Grand Turk: 5 Fun Things to Do Right Off the Ship! 🤿☀️🌴

Cruising with Lynnie
Jun 20
3 min read

Updated: Sep 20

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Cruising to Grand Turk and wondering what you can do without venturing far from the ship? Dreaming of turquoise waters, soft sands, and island vibes, but prefer to keep things chill and explore close to the port? Grand Turk delivers! The Grand Turk Cruise Center offers plenty of options for a fun-filled day, all within easy walking distance.

1. Step off the gangway and onto SunRay Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand right at the port. This free and accessible beach is perfect for soaking up the Caribbean sun and enjoying the turquoise waters. You can easily spend hours relaxing on a lounge chair (free to use!) and swimming in the calm, clear ocean. 👙🕶⛱ TIP: The free beach chairs are right in front of Margaritaville, just look for the lifeguard. There are areas with beach chair and umbrella rentals so make sure if you are looking for the free chairs you are in the free area, there is a sign. The locals can be aggressive with beach chair rentals, we just tell them no and keep walking to the free area and they move on.

2. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent some at the cruise center and explore the underwater world teeming with marine life just off the pier. You might spot colorful fish, barracudas, puffer fish, flounder, and even sea urchins! The waters surrounding the pier are renowned for clear visibility and vibrant marine life. Explore the rocky underwater foundations of the pier – it's a surprising hotspot for underwater viewing. Don't forget your water shoes (the beach is rocky!).

3. Margaritaville Grand Turk is conveniently located within the cruise center and boasts the largest swim-up bar in the Caribbean. Enjoy the huge pool, complete with a swim-up bar, DJ spinning tunes, and plenty of lounge chairs. You can indulge in American and Caribbean-inspired dishes and refreshing drinks, including the famous "Cheeseburger in Paradise".

4. Beyond the beach and pool, the Cruise Center features a variety of shops, including duty-free stores and art galleries. You can also find a Pink Starbucks within the terminal, the only one in the world. While many shops offer common tourist items, keep an eye out for smaller gift shops within the complex, which may carry more locally-produced wares. Snap a selfie with the John Glenn memorial, a statue commemorating his landing near Grand Turk in 1962. You can also find Humpback Whale Statues along the beach, perfect for your Instagram feed.

5. Take a short walk along the beach from the pier to discover Jack's Shack, a popular spot for drinks and delicious food, including jerk chicken and conch fritters. You might even encounter their friendly beach dogs!

Tip: While the port area offers many conveniences, remember that the Grand Turk Cruise Center can get crowded, especially when multiple ships are in port. Arriving early is recommended to secure a prime spot on the beach or by the pool. If you're seeking a quieter experience, you can explore other beaches on the island like Governor's Beach or Pillory Beach, although they are a bit further from the port and might require a short taxi ride or rented golf cart.

Grand Turk offers a relaxed and enjoyable experience without needing to stray far from the cruise ship. So, step off, breathe in the fresh sea air, and immerse yourself in the beauty and fun that awaits!