Grand Turk was a fun Port but, I wish we had more time in port. We arrived at 7:30am and had to be back on the ship by 3:30pm. We’re early birds so we got off the ship as soon as they allowed for guests to depart. Which meant we were one of the first groups to the beach.
We headed about a quarter of a mile down Governor’s beach which is just at the end of the pier. I had researched a few other beaches to go to but this one is just so close to the pier and most of the shopping so it was our preference.
Our plan was to snorkel. Our kids had never been and we wanted them to try it. Before the cruise we purchased some full-face snorkels and packed them in our luggage to bring on the ship. Many beaches allow you to rent snorkel gear but we figured it would be a bit cheaper to bring our own and then we could use them on future vacations as well. The downside of course being, they take up a decent amount of space in your luggage. But for us it was worth it.
My youngest tried on the full face mask back at home but there were several gaps because even the small was just a bit too big. So he and I went the more traditional route and used the typical snorkel googles and tube. On the flip side, my oldest loved the full facemark and took to it very quickly. I will fill you in on my middle son! Let’s just say he is not a fan of wildlife.
Everyone got their gear on and we headed into the clear blue water. We were one of just a couple groups in the water so early in the morning. As we all got comfortable with floating, and breathing we saw a stingray swimming around. It actually came pretty close to where we were but far enough that everyone was safe. It was such a cool sight to see. Or so most of the family thought.
My middle son, however, totally freaked out on us! At first I thought he just wasn’t comfortable with the snorkel mask but then we realised that he really does not like fish, of any kind! He did not want to be any where near that stingray! He made his way back towards the shoreline to where he could stand comfortably and had fun on his own…away from any fish. We saw a few additional fish and turtles but nothing as cool as the stingray. After a few hours of swimming and snorkelling the kids were ready to explore some more.
`We headed over to the Grand Turk Margaritaville which had a large pool with a swim up bar. It was definitely a more adult atmosphere with alcohol flowing from a couple different bars but there was still plenty for kids to do.
We ordered a few drinks but since the food and drinks were on the expensive side we choose not to eat anything and instead got food when we got back on the ship. We were honestly a little disappointed we didn’t book time at the Margaritaville pool. If we ever went back to Grand Turk, I think we’d spend most of the day at the large outdoor pool.
We then walked over to shopping area just a few steps from the ship. We walked through several of the shops.
My oldest love Ron Jon Surf Shop, so of course we ventured in there where we found some gifts as well as a few things for ourselves. This is one of the only Ron Jon shops outside of the US so if you’re a fan like he is definitely take a few minutes to stop in.
After spending some time shopping we ventured down off the other side of the pier to take some photos. There are so many places right off the beach to take some very pretty pictures of the ship and photos with all of us and the ship in the background. By this time it was starting to get very hot and the kids were getting hungry, so we walked back to the ship and were back on board within a few minutes.
In all I enjoyed our time in this port. The snorkelling was cool, and while didn’t see a ton of fish for a first time try for the kids I think the two liked it more than I expected. At least now we know my middle son will not be doing anything with the ocean in his future. I highly suggest getting off the ship early if you want to go to the beach, by the time we went back to the ship the beach closest to the pier was very crowded. If I were to go back again I would maybe try snorkelling at a different beach or spend time at the Margaritaville pool. It was however nice being so close to the ship and being able to get right back on when the kids were ready.
