Governor's Beach
Grand Turk
Found on the west coast between the Grand Turk Cruise Center and Cockburn Town, Governor’s Beach is objectively the best beach on Grand Turk. The site gets its name from being the location of the Governor’s mansion, Waterloo, which is found a short distance away from the main beach access. Governor’s Beach is part of the Columbus Landfall National Park.
Sheltered from the typical east-southeast trade winds, this beach offers a wide strip of white sand, shallow clear water, and a thick casuarina tree grove for shade.
There isn't really any good snorkeling at Governor’s Beach, though many people do try to snorkel here. Some rocky patches can be found in areas, but simply not much coral or fish life is found here. Although typically calm, Governor’s Beach can experience some low rolling waves when there is a high ocean swell.
When a cruise ship is in port, there are usually vendors selling souvenirs and cold drinks.
If you expect to rent a vehicle and explore Grand Turk on your own (one of the top recommended activities), you may want to make Governor’s Beach your initial stop—that way, you will beat the tour crowds and will have much of the coast to yourself for an hour or two.
The Beach
The ocean clarity at Governor’s Beach is exquisite, and the sand is incredibly soft with a light peach hue. Much of the sand in the Turks and Caicos is of broken-down shell and coral origin, and the fineness of the sand grain and color is dependent on how new the sand is. The excellent sand at Governor’s Beach is quite fresh, and is produced largely by parrotfish and other animals that feed on reef algae and corals and excrete them as sand a short distance away.
You can see this in live action on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.
Snorkeling
Governor’s Beach is also a popular beach snorkeling spot. However, this is mainly due to ease of access and the typically excellent underwater visibility.
The only underwater sights close to shore are the remains of a very old rock jetty. Small amounts of coral, a few red sea fans, and some tiny reef fish can be seen here, but this site really doesn’t compare to the incredible snorkeling reefs found at other locations in the Turks and Caicos.
Apart from this small collection of rocks, the ocean at Governor’s Beach offers a beautiful white sandy bottom.
Mega One Triton
From 2012 to March 11, 2020, the large and derelict Mega One Triton ship was grounded on Governor’s Beach near the primary beach access. This wreck washed ashore during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Mega One Triton was formerly an oil rig service vessel, and started a new life as a cargo ship with a route between the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk after it was decommissioned. The wreck was finally removed in early 2020, costing the taxpayers of the Turks and Caicos $3.7 million.
Getting to Governor’s Beach from the Cruise Center
Although the beach is only about one mile (1.6 km) north of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, it’s unfortunately not possible to walk up to Governor’s Beach along the coast—the main port for Grand Turk blocks a small section of the way. Some may consider walking the one-mile (1.6 km) each way journey along the road, but be aware that there are no sidewalks and few directional signs.
The beach fronting the Cruise Center gradually improves as it progresses towards Governor’s Beach. If you’d rather not arrange transport, consider simply walking down the coast a distance. Doing so will also offer the benefit of a less crowded coast.
A taxi should cost about $4 per person each way to and from the Cruise Center. Taxi drivers may try to charge more than this fare.
Beach Access
The expansive Main Access is the best way to get to Governor’s Beach. There is ample free parking for cars.