I love to travel! The sights, sounds, and tastes of other cultures ignite my creativity and always broaden my horizons. But planning activities in another country can be intimidating. We’ve all heard horror stories of how brochure pictures looked wonderful, but they didn’t match the real thing at all.
Luckily, Grand Turk is an island that has nothing to hide. From beautiful, turquoise beaches to an intriguing history, there is truly something for everyone there. But if you’re still a little nervous about picking something to do on your Caribbean island vacation, I’ve chosen five of my favorite things to do while visiting Grand Turk that will create the memories of a lifetime!
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A Little About Grand Turk
Grand Turk is an island in the country of Turks and Caicos, located in the Eastern Caribbean between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Turks and Caicos is a British territory, and you’ll see indications of that on Grand Turk. Cars drive on the left, street signs are in the British style, and the country’s flag contains the Union Flag of the United Kingdom.
Knowing that, you’ll likely be surprised to discover the official currency of Turks and Caicos is American dollars. Additionally, American-made vehicles are often seen on the island, in spite of the steering wheel being on the left side. The reason behind this is a simple one. Proximity. The islands are physically closer to the United States than they are to Britain, allowing faster and easier transport of goods and services. And when you factor in that there are 15 times as many American tourists as there are residents in Turks and Caicos each year, it seems a good choice of currency!
one more paragraph about the history with a teaser to check out the history section.
1. Spend a day on Governor’s Beach
If crystal clear water and pillowy soft white sand is your thing, you’ll love time spent on Governor’s Beach. The beach is located about a mile from the cruise port, so it’s the most convenient location for cruisers. Walking from the cruise port is possible, but there is not an easy, paved road to follow to get there. Taxis are available to take you to the beach from the port for about $4/person.
While Governor’s Beach is more crowded when cruise ships are in, there are perks to visiting the beach during that time. You can count on the restrooms being open when the cruse ships are in, but they are often locked when the port is closed. Likewise, beach chairs are not found on Governor’s Beach, but vendors do come, armed with chairs and umbrellas to cater to the cruisers. We rented two chairs, and umbrella, and wi-fi access for about $25 (cash only). Vendors also sell drinks and food nearby when ships are in port.
Like all beaches on Grand Turk, access to Governor’s Beach is free. It is a beautiful place to wade or swim, and is especially great for children. There are plenty of small shells to be found in the fluffy sand. The shore slopes outward at a gentle angle, with more beautiful, soft sand underfoot. I waded in up to my waist and was STILL able to see my feet underwater easily.
Check it out and you’ll understand why Governor’s Beach is said to be the best on Grand Cay. Just watch out for the donkeys! (More on that later!)
2. Enjoy a Caribbean meal at a local restaurant
When I travel, I like to indulge in local cuisine. To me, there is no better way to learn about other cultures than to experience local food. I love opening my mind to regional ingredients, seasonings, and cooking methods, as well as the stories behind the dishes and experiences that shape a culture. Small, family-owned establishments are the best places to learn through food, and my favorite in Grand Turk is definitely Mateo’s Caribbean Flavours in Cockburn Town.
I was lucky enough to discover Mateo’s through a cruise excursion, and I am thrilled that I did. We enjoyed a delicious, filling lunch featuring an assortment of typical Caribbean dishes, including fried plantains that were hands-down the best I’ve ever had. Other dishes shown in the photo above are Mateo’s signature overloaded potatoes, BBQ chicken, peas n’ rice, vegetable rice, chunky vegetables, and Caribbean macaroni salad. I highly recommend that you check out Mateo’s Caribbean Flavours if you’re looking for an authentic Caribbean meal. While they do not have a webpage, you can check out Mateo’s Facebook page for more information or to ask questions via Messaging.
