grand turk beach excursions

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Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling

• Enjoy 3.5 hours of breathtaking snorkeling at Grand Turk
• Explore the world-famous Amazing Wall coral shelf
• Engage with playful stingrays at Gibbs Cay
• Dive for live conch and watch a conch demonstration
• Relax on a white-sand beach and savor a fresh conch salad

This 3.5-hour Grand Turk excursion is a must-do for ocean lovers! The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the third largest barrier reef in the world. Upon arrival the excitement starts as you board a boat and be on your way to snorkel the beautiful turquoise waters of Grand Turk.

Whether you are an advanced snorkeler or beginner, this is an opportunity to get up close and personal with the beautiful sea life right below you.

From there you will travel to 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.

During this Grand Turk excursion you will snorkel along the shallow shelf and watch as fish dart in and out of the dozens of species of dancing coral and sea fans. This magical undersea world is also home to numerous sea life including manta rays, sea turtles and an assortment of beautiful reef fish. While here, swim to the shelf's edge to see divers disappearing into the blue as they descend lower and lower down the wall.

Then it's back on the boat for a short ride to Gibbs Cay with a stop to dive for live conch. Upon arrival at Gibbs Cay you will be greeted by curious stingrays. Here's your chance to get up close and personal with these graceful gliders.

Once back on shore, enjoy a live conch demonstration then sit back and relax as your captain prepares a fresh conch salad for you. After your meal, you can hike up the cliff for fabulous views of the ocean or just stretch out on the white sand with a rum punch and let the waves lull you to a deep state of relaxation before your return trip back to port.

This popular tour sells out fast! Book now for an incredible day in Grand Turk among spectacular coral, sharks and stingrays.

Please Note : Snorkel gear, mask, snorkel, fins and inflatable snorkel vests are provided.

Bajari Beach

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Grand Turk Boat Charters and Excursions

The vast majority of tourism on Grand Turk revolves around the cruise ships, and consequently, popular boat excursions may get crowded when a cruise ship is in port.

Several of the local boat cruise operators have signed up to offer bookings through the cruise line, yet the option remains to reserve directly with a local water sports company as well.

Beach Island Destinations

A great aspect of the typical boat excursion is exploring the incredible beaches of the Turks and Caicos. There are so many beautiful and secluded sites, each with perfect turquoise water and soft white sand.

Many tours include a beach BBQ, often with drinks and freshly-caught conch.

Snorkeling Cruises

The best snorkeling reefs near Grand Turk can only be reached by boat, so if you’re looking to do some underwater exploring, we definitely recommend that you take one of the dedicated snorkeling boat cruises offered by one of the local dive companies.

These tours visit the shallow reefs that surround many of the uninhabited islands and cays off Grand Turk. There’s plenty to see as the waters of the Turks and Caicos teem with sea life.

Reef fish are everywhere, including angelfish, snappers, groupers, wrasse, blue tangs, French grunts, horse-eye jacks, butterflyfish, damselfish, and triggerfish, as well as the uniquely-shaped trumpetfish and porcupinefish.

There are also larger sea animals to see—stingrays, eagle rays, small sharks , and turtles. If you get lucky, there may even be a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins !

One of the most common marine species in the Turks and Caicos is the parrotfish, and this colorful fish plays a tremendous part in creating and replenishing our spectacular beaches. Almost every reef in the country supports a school of parrotfish, so you’ll be able to see sand creation in action as they scrap algae off the reef and break down old corals.

The little stingray haven of Gibbs Cay is the single most popular destination for cruises departing from Grand Turk, and for good reason.

This island is tiny and uninhabited and is found a few miles off the east coast of Grand Turk. The cay features an exquisite beach on its west coast, yet this beach is not its only claim to fame.

When a boat approaches Gibbs Cay, friendly southern brown stingrays flock to greet the vessel, and freely interact with people. You’ll be able to see and snorkel with the stingrays—an all-too-rare chance to see large marine wildlife close-up in its natural habitat.

Most boat excursions to Gibbs Cay also stop at some of the excellent snorkeling sites in the area, so tours to the cay are usually multi-activity and will appeal to all ages.

