Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Port of Departure and Return
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos – Port Visit on Day 3
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
Grand Turk is a small Island separated by more than 20 miles from the rest of Turks and Caicos.
OFF THE WALL DIVING
Of all the things to do in Grand Turk, wall dives — characterized by vertical descents alongside the edge of coral reefs or other underwater terrain — might be the most dramatic. Grand Turk is home to a 7,000-foot drop, a quarter mile from Duke Street beach. The Grand Turk Wall is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Caribbean.”
GET WRECKED
On a cruise to Grand Turk, you can explore the oldest excavated European shipwreck — the Molasses Reef Wreck, from 1515. Discovered in West Caicos, it is on display at the Turks and Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town. The museum is inside Guinep House, one of the island’s oldest buildings. Other fascinating shipwrecks are on display, including a Spanish vessel.
SOAK IN THE RAYS
The locals of Gibbs Cay are eager to meet you — they also happen to be stingrays. The harmless rays dwell off this small, seven-acre island, also known as Stingray City. A short boat ride gets you to one of the most enjoyable things to do in Grand Turk. You can snorkel and get acquainted with these sweet creatures.
LOCAL CUISINE
On a cruise to Grand Turk, you’ll discover that these islands are best known for conch (pronounced conk). Visitors will find this shellfish in all forms — curried, fried, stewed or in a salad — and at nearly every island eatery. Try the conch fritters at Jack’s Shack Beach Bar & Grill for a mouthwatering bite.
SHOPPING
Upon arrival on your cruise to Grand Turk, pick up souvenirs near the pier or venture into Cockburn Town, where you’ll find authentic wares at the Turks and Caicos National Museum gift shop, including local artisan handcrafts such as woven hats from the Middle Caicos Co-op.
INSIDER’S TIPS
>> Golf cart rentals are an easy way to zip around the island on a trip to Grand Turk.
>> If you’re planning to bring back shell souvenirs, be aware that conch shells are limited to a maximum of three per person.
>> The official currency is the U.S. dollar. Not everyone takes cards, so make sure to bring some cash.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale delivers the best of both worlds— beach basking and glitzy cosmopolitan appeal. From serene Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the buzzing Boardwalk of Hollywood (that’s Florida, not California), there’s a stretch of sand for every style of beachgoer. And jumbo yachts roam more than 300 miles of waterways in this “Venice of America.” Hitch a ride on the free Water Taxi or cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat before or after your Fort Lauderdale cruise. Head to the historic Stranahan House for a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history and be sure to hit its modern-day backyard: the people-watching mecca of Las Olas Boulevard.
STREET SCENE
Las Olas Boulevard, nestled next door to downtown, is the entertainment core of Fort Lauderdale. It has a mile of upscale shops and al fresco dining that runs past high-rises and into the RiverWalk, where you can catch the free water trolley for a cruise across mega-mansion-lined canals.
GLADES OF GLORY
Head west and explore the Florida Everglades, an untamed river of grass spanning 2,200 acres of picturesque wetlands. Whether you take a wild ride in an airboat or splash around in a swamp buggy, you’ll encounter wild alligators and native birds thriving among Florida’s finest natural landscapes.
VITAMIN SEA
Soak up the sun, sand, and seaside fun along Fort Lauderdale Beach. Walk along the palm-lined “Strip” on State Road A1A to get your fill of beach bars, souvenir shops, and outdoor restaurants. Fort Lauderdale cruises allow you to go full throttle on a Jet Ski®— or go parasailing high above the ocean.
LOCAL CUISINE
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Fort Lauderdale dining experience than eating fresh-off-the-boat seafood in a waterfront eatery. Local “Floribbean” cuisine melds Caribbean and Latin-influenced flavors with locally caught fish, shrimp, and crab. Surf-and-turf joints line every inch of A1A along the beach, while white tablecloths drape the majority of Las Olas sidewalk restaurants.
SHOPPING
Pick up beachwear at The Gallery at Beach Place, or find rare books and handmade hats on Hollywood Boulevard. Dania’s Antique Row is home to some 100 dealers, while art galleries and unusual boutiques line Las Olas Boulevard. For serious bargains, head to the Sawgrass Mills outlet sprawl.
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