Spotlight on Grand Turk



Just 7 miles (11 km) long and a little more than 1 mile (1½ km) wide, this island, the capital and seat of the Turks and Caicos government, has been a longtime favorite destination for divers eager to explore the 7,000-foot-deep pristine coral walls that drop down only 300 yards out to sea. On shore, the tiny, quiet island is home to white-sand beaches, the National Museum, and a small population of wild horses and donkeys, which leisurely meander past the white-walled courtyards, pretty churches, and bougainvillea-covered colonial inns on their daily commute into town. A cruise-ship complex that opened at the southern end of the island in 2006 brings about 600,000 visitors per year. Despite the dramatic changes this could make to this peaceful tourist spot, the dock is self-contained and is about 3 miles (5 km) from the tranquil, small hotels of Cockburn Town, Pillory Beach, and the Ridge and far from most of the western-shore dive sites. The influx has also pushed Grand Turk to open up a few new historic sites, including Grand Turk's Old Prison, and the Lighthouse.

THINGS TO SEE
Grand Turk Lighthouse
Her Majesty's Prison
Turks and Caicos National Museum
Island Tram Tours


BEACHES, SPORTS AND OUTDOORS
Governor's Beach
Pillory Beach
White Sands Beach
Diving and Snorkeling
Cruise Terminal Attractions
Oceanscapes Spa on the Beach
Golf Cart Rental


SHOPPING
Cruise Terminal Shopping


LOCAL FARE
Cruise Terminal Restaurants (Margaritaville)
Guanahani Restaurant
Jack's Shack
Mookie Pookie Pizza
One Love Cafe
The Sand Bar
The Secret Garden
Local Village Beach Bar





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