After a close encounter with Hurricane Ike, Grand Turk is coming back to normal. The Grand Turk Cruise Ship Centre is up and running with almost daily arrivals by Carnival Cruise Lines. The shops and tours are operating, also. Excursions offered currently by the ships are mostly for snorkeling, scuba and the beach. At this time, there isn't much else on the island except a very small downtown area with a lighthouse and museum. But you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches (some which have eroded a bit during the storm). This tropical island is surrounded with clear, turquoise waters and eight powdery white sand beaches, making it heaven for the beach enthusiast. All beaches are open to the public, free of charge. The colors of the shallow waters at Grand Turk change every hour, with the best viewing between 1:00-3:00 PM when the sunlight makes the most spectacular impression on the azure waters. The water visibility is incredible, and you can clearly see scuba divers and fish more than 25 feet under the surface.
THE BEACHES
LAND EXCURSIONS
Some of the diving and land-based excursions are still on the agenda. Carnival's website lists quite a few. However, it is probably best to purchase the excursions onboard where they can tell you if they are available at the time your ship is docked. You probably will not be able to book through most of the local vendors as the cruise ships have exclusivity to most of the excursion operators on the island. Oasis Divers being the prominent one. (Carnival provided start up money to local shore excursion companies to help support tourist related activities including tour vehicles, horse back rides, snorkeling, diving, sightseeing, and many other events)
Grand Turk used to have a variety of shore excursions available. Eventually, most of these will be coming back. There are horseback and bike trails, kayak tours and underwater "walks" beside coral beds - in all, more than 20 excursions, with a conch farm and a salina-botanic garden both due to open before the end of the year. They're all in different locations. Land-based tours also include 4x4 vehicle adventures, dune buggy tours and visits to outer islands. Some are listed below.
Horseback Ride N' Swim
Passengers depart the cruise ship pier
for a 20-minute bus ride along the coast and across the
island to the other side. The trip bypasses the
Governors Beach, the local airport and one of Grand
Turk’s natural Salina’s to show visitors to the island
how Salt is obtained in its natural form. Salt was once
Grand Turk’s main source of income. You will drive past
the charming little city of Cockburn Town, the
administrative and political capital of the Turks &
Caicos Islands before reaching the Grand Turk
Indigenous Horse Shelter where your tour begins.
Once mounted on your horse, you will go for a leisurely
walk along the beach while enjoying the view of the
crystal clear Atlantic Ocean. From you guide, you will
learn about the history of the catchment basin area that
can be seen in the distance before your swim in the
ocean with the horses.
The 5 or 6 experienced guides will then unsaddle your
mounts and prepare them for the swim. You then remount
your horse, with a halter and enter the ocean for the
“Experience of a Lifetime.” Afterwards, you can
take a shower and relax, before being transferred back
to the ship. On the return journey one can enjoy the
view of the North Creek where many locals have their
boats moored and is the only hurricane shelter for
yachts traveling between Nassau and Puerto Rico. If you
are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the famous
endangered “Pink Flamingos” while they bask in the sun
in the many Salina’s on the Island.
4 x 4 Safari
This
safari-themed 4x4 adventure is a fun way to experience
the natural history and cultural heritage of Grand Turk.
On this excursion you will take a customized
ten-passenger F250 4x4 and drive past Governor’s Beach
and the island’s 9-hole golf course.
You will explore the crystal clear waters and the
Freighters’ Dock then drive on to the capital city of
Cockburn Town. Along the way you will see historical
Pond Street and the ruins of the old salinas and
windmills. A guided 15-minute leisurely walk down the
quaint “Front Street” to witness turn of the century
Bermudian-style architecture. Next, you will continue
off the beaten path to North Wells and travel to the
mouth of North Creek, enjoying a quick stop at Anchor
Beach for refreshments and a breath taking view of the
lighthouse in the distance.
