Best Things To Do in Grand Turk Island

The beach-lined island of Grand Turk has a small-town feeling, where locals know one another by name. At only 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, Grand Turk is inhabited by over 4,000 people and hundreds of wild horses and donkeys. Best known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, Grand Turk is a perfect port stop to consider for your next cruise if you are looking for fun in the sun or relaxation. 

We’ve rounded up our top picks of activities and member tips for travelers of all types visiting this spectacular island. No matter your interests, you will find something that’s perfect for you in Grand Turk! 

1. For Everyone

Exclusive Grand Turk Tour Experience: On this guided small-group excursion, you will visit the island's top attractions, including the former United States Air Force Tracking Base, 18th-century churches, beautiful Bermudan-style buildings, the Salt House, plus an optional visit the National Museum. It’s the perfect way to see many of the island’s highlights in just a short amount of time. 

Member Tip: Grand Turk was the first port on our trip. With the sun shining on the gorgeous white sand beach, I stood on the balcony of our stateroom and soaked in the amazing Caribbean landscape. It was all we had dreamed that a tropical island would look like. - MarsRover

Member Tip: Calm relaxing island, and the clearest blue water I have snorkeled to date. There’s lots of fish, stingrays, and turtles. Bring your GoPro so you don’t miss a thing. - joerov

Member Tip: Great water and beach. You can walk off the ship onto the free beach. Enjoy a nice swim, shop a little, and go right back to the ship! - tharini

2. Activities for Couples

Snorkel and Beach Escape: This excursion is perfect for couples looking for both relaxation and adventure! Escape the crowds as you snorkel and relax for the day at an intimate Grand Turk resort. Once you are there, you will meet your snorkeling boat and head out in your small group, (usually fewer than 8) to explore the famous Grand Turk Wall which is just 300 yards directly off the beach. 

Day at a Small Beach Resort : If you and your partner are looking for a private day filled with fun in the sun, this activity is perfect for your port stop in Grand Turk. You will have the opportunity to spend the day lounging in a beach chair on the white-sand beach next to the turquoise waters at a resort right in the heart of the island. . Thirsty? Check out the bar to enjoy a rum punch and let the world melt away! 

Whale Watching Tour: On this tour, you'll set out in search of North Atlantic humpback whales that migrate to the Grand Turk area in the wintertime. Your captains bring more than 10 years of whale-watching experience to the table, so they know exactly where to spot whales! This is a great activity for couples looking for a unique marine life experience. 

3. Best Excursions for Adventure Seekers ​

Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling: This 3.5-hour Grand Turk excursion is a must-do for ocean lovers! The excitement starts as you board a boat for a ride through beautiful turquoise waters to Coral Gardens Reef. This shallow reef contains numerous soft and hard corals and an abundance of colorful fish. From there, you will travel to snorkel the Amazing Wall, a coral shelf internationally famous with divers due to its dramatic shelf drops. The wall begins in the shallows at 20 feet, then drops to 70 feet, then 700 feet, and finally to a depth of 7,000 feet and beyond! 

Member Tip: We love how small and underdeveloped this island is. My friends and I decided to rent a Jeep and a 4-Wheeler to do our own tour of Grand Turk. We went up to visit the Lighthouse first, then we stopped at a small beach to snorkel that only 2 people were at. We even saw a barracuda while snorkeling which was cool. - blair5508

Conch Dive, Gibbs Cay, and Stingray Adventure: Dive into the deep blue waters of the Atlantic to hunt conch and swim side-by-side with stingrays on this thrilling Grand Turk tour. Your adventure includes an expert captain who will take you across the turquoise-blue waters of the Grand Turk to the uninhabited island of Gibbs Cay. Along the way, you'll take part in a live conch dive, experience a stingray encounter, and learn from an expert local guide on how to safely interact with Southern stingrays.

4. Must-Dos for Beach Bums 

Member Tip: Always a great port if you love the easy access to the beach. We bring our own snorkels and spend our time here swimming. - thecassmith

Member Tip: Go to Pillory Beach. There were only 20 or so people at that beach. - HenrySel 

Beach, Burger, and Beer: Looking to work on your tan while at port in Grand Turk? This is the activity for you. On this adventure from Shore Excursions Group, you will spend the day at a laid-back beach resort. Upon your arrival, stop by the beach bar to pick up your complimentary bucket of locally made ice-cold beers. After a day of beach fun, make your way to the resort’s restaurant for a delicious lunch of gourmet hamburgers. Feeling adventurous? Sink your teeth into one of the resort's famous and exclusive conch burgers.

Member Tip: Love, love, love!! Snorkeled in the crystal blue water. It was beautiful! The sand was white and the sun was shining! Cannot wait to go back!!! - aries4779

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