Grand Turk
Grand Turk is a small island in the Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Unlike many other Caribbean ports, Grand Turk's main draw is its beautiful, world-class cruise center and the stunning beach right at the port. The island is small and laid-back, with a rich history tied to salt production and a surprising connection to space exploration. For a cruiser, Grand Turk is a perfect destination for a relaxing beach day, with the option to explore a charming, historic capital just a short ride away.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your ship will dock directly at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, a world-class, purpose-built facility. This is a huge advantage, as you can walk right off the ship and onto a long pier that leads directly to the cruise center. The walk from the ship to the center is about 390 feet and offers a beautiful view of the beach. The port can accommodate multiple ships at once.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Grand Turk Cruise Center is not a traditional enclosed terminal building. It's a large, open-air, beachfront complex. As you walk from the ship, you'll enter this beautifully landscaped, 18-acre space.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a destination in itself. You'll find a massive freeform pool, one of the largest in the Caribbean, with a swim-up bar. There is a beautiful beach with complimentary lounge chairs and cabanas for rent. The center is also home to the Caribbean's largest Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, a massive duty-free shop, and a variety of other retail stores and food and beverage outlets. You'll find restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. Tour pickups and taxi stands are located just outside the main complex. The complex is also home to a small NASA memorial, with a replica of the Friendship 7 space capsule.
🗣️ Language
The local language is English, and you will have no problem navigating or communicating. The local dialect is Bahamian English, but it is easy to understand.
💰 Money
The currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar (USD) at a 1-to-1 ratio. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted everywhere, and there is no need to exchange money. For purchases within the cruise center, you can charge to your shipboard account. For local vendors and taxis, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
🚗 Transportation
The Grand Turk Cruise Center is designed to be a destination, but if you want to venture out and explore the rest of the island, you have a few options.
Walking: The best way to get around the area right around the port is to walk. The beaches and some of the local shops are a short walk away.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise port. The rates are fixed and posted at the taxi stand. It is a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you start your journey.
Golf Carts: This is a very popular way to explore the island on your own. You can rent a golf cart for the day, and it gives you the freedom to explore the island's many hidden beaches and historic sites. You just need a valid driver's license to rent one.
Public Transportation: There is no public transportation or bus service on Grand Turk.
♿ Accessibility
Grand Turk has an accessibility rating of 3 out of 10. While the cruise pier and the main cruise center complex are flat and well-paved, the island's main attraction, the beach, is primarily made of sand, which is extremely difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. The island also lacks a network of accessible vans for transportation.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to Cockburn Town from the cruise port is to take a taxi. It is a short 10-minute ride, and the fare is fixed.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available at the Grand Turk Cruise Center and are generally clean and well-maintained. You can also find restrooms at many of the restaurants and bars in the complex.
💊 Drugstore
There are no major drugstore chains on Grand Turk. The island has a small clinic and local shops that may sell basic over-the-counter medications. It's a good idea to bring any medication you may need with you.
✨ Authentic Experience
Dine at Jack's Shack: Instead of dining at the large Margaritaville, take a short walk up the beach to Jack's Shack, a popular local spot. It's a no-frills, beachfront restaurant that serves up authentic Caribbean food and drinks. It's a great place to relax, people-watch, and get a true taste of the local flavor.
Explore Cockburn Town on a Local Tour: For a deep dive into the island's history, take a taxi or a local tour to Cockburn Town, the charming capital. You can wander through the historic streets, see the colonial-era buildings, and visit the Turks & Caicos National Museum, which tells the story of the island's salt trade and its unique culture.
Find the Wild Donkeys: One of the most charming and unexpected things to see on Grand Turk is the wild donkeys that roam freely around the island. They are remnants of the island's salt industry, and you can often find them on the beach or along the roads.
