Cruising on the Magic: Grand Turk

Crystal blue water and beach in port center

Serene view of Grand Turk

Pristine azure water and white sand beaches of Grand Turk project a calming and relaxing vibe. Walking off the ship, you are in the shop area and large cruise center. The port area is gated and there is not a city around the port area, so the dock area has been built nicely as a resort type venue with the beach area, pool and various bars and eating establishments. Tribute to NASA and Friendship 7 splashdown is on display in an outdoor area of the port. There are replicas and information boards. The small Post Office will stamp your passport and sell a small variety of Grand Turk collectible postage stamps. Taxi rides to Cockburn are $4/pp. Taxi rides to other parts of the island are also available and range from $6-$9/pp. The island is only 7 miles long and 2 miles wide. There are several tours available for beach stops, historical, snorkeling, scuba, and horseback riding.

A couple of us did venture out of the gated area to walk over to old salt ponds. Wild donkeys (left from the salt mining days) were roaming the area.

I had forgotten to print out a coupon from the website for a free shot of locally produced rum to be used at Jack's Shack, so we did not try the place. Jack's Shack is a short walk from the cruise dock.