What to do on a Cruise Ship stop in Grand Turk – Part 2

The Sportsman 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 second of a series of articles to give tips to cruise ship travellers who have a limited amount of time ashore on Grand Turk Island. Click here to read: What to do on a Cruise Ship stop in Grand Turk – Part 1: The Romantic Shore Excursion

It’s a port day! You’re eager to plunge into the cool Caicos waters and paddle through the reefs. Or maybe, you can hardly wait to experience the cuisine or ride along the white ribbon of shoreline on horseback. What can you do if you’ve only got six hours?

Osprey Beach

About a 15 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal, Osprey Beach boasts clear shallow waters and soft sand making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.

You can easily gain access off Duke Street and snorkel right off the beach. There are public washrooms and a concession on site, but if you want more than just a snack, Barbie’s Bar & Restaurant on Front Street is a great choice. Here you can enjoy island favourites like coconut shrimp or crispy conch fritters, along with a refreshing assorment of chilled beverages.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

An increasingly popular activity on the islands is stand up paddleboarding (SUP), in which you stand on a long surfboard and propel yourself along by stroking the water with a canoe type paddle. The beaches around Cockburn Town, minutes from the Cruise Terminal, offer opportunities to try your hand at SUP. You can rent a board through local operators like Oasis Divers located off Duke Street and enjoy both a great workout and a delightful way to experience the area.

“It was a fabulous excursion,” said one reviewer, “I highly recommend this adventure.”

How about an up close encounter with nature? Oasis Divers also offers Kayaking and Eco Safari expeditions. You paddle along in a glass bottom kayak which allows you to view the spectacular underwater world. An experienced knowledgeable guide provides you with details on kayak techniques and safety as well information on the environment around you.

“The water was crystal clear and it was amazing to kayak,” said one reviewer on TripAdvisor. “The guides were really knowledgeable, funny and helpful.”

Chukka Caribbean Adventures

If you’d like to do some sightseeing in a slightly different way, why not try horseback riding? Chukka Caribbean Adventures is about a 15 minute drive from the cruise ship terminal. Your Horseback Ride ‘N’ Swim excursion will take you from the east coast bluffs to the sheltered area of North Creek and finally back to the beaches where you can go enjoy a refreshing swim after your ride. Even novice riders give this excursion a positive thumbs up.

“My husband and I have never ridden horses so we were so nervous, but there is no need to be. The employees are very helpful and made us feel really comfortable,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.

If you’d like to try this exhilarating way to explore the area, you will need to book with Chukka through your cruise line company.

A cruise port day means a chance to try a new adventure and get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. Whether it’s skimming along or swimming underneath the sparkling Caicos water, trotting or trekking along the soft sands, there’s a memorable sportsman shore excursion waiting for you on Grand Turk.