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- Golf carts in Grand Turk
Golf carts in Grand Turk
Conquer Grand Turk at Your Own Pace: The Joy of Golf Cart Rentals!
For cruise ship passengers docking in the beautiful island of Grand Turk, one of the most popular and liberating ways to explore its charm and scenic beauty is by renting a golf cart. This fun and convenient mode of transportation perfectly suits the island’s laid-back vibe and allows you the freedom to discover its hidden gems at your own leisurely pace. Forget crowded taxis or organized tours; a golf cart puts you in the driver’s seat (literally!) for an unforgettable Grand Turk adventure.
The island of Grand Turk is remarkably compact, stretching only about 7 miles long and a mere 1.5 miles wide. This manageable size makes it ideal for exploration via golf cart. Within a relatively short drive, you can easily access the majority of the island’s key attractions and soak in its unique atmosphere. The convenience factor is also a major plus, as numerous golf cart rental companies are conveniently located right outside the cruise terminal. Stepping off the ship, you’ll likely be greeted by vendors offering their colorful fleets, making the rental process incredibly accessible.
With your own golf cart, the possibilities for exploration are plentiful. One of the most popular destinations is the historic Cockburn Town, the island’s capital. Here, you can wander through charming colonial-era buildings, browse local shops, and soak in the island’s rich history. Be sure to visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum to learn about the island’s fascinating past. Heading north, you’ll find the iconic Grand Turk Lighthouse, a majestic structure offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding turquoise waters. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a glimpse into the island’s maritime heritage. Along the western coast, you’ll discover stunning beaches like Governor’s Beach, known for its calm waters and powdery white sand, ideal for swimming and relaxation. You can also venture south towards the southern tip of the island, where you’ll find dramatic coastal scenery and the chance to spot migrating whales during the winter months. Exploring the salt pans, remnants of the island’s salt production history, offers a unique glimpse into Grand Turk’s past.
A crucial point to remember for visitors is that Grand Turk is a British Overseas Territory, which means they drive on the left side of the road. This might take a few minutes to adjust to, so exercise caution and take it slow, especially when navigating roundabouts. Thankfully, the island’s roads are generally quiet, making it easier to get accustomed to left-hand driving in a golf cart.
Given the popularity of golf cart rentals, especially among cruise ship passengers, it is highly recommended to rent your golf cart in advance, particularly if you’re visiting during peak season or have a specific model in mind. Many rental companies offer online booking options, allowing you to secure your transportation before you even arrive on the island. This will save you time and ensure you don’t miss out, as they do sell out quickly, especially on busy cruise days.
Finally, it’s important to be aware of the rental company policies. A common requirement is that renters are responsible for filling up the golf cart with gasoline upon their return. Gas stations are located on the island, but be prepared for the local fuel prices. As of recent information, gas in Grand Turk can be around $7 USD per gallon, so factor this cost into your budget when planning your golf cart adventure. Despite this cost, the freedom and flexibility of exploring Grand Turk at your own pace in a golf cart often outweigh the expense, providing a truly memorable and independent island experience. So, book your cart, embrace the left-hand drive, and get ready to discover the beauty of Grand Turk on your own terms! #ExploreGrandTurk #CruiseExcursion #IslandAdventure
One thing to point out to new cruisers… The island is called Grand Turk. It’s NOT “Grand Turks”, it’s not “grand Turk”, it’s not “Turks”. It’s Grand Turk. Just like it’s New York City, not “City”, or New York Cities. It’s a singular island.


The Sandbar, Grand Turk
The Sandbar Restaurant is a popular eatery located in Grand Turk. Situated on the beachfront, it offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, burgers, salads, and cocktails as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. It is popular among both tourists and locals alike, and is a great spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks. The friendly staff and casual vibe make it an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the tropical atmosphere.
Jack's Shack
Jack’s Shack is a popular beach bar and grill located in Grand Turk. The iconic beach bar is known for its laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly staff. Jack’s Shack is located on the southern end of the island and is accessible by foot from the cruise center. It is situated on a stunning beach, which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
The menu at Jack’s Shack offers an extensive range of fresh, flavorful dishes, including conch specialties, burgers, and seafood. The bar serves delicious cocktails, beer, and icy-cold drinks, and is known for its signature cocktail, the “Sandy Vagina.”
At Jack’s Shack, visitors can relax, soak up the ambiance, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The outdoor seating area provides a picturesque view of the ocean and is perfect for watching the sunset. The staff at Jack’s Shack is friendly and always willing to help, making this a must-visit spot while in Grand Turk.
You can get an umbrella and chair here and hang out by the beach. The beach isn’t rocky like at the port and it’s a lot less people. I will warn you however that if you go here on a golf cart, when you come in from the road side it looks like a dump. Just park your golf cart and walk around the building and you’ll see the awesome place. I highly recommend Jack’s Shack to anyone going to Grand Turk.
If you’re wanting to walk to Jack’s Shack, once you reach the end of the dock from your ship, take a left and walk 0.41 miles. You will come to Jack’s Shack.


Governor's Beach
Governor’s Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Grand Turk. This stunning beach is located on the eastern side of the island, just a few miles from the cruise ship terminal. It boasts crystal-clear water, pristine white sand, and plenty of sunshine, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up some rays.
The calm and shallow waters are ideal for swimming, and the beach is also ideal for picnics and family outings. Visitors can explore the nearby coral reefs, which are home to a variety of colorful fish.
Governor’s Beach also offers excellent views of the Turkish coastline and is known for its breathtaking sunsets.
In summary, Governor’s Beach in Grand Turk is a must-visit tourist destination featuring pristine beaches, calm waters, magnificent coral reefs, and stunning sunsets.
Grand Turk Lighthouse
The Grand Turk Lighthouse, also known as the Turks and Caicos Lighthouse, was built in 1852 and is located on the northern tip of Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It stands at 60 feet tall and has 60 steps to the top.
The lighthouse was constructed to assist ships traveling through the treacherous waters surrounding the island, which were known for shipwrecks and incidents of piracy. It was originally fueled by whale oil, but later switched to kerosene and then electricity in the 1950s.
Today, the Grand Turk Lighthouse is a popular attraction for tourists visiting the island. Visitors can climb to the top for incredible views of the surrounding waters and island scenery. The lighthouse is also commonly featured in postcards and other tourism materials promoting the Turks and Caicos Islands.


Cockburn Town
Cockburn Town is the capital and historical center of Grand Turk Island. The town has a population of about 3,700 and is known for its colorful colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. Many of the town’s buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and several have been converted into museums and cultural centers.
Cockburn Town is also home to several restaurants and bars, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and drinks. Popular activities in the town include swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the nearby coral reefs. Overall, Cockburn Town is a charming and laid-back destination that offers a glimpse into the Caribbean’s colonial past.