Humpback Whales

During the January to April winter months, you may be able to have the unforgettable experience of snorkeling with migrating humpback whales . There’s no guarantee of an in-water encounter, yet it will be unforgettable if it does occur. If you’d like the best possible chance of a snorkeling encounter, a private or small group cruise will be the better choice.

Reservations and Booking

As is the case with most activities on Grand Turk, cruise ship guests have the option of either booking an activity or adventure as a “shore excursion” through their cruise line, or reserving on their own with a local tour business.

As may be expected, it is simpler and easier to book a tour that is sold by the cruise line. Due to the higher crowd density, the activities offered through the cruise lines are typically less expensive per person than if you reserve separately. In either case, local businesses work with ship schedules to get you back in time for your cruise ship departure.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, book private tours in advance to ensure a spot. If you’re an overnight visitor , you’ll want to work around the cruise schedules for the best experience. Keep in mind that there are relatively few overnight visitors to the island, and boat trip availability may be limited when a cruise ship is in port.

Tour groups typically depart from the Grand Turk Cruise Center : either from the shore excursion dock south of the main pier, or from the complex’s front gate, if land transport to another site is necessary.

Drinks, refreshments, and snacks are complimentary on most boat excursions, as well as land transport if necessary.

Shared Cruise… or Private Charter?

A private charter is more expensive, yet the trip experience is often much better than on the typical boat tours. The greatest advantage of a private cruise is that you’ll be able to spend your day doing what you’d like, and won’t have to tag along with a huge crowd. The small group size also allows for more time on the water, as the buffer times between tour departures will be less.

If you’re looking to bring the per-person excursion rates down a bit, consider arranging the boat tour privately with some fellow cruise guests.

There’s fishing , scuba diving , and snorkeling , yet in our opinion, the most enjoyable activity is exploring the uninhabited and rarely-visited cays between Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Gibbs Cay offers the largest beach of these islands, yet attracts the cruise crowds. If you venture a little further, there’s Round Cay , Long Cay , and Cotton Cay , each with its own secluded beach, in addition to several other sandbar shoals.

Beachcombing on the tiny cays is often great. You’ll never know what you may find. It may be glass ball floats or antique bottles, seashells, or the classic message in a bottle.

Another great place to visit is Salt Cay . This historical island offers colonial buildings, beautiful terrains and coasts , salinas from the old salt industry , and Turks and Caicos donkeys! This tranquil island still exhibits an old Caribbean atmosphere, something that’s difficult to find today.

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Top 6 Grand Turk Excursions

• Supreme Snorkeling ($139.99)
• UTV Adventure ($249.99)
• 4-6 Seater Golf Cart Adventure ($164.99)
• Gibbs Cay and Conch Dive ($89.99)
• Amazing Wall Snorkel ($89.99)
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• Pick up and drop off from outside your Grand Turk Cruise Ship Terminal!
• Fully licensed and insured Golf Cart!
• Complimentary bottled water during the excursion!
• Several stops for pictures and shopping opportunities!
• Grand Turk welcome sign photo stop!
• Historic downtown - for local food and souvenir shopping, museum view!
• Grand Turk lighthouse - sightseeing! 
• On-road adventure ride through!
• English-speaking shore excursion guide!

• Pick up and drop off from the outside of your Grand Turk Cruise Ship Terminal!
• Fully licensed and insured UTV!

• Pickup and round-trip boat ride steps away from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified sightseeing and snorkeling excursion guide!
• Guided snorkeling at the Amazing Wall!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, a sanitized snorkel, masks, and a vest!
• Complimentary cold bottled water!
• Conch salad and Smooth Island Rum Punch are included!
• Stingray encounter at Gibbs Cay!

• Friendly, professional English-speaking sightseeing excursion guide!
• Complimentary bottled water!
• Conch ceviche, salad, and Smooth Island Rum Punch are included!

• English-speaking certified sightseeing and snorkeling guide!
• Guided snorkeling at The Amazing Wall!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, masks, and a vest!

• Pick up from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified ATV guides!
• Driving instructions and all security equipment provided!
• Automatic CF Moto 600 easy-to-drive ATVs (2-person vehicles). 
• Cold bottled water

• Grand Turk Bohio Beach Resort Day Pass!
• English-speaking, friendly beach resort staff!
• Freshly cooked seafood plate (other options available as well)!
• Welcome drink - rum punch, local beer, juice or cold bottled water with lunch!
• Beach bars, beach lounge chairs, and showers!
• Other beach resort activities for rent (kayaks, paddleboard, etc)!