If you’re a bit shy about tasting local cuisine and prefer to stick to the tried and true, there are other options. If you’re hankering for a Caramel Latte, you’ll want to check out the only Starbucks in the country! It’s easy to spot in the Grand Turk Cruise Center with its Bermuda-style architecture and flamingo pink color. It features indoor and outdoor seating, typical Starbucks drinks and pastries, and Starbucks merchandise specific to Turks and Caicos.
A fun option for those looking for a cocktail, food, and a party atmosphere is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. You don’t have to go far for a good time if you’ve cruised into Grand Turk. Margaritaville is located in the Cruise Center, and easy to find signs point the way to the entrance. Don’t forget your bathing suit, as there is an outdoor pool (the largest pool in the Caribbean) with swim-up bar on the restaurant premises. DJs rock the house as you sip, swim, and savor somewhat Americanized Caribbean food and backyard BBQ favorites. Vegetarian and vegan options are available here, and there is free wi-fi. It can get crowded, so plan accordingly.
3. Delve into the rich history of the island
When people think of Grand Turk, they tend to think of beautiful blue beaches with soft white sand. And while the beaches are indeed amazing and are a definite place to visit, Grand Turk has a suprisingly interesting history that intertwines with that of the United States.
As Caribbean islands go, Grand Turk is surprisingly small, even though it is the largest of the Turk islands. It is only about 7 miles long and a mile and a half wide. The main city, Cockburn Town (pronounced co-burn town) has a population of around 5,000 people. The island was settled by colonists from Bermuda in 1681. These pioneers developed a formal salt industry on the island, taking note of the indigineous people who had been trading salt since before recorded history. Salt production became further developed over the next 200 years. Though this industry closed in the 1900s, salt salinas can still be seen around the island.
You can learn about Grand Turk’s role in the history of the salt trade in the Turks and Caicos National Museum, located in Cockburn Town. Another interesting exhibit in the museum covers the Molasses Reef Wreck, which is the oldest European shipwreck that has been excavated in the Western hemisphere. The ship is a Spanish or Portugeuse ship dating back to the 1500s that sank after hitting the barrier reef edging the Caicos islands. The museum is open from 9am to 1pm on days that cruise ships are in port. Admission is $5 per person, free for children 12 and under.
Finally, be sure to check out the memorial to astronaut John Glenn and the 1962 Friendship 7 space mission. A replica of the space shuttle and of Glenn is about a minute’s walk south of the tour center. Signs tell the story of the United States’ first crewed orbital mission, which circled the earth three times before splashing into the ocean near Grand Turk. This free exhibit is outdoors and open to all.
4. Experience breathtaking views at Grand Turk Lighthouse
Turks and Caicos is home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, which is a delight for scuba divers and wildlife enthusiasts. However, the same beautiful corals that are home to dozens of aquatic species can be deadly to ships sailing too close to shore.
The northern coast of Grand Turk was the site of frequent shipwrecks in the early 1800s, when trade ships began traversing the area more frequently. It became so problematic for trade that the US and UK governments insisted that a lighthouse be installed on Grand Turk to alert ships of the dangerous waters. As a result, British architect Alexander Gordon designed the 60 foot tall Grand Turk Lighthouse. It was created in pieces in England, then shipped to Grand Turk, where it was assembled in its current location in 1852. It is one of the first cast iron prefabricated lighthouses that was created, and is the only lighthouse in the country.
The iconic Grand Turk Lighthouse has been refurbished over time, including converting the power source to electricity, but the structure itself remains largely the same. While it is still operational, it has not been used since GPS and other nautical aids became widely used. Access to the lighthouse itself is not allowed, but visitors can tour the lighthouse grounds, including the lightkeeper’s house and the scenic trail along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The view from the trail is simply gorgeous, and it’s an excellent location for whale watching in February and March. In addition, it is possible to see the edge of the infamous Bermuda Triangle from there. Admission to the lighthouse grounds is $3, which is applied to purchase of concessions or gifts from the shop onsite.
