A small Caribbean island known for its 1962 Mercury space capsule landing site, colonial British architecture, and clear waters where humpback whales migrate each winter.
Grand Turk, the capital island of Turks and Caicos, stretches across 7 square miles of Caribbean coastline. You can swim alongside stingrays at Gibbs Cay, explore the coral walls that drop thousands of feet into the ocean, or climb the 1852 British-built lighthouse. The island works well for both cruise ship visitors and longer-staying guests looking for a relaxed Caribbean experience.
Swimming and Beaches
Governor's Beach has clean, clear water and soft white sand. Few people visit this beach even during peak season, giving you space for swimming and snorkeling. Several casuarina trees create shade along the shoreline, while the western-facing position lets you watch the sunset over the water.
Exploring the Waters
The coral wall off Grand Turk's coast starts at 50 feet deep and drops into thousands of feet, creating strong currents and varied marine life. You'll see colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional reef sharks around the wall. During winter months (December to April), you can join whale watching tours to spot humpback whales that migrate through the Turks Head Passage.
Getting Around Grand Turk
You can explore the island by car, golf cart, or scooter, all available for rent near the Cruise Center. The island's small size and simple road layout make navigation straightforward, and you'll drive on the left side of the road as in all British territories.
Grand Turk Cruise Center
More than 900,000 visitors pass through this facility each year. The center includes a swimming pool, duty-free shops, and the Caribbean's largest Margaritaville restaurant. A calm beach with complimentary loungers sits next to the center, which also serves as the starting point for most island tours and excursions.
Historical Buildings
Duke and Front Streets in Cockburn Town contain 18th and 19th-century Bermudian buildings with limestone walls and wooden shutters. The Turks and Caicos National Museum, inside the 200-year-old Guinep House, displays artifacts from shipwrecks and the salt industry era. The Grand Turk Lighthouse, built in 1852, stands 60 feet tall on the island's northern point.
Dining and Accommodation
Local restaurants serve fresh seafood including spiny lobster and conch. In Cockburn Town, small hotels and guest houses give you alternatives to cruise ship accommodation. The Osprey Beach Hotel has 34 rooms with ocean views, while the Turks Head Inne occupies an 1830s colonial building with original stone walls.
