Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, representing the territory’s administrative, cultural, historical and commercial centre. Located between the Cruise Center and Cockburn Town, the famous Governor’s Beach offers a classic Caribbean combination of soft white sand and calm turquoise waters.
Governor’s Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers, snorkelers and divers too. Close to both Cockburn Town and the Cruise Center it’s popular with locals and tourists alike. The beach has sugar-soft sand and is lined with a shady grove of pine trees, plus water that is ideal for swimming.
A kilometer offshore lies the famous ‘Wall’ – the world’s third largest coral reef structure, and a diving hotspot where the seafloor drops 7,000ft into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The reef offers some of the best diving anywhere in the Caribbean, with a full spectrum of coral, tropical fish and larger sea creatures. Look out for rarer sightings too, such as hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and migrating humpback whales. Another popular sight at the beach is the Mega One Triton – a shipwreck that washed ashore in 2012 storms. Its rusty hull serves as a rather eye-catching juxtaposition to the otherwise picturesque landscape.
- Visitors are advised to book snorkeling or diving excursions in advance to avoid disappointment.
- The beach has picnic benches, but other facilities are relatively limited.
- Beachside cafés and bars can be found at the end of the beach closest to the cruise terminal.
If stopping as part of a cruise day trip, Governor’s Beach is about a 15-minute walk from Grand Turk Cruise Center. Alternatively, taxis make the journey, golf buggies are available for hire, or there is a hop-on-hop-off shuttle that can be booked in advance. Grand Turk is home to the second largest airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands, JAGS McCartney International Airport, but the majority of international flights operate to and from the island of Providenciales.
The weather in Grand Turk is consistently warm throughout the year. Peak visitor season is from December to April, while the late summer and early autumn tends to be quieter due to the hurricane risk. Some businesses temporarily close during this time and visitor numbers are often lower.
After a few hours on Governor’s Beach, take a short taxi ride north to charming Cockburn Town, the historic capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Running alongside the beach, Duke Street—the main thoroughfare—is dotted with colourful, colonial-style buildings that are home to hotels, shops, restaurants and museums.
