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For example, non-locales are only allowed to leave with no more than three conch shells. Be sure to follow the rules and protocols to help protect the natural ecosystem and island of Grand Turk. Of course there’s good ol’ Margaritaville back at the Cruise Center. Great for those less adventurous or prefer to stay close to the cruise port.
Location of the Grand Turk cruise port
If you are tired of shopping common trinkets available on all gift shops in the Caribbean. Head on over to the museum and Salt House gift shops as they have more authentic and locally made souvenirs. Other restaurants like the Sandbar restaurant and Salt Raker Inn offer seafood and continental cuisines. So, if you are hungry, just grab a cool pina colada, cold beer or a strawberry margarita and enjoy delicious barbeque chicken on the beach. Located on the west coast of Grand Turk, north of the cruise center, Cockburn town is the capital of Turks and Caicos.
The Best Turks and Caicos Excursions that Don’t Get You Wet
Unlike many other Caribbean vacation cruise stops, Grand Turk is a very small island, and offers a completely different atmosphere than better-known destinations. There isn’t a crowded city or waterfront, just a laid-back little town with great beaches and a little British Bermudian Colonial heritage. Without a doubt the biggest draw at Grand Turk is the beach that sits right at the cruise ship.
Video: Carnival Magic Accidentally Discharges Scrubber Wastewater in Port - The Maritime Executive
Video: Carnival Magic Accidentally Discharges Scrubber Wastewater in Port.
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Take a ride into Cockburn Town and view the dividing lines and salt ruins from the shore. You can also take an ATV trip to a more underdeveloped area called Hawkes Nest Salina. The Cruise Center Complex is just one of the best things you can do in Grand Turk. This complex is a large open-air area with tons of excursion booths, gift shops, and restaurants. Or you can choose from a variety of shore excursions, many of which will take you on a full tour of Grand Turk.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Grand Turk in Turks & Caicos is preparing to welcome back cruise ships in December, including vessels from Carnival Cruise Line. I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. Inside its walls, a large collection of exhibits brings life to the region’s history and culture. The museum promises a captivating journey through time, from tales of the Lucayans, the islands’ indigenous people, to intriguing stories of pirates and their daring adventures. A small, white St Mary’s Anglican Church with distinctive red shutters, ranks among the most Instagrammable spots on the island.
Start by visiting the cruise port; grab a bite from Margaritaville, then head on over to sunray beach for a day of sun and splashing. The best thing about all this is that unlike some cruise ports, all the beaches in Grand Turk are public and free to explore. The largest salt formations can be seen at Hawkes Nest Salina, located near the cruise port, or at the Red Salina salt pond. For a deeper understanding of the salt industry history, visit the Salt House Shop to view a historical exhibit of Grand Turk’s salt industry.
If you find yourself in Grand Turk for the day, take advantage of all of the water excursions available! Carnival Corporation’s Grand Turk Cruise Center consists of 18 acres of shopping, beaches and endless recreational activities located right where your ship docks. There are excursions offered to other beaches from the cruise line. You can also catch a cab to other beaches around the island, which will be less crowded. The area north of the pier (to the left as you enter) features a sandier bottom that’s more forgiving on your feet.
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Most kayaking and paddleboarding tours end at the mouth of the inlet right below the lighthouse. If you are up for an active excursion, book paddle boarding, and kayaking excursions and explore the clear waters of the peaceful north creek. The kayaks have a clear bottom that lets you view the action under the water. Get an aerial view of the island by going on a zip lining adventure. When you take the island excursion and arrive at the lighthouse which is on the other end of the island opposite the cruise center, you will see the zip line course.
Wrapping Up Your Visit to Grand Turk
Located a 1-mile boat ride away from Grand Turk island, the best way to visit stingrays in Gibbs Cay is through a tour. They will provide information and instructions to ensure your safety. Built in the 1850s to help ships navigate the shallow reefs at the northern end of the island, this historic building is the only lighthouse on Grand Turk island.
Today, visitors can explore the island’s historic lighthouse and view maps and other navigational tools used by sailors in the past. While Grand Turk is generally as safe as any other tourist destination, it’s always best to use common sense when traveling. Once guests are past the gates, they can be approached by vendors trying to offer them everything from trinkets to boat rides.
Some locals can assist if a guest has mobility issues and can not walk down the long pier. Carnival Cruise Line operates several ships regularly visiting Grand Turk Cruise Center, including the Carnival Venezia, Carnival Horizon, Marella Discovery, and Carnival Celebration. As it approaches its 20th anniversary, it continues to attract more than a million cruise guests annually. But what sets this destination apart and makes it so appealing to cruise passengers? Between January and April, Humpback whales migrate close to Grand Turk island as they move to the warm Caribbean waters to mate and give birth.
There are plenty of lounge chairs on this beach, and it has beautiful clear sparkling waters to enjoy your day in. Book a poolside cabana and enjoy private time away from the crowds and a dedicated waiter. Here you can swim and hang out with other shipmates, enjoying the tropical magic that is Grand Turk.
If you decide to explore beyond the center, it is not recommended that you explore Grand Turk island on foot. The lack of sidewalks and spotty signage makes the island difficult (and dangerous) to walk. Grand Turk is known for its many activities, historical heritage, and culture. You will find the Grand Turk Lighthouse, the National Museum, and Her Majesty’s Prison. There are several tours you can take to learn about its history and admire the British-Bermudian Colonial architecture.
For additional information about the port, check out Grand Turk Cruise Center’s official webpage. All chairs on the beach and around the pool are complimentary, except for the private pool cabanas that you can rent through your cruise line. On the beach itself, you’ll find local vendors, beachside massage, and many drink and food options. Humpback whales pass through the Turks and Caicos Islands from January to March each year.
Immigration and Customs personnel are present on site, and you may be selected for a secondary inspection. To obtain a stamp in your passport, you must notify your cruise agent during clearance, or visit the Immigration Department located in Cockburn Town. The cruise center is also home to the only Starbucks coffee shop in the Turks and Caicos, which opened in late 2019. It’s necessary to take the inland roads to get to Governor’s Beach. The highlight of the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the huge, lagoon-like swimming pool.
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