Located on the world's third largest barrier coral reef, the Turks and Caicos Islands boast not only pristine sugary white beaches, but some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkelling as well. With a slower pace of life and a population of 4,000 people Grand Turk is definitely off the beaten track.
Key sights include the Turks and Caicos National Museum which has a number of maritime displays and exhibits to enthral just about anyone, and Cockburn Town is a great place to see historic 18th and 19th century buildings. The Grand Turk Lighthouse, which was originally built in the UK and moved piece by piece to Grand Turk, is also a must.
Ships dock at the new pier, built specifically for cruise ships, on the southwestern tip of the island. The port features a Cruise Centre, which is more of a tourist village, and features direct beach access with chairs and changing rooms for cruise passengers and a shopping centre.

Contact

Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Front Street, Grand Turk, Tel: +1 649 946 2321
grandturk@turksandcaicostourism.com

www.turksandcaicostourism.com

Transport

Taxi can be easily hailed from the docks and fares should be negotiated in advance. The taxi stand is located in the cruise centre behind the shops. Scooters, cars and bicycles can be rented from Tony's Car Rental.

Attractions

Right beside Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville visitors can find one of the largest pools in the Caribbean, which features a swim up bar, or for those looking for a relaxing day on a more secluded beach, Governor's Beach is the place to go. History buffs will enjoy looking through the Turks and Caicos National Museum while the swimming with the stingrays at Gibbs Cay is also a popular attraction.

Restaurants

Sandbar - great for a casual drink and snack along the beachfront

The Secret Garden - favourite with locals for fantastic seafood

Turks Head Mansion - beautiful setting serving eclectic and international cuisine

Best Dish

Cracked (deep fried) conch

Shopping

The Cruise Centre houses a 45,000 square foot (4181 square metre) shopping centre with a 10,000 square foot (929 square metre) duty-free shop as well as jewellery shops selling locally crafted pieces. The centre also features plenty of souvenir shops, the best stores being Ron Jon Surf Shop, Piranha Joes and Del Sol's while the Shell Shack sells items such as picture frames made from shells and driftwood.

Best Buy

Locally handcrafted jewellery

Excursions

Go horseback riding

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Visit Grand Turk Lighthouse

Swim with stingrays at Gibbs Cay

Fly fishing