Grand Turk Turks and Caicos Islands

Grand Turk has been the administrative capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than 400 years. Heavily influenced by the Bermudans who arrived in the 1600s to participate in the lucrative salt-raking business, local architecture features traditional Colonial elements. Wandering along historic Duke Street, with its whitewashed walls and brightly painted gates leading to residences and businesses, feels like a trip back in time.

A photograph of the beautiful Governors Beach on Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesThe beautiful Governors Beach on Grand Turk

Many believe that Grand Turk was Columbus’ first landfall in the New World, fitting his journal description of a low-lying “bean-shaped” island with ponds in the middle.

A photograph of Pink Flamingos on Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesWalking and Driving Bird Watching Tour Guides are available

Pristine diving areas in shallow water and the world’s best wall diving on coral cliffs that drop from 30 feet (9m) to over 7,000 feet (2,000m) lie within 300 yards (274m) of the western shore. Mooring buoys protect the fragile corals and three dive operations cater to the Grand Turk diving visitor. Quiet beaches surround the island.

A photograph of the Grand Turk Lighthouse, erected in 1852, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesThe Grand Turk Lighthouse was erected in 1852

A visit to the Turks & Caicos National Museum is a must. The history of the Islands is preserved here in exhibits of tools, pottery and other materials. An extensive collection of artifacts from the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck known, have been preserved and are on exhibit. The museum shop has many interesting books and local crafts.

A photograph of North Creek on Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesNorth Creek on Grand Turk for Beachcombing and Bird Watching

A brand new Cruise Ship Centre caters to the many day visitors to the island, and provides shopping and entertainment for passengers on visiting ships, as well as a starting point for many excursions. Although the island benefits from these guests, the Cruise Ship Centre is a world apart from the island as a whole, which has maintained its character.

A photograph of Wild Horses and Donkeys on Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesWild Horses and Donkeys roam all over the island of Grand Turk

The Old-World charm of Grand Turk is evident on touring the island. Walled courtyards protect gardens from wandering donkeys and wild horses; Churches are reflected in the saltpans; an old lighthouse, erected in 1852, stands sentry, at the northern end of the island. It’s truly an unspoiled Caribbean destination.

Grand Turk Business Directory

Related Topics