• Guided marine park snorkeling excursion at 2 sites - shallow reef and wall!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, a silicone mask, and a vest!

• English speaking professional Grand Turk Jet Ski expert to provide instructions and supervision!
• 30 minutes or 1 hour Jet Ski rental options (check price chart)!
• 3-seater Yamaha 2013, powerful jet skis!
• Life jackets!
• Beach restaurant and beach bar on site!

• Round trip, 26 ft covered snorkel excursion boat ride from beach resort with an experienced captain!
• One hour of snorkeling or ocean swimming at the Grand Turk Wall!
• Beach Break at the private resort - valid from 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM!
• Bambarra Rum tasting session!
• One complimentary rum cocktail with your choice of Bambarra Rum!
• Beach Resort facilities - beach bars, beach lounge chairs, hammocks, and showers!
• Other beach activities and water sports for rent (kayaks, paddleboards, etc)!

• Driving through Grand Turk Island!
• Professional Grand Turk dune buggy cruise excursion guide!
• Security driving instructions and equipment!
• Cold bottled water!
• Dune Buggy Lucky 800cc with automatic transmission - no shifting (2-person vehicles)!

• Round trip 26 ft covered boat ride and experienced Grand Turk snorkel excursion captain!
• One-hour snorkel or ocean swim above the famous Grand Turk Wall!
• Snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, silicone mask, and vest!
• Resort beach break - open 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM!
• English-speaking resort staff!
• Freshly cooked seafood plate (other options available on-site)!
• Welcome drink - rum punch, local beer, juice or cold bottled water!
• Beach bars, beach lounge chairs, hammocks and showers!
• Other beach activities and beach water sports for rent (kayaks, paddleboard, etc)!

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified guide!
• Round-trip boat ride from the beach to two snorkeling sites!
• Guided snorkeling at 2 sites - shallow reef and wall!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk!

• Pickup is close to your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• Small whale-watching groups only, personalized shore excursion service!
• Expert, experienced, licensed Grand Turk whale-watching cruise excursion guides, staff, and captain!
• Coastal Caribbean Grand Turk island sightseeing!

• Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from your Grand Turk cruise ship terminal!
• Round-trip boat ride from the beach to stingray encounters and snorkeling sites!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk island!

• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation from your Grand Turk Cruise Ship Terminal!
• Complimentary WiFi in the van!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk, the jewel of the Turks and Caicos Islands!
• Escape the crowded and rushed cruise ship-sponsored Grand Turk shore excursions!

• Round trip boat ride to Gibbs Cay!
• Stingray encounter and snorkel with the Stingrays at Gibbs Cay!
• Free WiFi in the van!
• See the highlights of Grand Turk island, part of Turks and Caicos!

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The Best Excursions in Grand Turk

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Grand Turk?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

Grand Turk Island is the capital island of Turks and Caicos. The island is dotted with salt ponds and windmills that are remnants of the island’s sea salt industry. Grand Turk is known for having stunning beaches with gorgeous waters. The island is also home to wild horses and donkeys. It’s really wild driving through Cockburn Town and driving past donkeys strutting down the street.

Table of Contents

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions in Grand Turk range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Grand Turk?

Grand Turk is definitely one of the cruise ports where you do not have to book an excursion. Quite honestly, there isn’t much to do on the island, aside from the beaches. On my first visit to the island, I did an island tour and it’s really quite barren.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend the day in Grand Turk, it just might be staying at the cruise area. The area as been developed as a mecca for travelers. It is home to Margaritaville, Harley Davidson Clothing, Starbucks, Ron John Surf Shop, and a badass pool. There is also a magnificent beach lined with beach chairs.

Pro-Tip: We suggest getting off the ship early and claiming one of the chairs on the back row. Sure, it might be a little further from the water but it’s closer to the bars, restaurants, and there is shade from the palm trees.

Nearby Beaches

Sure, there’s a gorgeous free beach right at the end of the pier, but perhaps you’re looking to get away from the crowd. We suggest checking out these fabulous beaches. You do not need to book beach excursions in Grand TUrk. The teaches are really easy to get to via taxi and there is an amazing beach right off the ship.