St. Thomas Anglican Church is also on your route to the
southeastern side of the island. Atop Gun Hill you
will enjoy grand vistas of Gibb's Cay and the many
uninhabited little islands that are visible in the
Atlantic Ocean before being taken to Governor's Beach
for a relaxing and refreshing half hour.
Waterloo Golf Club
Waterloo Golf Club is a 9 hole, par 54
course built in the grounds of the Office of the
Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Officially
opened on January 3, 1998, it was designed by His
Excellency the Governor and built entirely by
volunteers, including the Governor himself. The course
which is 2758 yards long, is open to tourists. It is
located just a few hundred yards from the Cruise Ship
Center. The Green Fees are $25 per day, no matter how
many times you play.
If you wish to play during your visit to Grand Turk, simply
call in at the Governor's office. (649-946-2308 Grand
Turk) As the course is small, the number of players
allowed on the course at once is limited to 36 so please
come early. Clubs are available for hire, but if you
have your own clubs please bring them along as numbers
are limited.
Some
"On Your Own" Diving Companies to check out:
Sea Eye
Diving
A great dive vacation
starts from the moment you arrive with diving and
snorkeling at your
doorstep. The pristine Grand Turk reef wall lies just
off the west shore, on the leeward side of Turks Island.
It is home to a wide array of marine life offering you
unforgettable underwater adventures and making your
holiday on Grand Turk one you will long remember
Blue Water Divers
Mitch Rolling has been operating BWD for over 20 years, and still has a lot of fun showing off the best wall diving in Grand Turk. Diving on small boats with small groups, his staff is extremely knowledgeable and environmentally aware. If it's that one-on-one service you desire, this is the dive shop for you. Once you arrive at the Cruise ship dock, you will need to take a cab in town to Blue Water Divers next to the Osprey Beach Hotel.
Bohio Dive Resort
Over at the Bohio Dive Resort, they’re welcoming divers and gastro enthusiasts. As an added bonus, they have just put the finishing touches to their new beach bar, aptly named The Ike & Donkey. Located on award winning Pillory Beach, this nautical bar is just steps from a turquoise-blue ocean that offers some of the best diving on the planet.
As well as the usual suspects on the cocktail list there are some delicious numbers like the Gaunahani, or Serendipity, and the house special Bohio Rum Punch comes with a warning “guaranteed to make you smile or your money back”.
Bohio has sixteen rooms with beachfront views and terraces. Four deluxe rooms have king beds and kitchenettes. The resort has its own dive centre with experienced PADI qualified instructors catering for beginners and more experienced divers.
DINING
As
well as traditional foods, continental dishes are also available as are
US/European snacks such as hot dogs and hamburgers.
Things to know:
With rare exceptions, dining takes place in hotels. Although some
establishments have buffet-style service, table service is common.
Alcohol is freely available, a wide selection of imported beer, wines
and spirits can be found in most bars.
National specialties:
• Hominy; cooked with peas or dried conch.
• Whelk soup.
• Conch chowder.
• Lobster and special types of fresh fish.
National drinks:
• Rum-based punch and cocktails.
Tipping: There is no tipping in hotels
on any of the islands, 15 per cent is added to all bills. In
restaurants, tip 15 per cent.
Most of the restaurants on the island are connected with its few
resorts.
Osprey
Beach Hotel Restaurant
They offer BBQ and Island dishes, served around the pool and overlooking
the ocean. Some of the selections on the grill are fresh lobster and
fish, choice steaks, chicken, kebabs all served with Salad Bar and Baked
Potato.
.
Michael's Atrium Birdcage Restaurant
Secret Garden- Salt Raker Inn.
Local and
American dishes. Fresh fish and lobster, delicious deep-fried cracked
conch.
Wednesday
and Saturday nights barbecue, Wednesday and Sunday nights sing-alongs.
Great atmosphere.
Like a few of the other little B&B's on
the beach, they offer a day package for cruisers for US$40 per person
plus 10% tax with access to the beach. They also provide beach
mats, umbrella, floats, snorkel gear and fins.
