Grand Turk
Grand Turk is a small island in Turks & Caicos, known for Cockburn Town, its salt-trade history and diving along the offshore reef.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Grand Turk is one of the Turks & Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Cockburn Town, the island’s main settlement, has historic buildings along Front Street. Salt ponds and the Grand Turk Lighthouse are other landmarks to see while exploring the island. Grand Turk’s history is closely tied to salt production, which shaped life and trade here.
Visitors come to dive and snorkel in the waters around the island, including at the offshore reef wall. A stay can focus on time in the water, a walk through Cockburn Town and a boat trip to nearby Gibbs Cay. Grand Turk has fewer resort and dining options than Providenciales, so it may not suit travelers looking for a large choice of hotels and restaurants. Two or three days gives you time to explore town and plan a water-based outing. The drier season is roughly November through April.
Grand Turk in five
- Carry US dollarsThe US dollar is the currency in Turks & Caicos. Carry some cash for small purchases and check your card issuer’s foreign-transaction fees.
- Check entry rules for your passportEntry requirements depend on your nationality. Check the Turks & Caicos government’s border-control guidance before you travel.Visas and entry
- Save the emergency numberCall 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies in Turks & Caicos.
- Arrange airport transport in advanceGrand Turk has no public bus network. Confirm how you will travel from JAGS McCartney International Airport to your accommodation.
- Arrange a boat trip to Gibbs CayGibbs Cay is reached by boat from Grand Turk. Arrange a trip with an operator on the island.
Things to do in Grand Turk
See all attractions in Grand Turk
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- Visa-free entry for some passports; check requirements by nationality Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- About 15% is customary for good restaurant service
- Time
- UTC−5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryCool, dry
- FebruaryDry, mild
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilWarm, breezy
- MayHot, dry
- JuneHot, humid
- JulyHurricane season
- AugustHurricane risk
- SeptemberHurricane risk
- OctoberRain, storm risk
- NovemberWarm, drier
- DecemberDry, breezy
Right now in Grand Turk
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 75%
- Wind
- 22 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Cockburn Town
03:39 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°26°100%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue29°27°59%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Wed29°27°39%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Thu28°26°51%Thursday: Rain. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 51%.
- Fri29°27°42%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 42%.
- Sat29°28°25%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Sun28°27°22%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 22%.
Updated 03:11 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Gibbs Cayabout 30 min by boatTake a boat trip to the cay and nearby reef for snorkeling.
- Salt Cayabout 30 min by ferryVisit a neighboring island with a history of salt production.
- Grand Turk reefabout 15 to 30 min by boatBook a boat outing to snorkel or dive at the reef off the island.
Before you go to Grand Turk
Rules for Grand Turk, checked
- Check the Turks & Caicos border-control guidance for entry requirements that apply to your passport.Source
- Carry your passport when travelling between islands and keep it accessible for identification checks.
- Check Turks & Caicos Customs guidance before bringing food, plants or animal products.
Plan around Grand Turk
Plan practical details for a trip to the islands
Read the guideGetting aroundPlan transport between the airport, town and beaches
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan cash, cards and spending for your trip
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck entry requirements for your passport
Read the guideWhere to stayChoose a base for your trip
Read the guideGrand Turk FAQ
How many days do you need on Grand Turk?
Two or three days gives you time for Cockburn Town, the beaches and a boat trip to Gibbs Cay. Allow more time for a slower stay.
Is Grand Turk worth visiting?
Grand Turk suits a trip focused on Cockburn Town, beaches and nearby reefs. It has fewer resort and dining options than Providenciales.
Where should I stay on Grand Turk?
Cockburn Town is the island’s main base, with historic buildings, shops and restaurants. For beach access, look for accommodation near the coast.
How do you get around Grand Turk?
There is no public bus network. Options include a rental car, scooter, bicycle or taxi. Confirm airport transport with your accommodation.
Can you visit Gibbs Cay from Grand Turk?
Yes. Boat trips go from Grand Turk to Gibbs Cay. Book with an island operator and confirm the meeting point and departure details.
What currency is used on Grand Turk?
The currency in Turks & Caicos is the US dollar (USD). Carry some cash for small purchases.