Planning Your Grand Turk Day Trip

The small island of Grand Turk promises visitors a different atmosphere than Providenciales, combining historical elements with a more laid-back Caribbean charm. Grand Turk is home to the nation’s capital of Cockburn Town, and there are some great historical sights and attractions here.

It’s easy to visit Grand Turk on a day trip from Providenciales, and there’s plenty to occupy a full day. Several round-trip flights depart daily from the Providenciales International Airport. It’s typically best to book an early departure and late return to allow you more time to explore.

There are no ferries between Providenciales and Grand Turk. It’s only possible to reach Grand Turk via domestic flight.

At this time, it's not feasible to visit Grand Turk on a day trip from South Caicos, as there is no ferry service and flights between these islands are limited.

How to Book Your Day Trip (From Providenciales)

• Reserve your domestic flights from the Providenciales International Airport to the Grand Turk Airport. Rates average about $150 per person round-trip. Two local airlines fly this route: Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean. Small twin turboprop aircraft are used for these flights. Flights are often full (especially the first and last flights), so book in advance.
• Reserve your rental vehicle ahead of time. Choices range from scooters and 4x4 buggies to conventional cars and jeeps with air conditioning. Be sure to state that you’ll be arriving at the airport (and not the Cruise Center) and your estimated time of arrival. It’s often possible to make the reservation and simply pay with cash upon pick up.
• Decide how you want to spend the day. See Things to Do on Grand Turk for ideas and print our Grand Turk Map in case your rental car does not have one.
• Arrive at the airport (Providenciales and Grand Turk) at least 45 minutes prior to domestic flight departures. You do not need to arrive a full two hours in advance as with international flights.

Getting to Grand Turk

There are several flights per day between Providenciales and Grand Turk. Flights on average cost around $150 per person round trip (2025 price) and the flight time each way is around 30 minutes.

There are two local airlines: interCaribbean and Caicos Express Airways. Both have similar schedules and fares. You can book online, via telephone, or at their offices on Providenciales. There’s typically availability for most flights (ignoring special occasions), although it’s recommended to book a few days in advance, particularly if you want a cheaper fare.

There are no ferry services between Grand Turk and Providenciales.

Getting Around Grand Turk

It's recommended that you rent a car for transport, as it’s the safest and most convenient way to get around and see everything.

It costs around $90 per day for an economy-class sedan or small SUV (insurance and taxes included). Fuel is expensive at around $7.20 per gallon, yet due to the island’s small size, you shouldn’t spend much more than $20–30 on fuel for the day.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center offers island tours by bus and open truck, yet these are geared towards cruise ship visitors and only operate when a ship is in port. Most taxis also offer tours if you don’t wish to drive.

Planning Your Day

Grand Turk has great beaches, sights, and historical attractions, as well as some fun water sports and activities to try. If you’re planning on diving, fishing, booking a boat charter, or trying another water sport (or whale-watching during the winter months), plan your flight arrival and departure accordingly.

One of the best attractions near Grand Turk is Gibbs Cay. This remarkable and small island attracts many wild stingrays that freely interact with humans. Depending on your tour provider, your excursion to Gibbs Cay may include diving for conch, a BBQ lunch on the beach, and snorkeling. Tours are typically around four hours long, which gives you time to see the other sights on Grand Turk too.

The Grand Turk Lighthouse is the island’s most famous landmark. Built in 1852, this is the only lighthouse in the country and was prefabricated in England. There’s free admission to the grounds. No tours are offered inside the structure. The site is located on the scenic northern end of the island, near the old US Navy NAVFAC 104 Base.

Front Street in Cockburn Town features many rustic colonial-era buildings. Unfortunately, this area isn't maintained very well and some poor-quality tourism structures have been built, which detracts a bit from the original historic feel of the area.

The beautiful St. Mary’s Anglican Church is here as well, along with the Turks and Caicos National Museum, the primary museum in the country. The National Museum has an exhibit on the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck excavated in the western hemisphere.

In the center of the island are remains of the salt days, namely the natural shallow salt salinas. You’ll see remains of the canals, retaining walls, and causeways.

Throughout the island are semi-wild donkeys left behind from the salt industry era, and these donkeys roam freely.

Dining

If a cruise ship isn't in (check the port schedule), it can be difficult to find an open restaurant. The Sandbar Restaurant on Duke’s Street is open seven days a week for lunch and serves international and American-style dishes such as hamburgers.