Turks and Caicos Islands- Grand Turk

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory. Each year, more than 1 million tourists visit the island chain. 1/3 of those visitors were terrestrial travelers whereas the remaining visitors all arrived via cruise ship. The islands are known for their beaches, resorts, and diving opportunities.

Where are the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The chain of islands lies southeast of The Bahamas and north of the island of Hispaniola. The islands are made up of 40 small islands and cays- eight of which are inhabited. The islands are split into two groups; to the east of the Turks Island Passage you’ll find Grand Turk and Salt Cay and to the west are the Caicos Islands- South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Pine Cay, and Parrot Cay.

History of the Turks and Caicos

The first inhabitants of the islands were the Arawakan who came over from Hispaniola around 500 AD. It is unclear when the first Europeans first sighted the islands. Some sources claim Christopher Columbus saw the islands on his voyage to the Americas in 1492. However, other researchers believe that it is more likely that the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European in Turks in Caicos in 1512.

Over the next hundred years, the islands became a popular place for salt collectors and pirates. During this time, British colonists also brought along with them African slaves to establish plantations on the islands. They developed cotton and salt as their cash crops and grew rich off of the slave’s labor. Soon, the number of slaves outnumbered that of the European settlers.

In 1807 Britain prohibited the slave trade and in 1833 abolished slavery in all of its colonies.

How Do I Get to Turks and Caicos?

The Turks and Caicos are very easy to get to from most eastern United States cities. It is a simple 90-minute flight from Miami and is just over a 3-hour flight from New York. Nearly all over-night guests arrive via the Providenciales International Airport. From here, island hops via private charters and ferries give easy access to the other islands.

Grand Turk

Grand Turk is the second-most populated island in the country and home to the only cruise ship port. Two-thirds of the one million annual visitors arrive via cruise ship.

The island has a deep rooted history in the salt industry and as being the center of government. In fact, the nation’s capital, Cockburn Town, is located here. The island’s history is evident as you stroll around the streets of downtown. Old colonial buildings line the oceanfront and remnants of the salt industry walls and gates can still be seen in the salt ponds.

Grand Turk is tiny- we’re talking 6.9 mi² (18 km²), and is only a little over 6 miles (9.8km) across on its longest dimension. It is extremely easy to navigate via taxi, or car and scooter rental.

Grand turk is world-renowned for its excellent wall scuba diving. Just off the coast, there is a barrier reef and an underwater island plateau that drops from 50 feet to more than 3300 feet.

What is there to do on Grand Turk?

Since a majority of visitors arrive via cruise ship, a majority of the tourism here is centered around the cruise culture. There is an expansive cruise complex that has been developed as a cruiser’s paradise. From here you can snorkel or swim right alongside your ship, spend time at the glorious free-beach, or hit up several bars, restaurants, and shops.

If you choose to leave the Grand Turk Cruise Center, consider renting a golf cart or a scooter. The main sites in Cockburn Town include the Turks and Caicos National Museum, the Grand Turk Lighthouse, the Salt House, and of course, less-crowded beaches.