Sun-soaked sultry shores of Grand Turk
There's a reason why most Caribbean cruise ships make a stop off in Grand Turk. Not only is the island a mecca for scuba divers, it's also steeped in history. This was the first place Christopher Columbus landed on his exploration to the New World more than 500 years ago and the island has been making history ever since. With gorgeous beaches and a ton of water sports, it's hardly surprising that this winter getaway hotspot sees families descending on its sun-soaked shores to escape the cold back home and bag Grand Turk vacation rentals.
Grand Turk is a mecca for scuba divers
Most outdoor adventures in Grand Turk are centered around the ocean. The healthy corals, staggering number of marine species and excellent visibility, which often extends more than 100 feet, has long made it a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers. If you haven't got your PADI certification, there are few places better to get it than Grand Turk, though there are plenty of other water sports to keep you busy if diving isn't your bag. Landlubbers staying in a Grand Turk vacation rental won't be disappointed, with horseback rides along the beach or exciting 4x4 adventures.
Grand Turk: the perfect winter getaway
The best weather in Grand Turk is, undoubtedly, between December and March, when the threat of rainfall is very low, and the days are bright and sunny. It's also the busiest season, with families scoring Grand Turk vacation rentals and jetting in for a little winter sun. If you want to save a few bucks, book up a rental in April or May, when the weather hovers around the 80s, the hurricane season has yet to arrive and the prices have taken a nosedive. You won't regret it when you've got swathes of paradisal white sand beach all to yourself.
It's all happening in Grand Turk's sea
While there are a few critters on the island itself, including an impressive number of recorded bird species, most wildlife spotting opportunities are in the surrounding water. In fact, the marine life is some of the most colorful and varied in all the Caribbean. There are simply too many creatures to list but highlights include dolphins, hawksbill turtles and spotted eagle rays. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a passing reef shark or manta ray and if you visit between January and March, the ocean teems with migrating whales, who come to the calm waters to breed and raise their young.
Transportation options to and around Grand Turk
Fly into Grand Turk (GDT-JAGS McCartney Intl.), the closest airport, located 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from the city center.
