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Grand Turk is tiny—narrow as a rail and just 7 miles (11 kilometers) long. But as a popular cruise ship stop, there are plenty of things to do in Grand Turk besides soaking up the sun with a drink at its sprawling cruise port and massive Margaritaville. Stroll along the charming streets of capital Cockburn Town, with its colorful colonial buildings draped with bougainvillea; explore its rugged coast and white sand beaches on a scooter or golf cart; or discover its underwater treasures, from stingrays to some of the world’s best coral wall dives.
The most popular time to visit Grand Turk is from December to April. However, May and June are the best months to visit, and they offer lower prices, smaller crowds, but still pleasant weather. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk between late August and mid-October, which overlaps with the rainy season from late August to early December. Migrating humpback whales pass by between late December and early March.
Grand Turk is a small island, at only 6 miles (10 kilometers) long, and there are no buses or public transport, so taxis and rental vehicles are the only options for getting around. Visitors can easily rent cars, golf carts, 4x4 carts, ATVs, scooters, and bicycles, with the latter two ideal for the narrow, colorful streets of Cockburn Town. Most sightseeing tours usually include transportation, as well.
The Grand Turk cruise port is massive and features the world’s largest Margaritaville, along with many other forms of entertainment. However, it’s also easy to venture out, even if just slightly. Cruise Center Beach, also known as SunRay Beach, stretches on either side of the port. Head to the northern or southern end to escape the crowds. Scenic Governor’s Beach is also within walking distance, though you will need to take the inland roads to get to it.
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Grand Turk is the second-most populated island of the Turks and Caicos, and home to its capital, Cockburn Town. It’s known for having a laid-back vibe, historic sites, beautiful beaches, the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean at its massive cruise ship complex, and fantastic wall diving off its west coast. The island was also well known within the sea salt industry up until the 20th century.
...MoreGrand Turk is just seven square miles (18 square kilometers), which means you can see the entire island in a day or so. Many of the island’s visitors only travel here as part of a cruise ship stop. Visitors looking to relax or scuba dive will want to spend a few more days.
...MoreThe legal age to buy and drink alcohol on Grand Turk is 18. Visitors who look to be under age 21 may be asked to show identification when purchasing alcohol. Residents and travelers over the age of 17 are allowed to bring in certain amounts of spirits and wines duty free.
...MoreThe cruise port in Grand Turk is actually located on a beach. Cruise Center Beach, also known as SunRay Beach, stretches on either side of the port. The northern end of the beach is less crowded and offers better sand and water, which is usually calm. Governor’s Beach is also within walking distance of the cruise port.
...MoreScuba diving is one of the top things to do in Grand Turk, which is known for having some of the best wall diving in the Caribbean, too. Other water activities, such as snorkeling, swimming, jet-skiing, and boating are also popular. The island also has scenic beaches, a massive cruise port complex, and historic sites.
...MoreAlthough the island is small, there are a number of things to do in Grand Turk, including beautiful beaches, a large cruise port complex with the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean, fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving, and one of the best coral wall dive sites in the world. There are also a number of historic sites.
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