5. Befriend a donkey
My biggest surprise the first time I visited Grand Turk was the number of wild donkeys wandering around the island. From beach to streets, and from north to south, donkeys abound. I was surprised to see so many large animals in such abundance, especially because I hadn’t been expecting to see them. I was dying to know why there were so many donkeys running wild.
As it turns out, the presence of donkeys is related to the island’s salt mining history. Salt raking is ardous work, especially in the Caribbean heat. To assist with transporting salt sacks from salinas to trade ships, donkeys were brought in to use as pack animals. When the salt industry collapsed in Grand Turk, the donkeys were left to fend for themselves on the island. This resulted in generations of feral donkeys who happily lived alongside humans.
The donkeys are very friendly and aren’t afraid of humans. In fact, they often walk right up to surprised tourists looking for food. Though people do feed them, I do not recommend this as it can create an unwanted reliance on people that could prove to be problematic for citizens on the island. While the donkeys are friendly enough to pet, please remember that they are wild animals, and any animal can become unexpectedly aggressive.
During my visit to Grand Turk, the donkeys seemed to prefer the northern part of the island. They enjoyed congregating in the Grand Turk Lighthouse parking lot, as well as on the beaches. Exercise caution if you purchase food to eat on the beach. We witnessed donkeys devouring someone’s lunch, styrofoam container and all, while the person was swimming.
Currently, there is a bit of an overpopulation problem in the donkey community. As a remedy to this, a preserve for the donkeys is being planned on the island. Not only will this keep the donkeys out of trouble, but they can be given care when sick or injured.
How to Get Around Grand Cay
Even though Grand Turk is a small island, some areas can be too far to reach on foot. There is no public transportation, so it’s important to plan ahead if there are particular places you’d like to visit on your vacation. Here are some ways to get around.
- Taxi – Taxis are easy to find on Grand Turk. Most taxis are vans that can transport many people at one time. They tend to frequent the airport, the cruise center, and Cockburn Town. Fares are per person, one way, and usually cash only. Some fares from the Cruise Center are standard such as to Governor’s Beach ($4), Cockburn Town ($5) and the lighthouse ($9). No matter where you are going, I recommend that you arrange a rate before getting into the cab, as some drivers may try to charge extra. Some drivers may offer to pick you up for a return trip at a certain time. Be sure to lock in fares when you make this type of arrangement, and do NOT pay ahead. You may want to have the number of a taxi company to call in case you need one.
- Bicycle Rentals – People who want to explore Cockburn Town may love the ease of a bike, but those wanting to visit the Grand Turk Lighthouse or other places farther out may want a different option. Bikes are perfect for navigating the streets of the city, and they are a great form of exercise, too. Keep in mind that there is little shade on the island, so sunblock is a must if you want to bike. Most bike rental establishments will deliver bikes to your hotel or the cruise port, then will pick them up afterwards. Rental prices begin at about $15.
- Golf Cart Rental – If you want to explore further out on your own, a golf cart is a great option. Golf carts can seat up to four or six people, depending upon the model. While golf cards do have a roof, sunblock is recommended due to the open exposure on all four sides of the vehicle. Most golf cart rental agencies require renters to be at least 18 years of age with a valid drivers license.
- Car Rental – For those prefering the familiarity of a car, you’ll be happy to know that car and Jeep rental facilities are available on the island. Most roads are paved, allowing a comfortable ride wherever you go. The island speed limit is 20 mph in towns and on side streets, and 40 mph on highways. Keep in mind that seatbelt use is mandatory for driver and passengers. Anyone renting a car must be at least 21 years of age with a valid drivers license. Rental prices vary, but expect to spend about $100 per day for cars and $150 per day for Jeeps.
For More Information
These are just a few of the many things to do on Grand Turk. For more information, I recommend visiting the website Visit Turks and Caicos Islands. You’ll find out everything from weather and maps to hotels and shopping information.
Are you planning a trip to Grand Turk? What are you going to do once you get there?