A large anchor on
the sun-dappled pathway marks the entrance to this 19th-century house,
which is now an unpretentious inn.
The building was built by a shipwright and has a large, breezy balcony with commanding views over the sea, but its best feature is hidden behind the facade: a secret garden of tall tamarind and neme trees, climbing vines, hanging plants, potted hibiscus, climbing bougainvillea, and even a pond. The greenery, as well as providing a quiet spot for natural shade, is home to the inn's Secret Garden Restaurant. Erica and her staff remained on the job throughout the storms and the Inn continues to be open for business, but without the restaurant and bar which received extensive damage. Open daily from 7 AM.
Big Daddy's
(at White Sands)
In December 2007, Rounders established the first four slot
machines in Big Daddy’s Beach Shack, perfectly positioned next to the
Carnival Cruise Line docking station. Great dinner and dance
music, with Mitch playing live on Saturday nights! (Live
entertainment every Wednesday and Sunday night at Osprey Hotel with
Mitch Rolling and the High Tide Band). See his site: Blue Water
Divers.
The Guanahani Restaurant
Located within the Bohio Resort, The Guanahani Restaurant is open Friday
to Tuesday for breakfast lunch and dinner. 
Executive
Chef Zev Beck has created a delicious blend of local and international
flavors which are undeniably the best on the island. Local tuna,
often landed fresh to the beach, sumptuous steaks and crispy
sushi rolls are just some of the delicacies available. Don’t be
surprised if you see Pad Thai for some Oriental flavor or Mahi Mahi
caught that day on the ever changing specials menu. This is a
great spot for a quick snack, serving up quesadillas, burgers and some
more cracked conch. On Duke Street.
The Sand Bar
Ideality
located beachfront, 
The
Sandbar, an outdoor bar on the beach across from the Salt Raker and
neighboring Manta House. Let Tanya and Katia serve up good
food and good fun, serving lunch and dinner daily. Enjoy your sunset
beverages situated in the heart of Grand Turk's sunset strip.
Grand Turk Inn
The Grand Turk Inn Luncheon in the Breezeway
Sandy
and Katrina, owners of the Inn, have a day package for cruisers for
US$40 per person plus 10% tax. They offer the following: access to the
living room of a suite to leave your belongings while at the beach,
outdoor rinse-off shower and separate toilet facilities. There is a
small white sand beach across the street from the Inn and they will
provide beach mats, umbrella, floats, snorkel gear and fins. Lunch is
served in their shady "Breezeway" area. The menu: club sandwiches,
coleslaw, potato salad, dessert pie, bottled water and sodas. You are
welcome to bring your own beer and wine.
The Inn is about 3 miles from the cruise port (around
$6 per person taxi fare) and is located "downtown," easy walking
distance to historical buildings, etc.
You are assured of a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with the sisters
personally serving their guests.
They require a valid credit card to
guarantee a reservation and their cancel policy is one week prior to
arrival.
Governor's Beach
This beach, the most secluded, is located south of the airport, and in front of the official British Governor's residence. It 's a crescent of soft sand and calm, turquoise waters. It is recommended for snorkeling with views of fish and coral just a few minutes off-shore. On a clear day, this is the best spot on the island for off-shore snorkeling -- just a few minutes out you'll find all kinds of fish and coral. To walk from cruise pier, turn left and just walk along the beach. Or go through cruise terminal to the road, turn left, walk past the old US army barracks and the Governor's Residence with the white fence and small golf course, and turn left again to the beach on the road just past the governor's house.(20 min. walk)
Pillory Beach
Pillory is regarded by some as the place
where Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World. This is a popular
departure point for divers because of its sheer reef wall, located 400 yards
off the shore. The Bohio Dive Resort & Spa, on the beach, features its own
dive shop.
This beach is located just west of the lighthouse on Grand Turk and has a limestone-cliff-edged, shell-covered beach that looks out onto shallow waters, mangroves, and often flamingos, especially in spring and summer. For more of a beachcombing experience, head to Little Bluff Point Beach.
