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Grand Turk Island is an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is the largest island in the Turks Islands (the smaller of the two archipelagos that make up the island nation) with 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). Grand Turk contains the territory's capital, Cockburn Town and the JAGS McCartney International Airport. The island is the administrative, historic, cultural and financial center of the territory, and has the second largest population of the islands.
Grand Turk was first colonised in 1681 by Bermudians, who set up the salt industry in the islands. In 1766 it became the capital of the country. For some time, at least until the early 19th century, Grand Turk was often referred to as Grand Cay, not to be confused with either Grand Cay in the Bahamas or Grand Cayman.
The name comes from... Read more
Grand Turk Island is an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is the largest island in the Turks Islands (the smaller of the two archipelagos that make up the island nation) with 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). Grand Turk contains the territory's capital, Cockburn Town and the JAGS McCartney International Airport. The island is the administrative, historic, cultural and financial center of the territory, and has the second largest population of the islands.
Grand Turk was first colonised in 1681 by Bermudians, who set up the salt industry in the islands. In 1766 it became the capital of the country. For some time, at least until the early 19th century, Grand Turk was often referred to as Grand Cay, not to be confused with either Grand Cay in the Bahamas or Grand Cayman.
The name comes from a species of cactus on the island, the Turk's Cap Cactus (Melocactus intortus), which has a distinctive cap, reminiscent of an Ottoman fez.
Grand Turk gained international attention in 1962 when John Glenn's Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft landed in the vicinity of Grand Turk Island off the southeast shoreline. A replica of the Friendship 7 is on display in Grand Turk at the entrance to the Grand Turk Island airport.
In 1966 at least five Arcas (All-Purpose Rocket for Collecting Atmospheric Soundings) sounding rockets were launched from Grand Turk Island by the USA.
Scuba Diving - Grand Turk has one of the lushest wall systems in the entire world. Healthy corals, diverse marine life and visibility that exceeds 100 feet often calls divers from around the world. The wall is a 10-minute ride from the beach, where your dive shop will conveniently pick you up. You can also take a day trip to dive or snorkel at Salt Cay.
Visit the Carnival Cruise Terminal - Includes a tourism village packed with shops and restaurants, one of the largest pools in the Caribbean, and an 800-ft. stretch of beach. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is a great place to stop in for a cocktail.
Spa Anani - Whether you’re here for an exceptional diving experience or you are a resident of the island, you are now able to relax, rejuvenate and pamper yourself with world-class spa treatments. Facials, Massages, Body Treatments, Waxing, and Ear Candling are all available - Spa Ani (649)-232-1503
Horseback Ride on the Beach - Go for a leisurely horseback ride along the beach while enjoying the view of the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean. The guides will then unsaddle your mounts and prepare them for a swim. Remount your horse, and enjoy the fun of riding a horse in the ocean.
4x4 Offroad Safari - Experience the natural history and cultural heritage of Grand Turk in "safari-themed 4x4 F250's." Your tour will come to a stop near the town center where your guide will escort you on a 15-minute leisurely walk down the quaint “Front Street” lined with turn of the century Bermudian style architecture.
Dune Buggy Adventures - Feeling adventurous? Climb behind the wheel of a tubular frame sand dune buggy. Head off down the narrow marl tracks that skirt the beach and rocky coastline around the island to the south-east side of the island. Take a trek to the bluff where you can capture the beautiful view of Gibb’s Cay and a few other little-uninhabited islands that are visible in the Atlantic Ocean.
Snorkel at Governor's Beach or Gibbs Cay - One of Grand Turk's nicest beaches is Governor's Beach. Experience white sand and crystal clear water nipping at your feet as you stroll along the mostly secluded beach. This is also one of the better snorkel spots on the island.
Gibbs Cay - Explore an uninhabited island and have a close encounter with stingrays on this exciting combination excursion.
Bicycle Tour - Cruise around Grand Turk by bicycle! Ride up and down Front Street, glide into town by the shore to explore the many facets of Cockburn Town. See the many different styles of island homes, some more than a century old.
At the Carnival Cruise Terminal, you'll find decent prices on a modest selection of duty-free goods by Dufry (e.g., liquors, candies, luxury leather goods), plus stores and kiosks offering items ranging from jewelry and original art to souvenirs. Duty-free purchases may require photo identification as a citizen of other than the Turks and Caicos.
LOCAL TIME
12:40 pm
April 15, 2021
America/Grand_Turk
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