GRAND TURK, TURKS & CAICOS

Experience the natural history and cultural heritage of Grand Turk in a “Safari themed 4 x 4”. We shall learn about Grand Turk’s rich history and culture, as it was reputed to be the place where Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the West Indies.

Experience the natural history and cultural heritage of Grand Turk in a “Safari themed 4 x 4”. We shall learn about Grand Turk’s rich history and culture, as it was reputed to be the place where Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the West Indies. Our journey starts with a drive to Governor’s beach where we can catch a glimpse of Grand Turk’s 9-hole golf course, which is, actually situated on the Governors residential grounds. We will view the crystal clear waters and the Freighters Dock which is the only cargo port on the island, before driving to the nation’s capital city Cockburn Town - the Administrative and Political Capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. While we travel through the town, along its historical Pond Street, we will enjoy the views of the ruins of the old Salina’s depicting how salt was derived through natural process of “solarisation” and observe the windmills that were used to funnel natural seawater from one salina to another. Our tour will come to a stop near the town where our guide will escort us on a 15 minute leisurely walk down the quaint “Front Street” lined with turn of the century Bermudian style architecture. After this informative tour we will travel off the beaten path, where tour buses dare not venture, to North Wells. If we are lucky we might just catch a glimpse of the famous endangered “Pink Flamingos” that may occasionally be seen foraging through the silted bottom of the Salina ponds on the island in search of brine shrimp and other crustaceans indigenous to the natural wild life. Not to mention passing the occasional indigenous wild horse who roams free on the island. We shall enter North Wells by way of a narrow sand track and pass the North Creek, the last remaining safe hurricane shelter for yachts travelling between Nassau and Puerto Rico and where many locals moor their boats all year round.After travelling through North Creek, we will pass the St Thomas Anglican Church, the first church built on Grand Turk by Bermudian settlers, on our way to the south-eastern side of the island. We will enjoy the view of Gibbs Cay and the many little uninhabited islands that are visible in the Atlantic Ocean before heading back to our awaiting ship. Passengers on this tour should be prepared to get bumped around, therefore it is unsuitable for those people with limited mobility, neck or back problems, or pregnant ladies. Children should be 6 years or over. Do not forget your sun protection and towel. There is approximately 15 minutes of walking involved, all jeeps – which have steps to board them – are fitted with seatbelts that must be worn at all times.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON