What is there here in port?

I know when you get off the ship there's a huge port with the beach, pool and flow-rider and so on.

Can anyone give me details on this place? Do they have chairs at the beach? Does it cost to rent chairs there? Is the pool free? What type of expenses can one incur while there in port (other than shopping)? Is there anything other than the pool & beach? Any rentals (like kayaks or anything)?

We will adventure down the beach for awhile, but closer to time to board again we would like to spend some time here as well.

I know there's a conch graveyard to the right, is it a very long walk? Where does the path take you and how much time should I plan on to head that way and experience it fully? Any snorkeling over that way or is it just too rocky to get in the water right there?

As for the snorkeling...does it run all the way up and down the beach? Or just in front of the cruise port area? Is this truly a "snorkeling" area? Is there any coral or rocks to be seen or just merely a sandy bottom area with fish swimming around? How deep is it at the area you snorkel?

Thanks in advance. :)

At the port itself there are a number of shops, outdoor mall so to speak. You have to walk through it to get to the beach I beleive.

There is the Margaritaville facility which takes up a good portion of space. Huge pool (free for anyone to use), lots of loungers around the pool, etc. The wave-rider costs extra. They do serve food and beverages (for a cost) both around the pool and at the swim up pool bar.

The beach in front of Margaritaville is big and beautiful and free. There are plenty of loungers that are for the use of anyone on a ship. I don't recall umbrellas, but there may be some as well.

If you walk to the left (while facing the land) you will see some other small beach bars that offer food and drink. They tend to change hands (with the exception of Jack's Shack) often, but have some great conch and cold beer. Some of these small places also have rentals and activities. There will be beach vendors selling snorkeling, or parasailing, etc. Definitley not overbearing or anything. It's a very nice beach atmosphere.

If you walk to the right from the pier and go around the point you will find the conch graveyard. Its not too long of a walk, but wear shoes!

Jacks Shack (if you get down that far) will charge for beach chairs and umbrellas. Not sure about the other places. There is also a small casino in the same area. You'll need cash for food and drinks and any kind of exchursion you might purchase on the beach. If you wander too far from the cruise area, you may need to pay for chairs. You'll see it. It's very clear as you are pulling into dock.

Check here.

http://www.grandturkcc.com

You'll see the entire island as you sail in, so how long it takes you to go around past the rocky conch point depends on how fast you walk..I think I went all the way to the other side of the island and back within 30-40 minutes. It is beautiful over there.

I did see people snorkeling out there at the point - I believe water shoes would be helpful. Water was quite shallow.

As far as the snorkeling near the port beach, you nailed it, just sandy area with a few rocks, and a few fish swimming around. That's what you'll find at any beach that has been tampered with by man and machine.

There is a wall, which will have deeper, and better snorkeling. I have not done that (after a few trips in Bonaire, everything else is just so - so), so maybe someone who has actually boated out there can comment

mitusgirly,

Welcome to G.T. :)

In addition to Mrsfuzzmo's great advice, if you decide you'd like really good snorkeling and NOT off a ship excursion boat (the reef around the island is a great reef with lots of marine life) then take a look at Pillory Beach (Bohio Resort). They run a good operation out of there. But sometimes, if the resort is full with longer staying guests, you might not be able to pick up a day pass. But generally a much quieter place than the cruise port and the reef is reasonable close to shore here so it's not a long boat ride.

Coming back from Bohio, assuming you don't eat there, have the taxi run you through downtown and stop at the Sandbar for a really good local lunch on their deck over looking the water.

If you do gander about in search of the conch "graveyard" then do walk all the way down to the tip of the island and turn left up the east side to see the less populated area with a few ruins and lots of shore birds.

I know whatever, you wind up doing, you'll have a grand time in Grand Turk.

At the port itself there are a number of shops, outdoor mall so to speak. You have to walk through it to get to the beach I beleive.

 

There is the Margaritaville facility which takes up a good portion of space. Huge pool (free for anyone to use), lots of loungers around the pool, etc. The wave-rider costs extra. They do serve food and beverages (for a cost) both around the pool and at the swim up pool bar.

 

The beach in front of Margaritaville is big and beautiful and free. There are plenty of loungers that are for the use of anyone on a ship. I don't recall umbrellas, but there may be some as well.

