Grand Turk Cruise Port and Terminal Information

Table Of Content

• Turks and Caicos Excursions You May Have to Book Independently: Scuba, Snuba and Stingrays
• Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Grand Turk?
• Catamaran Boat Rides
• Tips & Things to Know About Visiting
• The Best Turks and Caicos Excursions that Don’t Get You Wet
• Sights and Attractions at the Cruise Center
• Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels
• Car Rentals

If you are the active type book shore excursions and enjoy great diving and snorkeling spots, or just lay on Governor’s beach, the most beautiful beach on the island. 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. Go paddleboarding on its beautiful waters or take a splash and soak in some needed sun.

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Turks and Caicos Excursions You May Have to Book Independently: Scuba, Snuba and Stingrays

Grand Turk Cruise Port is mainly visited by Carnival Cruise Line ships, so you’ll find Princess, Holland America but even Celebrity ships are there, too. A day at Grand Turk can be part of Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. Likewise, seashells tend to not be local, and are of Pacific origin.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Grand Turk?

Gibbs Cay is a tiny, uninhabited island on the eastern side of Grand Turk. It has some of the most beautiful beaches and the best diving sites the Turks and Caicos islands have to offer. 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. Others include the white sands and east side beaches which are located on the underdeveloped southern side of the Grand Turk. The east side beach is accessed by roads coming from the lighthouse.

Catamaran Boat Rides

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. If you’re a certified scuba diver, you probably already know that Grand Turk is surrounded by the third-largest coral reef in the world. A scuba dive excursion can take you inside the colorful explosion of color that lives beneath the water’s surface—and it all starts just a 10-minute boat ride away from where the cruise ships dock.

The island has various historic sites and attractions, including the Grand Turk Lighthouse, a visit to the salt mines, and the Turks and Caicos National Museum. This simulated surfing experience suits all levels, from beginners to experts. This is the same experience found on Royal Caribbean ships but is less reliable than its shipboard counterpart as it is only sometimes operational. Two public restrooms in the cruise port area are attended by janitorial staff who work hard to keep the facilities clean and tidy. Additionally, the terminal is easily accessible for visitors with disabilities, with ramps and other accommodations available to ensure equal access for all.

You’ll see the Grand Turk Lighthouse, with its stunning overlook, plus there’s the Cliffhanger Lookout. Besides seeing the island from the water, there are plenty of tours to see the island from land. There are also open-air trucks available to cruise around and learn about the town. Pillory Beach is one of the quieter beaches located north of Cockburn Town. Away from the crowds at the other beaches, this is a place to come if you’re seeking solitude or somewhere quiet to read a book. If Christopher Columbus did first land at Grand Turk, this would have been the beach where he arrived.

Sights and Attractions at the Cruise Center

After a historical guided tour through Cockburn Town, you can choose to ride your horses straight into the ocean for a cooldown you’ll both enjoy. Grand Turk island is the site of the world’s third-largest coral reef structure. Located in the lovely Guinep House, built during the colonial era, the museum is small in size, yet full of fascinating exhibits. 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.

Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels

Note that the walk is not accessible for people with mobility issues. Like most Caribbean destinations, Grand Turk Cruise Center offers a variety of retail stores. Remember, the island has nothing unique – think of spots like Diamonds International, Effy, etc.

Car Rentals

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.

The center also has a John Glenn Splashdown memorial to commemorate his mission and landing site. A picturesque humpback whale is also nearby to celebrate the year-round sea life found at Grand Turk. The dock is located at the southern end of Grand Turk, just to help you get your bearings. Grand Turk is only one of many islands in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Grand Turk, an island in the Turks and Caicos, is a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean, between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

(And, don’t worry, those gorgeous beaches made our list, too!) In no particular order, here are the top things to do in Grand Turk. Grand Turk is known for its soft, white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Many cruise passengers make Grand Turk a beach and pool day for good reason.

Generally speaking, island cuisine tends to be pricey because of the logistics of getting food from the mainland to the island as food and beverages arrive on cargo ships. Power snorkel excursions depart out of the cruise center and include transportation to and from a snorkeling beach on Grand Turk, and all of the equipment you’ll need for this unique snorkeling adventure. Your best option is to grab a quick taxi which should cost around $4 per person each way. 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.

Salt Cay is the smallest of the main inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos and it’s a place where time seems to stand still. Cockburn Town stretches along the coastline for about one mile/1.6 km and as you stroll through the town’s colorful streets, you’ll discover history and charm. The vibrant exteriors of British colonial buildings, quaint restaurants, cafes and shops, and friendly locals create a unique Caribbean atmosphere. If you’re looking for a slice of paradise close to the port of Grand Turk, Governor’s Beach is the place to go. This stunning beach is only a 5-minute drive from the port, making it the perfect destination for those looking for instant relaxation and tropical beauty. If you’re planning an excursion, you’ll easily find tour operators within the port area who can assist with booking your adventures.

The town maintains houses that have beautiful 1800’s British architecture with the Victorian era designs. Every once in a while, you will meet with a wild donkey or horse which were used as transport animals in the salt industry era. While at the museum also visit the gift shop which sells amazing souvenirs to remember the place by. This Caribbean destination should be on your list of places to visit, it's stunning! Here are all the things to do in Grand Turk while on your cruise vacation.

It’s basically the same menu at all of Jimmy Buffet’s restaurants, but if you plan to go back and forth to the ship all day, it’s convenient. If a quieter luncheon is more your taste, hop into a taxi to the Osprey Beach Hotel and the Bird Cage Restaurant. There you’ll find poolside dining with a bird’s-eye view of the ocean. Jack’s Shack has become the afternoon escape from the hub-bub and tackiness of Margaritaville at the Cruise Center.

Oh, and get ready to meet some of the locals on your dive—the area is home to turtles, stingrays, and a whole host of brightly colored fish. 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.