Grand Turk Island in the Turks & Caicos

Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks & Caicos, a group of flat, sandy islands south of the Bahamas. The Turks & Caicos were lightly visited until they were "discovered" this century. Divers love Grand Turk for the coral-lined channel, which is over a mile deep and just a few hundred yards offshore. Cruise ships also love this deep channel, and in 2006 Carnival Corporation opened the 13-acre, $60 million Grand Turk Cruise Center. This modern complex features an 800-foot-long private beach, swimming pool, and FlowRider attraction.

Grand Turk was damaged by Hurricane Ike in September 2008, but the cruise center was repaired just six weeks later when these photos were taken from the Eurodam. Carnival even replaced 200 palm trees on the beach!

Cruise ships dock at the long pier, and it's just a short walk to the white sandy beach. Shore excursions are geared towards the out of doors, and include diving, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding on the beach, and dune buggy riding.
Grand Turk Island in the Turks & Caicos

Grand Turk Photo (c) Linda Garrison