 

If you walk to the left (while facing the land) you will see some other small beach bars that offer food and drink. They tend to change hands (with the exception of Jack's Shack) often, but have some great conch and cold beer. Some of these small places also have rentals and activities. There will be beach vendors selling snorkeling, or parasailing, etc. Definitley not overbearing or anything. It's a very nice beach atmosphere.

 

If you walk to the right from the pier and go around the point you will find the conch graveyard. Its not too long of a walk, but wear shoes!

 

Jacks Shack (if you get down that far) will charge for beach chairs and umbrellas. Not sure about the other places. There is also a small casino in the same area. You'll need cash for food and drinks and any kind of exchursion you might purchase on the beach. If you wander too far from the cruise area, you may need to pay for chairs. You'll see it. It's very clear as you are pulling into dock.

Thanks for the info. :)

Check here.

 

http://www.grandturkcc.com

 

You'll see the entire island as you sail in, so how long it takes you to go around past the rocky conch point depends on how fast you walk..I think I went all the way to the other side of the island and back within 30-40 minutes. It is beautiful over there.

 

I did see people snorkeling out there at the point - I believe water shoes would be helpful. Water was quite shallow.

 

As far as the snorkeling near the port beach, you nailed it, just sandy area with a few rocks, and a few fish swimming around. That's what you'll find at any beach that has been tampered with by man and machine.

 

There is a wall, which will have deeper, and better snorkeling. I have not done that (after a few trips in Bonaire, everything else is just so - so), so maybe someone who has actually boated out there can comment

Awesome, thanks for the link. But looking at the "map" of the cruise port, it looks like there's beach chairs lined up and down both sides of the cruise port. I don't know why but thought the if you go to the right it wasn't really a place to sit down and relax and that's where the conch graveyard is. :confused: I guess not? So the conch graveyard is just past that I assume?

mitusgirly,

 

Welcome to G.T. :)

 

In addition to Mrsfuzzmo's great advice, if you decide you'd like really good snorkeling and NOT off a ship excursion boat (the reef around the island is a great reef with lots of marine life) then take a look at Pillory Beach (Bohio Resort). They run a good operation out of there. But sometimes, if the resort is full with longer staying guests, you might not be able to pick up a day pass. But generally a much quieter place than the cruise port and the reef is reasonable close to shore here so it's not a long boat ride.

 

Coming back from Bohio, assuming you don't eat there, have the taxi run you through downtown and stop at the Sandbar for a really good local lunch on their deck over looking the water.

 

If you do gander about in search of the conch "graveyard" then do walk all the way down to the tip of the island and turn left up the east side to see the less populated area with a few ruins and lots of shore birds.

 

I know whatever, you wind up doing, you'll have a grand time in Grand Turk.

Crew, I knew I can always depend on you. Thanks in advance! :)

I had considered Pillory, but then decided against trying to do anything that "might" cost money in all the ports we'll be visiting (since the cruise is going to cost us about 2 1/2 times what we would "normally" pay for any cruise. But, of course I'm leaving my options open yet still trying to keep it simple. Hopefully I'll make it back to GT again some day and will be able to check out Pillory.

Wow you make it sound like it's quite a walk to the conch graveyard. (Especially using the words "tip" of the island...while I do know that the islands not big, still....) I guess I got a different feeling about getting there. I just thought, for some reason, it was on the other side of the pier down that ocean front. I don't know where I got that from, but that's what was pictured in my head. :p

I need a "walking picture tour"...don't you have one of those for me crew? :D

Ok, here is a picture I did from google earth. Is the end of the cruise ship area right where I put the white line? Is it right past that? Or is it all the way to the very tip where it turns and goes the other way? Like the tip tip. :p And are you walking along the beach the entire time to get there?

The conch graveyard, and a possible snorkel spot are at the tip.

It is not that far, as I mentioned, you can see it from the ship.

10 - 15 minutes from the pier, maybe?

Yes, there are chairs to the right and the left of the pier, you will just continue walking past the ones on the right (as you face the island..away from Margaritaville) to get to, and around, the tip.

It's really easy to navigate the area.

I know when you get off the ship there's a huge port with the beach, pool and flow-rider and so on.

You love beaches so you would very much enjoy taking the inexpensive short taxi shuttle to Majahaul (known as the little fishing village but not so little any more). :D

The conch graveyard, and a possible snorkel spot are at the tip.

It is not that far, as I mentioned, you can see it from the ship.

10 - 15 minutes from the pier, maybe?

 

Yes, there are chairs to the right and the left of the pier, you will just continue walking past the ones on the right (as you face the island..away from Margaritaville) to get to, and around, the tip.

 

It's really easy to navigate the area.

So are you walking in the sand along the beach? I have seen a few pictures of someone walking a path that looked like a dirt road, trees and brush and not by the ocean. So, I'm confused. :confused:

You love beaches so you would very much enjoy taking the inexpensive short taxi shuttle to Majahaul (known as the little fishing village but not so little any more). :D

Are you confused Lulu? This is the Grand Turk board, not Costa Maya. I have been to Majahaul several times in Costa Maya. ;)

You walk along the beach, to the East (right) in the picture, to the point and around, if you wish.

There are some spots where the sand is mixed with hard coral, so water shoes are nice to have, but not required.

Ok, here is a picture I did from google earth. Is the end of the cruise ship area right where I put the white line? Is it right past that? Or is it all the way to the very tip where it turns and goes the other way? Like the tip tip. :p And are you walking along the beach the entire time to get there?

 

That point on the lower right is Booby Point. That's the tip! On a clear day you can see Provo (or at least the tops of the hotels there). And if you turn left around the point, you'll come to what I call the "Eye"an ruins. I have a pic somewhere but not accessible at work. But once you see them you'll understand. Also wild horses graze along that stretch. But it can be a long walk all told. (Mine was made longer by SIL snapping pictures of shore birds every 3 feet:D)

I have "tried" to read all the info on HOW to get to the graveyard, but I am still confused.

If I ASK a native of Grand Turk, would they be able to put me in the right direction? It seems like one person is saying go right, then left, so I am really confused.

Once we get off the ship, do we go right or left? Do we stay going right/left, and if so, is there a store sign, etc. that we should look for, so we know we are CLOSE to this graveyard?

I collect shells, as these are my memories.:)

I have "tried" to read all the info on HOW to get to the graveyard, but I am still confused.

 

If I ASK a native of Grand Turk, would they be able to put me in the right direction? It seems like one person is saying go right, then left, so I am really confused.

 

Once we get off the ship, do we go right or left? Do we stay going right/left, and if so, is there a store sign, etc. that we should look for, so we know we are CLOSE to this graveyard?

 

I collect shells, as these are my memories.:)

I posted a map picture above. You see where the thumb tack is? That is the port and you can see the pier you walk down. At the end of the pier, you go right. Then all the way to the end of the map at the corner and then go up (which would be left when you are walking). :)

I posted a map picture above. You see where the thumb tack is? That is the port and you can see the pier you walk down. At the end of the pier, you go right. Then all the way to the end of the map at the corner and then go up (which would be left when you are walking). :)

Yes, we have been there and done that: Get on top of the ship while sailing into port, you can see the point to the right(south), so walk there then back north a bit, there was great snorkeling right off the beach! But we were lucky, the wind was out of the northwest, so calm waters on the Atlantic side. Great fan corals, purple, and many fish.

We walked back west on the trail straight to the cruise area.

Ok, this will sound like a strange question. If I keep walking, will I eventually see the shells laying on the beach, or do I have to dig for them, etc? Would they be close to the edge of the water or higher up on the beach?

Looking at our itinerary, I'm now trying to figure out "how long" to be in each place. Darn Carnival!!!! They just don't stay in ports for very long (unless it's THEIR port :rolleyes:). We are there from 8-2:30pm

So my plan is...

Getting off the ship and heading left toward the beach for awhile. I want to go out past the cruise port area and maybe stop at one of the places along the way (with FREE beach chairs). Since we won't be in port for too long, I really doubt we bother to purchase any food on this stop. However, we will purchase soda's. Will the chairs still be free if we aren't ordering any food and only plan to stay maybe 2 hours?

