location information

Grand Turk is a British Overseas Territory and the capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands, located 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, and 30 miles south of the Bahamas. It is one of 40 islands in the Turks and Caicos archipelago.

The Island is approximately 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. 

The average temperature ranges from 85-90°F (29-32°C) from June to October, sometimes reaching the mid-90s°F (35°C), especially in late summer. From November to May, the temperature averages 80-84°F (27-29°C). A constant trade wind keeps temperatures comfortable, and Grand Turk enjoys 350 days of sunshine each year.

Approximately 4,500 people live on Grand Turk. English is the primary language, though there are local phrases and terms that give a unique flavor to the spoken word in the Turks & Caicos. Spanish and Creole are also widely spoken. 

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept traveler’s checks, and all stores at the cruise center accept credit cards. ATMs are available nearby, with the closest less than a mile from the cruise center.

Grand Turk operates on EST (UTC/GMT -5 hours) and observes Daylight Savings Time from March to November (UTC/GMT -4 hours).

Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered the Turks and Caicos Islands in 1492, though some argue Ponce de Leon arrived first. The first inhabitants were the Taino Indians, followed by the Lucayans. In the late 17th century, settlers from Bermuda established a salt trade on Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos. During the American Revolution, Loyalists also settled on the islands, attempting to grow cotton and sisal with mixed success. In 1766, the Turks and Caicos Islands became part of the Bahamas colony after a period of control by the Spanish, French, and British. However, in 1848, attempts to integrate failed, and the islands became self-governing under Jamaica’s administration. The Turks and Caicos Islands were formally annexed to Jamaica in 1872 and later became a British overseas territory in 1973.
Grand Turk also played a role in N.A.S.A.’s Mercury space program. During the 1950s and 1960s, the island hosted a U.S. Air Force base and a space tracking station. Astronauts like John Glenn and Scott Carpenter trained there, and both returned to Grand Turk after their historic space missions. A replica of John Glenn’s capsule Friendship 7 is displayed at the entrance to the airport.

Grand Turk offers a wide range of shore excursions. Water-based activities include snorkeling, diving, self-drive boating, and deep-sea and flats fishing. A purpose-built excursion dock near the cruise center makes it easy to access many of these adventures.
Land-based tours include beach horseback riding, bicycling, 4×4 vehicle adventures, off-road excursions, island tours, and relaxing beach breaks.

Visitors can rent vehicles with a valid driver’s license from their home country. Following British custom, vehicles operate on the left-hand side of the road. Numerous taxis and rental cars are available at the cruise center for transportation around the island.

Grand Turk offers a variety of dining options, featuring local and Caribbean cuisine, fresh seafood, conch, lobster, and other island specialties. Additionally, Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” restaurant is located at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

Small arts and crafts shops can be found throughout Grand Turk, showcasing locally made items like designer mirrors, lamps, and other household decorations. For stamp collectors, the Philatelic Bureau at the cruise center is a must-visit, offering colorful, collectible stamps sought after by collectors worldwide.

Cockburn Town, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, features historical buildings with a rustic charm and is the seat of government. The town is known for its Bermudian and colonial-style architecture.
Grand Turk is also famous for its world-class diving, with a protected coral reef that drops to 7,000 feet along the west side of the island.

Grand Turk is home to clear turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxation or adventure. All beaches are public and free to access.

Grand Turk is a haven for ecotourism enthusiasts, offering opportunities to explore mangroves, coral reefs, and the island’s unique underwater ecosystem. Visitors can witness migrating humpback whales (from January to April) and see pink flamingos and other migratory birds. The island’s topography ranges from stunning beaches to limestone plateaus, and its low-profile tropical vegetation thrives in undeveloped areas.