Grand Turk Island
Things To Do

Grand Turk an important cruise destination

Grand Turk Island
Things To Do

Grand Turk Island is just 30 miles south of the Bahamas and 70 miles from Providenciales. With 3,700 inhabitants (those born in the islands are known as "belongers), Grand Turk is the financial and governmental centers of the T&C. The tourism boom of Provo has yet to catch up here, though it's on its way.

Cockburn Town, the capital city, for the moment stiil is reminiscent of a 19th century New England fishing village, although tourism is well on the way to becoming the most economic factor.

Harvesting salt from the sea was once an important industry  here, and the flat, water-filled pans still occupy much of Grand Turk's interior. The Bermuda-style homes all have a walled courtyard, not to discourage the friendly islanders from visiting one another, but to keep out the donkeys that once wandered freely and delighted in dining on yard foliage. 

Before John Glenn, America's first globe-circling astronaut splash-landed off Grand Turk in 1962, probably the most famous explorer to come ashore here was Christopher Columbus. More about both later.

Grand Turk Essentials

10 Things to Know About Turks & Caicos
Expect some surprises

Grand Turk Weather
Best time to visit

Grand Turk Diving & Snorkeling
Some say it's the best in T&C

Getting Married in the Turks & Caicos
Ask for a record to take back home

Cruise Passengers Can Now Marry Here
It can be done in Grand Turk's port

Grand Turk Cruise Center
Built from ground-up as an attraction itself

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