Grand Turks and Caicos is one of the best and most popular islands in the Caribbean. Grand Turk cruise port is full of amazing sights, exhibits, and fun tropical things to do, with a lovely beach right nearby, plenty of snorkeling, and tons of animal life.
Although most cruises dock for a few hours, that’s still ample time to check off several things on your list if you know where to go. Nearby Gibbs Cay is full of stingrays, and there’s plenty of NASA history to learn about.
Port Overview
All cruises dock in a centrally-located Grand Turk cruise port near the island’s cruise center. It’s a scenic, well-manicured area near an incredible beach with sparkling water. The island is relatively small, just about five miles long, and you can easily explore it in a single afternoon.
Suppose you feel like something other than luxuriating on the beaches or enjoying the balmy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In that case, you can always use the swimming pool at the cruise center or explore some of the island’s history or nearby salt salinas.
Sightseeing and Activities
Most cruises spend a limited amount of time in the Grand Turks and Caicos islands, so you’ll want to have a game plan before disembarking from your ship. Passengers will find many shops and activities mere steps away from the docking station, but if you travel a bit further, you’ll see horseback riding and Gibb’s Cay, the famed home of Grand Turks and Caicos’ stingrays.
NASA Exhibit
An essential part of Grand Turks and Caicos’ history, the NASA Exhibit pays homemade to the 1962 Friendship 7 landing. This mission was part of NASA’s Mercury space exhibition and was part of one of the most successful space programs implemented during that area.
The NASA Exhibit is within walking distance of the cruise dock, so you can undoubtedly couple it with other activities on the island. The exhibit includes a life-sized replica of Friendship 7, John Glenn, and the original rocket.
It’s also accessible to the public and a great way to work in some educational fun for your vacation.
Stop By the Turks and Caicos National Museum
While the NASA Exhibit will give visitors a good overview of the island’s place in space exploration, the Turks and Caicos National Museum offers a comprehensive history of the Caicos Islands as a whole. You’ll have a chance to learn about the island’s ecosystem, ancient and modern history, and importance in the region.
It’s close to the pier and the beach, and it’s an excellent way to support the local economy and get a good insight into what makes the region unique.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
One of the most popular activities in the Grand Turks and Caicos islands, horseback riding next to the water might be the highlight of your cruise and one of the most cherished memories you’ll bring home from your vacation.
While many cruise lines let you book horseback riding right on the ship, you can also contract with a local provider once you arrive. It’s a good idea to research and book well before your cruise, especially if you’re traveling in the high season.
Swim With the Stingrays at Gibbs Cay
Arguably the best activity to do in the Grand Turks and Caicos islands, swimming with the stingrays in Gibbs Cay is an unforgettable experience. Interact with these gentle giants in their native environment, swimming alongside them in the water. Gibbs Cay’s nickname “Stingray City” is well-deserved, as the nearby waters are teeming with giant stingrays.
As with many other tours, you can book your visit to Stingray City on the ship or through a local company when you land. It’s not on Grand Turk, so plan for a few hours, depending on how comprehensive your tour is. Many tours include lunch.
See the Salt Salinas
If you want a comprehensive educational and outdoor experience, seeing the salt salinas should be at the top of your list. The Grand Turks and Caicos islands produce a tremendous amount of salt. The history of salt production goes back to colonization and has continued ever since.
The salt salinas, also known as “Salt Cay,” are produced by ocean water that evaporates, leaving a lush blanket of salt in its wake. Today, the process is much more sophisticated and streamlined than before, yielding tons of salt yearly.
Shopping and Food
Cruise passengers looking for souvenirs can shop until they drop in Grand Turks and Caicos. There are plenty of shops near the cruise ship’s dock, a few steps from the cruise center. There are also tons of dining options, including a vast Margaritaville restaurant.
One remarkable thing about Grand Turks and Caicos shops is that they cater to every budget and need. You’ll find gorgeous Colombian emeralds, handmade crafts, and smaller souvenirs suitable for your friends and family back home.
Nearby Beaches To Check Out
One thing that cruise ship passengers want to immediately do when they get to Grand Turks and Caicos is to jump into the crystal blue waters surrounding the island. Fortunately, there are plenty of options.
Gibbs Cay is an excellent choice, but several others are within walking distance of the cruise port, including South Beach and Governor’s Beach. Both beaches are more secluded and give you that idyllic island vibe.
Other Things To Do
If the first thing you want to do when leaving the Grand Turk cruise port is to get your blood going, the Grand Turks and Caicos islands have you covered. Take a dune buggy drive, hop on a 4×4, or visit the country’s famed lighthouse.
Currency
Americans visiting the Grand Turks and Caicos islands are in luck. The currency of choice in this country is the US dollar. All shops, restaurants, and attractions will take American dollars, and there are plenty of ATMs on the island itself, especially near the cruise port dock.
How To Get Around Grand Turk From the Cruise Center
You’ll need to book a tour to get around Grand Turk, especially if you’re going outside of the cruise center itself. You can also rent 4x4s to cruise the beach or explore it by horseback.
Cruise Lines That Sail Here
Since the Grand Turks and Caicos islands are super popular, plenty of cruise ships stop there. P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Carnival, Silversea Cruises, and Holland American Line regularly visit Grand Turks and Caicos islands.
This port does have it all; fantastic animal excursions, plenty of wide, sandy beaches, lots of shopping, and a ton of local history. So make the most of your visit to the Grand Turks and Caicos islands next time you sail there.
