Grand Turk is known for diving with a 7,000-foot drop-off within yards of the shoreline and snorkeling among the coral. For us, we will explore this tiny island on a tram stopping in Cockburn Town and feeding the wild donkeys. Also, just so you know, they drive on the left side of the road since it is a former British colony.

We did a 2 p.m. excursion and spent the morning swimming in the pool on the cruise ship. Andrew didn’t feel like doing the beach and that was fine with us. The pool was also empty since most people were off the boat.

Astronaut John Glenn at the Cruise port

Astronaut John Glenn, who was the first American to circle the Earth, splashed down near Grand Turk in his small capsule.

At the cruise port, you will find a life-size Glenn in his astronaut suit along with a replica of his capsule and rocket. You can take photos of these with yourself with the kid.

Andrew was fussy because of the heat of the afternoon sun. I faced an uphill battle by taking hokey photos at the port so it was David and me who did the poses.

Whale Sighting

Also nearby on the beach is a recreated whale among the sand and rocks. Each winter, the humpback whale makes Grand Turk it’s home from late January through early April. This is part of their annual migration for mating and birth.

Problems at the Start of the Tour

The tour should have begun at 2 p.m., but we had to wait for a late group of people. This happened because another cruise ship arrived around our tram time. This meant they had to close the port area for a while as the boat docked for safety issues.

Although, why people did not leave the cruise ship sooner, I am not sure. We arrived 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Even the description says that the tour operator can leave without you if you don’t arrive on time.

After waiting on the people in the heat, we finally started a bit after 2 p.m.

Learning About Grand Tour: Invasion of the Airport

The tour guide shared some amusing and interesting facts about Grand Turk.

“The island has no stoplights and only stop signs. After the most recent hurricane, the international airport here was invaded by the wild donkeys when the fence came down so we were not able to resume service until the donkeys were cleared.”

Stop in Cockburn Town

Cockburn Town is the capital of the Turks and Caicos. We passed many Grand Turk government sites, such as the governor’s mansion, the Supreme Court and parliament building.

Sadly, the town had quite a few derelict buildings that were damaged by recent hurricanes, two of them, Irma and Maria, hit on the same year in the same month in September 2017.

Downtown by the bay there used to be a crafts market. Right now there is a remnant market since the original structures were heavily damaged. We had about 25 minutes here.

Although, not enough time to check out the museum, which David and I had been to before. (More information on the museum is below.)

I checked out a few shops and we bought a soda from a merchant. The time went fast and next we headed up the island to the lighthouse.

Grand Turk’s Connection to the US

On the way to the lighthouse, our tour guide provided us more information on the island.

“During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Grand Turk became a base for the US. The Grand Turk government at first did not believe that the Russians were in submarines close by until they were shown evidence by the US military. Back then it was an island of fishermen who didn’t see any submarines when they were out fishing. The former base is now used as a community college.”

You can see some parts of the base that is now empty along with the satellite equipment that had been used to monitor the Russians.

View from the Lighthouse Surrounded by Donkeys

The materials to build the lighthouse were put together in England, Grand Turk had been part of the British Empire, and it was then assembled on the island in 1852. It is on a high point on the island, around 150 feet from the sea. We didn’t have time to go up in the lighthouse, which you can do for a few dollars.

Here a lot of donkeys congregate. Donkeys run wild on the island along with some dogs. The tour guide had brought some biscuits that you could feed them.

Andrew was a bit scared of them but enjoyed seeing a small herd come up to us. I fed one while he stood close by. We just had to make sure he did not get behind one since they are known to kick.

After feeding them we headed back towards the ship going by the salt flats. The island had once been mined for salt. Now the main business of the island is tourism.

As we passed I saw a lot of shorebirds in the salty water and took some photos. There were many different kinds and I kept pointing them out to Andrew.

Back at the Cruise Port

At the cruise port, we spent more time checking out the shops. We bought some souvenir shot glasses for some friends. I bought a Grand Turk rubber ball for Andrew and us.

What was cute here was a little local boy said hi to Andrew. They played in the market together for a while until we had to head back to the ship.

It was nice to see him make a friend here even in this short time. He said goodbye and we headed back on board. A fun quick island tour!

Further Information:

These are two things we did last time and here are my reviews of them.

Our Favorite Place to Eat Here: Sandbar Restaurant

They serve a variety of local seafood specialties, including fresh-caught Grouper, Lobster, Conch, Wahoo and Mahi Mahi. It was right on the beach and it was relaxing to be there last time when we had some rum punch and a beer. Also, we went swimming in the waves as they came into the beach right next to it, it was a very nice time. We went here by taxi.

Hours: Noon–Late (food served noon – 3 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m.

Address: Duke St, Cockburn Town TKCA 1ZZ, Turks & Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos National Museum

The National Museum is the country’s only museum and is located on the historic Front Street in Cockburn Town. The museum is in the Guinep House, which is one of the oldest buildings standing on Grand Turk.

You can see remains from the Molasses Reef Wreck, which is the oldest excavated European shipwreck in the Americas. Here you can see surviving armaments and artifacts from the wreck.

There we also saw some Native American artifacts, information on the John Glenn and on the pirate activity, the island once had. It was an interesting little museum.

Hours: Varied and based on cruise ship schedules.

Admission: $7 general admission, $5 per person for hotel guests and cruise passengers and free for children 12 and under.

Address: Front St, Cockburn Town TKCA 1ZZ, Turks & Caicos Islands

One Last Thing

When we head out on the cruise boat I looked for the green flash, which is a phenomenon that is occasionally observed for a slight moment just as the sun sets or rises in Grand Turk. Three effects come together to create the green flash: the refraction of light through the atmosphere, the scattering of the long-wavelength blues and violets, and a mirage. Sadly, I didn’t see it, maybe next time.

MORE CRUISING

Seeing Stingrays at Half Moon Cay

MORE ASTRONAUT SITES STATESIDE

Stepping Into Neil Armstrong’s Home Town