SunRay Beach.
Other restaurants and shops can be found a short drive away in Cockburn Town. Aside from the Caribbean’s largest Margaritaville, the Grand Turk cruise port is home to a handful of other restaurants and food shacks. It is also easy to walk to a couple of other casual eateries along the beach. The duty-free shop is also a main attraction here, as are the FlowRider wave pool and the beached whale statue that is located a little bit farther down the beach. The small NASA exhibition located on the southern end of the Grand Turk Cruise Center offers a good overview of the island’s role in the 1962 Mercury Space Mission. With so much to do on-site, some passengers choose to spend their entire time on the island right at Grand Turk’s cruise port.
Be sure to try the nachos, burgers, jerk salmon and conch fritters, and swim up to the bar for a signature Margarita. Take a boat tour to other cays, like Gibbs Cay and snorkel/swim with the stingrays or charter a private fishing trip. The coral walls which range from 30 feet to more than 7000 feet deep are just a hundred yards out on the water.
The dock sits out only about 400 feet from shore, meaning the ship towers over the port area. Grand Turk’s cruise port is one of the best cruise ports for wheelchair users. It has a step-free pier and port exit, as well as ramps and adapted bathrooms. Snorkeling and diving tours are available, and visitors can get up close to the wall and see the incredible marine life that calls it home. Poolside cabanas are available for those who want to relax in a more private setting. The cabanas can go fast depending on how many ships are in port (remember, two ships can dock there, adding up to a combined 10,000 visitors a day.
The pool area at Margaritaville can sometimes be inappropriate for children due to alcohol and language, so be cautious. 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. You’ll be outfitted with a helmet and goggles and your own four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. Starting from the Cruise Center, you’ll board a catamaran and set sail for a dreamy deserted beach.
You’ll find car rental booths and a taxi stand at the Cruise Center. For those with special needs, the cruise port is designed to be accessible, with ramps and other facilities in place to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit. There are also restrooms and first-aid facilities for your convenience. If you want to see the island and have a few thrills while simultaneously having time left over to lounge on the beach, a dune buggy excursion might just be your answer.
Once you’ve explored what’s below, you’ll have time to chill out up above, on Grand Turk’s famous white beaches, so don’t forget your swimsuit and towel. Where the sun shines down on turquoise waters and white sand stretches as far as the eye can see. But there’s more to this tropical outpost in Turks & Caicos than its stunning beaches. When you cruise to Grand Turk, don’t forget to make time for one or more of these other great ways to see the island.
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. At the Grand Turk Cruise Center, you can sign up for a 30-minute body- or knee-boarding session on the FlowRider, which simulates the feel of ocean waves. Enjoy the ride and don’t forget to smile—photographers are on hand to capture your moment of glory, or perhaps a wipe-out to laugh about later. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. For those who don’t want to make the 10-minute walk to Jack’s Shack, a taxi ride costs about $7 each way.
No comments:
Post a Comment