Cockburn Town Beach

First up is Cockburn Town Beach. This public beach is south of the cruise port. It is absolutely majestic and serene. It’s hard to believe this is a public beach! The waters here are crystal clear and then quickly transition to a deep, dark blue where the water plummets to 7,000 feet deep. This trench attracts divers from all over the world.

Governor’s Beach

This beach is absolutely incredible! This is the site of the Mega One Triton Shipwreck, which means a pretty rad backdrop. The further you get from the shipwreck, the quieter the beach becomes. The water here is crystal clear and full of marine life. This is a great spot to snorkel!

Pillory Beach

The northwestern part of the island is home to Pillory Beach. The beach is located near a popular resort so there are food and drinks available nearby (it’s a little pricey, though). There are also beach chairs, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment available for rent from the resort. The snorkeling here is great so bring your snorkel gear or plan on renting some!

Columbus Landfall National Park

Lastly, the Columbus Landfall National Park is not to be missed for history buffs. This is the largest protected area on Grand Turk. The National Park contains many of the best beaches on Grand Turk, including Governor’s Beach, Cockburn Town Beach, Pillory Beach, and the Cruise Center Beach (where the ship docks).

As the name suggests, this location is thought to be where Christopher Columbus first made landfall in the Americas.

Recommended Excursions in Grand Turk

To be honest, there aren’t a ton of excursions in Grand Turk. As I said before, the island is still developing as a tourist destination. The island was also hit by both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria and received a significant amount of damage. However, if you want to book excursions in Grand Turk, here are our favorites.

Top 10 Best of Grand Turk

We first visited the island before the cruise area was developed. We booked this tour so that we could check out all this island has to offer. Board an open air safari truck and travel through historic Cockburn Town. You’ll visit Her Royal Majesty Prison, a stunning lighthouse, the space capsule and other local highlights.

Stingray and Snorkel Excursion

On this excursion, you’ll join a guided snorkel tour around a gorgeous reef. Just one peek underwater and you’ll understand why people come from all over the globe to snorkel and dive in these waters! This tour will also take you to the uninhabited island of Gibbs Cay. The waters surrounding the cay are home to wild stingrays that come to feed.

Underwater Power Scooter & Beach Break

This tour takes you to the Bajari Beach Club where you’ll be fitted with snorkel gear. From there, it’s a short boat ride to the edge of the famous 7000-foot wall called the Columbus Passage. Columbus Passage, also known as Turks Passage, is a deep channel known for being one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Thousands of sea turtles, eagle rays, fish, and even whales frequent the passage! You’ll be able to explore the area using a hand-held power scooter before heading to the beach to dry off.

Whale Watching

Next up, whale watching. Yes…WHALE WATCHING! Between January and April, more than 1500 Humpback whales pass through the Columbus Passage on their way to warmer waters where they’ll give birth. Grand Turk sees lots of whale activity so perhaps you’ll get lucky! Trust me, seeing whales in the wild is absolutely incredible!

Poolside Cabana Rental

Lastly, if you don’t want to travel far from the port area, yet don’t want to deal with all of the people, you can rent your own poolside cabana! Each cabana comes furnished with a table and comfortable seating. There is also a small covered deck overlooking the pool. Waiter service is available courtesy of Margaritaville.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

I hope our list of the best excursions in Grand Turk has helped you start planning your trip! Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

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Updated: 3/20/222

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20 Best Things to Do in Turks and Caicos, According to Locals

From kiteboarding to cave tours, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty of this Caribbean archipelago.

White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and life at a leisurely pace are common discoveries in the Caribbean islands. But each destination in the region also has its own unique set of characteristics and offerings. St. Barts is known for its five-star hotels and luxury shopping, St. Lucia has incredible hiking, and Anguilla is perfect for honeymoons and couples trips. Along with its reputation for stunning beaches, Turks and Caicos — an archipelago made up of 40 islands and cays — is where to go if you want to explore your aquatic surroundings (and, of course, relax on the beach). 

