Visiting the Gorgeous Cruise Port of Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Experience the joy of a visit to the stunning cruise port of Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This beach gem is a favorite among cruisers, offering breathtaking natural beauty, pristine turquoise waters, and a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for ultimate rest and relaxation.

The cruise port is a 13-acre complex that is meticulously maintained and provides a range of amenities to enhance your visit. Indulge in some retail therapy at charming boutiques, grab a coffee at Starbucks, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. Explore popular shops like Effy, Piranha Joe’s, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and Swarovski for a memorable shopping experience.

Visit Grand Turk cruise port and discover a slice of paradise that will leave you refreshed and filled with happiness.

Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks and Caicos 40-island chain. Only eight are inhabited, yet offer 230 miles of white sandy beaches. You’ll most likely be exploring SunRay Beach when visiting by cruise ship, also home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef. 

Carnival Cruise Lines developed the cruise port in 2006 to showcase the tiny island’s magnificent beaches and Colonial heritage. It is one of the only places in the Caribbean where you can enjoy the island’s best beaches, steps from the cruise ship, and with hundreds of complimentary lounge chairs. 

Things to Do at the Cruise Port of Grand Turk

Discover the incredible underwater world of Turks and Caicos through scuba diving, considered one of the best diving destinations in the world. Not into scuba diving? No worries! Snorkeling in these waters is just as impressive.

The Salt Pans

Explore the fascinating history of the salt industry in Grand Turk, a significant industry from the 1600s to the early 1900s. Dive deeper into this history at the Salt House Shop or Grand Quay Salt Mine Company. And take the chance to capture stunning photos of the salt-drying pans (Salinas) at Red or Hawkes Nest Salinas, conveniently located near the cruise port.

Grand Turk Lighthouse

The Grand Turk iconic lighthouse is a place you’ll want to see. At 170 years old, the picturesque 60 feet tall tower is flanked by fantastic scenery that will knock your socks off and is the most famous landmark on the island! Unfortunately, you cannot access the inside of the lighthouse.

The colors of the water (at least seven layers of blue that you can count) against the green hues of the native plants and the jagged marine limestone cliffs are almost too much for my eyes to absorb. It is that beautiful!

Replica Park & Friendship 7

Experience a piece of history at the Astronaut John Glenn Replica Park on the beautiful island. Walk in the footsteps of the legendary astronaut as you stand where he first set foot on dry land after his groundbreaking space mission in 1962.

Don’t miss the chance to see the Friendship 7 spacecraft replica and learn more about Glenn’s incredible journey. Plus, discover the fascinating history of the former U.S. Navy Base that once occupied this site.

Be on the lookout for the wild donkeys, cows, and horses you may see wandering the streets or beach. The animals are cared for and fed by the government. 

Secluded Beaches

If you feel like escaping to a more secluded beach (and the most beautiful in Grand Turk), just a few minutes away is Governor’s Beach, but it is impossible to walk to it from the cruise port of Grand Turk. 

Grand Turk Adventures

Your cruise ship will have a long list of excursions to enjoy when you visit the Grand Turk cruise port. Among them may be 4X4 Safari Adventures, Ziplining, horseback beach rides, dune buggy safari, Segway Adventures, and SNUBA.

Water Adventures

Experience the ultimate water adventures with deep-sea fishing, whale watching, catamaran boat rides, stand-up paddleboarding, clear kayaking, and certified scuba diving. Immerse yourself in the stunning turquoise waters and favorable climate of Grand Turk with two of the most popular activities: the Power Snorkel, Rum, & Beach excursion and the Gibbs Cay Stingrays & Snorkel trip.

For those with accessibility needs, there is the Exploring Grand Turk by Open-Air Tram. This relaxing and enjoyable tour is also perfect for elderly individuals, just like my parents, who have enjoyed it on multiple occasions.

Margaritaville: My Favorite at the Cruise Port of Grand Turk

Are you looking for the ultimate Caribbean experience? Well, at least my favorite Caribbean experience. Look no further than Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, the largest in the region.

Picture yourself lounging in a comfortable chair, being served fancy drinks by a friendly waiter while DJ spins incredible tunes. Take a refreshing dip in the killer lagoon-style pool, surrounded by stunning views. And let’s not forget the swim-up bar for even more fun.

If you’re feeling hungry, they’ve got you covered with a delicious heapin’ stack of nachos to satisfy your cravings. While the food and drinks may be a bit pricey, the experience and atmosphere make it worth every penny.

Plus, the pool and loungers are free, so you can relax without worrying about extra costs.

And if you’re looking for even more entertainment, Margaritaville has it. Learn how to surf or body-board at the FlowRider, or make a fun video attempting it. It’s the perfect activity for both kids and adults, ensuring hours of fun and excitement.

On one of our last visits, we had an interesting experience. Our Holland America ship was the only one in port, so we could secure prime seats by the Margaritaville pool and enjoy the serene island tunes. However, everything changed when a massive Carnival cruise ship arrived, bringing new energy to the scene. 

It’s an incredible example of how quickly the atmosphere can transform once passengers disembark.

Did you know that Margaritaville offers a staggering 52 types of margaritas? Whether you’re a margarita enthusiast or want to try something new, this is the place. 

Grand Turk Fun Facts

For those who love trivia, here is a bit about Grand Turk, which the Atlantic Ocean surrounds on every side.

Ponce De Leon discovered the island chain in 1512, which measures seven square miles, and has 18th and 19th-century Bermudian architecture. Popular souvenirs are sea salts, conch shells, and natural sea sponges. Turks and Caicos use the US dollar as their currency.

Grand Turk’s Sunsets and Scenery

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the world’s most stunning sunsets on the spectacular beaches of Grand Turk Island. Settle comfortably on Governor’s Beach and witness the magical transformation of the scenery before your eyes.

As the golden hour begins, you’ll be mesmerized by the gathering crowd and the flurry of photo shoots. However, once the sun sets, the atmosphere quickly changes, and everyone retreats.

It’s worth noting that mosquitoes also appear at this time, so be prepared and bring some insect repellent if you plan to be outdoors after dark.

Best described, the cruise port of Grand Turk, in the Turks and Caicos island chain, is a sensory overload for your eyes. Pastel-colored limestone buildings “pop” before the sparkling coastline waters and sand. The beautiful water and native plants enhance the landscape canvas like a world-class painting, yours for the day.

Enjoy this little slice of heaven, 575 miles south of Miami, on your ocean cruise. Bon Voyage!

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Check out our other cruise posts:

Costa Toscana Cruise Ship Review

The Cruise Port of Amber Cove, Dominican Republic