What to do on a Cruise Ship stop in Grand Turk – Part 1

The Romantic Shore Excursion

Numerous cruise lines visit the Southern Caribbean including Carnival, Holland America, Oceania, and Silversea, most departing from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but the port they all arrive at in the Turks and Caicos Islands is Grand Turk. And once the ship has arrived and the anchor has been dropped, cruise passengers have the option to disembark. This is the first of a series of articles to give tips to cruise ship travelers who have a limited amount of time ashore on Grand Turk Island.

There’s so much to do on a port day. Maybe you’re newlyweds or perhaps you’re celebrating many years of marriage. You’re eager to walk down the gangway with your sweetie and experience the sights and sounds of a new place. But what can you do if you’ve only got six hours?

Governor’s Beach

Relax, beachcomb or swim with your sweetie at Governor’s Beach, on the west coast of Grand Turk, only minutes from the Cruise Center. Here sheltered from the tradewinds, the sand is soft and white and the waters pristine.

“The beach was beautiful like something from a movie,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Said another reviewer, “There was only one other family there, and ours. It was fantastic! Very peaceful..”

Pillory Beach

If you’re willing to travel a little farther, then first pick up some snacks and beverages and then head out to find your own private piece of paradise on Pillory Beach.

“The water was perfect. The beach was quiet.” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.

“The water was beautiful and we loved it!!” said another reviewer.

White Sands Charters

Are you and your partner keen to explore the amazing underwater marine world? A snorkeling adventure with White Sands Charters is ideal.

“We thought our day at Grand Turk with White Sands Snorkel was the highlight of our trip,” said one reviewer on TripAdvisor.

The charter company about a five minute walk from the Cruise Port and is situated in front of White Sands Beach Resort. You can choose from various excursions and enjoy beautiful clear waters teeming with interesting fish along the western side or swim with the tame stingrays of Gibbs Cay. For bookings, contact 649-243-3291.

Jack’s Shack

Looking for an authentic island culinary experience? Jack’s Shack, only minutes away from the Cruise terminal, is a restaurant set right on the beach and offers not only a spectacular view but delicious local flavours.

“The place itself has just that type of “local feel” we were looking for, a beachy open-aired restaurant with a bar and music.” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

You and your partner can choose from traditional dishes like jerk chicken, cracked conch and peas and rice, and, as a special bonus, even enjoy a free taste of Turks and Caicos best Bambarra rum. Relax on the beach afterwards under one of the comfy beach chairs.

Grand Turk Cruise Center

Maybe you and your beloved just want to keep things simple and low key? Why not catch a quick bite and do some duty free shopping right at the Grand Turk Cruise Center? Or grab a taxi and head into Cockburn Town. It’s a short distance from the cruise terminal and will cost about $5.00 for each of you.

Here you’ll see buildings dating back to the early 1800’s like Her Majesty’s Prison where admission is $7 for a self-guided tour. Or you could pay a visit to St. Mary’s Anglican Church, a picturesque church located on Front Street. Or perhaps even squeeze in a visit to the Turks and Caicos National Museum, where cruise ship visitors pay a discounted rate of $5 to tour the exhibits, including the Grethe Seim Message in a Bottle Collection.

If you were perplexed about what to do on a cruise ship stop in Grand Turk, we hope these ideas help you plan a delightful afternoon for two. Whether you want to snuggle up on the sand, have an intimate meal for two or share a memorable adventure, you can put some romance in your day and experience plenty of Turks and Caicos culture, cuisine and community along the way.