“One common misconception [about Turks and Caicos] is that there is nothing to do on the islands aside from sit at the beach or pool,” says Karen Whitt, vice president of sales and marketing of The Hartling Group, which owns The Palms and The Shore Club. Whitt, who has lived on Providenciales (or “Provo”) for the last 18 years, suggests travelers “get on the water” for activities such as “snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and boating.” Val Kalliecharan, founder of Luxury Experiences Turks & Caicos , echoes her statement, noting that being on the water is “the best way to experience [the] islands.” “You look around,” he says, “and you're literally seeing 360 degrees of turquoise with a dozen shades of blue.”

Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re ready for a return visit, we compiled the best things to do in Turks and Caicos, with some help from three local experts.  Related : T+L's Guide to Turks and Caicos

Linger at Grace Bay Beach.

There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in Turks and Caicos, but it's worth noting that Grace Bay Beach was named the best beach in the world in 2022. While there, “relax on the soft sand, take a dip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and soak up the sun,” says Whitt.

Eat conch, in its many forms.

“Turks and Caicos is known for its abundant conch population, and many restaurants serve freshly caught conch," says Whitt. "Whether it comes in the form of fritters, salad, ceviche, fresh off the beach or fried, every visitor needs to try this island favorite.” Her go-to spot? Da Conch Shack .

Wayne Hall, owner and operator of Ocean Vibes & Grand Turk Shore Excursions , recommends “the local conch fritters at Mr. Groupers [and] some conch salad at Froggie’s .” Kalliecharan, on the other hand, says that the coconut cracked conch at Bugaloos is a must-try dish.

Take a boat tour.

To get an insider’s view of Turks and Caicos, you’ll want to schedule a boat tour. “This is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the coastline, visit secluded cays, and even spot wildlife like dolphins or migrating humpback whales,” says Whitt. The tourism board recommends several charter companies, including Moana Charters , Sail Beluga , and Island Adventure TCI . 

Explore island caves.

Hall, who’s originally from Grand Turk and spent most of his childhood on Middle Caicos, suggests “[visiting] the twin islands of North and Middle Caicos and [exploring] the natural, unspoiled beauty and the caves.” Conch Bar Caves and Indian Cave — which are dry cave systems — are open to the public.

Plan a spa day.

Relaxation is paramount in Turks and Caicos, so it should come as no surprise that a spa day is among the best things to do in the destination. “Many of our islands’ experienced wellness therapists combine global wellness practices with the traditional healing practices of the islands, and natural ingredients sourced from the surroundings and the Caribbean,” says Kalliecharan. For example, The Spa at The Palms offers treatments that incorporate a Mother of Pearl scrub, “which uses a precious blend of hand-crushed local queen conch shells and aromatherapy to gently revitalize and soften skin,” explains Whitt. “It’s a true island-inspired escape.”

Explore one of the world’s largest barrier reefs.

Turks and Caicos boasts the third-largest barrier reef — measuring about 340 miles in total — and both Hall and Whitt have it on their must-do list. “It [provides] some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem with colorful fish, coral formations, and even the chance to spot sea turtles and dolphins,” says Whitt.

Book a photo session.

A photo will last a lot longer than your Turks and Caicos sun tan, so you’ll want to ensure you get a few amazing shots during your trip. Instead of taking them with your iPhone, schedule a quick session with a photographer (check out Brilliant Studios or Paradise Photography ). Kalliecharan says that scheduling your shoot “about 1.5 hours before sunset” will guarantee excellent lighting.

Spend a day on Grand Turk.

Grand Turk, the second-most populated island in Turks and Caicos, has plenty to see and do — including Cockburn Town, the capital. “You can explore its colonial past, see pink flamingos up close, and swim with Atlantic humpback whales (when in season),” says Hall. Grand Turk Light House, built in 1852, is a historic landmark, and there’s a chance you’ll see endangered flamingos while there.

Swim with humpback whales.

If you want to see the humpback whales that Hall mentioned above, you’ll have to visit Turks and Caicos from January through April, during the annual humpback whale migration. Grand Turk and Salt Cay are the best places for whale sightings, but remember to keep your distance when swimming or snorkeling — humans should not chase the whales or get too close.

Visit Turks and Caicos National Museum.

Travelers can familiarize themselves with the islands’ history during a visit to Turks and Caicos National Museum . There are two locations — Grand Turk and Provo — and both offer tours, events, and classes. The Provo museum also has a “Heritage House,” which recreates how the region’s islanders lived in the past.

Try your hand at kiteboarding.

