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Breaded, spiced, and fried, this dish is usually paired with an equally delicious dipping sauce. Grand Turk has some of the best and freshest seafood you could imagine with plenty of restaurants. A few minutes in one direction and the leader gives the signal for the horses to head for home. Almost in unison, the horses turn in the ocean and set their sights on a quick return trip to their home. This island is a short trip away and accessible by jet ski or boat.
Grand Turk Cruise Center Terminal Port Guide and Review (
In February and March, this is also a popular spot for whale watching. Whether you’re looking to explore historical sites, relax on secluded beaches, or embark on an underwater adventure, understanding your transportation options is essential. As you step off your cruise ship, you’re stepping into a world that bridges the gap between the past and present, offering everything from serene beaches to captivating historical sites. Something in common with Carnival Cruise Line destination ports is the horse ride excursion.
Catch a Wave on the Grand Turk FlowRider
Unlike most Caribbean ports (where cruise ships dock close to a principal town), you will only find the Grand Turk Cruise Center at the end of the pier. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a large open-air cruise terminal dotted with excursion booths offering most of the possible tours and activities in Grand Turk. Most of these shore excursions can be booked online or onboard your cruise ship. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a 13-acre (5.2 hectare) complex and cruise port on the southern end of Grand Turk. The pier where cruise ships dock in Grand Turk is next to a stunning beach, inviting passengers to spend the day basking in the sun, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water activities.
Snorkeling
Just a short 10-minute drive from the Grand Turk cruise terminal, you’ll find the charming Cockburn Town, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s a destination where history and culture come to life, making it a must-visit spot during your island adventure. The best opportunities for independent exploration and touring are on ships that stay in port the longest.
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When weather conditions are calm, decent snorkeling can be found here. Complimentary beach lounger use is also offered near the Cruise Center for cruise guests. Be advised that some beach hawkers attempt to rent their own chairs out. It’s an experience that combines history, adventure, and natural wonder, all just a 20-minute cab ride from the Grand Turk port. Also known as Cockburn Town Lighthouse, the Grand Turk Lighthouse is a must for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
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Whether you’re indulging in a seafood feast, sipping on a local rum cocktail, or enjoying the simplicity of a beachside snack, the culinary landscape of Grand Turk is sure to leave a lasting impression. This section outlines the various modes of transportation available in Grand Turk, offering insights into each to help you choose the best way to explore the island. From pristine beaches to historic landmarks and underwater adventures, there’s something for everyone. Grand Turk Cruise Port is not just a stopover; it’s a destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
We found multiple cruises on Carnival Freedom and Sun Princess where the scheduled stop at Turks and Caicos was 8-10 hours long from morning to early evening. Both these ships would give you ample opportunity to enjoy either ship-sponsored shore excursions or those you book independently. When we say that the beaches in Turks and Caicos are all stunning, we mean it. A Bajari Beach excursion really takes the cake, though, offering an option for private cabanas or lounge chairs, plus most cruise lines’ excursions include at least some food and beverages. The beach is known as a party spot, complete with a DJ, so if that’s your jam, this might be the Turks and Caicos excursion for you.
FlowRider
If you’re looking for a little exercise and want to get out into Grand Turk’s beautiful water, consider a kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) tour. Even if it’s your first time trying one of these water sports, you’ll be in good hands and learn proper techniques from knowledgeable guides. Plus, you’ll be getting a workout at the same time as learning more about the history and natural side of the island. Throw in time for a dip or even a snorkel and this excursion is the very definition of a win-win situation. The Grand Turk Wall is a popular destination for cruise shore excursions because it offers a unique and exciting opportunity to experience the underwater world.
Popular Cruise Destination Has Substantial Increase in Cruise Arrivals - Cruise Hive
Popular Cruise Destination Has Substantial Increase in Cruise Arrivals.
Posted: Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. Grand Turk is the largest of the Turks Islands that make up Turks and Caicos. The island is small, measuring only 6.9 square miles, however it has both historic and natural wonders that cruise passengers will enjoy exploring.
The two-berth dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the primary port for cruise ships. The Cruise Center was designed by Carnival Cruise Lines in 2006 to be a full-service destination. When you dock here, you are steps away from a gorgeous public beach, a free swimming pool, and numerous restaurants, bars, and excellent duty-free shopping. If you are looking for something more private, then head on over to Governor’s beach which is about a mile north of the cruise center. It has a pristinely white sandy beach kissed by clear blue ocean waters.
While the port facility offers a stunning beach right when you walk off the pier, there are other beaches available to explore at this island destination. Here are our choices for Turks and Caicos shore excursions that include a beach. But this one is smaller than your cruise ship and promises a smooth ride! Stepping onboard a catamaran is a great way to explore Grand Turk’s coves and beaches, reefs and marine life. 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.
If you are tired of shopping common trinkets available on all gift shops in the Caribbean. Head on over to the museum and Salt House gift shops as they have more authentic and locally made souvenirs. 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. When cruising the eastern Caribbean itinerary, you will encounter many beautiful sand and sun beaches, and you can choose to be a beach bum on any of those Caribbean islands.
The museum is about a 12-minute taxi ride north of the Cruise Center. If you want to learn more about the intriguing history of the Turks & Caicos Islands, you might want to visit the national museum located on Grand Turk. Most cruisers use a Grand Turk port day as a beach day, and there are plenty of picture-perfect beaches to choose from on this Island.
A recent addition is a beach on the right side of the cruise pier when walking off the ship. This beach offers more shade and trees than the main beach, along with a bar, a beach shop, and facilities. The beaches are just a short walk from the cruise center, allowing visitors to swim, sunbathe, and relax in the warm Caribbean sun. This idyllic beach is worth a visit if you want to get away from the cruise ship crowds. Pillory is less than a 15-minute taxi ride from the Cruise Center. There used to be a resort here (Bohio Dive Resort), that is currently being renovated.
Located north of Cockburn Town this serene beach offers a quiet atmosphere for interacting with the marine life in their habitat. Don’t worry about being under the harsh sun all day long; some parts of the beach are lined with trees that offer you natural shade. If you need diving or snorkeling gear, the Boho Dive Resort rents out such gear. 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. There are plenty of lounge chairs on this beach, and it has beautiful clear sparkling waters to enjoy your day in. If you don’t want to wander away from the cruise ship, or plan on making a lot of trips to and from the ship, then just relax at the cruise port center.
Cruisers could easily spend the whole day in Margaritaville enjoying the laid-back, Caribbean vibes. Be sure to try the nachos, burgers, jerk salmon and conch fritters, and swim up to the bar for a signature Margarita. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is home to one of the largest swimming pools in the Caribbean. There is no charge to use the swimming pool and loungers, but it is “first come-first serve” and a popular attraction for cruisers. On the left side of the pier, the first section of blue chairs is free to use. There are plenty of palm trees, however if you plan to spend the day at the Cruise Center beach, you’ll want to get there early.
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