Eurodam Turks & Caicos Beaches Advice

[gundan]

Hello,

We are planning our first HAL cruise in the Eurodam going to the Eastern Caribbean. Our party consists of a variety of ages. from a 1 year old baby, my 3 year old son and my 82 year old grand father who is in reasonable shape.

On the first day considering the ship will be in Turks & Caicos just between 8 & 3 and we need to get back to the ship for lunch(as we are vegetarians), what are our options?

We would like to go to one of the pretty beaches, walk around and just relax. What are the best options? Is there some kind of public transport available that will take us to the beaches, if so which beach would you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Gundan

[natty bumppo]

There is a very pleasant beach just as you walk off the pier. It is somewhat rocky, but if you stay on the light colored areas, it is smooth rock. It is sandy at the shore. Lots of loungers, shade, and sun. It's a quick walk back to the ship for lunch. There is a huge Margaritaville with a large pool (seems to be mostly shallow) just behind the beach area. It met our needs for a convenient beach day.

[mahi mahi]

There is a very pleasant beach just as you walk off the pier. It is somewhat rocky, but if you stay on the light colored areas, it is smooth rock. It is sandy at the shore. Lots of loungers, shade, and sun. It's a quick walk back to the ship for lunch. There is a huge Margaritaville with a large pool (seems to be mostly shallow) just behind the beach area. It met our needs for a convenient beach day.
I second that. You don't need to go anywhwere else than Margaritaville and the beach right alongside the ship. You can even rent masks and snorkels for about 10 bucks if I remember correctly and swim right there. The water is very clear and there are a few fish and other interesting things to look at.

Jake

[djhsolara]

I second that. You don't need to go anywhwere else than Margaritaville and the beach right alongside the ship. You can even rent masks and snorkels for about 10 bucks if I remember correctly and swim right there. The water is very clear and there are a few fish and other interesting things to look at.

Jake

And if you need any more justification...I will put a third stamp of approval on this option.

I know that many go to another beach on Grand Turk (and I've never been there so I can't talk about it), but the beach that is right off the pier is very nice. As has also been mentioned, the pool area at Margaritaville is very nice as well. Our first time there we didn't realize it was for our use, but were told very quickly that it is there for everyone's use.

I don't know if you like it quiet or "party"...but if you like it quiet my suggestion is to get off the ship earlier and enjoy the peacefulness of the beach and pool before the party gets going at Margaritaville.

[Johanna7]

The Beach is right there near Margaritaville. There are a fine shops which are also interesting so there is a bit for everyone, any age and you will have a great day there.

[mllewis48]

I agree with all others, we were just there recent a few weeks ago on the Eurodam. The beach to your left as you walk off the pier is very nice and adjacent to Margaritaville. Margaritaville in itself is quite expensive for lunch and drinks, but very nice. See attached photos of the area.

Mike

[gundan]

Mike,

Thanks for the photos, gives a great perspective.

Is there public transport available that will take us around the island? to other pretty beaches?

Thanks,
gundan

[mllewis48]

Gundan,

Not sure unless it would be on a Shore Excursion. Our first time to the island we took an Island Tour, very nice.

Good Luck
Mike

[cruzmann]

I did this cruise last year and I think we all need to be honest. Grand Turk is a nice island with a pretty beach and any attempts to make it more than that are wishful thinking. Get off the boat, enjoy the beach and make some new friends since it's the first day, Then it's off to other, more interesting islands.
You might disagree but that's my take.

[canadarocks]

I'm wondering if I should rethink my Grand Turk plan..... currently we are booked to do the HAL ship excursion "Gibbs Cay Stingray & Snorkeling" and I planned to head to Jack's Shack after that.

Now I'm thinking we should just focus on enjoying the area by the port (including Jack's!).

Can anyone recommend Gibb's Cay as a do not miss location? :confused:

[woody14h]

I did this cruise last year and I think we all need to be honest. Grand Turk is a nice island with a pretty beach and any attempts to make it more than that are wishful thinking. Get off the boat, enjoy the beach and make some new friends since it's the first day, Then it's off to other, more interesting islands.
You might disagree but that's my take.

Ditto!!

[mllewis48]

I don't think I would disagree with Cruzmann on Grand Turk. Each time we visit a new island we try to take an island tour to see the sights but as mentioned, a nice island but nothing fantastic. Most of the action is at the pier area, including Margaritaville, the beach, and just down the beach a short walk to the left coming off the pier is Jacks Shack. We have been there 3 times since December 2009 only because the cruises we choose had Grand Turk as a stop.

Hope you enjoy

Mike

[edmusic]

We'll be visiting Turks & Caicos for the first time in a couple of weeks and from my research (boards and blogs, Trip Advisor, etc.) the shore excursions are disappointing for the most part. Almost everyone raves about having lunch and hanging at the beach at Jack's Shack, so that's what we've decided to do. Will post my critique in three weeks!

[*Live2Cruise*]

If you want a nice quiet beach, just turn right after you get off the pier. You can walk a nice distance with few people. When I was there this past July the beach was covered with Conch shells. It looked like bones on the beach. I regret not having my camera as it was a very beauitful experience.