Whitt says that Long Bay Beach on Providenciales is best for kiteboarding; the island's “consistent trade winds and calm, shallow waters” lend themselves beautifully to the sport. If you’ve never tried kiteboarding before, book a lesson with Big Blue Collective or Kite Provo .

Go on a horseback ride.

“For an unforgettable way to explore Turks and Caicos, I recommend booking a tour with Provo Ponies ,” says Whitt. “The company offers guided horseback rides along the beautiful beaches of Providenciales. Guests can enjoy a leisurely ride along the shoreline, taking in stunning views of the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.”

Have a cocktail at sunset.

“As the sun begins to set, head to a beachfront bar or restaurant to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a cold local beer,” says Whitt. "Many places offer sunset views, live music, and a festive atmosphere. And, if you’re lucky, you might see the orange-colored sky and the green flash,” says Kalliecharan. The latter is a rare and stunning phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is refracted through the atmosphere into different frequencies.

Shop around Middle Caicos Co-op.

If you want to take home a handcrafted souvenir from Turks and Caicos, explore the offerings at Middle Caicos Co-op . Visitors will find more than 60 island artisans selling their wares here, including straw and sewn work, as well as conch shell crafts, paintings, model sailboats, and jewelry.

Attend an island fish fry.

“Travelers should visit the local Fish Fry , which [has] a good variety of Caribbean restaurants, as well as authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine,” says Hall. Held every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Diamond Plaza in the Bight, the Fish Fry brings local food, drinks, and entertainment together for family-friendly fun. Admission is free, but you’ll need cash for many of the stalls.

Indulge in the catch of the day.

If you can’t make it to the weekly Fish Fry, that’s okay — but you’ll still want to add freshly caught fish to your lineup of meals. Hall’s top suggestion? Crackpot Kitchen’s grilled or fried fish paired with peas and grits.

Kayak through the mangroves.

If you prefer a smaller boat and a slower pace, try kayaking in Turks and Caicos. “You can kayak from Providenciales straight into the mangroves, which are the breeding ground for marine life and birds, as well as a protective barrier for coral and other marine ecosystems,” says Whitt. If you have a keen eye, you might get to “see juvenile turtles, sharks, rays, and other small sea creatures,” adds Hall.

Look up at the stars.

Sundown may signal the end of a beach day, but it also means it’s time to stargaze. “The clear skies of Turks and Caicos offer incredible views of the stars and constellations," says Whitt. "Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility and beauty of this island paradise before calling it a night."

Keep an eye out for Turks and Caicos rock iguanas.

Hall recommends visiting Half Moon Bay to see “native rock iguanas in their natural habitat.” The three-quarter mile beach is found between Little Water Cay and Water Cay, and the iguanas are known to come out onto the beach’s dunes.

End your trip with an elevated dinner.

“We have an incredible array of culinary experiences here in Turks and Caicos,” says Kalliecharan. Dinner at the Chef's Table at Provence by Eric is number one on his list, but other fine-dining options include Grace’s Cottage , Coco Bistro , and Caicos Café .

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Grand Turk Flavors, Sightseeing & Lunch

Discover the true splendor of Grand Turk. Become enlightened by the backdrop of its rich history and cultural extravaganza. See the renowned replica of the John Glenn Space Capsule. Make your way to the Jag’s McCartney Memorial Site, the country’s only national hero. Head down to the famous Front Street to view magnificent old colonial buildings of the 1820s standing in majestic awe. Get a close-up view of the stunning architecture of one of the oldest churches in Grand Turk. Journey downtown and get a chance to shop. Entice your taste buds as you ride to Grand Turk’s most quaint Island Restaurant. Learn how to prepare mouthwatering island-style conch fritters. Take home the chef’s secret recipe that will warm your hearts. Experience the true flavors of Grand Turk as you taste a delicious array of island food. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your heartwarming lunch. Catch a glimpse of the seasonal flamingos and the donkeys basking in the sun. Journey to one of Grand Turk’s famous turquoise beaches. Feel the powdery white sand between your toes. Sit back in your complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas as you soak in the rays of the sun glittering over the breathtaking spans of beach. Head back to the cruise port taking home a fun-filled day of memories with you.

Beach chair and umbrella is included. Comfortable shoes are recommended.