Step into the Blue Beyond

Cruise to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

The first thing you notice on a cruise to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands is that it is surrounded on all sides by tropical, aquamarine waters brimming with life — making for world-class dive sites. As a British overseas territory, the island nation draws upon Bermudian architecture, blending English stone with Caribbean-inspired pastel hues. Despite its stature as the capital, it is just seven square miles, making it easy to explore and find things to do in Grand Turk. Visitors can traverse a scenic coastal path the length of the island, which leads to a rocky bluff that's home to the 19th-century Grand Turk Lighthouse. From there, gaze upon the limestone cliffs and views that stretch for miles, including the resting place of shipwrecks below. Even if you don't leave the soft sand of the nearest beach for other things to do in Grand Turk or beyond, you're likely to glimpse plenty of local color. Wild horses and donkeys roam the island's dreamy shores, giving the land a pleasant free-range vibe.

National Language English

Currency Accepted U.S. Dollar (USD)

Things To Do in Grand Turk

Grand Turk is a small Island separated by more than 20 miles from the rest of Turks and Caicos.

Off the Wall Diving

Of all the things to do in Grand Turk, wall dives — characterized by vertical descents alongside the edge of coral reefs or other underwater terrain — might be the most dramatic. Grand Turk is home to a 7,000-foot drop a quarter mile from Duke Street beach. The Grand Turk Wall is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Caribbean."

A shipwreck abandoned on Governors beach on Grand Turk

Get Wrecked

On a cruise to Grand Turk, you can explore the oldest excavated European shipwreck — the Molasses Reef Wreck, from 1515. Discovered in West Caicos, it is on display at the Turks and Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town. The museum is inside Guinep House, one of the island's oldest buildings. Other fascinating shipwrecks are on display, including a Spanish vessel.

Soak in the Rays

The locals of Gibbs Cay are eager to meet you — they also happen to be stingrays. The harmless rays dwell off this small, seven-acre island, also known as Stingray City. A short boat ride gets you to one of the most enjoyable things to do in Grand Turk. You can snorkel and get acquainted with these sweet creatures.

Closeup of a takeaway container filled with cracked conch, a tasty local seafood dish

LOCAL CUISINE

On a cruise to Grand Turk, you'll discover that these islands are best known for conch (pronounced conk). Visitors will find this shellfish in all forms — curried, fried, stewed or in a salad — and at nearly every island eatery. Try the conch fritters at Jack's Shack Beach Bar & Grill for a mouthwatering bite.

The historic Duke Street in Cockburn Town on Grand Turk island

SHOPPING

Upon arrival on your cruise to Grand Turk, pick up souvenirs near the pier or venture into Cockburn Town, where you'll find authentic wares at the Turks and Caicos National Museum gift shop, including local artisan handcrafts such as woven hats from the Middle Caicos Co-op.