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White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Author Mary Chong
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Peace and privacy at a Caribbean beach aren’t hard to find when you visit Governor’s Beach Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos.

If you are a cruise ship passenger to the Caribbean, it’s tough at times to find a spot on a beautiful beach with space to breathe. With thousands of people from multiple cruise ships converging onto a single island, real estate on the sand with some shade often comes at a premium price.

I hate being at the beach with people lounging inches away from me. I need my personal space to relax.

There are two options on the island of Grand Turk for cruise ship passengers looking for free lounge chairs with access to crystal clear turquoise water and shade that’s close to the port.

This view of the crowded beach at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

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White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Cruise Port Terminal Beach

Or these views of Governor’s Beach further down the shore.

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

It’s not that difficult of a decision if you ask me if you are looking for an ideal Grand Turk beach site.

If you are a regular reader of Calculated Traveller and follow our Caribbean beach adventures, then you know that we usually take the local route opting to take local buses or walk in search of the peace and seclusion of a quiet spot on the beach.

At Governor’s Beach we spent the majority of our time with less than ten people nearby, and for the most part, no one stuck around but merely passed through. We never once felt unsafe, as there were a few local families in our midst, we could see boats in the water, and horseback-riding tours rode by. Be aware though that there are no lounge chairs, umbrellas or attractions here – you’ll need to come prepared.

READ: Seven Favourite Items I Pack in my Suitcase

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos | Calculated Traveller | #beach #GrandTurk #TurksAndCaicos #Caribbean

Here’s how to get to Governors Beach from the cruise port

Walk through the shops at the cruise ship terminal to the Taxi zone (towards the Harley Davidson or Margaritaville). You’ll see a little pink Tourist Information booth and a brown wooden structure. Walk through the wooden structure.

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Cruise Terminal

At this point you can hop in a taxi – cost is $4US/person each way. Ensure you have exact change and arrange a pickup time for your return as very few taxis stop at the beach.

 White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Grand Turk map of taxi fares

I also heard that you could rent golf carts for $50/day, but I can’t confirm where to arrange this as we didn’t investigate it, but we will on our next trip and update you here.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan on booking an excursion such as the popular ATV or 4×4 tours, or perhaps an island tour of the town of Cockburn, the National Museum, or the lighthouse you can ask to be dropped off at Governor’s Beach instead of back at the ship.

Just how far is Governors Beach from the cruise port?

If you wish to walk, as we did, it will take you about 20-minutes to walk to Governor’s Beach.

Walk towards the left side, through the parking lot and the main gate. Be careful because there are very few sidewalks as you walk along the paved road.

White Sand Seclusion at Governors Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Parking Lot

Along the way, you’ll pass by some old industrial buildings and an unnamed road near the fuel tanks but keep going until you see the Customs Building.

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Road to the beach

Turn left down the road.

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Road to the beach

Once at Governor’s Beach, you’ll see some shops, a few scattered picnic tables, restrooms, showers and of course the picturesque shipwreck.

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos - Road to the beach

On previous visits to this beach, everything was open, and all the facilities were in working order but unfortunately, not this trip as you can see by the photos. I suspect that Hurricane Irma caused some damage and they have yet to make repairs.

Grand Turk Update Feb 20, 2018
– Men’s restroom was open with running water and toilet paper
– Women’s restroom was locked
– A couple of the showers were working while the other ones were still being repaired
– The food stands were still closed and the buildings are still heavily damaged.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Bring water, lunch etc.

You can also see that the trees have lost quite a bit of their foliage but the water is terrific – crystal clear turquoise and shallow – and the sand is white coral. We had a lovely breeze throughout our visit and barely felt the heat of the sun.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Be careful you don’t burn in the sun as I did. The cool ocean breeze is misleading.

Once you’ve had your fill of the shore, walk back along the road the way you came and spend some time in the shops at the cruise terminal before you return to the ship.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: There is a small display of the NASA Friendship 7 Space Capsule that landed here in 1962 inside the Cruise Centre.

The territory of Turks and Caicos and the island of Grand Turk is known throughout the world for its famous beaches. My wish for you is that you have the best optimum experience and relaxing time while on the island.

White Sand Seclusion at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos | Calculated Traveller | #beach #GrandTurk #TurksAndCaicos #Caribbean

I hope you enjoyed your day of quiet peacefulness at Governor’s Beach Grand Turk.

Read about Governor’s Beach on TripAdvisor

Looking for more cruise port articles?
One Pristine Day at Turners Beach in Antigua
Avoid the Cruise Ship Crowds at Sapphire Beach, St Thomas USVI
An Itinerary for the Best Things to do in Antigua Cruise Port in One Day

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