Grand Turk

Steeped in history and still the centre of the Turks and Caicos Government, Grand Turk is the patriarch of the Turks and Caicos family and plays an important founding role both here and abroad. Grand Turk is where Christopher Columbus first arrived when he discovered the new world and today, it’s where the hundreds of thousands of cruise ship visitors arrive.

“The island is ideal for history buffs and scuba enthusiasts as it houses an impressive museum and remarkable dive sites.”

Grand Turk is the capital of Turks and Caicos, and our most historic island. It features distinctive architecture and a charming setting. It is also home to a state of the art cruise ship terminal that features shops, attractions and the world’s largest Margaritaville bar and restaurant. Adventure seekers will love the activities available through the cruise ship terminal, such as dune buggy rides, eco tours, horseback riding, and snorkeling trips. Grand Turk is also home to some of the best scuba diving in Turks and Caicos, with active dive spots just a short boat ride from the beach.

Grand Turk History

Grand Turk has an impressive museum that traces the islands’ history through the original Indian inhabitants, to Columbus’s first landfall, the days of the salt industry right up to John Glenn’s famous splash down off Grand Turk following the USA’s first manned space mission in 1962. A range of artifacts from ‘back in the day’ in island life, as well as ship wrecks (including what is reputed to be Columbus’ Pinta that was claimed by Molasses Reef off West Caicos), are on display there.

Quick Facts:

• The Capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands
• Population estimated to be around 3,700
• Approximately six miles long and one mile wide

How to get there:

• Daily flights from Provo International Airport (PLS) to Grand Turk International Airport (J.A.G.S. McCartney) offered by Air Turks & Caicos (tel. 649-946-4999 / 649-946-1667 or 649-946-4181
• The flight from Provo to Grand Turk takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around $135 to $150 round-trip.

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