I wouldn't mind just "strolling by" Jack's Shack...not to stay and definitely not to rent a chair, but to check out Topher. :p

I'm thinking maybe 2 hours at this area is about right? So from 8-10ish. :confused:

Then I would like to move on and head back toward the cruise port and past it to the right. I have seen some pictures of things that way (like the whale statue they have) that I would like to have some photo ops in that area. Then keep walking to the conch grave yard (which someone said it's about a 10-15 minute walk).

How much time does one "normally" spend in this area finding a good conch and maybe just a few shells?

I'm guessing maybe 2 hours in this area from start to finish?? So from 10-12. Or is this too long?

I would like to check out the port as well...the pool, a little shopping and get some pictures of the area of course. I guess that would give us about 1 1/2 hours here.

Does everyone think this is a good plan? Does it sound "doable"? Is there anything I should "adjust" our time on? Maybe less time for the conchs or less time in the port? I really have no idea what to expect.

(For anyone who doesn't know me and my reviews that is going to tell me...just relax and it's not a big deal, stop stressing...well, that's not me. If I don't have some sort of set schedule, I'll get stuck in 1 place and never make it to the other). :eek: :p

Looking at our itinerary, I'm now trying to figure out "how long" to be in each place. Darn Carnival!!!! They just don't stay in ports for very long (unless it's THEIR port :rolleyes:). We are there from 8-2:30pm

 

So my plan is...

 

Getting off the ship and heading left toward the beach for awhile. I want to go out past the cruise port area and maybe stop at one of the places along the way (with FREE beach chairs). Since we won't be in port for too long, I really doubt we bother to purchase any food on this stop. However, we will purchase soda's. Will the chairs still be free if we aren't ordering any food and only plan to stay maybe 2 hours?

 

I wouldn't mind just "strolling by" Jack's Shack...not to stay and definitely not to rent a chair, but to check out Topher. :p

 

I'm thinking maybe 2 hours at this area is about right? So from 8-10ish. :confused:

 

Then I would like to move on and head back toward the cruise port and past it to the right. I have seen some pictures of things that way (like the whale statue they have) that I would like to have some photo ops in that area. Then keep walking to the conch grave yard (which someone said it's about a 10-15 minute walk).

 

How much time does one "normally" spend in this area finding a good conch and maybe just a few shells?

 

I'm guessing maybe 2 hours in this area from start to finish?? So from 10-12. Or is this too long?

 

I would like to check out the port as well...the pool, a little shopping and get some pictures of the area of course. I guess that would give us about 1 1/2 hours here.

 

Does everyone think this is a good plan? Does it sound "doable"? Is there anything I should "adjust" our time on? Maybe less time for the conchs or less time in the port? I really have no idea what to expect.

 

(For anyone who doesn't know me and my reviews that is going to tell me...just relax and it's not a big deal, stop stressing...well, that's not me. If I don't have some sort of set schedule, I'll get stuck in 1 place and never make it to the other). :eek: :p

Not a "bad" plan. You will have to walk through part of the cruise port center to get to the left beaches though so that might take up a part of your time. It'll take you a whole 10 minutes of lollygagging strolling to get up to Jack's. But clip their free rum coupon and head up, sit at the bar drink your rum shot play with Topher and the other dog(s) around there and walk back stopping at where ever you think is the best place to stop.

When you head to the right side toward the end of the island, just mark your watch and go out for an hour then turn around and head back. You'll probably be down at the tip before then so can wander up the east side , if you wish. But it's a slower walk than on the left due to the rocks and stuff until you get near the tip.

And a word of caution, do look at heading back to the ship between 1 and 1:30P . If you head back later the lines to reboard can be long. Carnival has (had) a habit of only opening one portal for reentry and without a helluva lot to do, many cruisers come back early. No pier runners here. I've seen people dashing out of the Dufry shop at 10 minutes before departure time and suddenly slowing to a walk as there was still a line to get on board. Hopefully that's changed now as everyone complained.

I may be able to help some with the "Conch Graveyard" questions. It's been a while since we were in Grand Turk (May 2010) but I do remember. We were there from 11AM - 4PM and decided to go to the "graveyard" first then head down to Jack's Shack.

The graveyard wasn't that far of a walk. As others mentioned, it's in the vicinity of "the point" which you can see from the ship.

After getting off the ship that morning, we were at the "point" in about a half hour, but part of that walk was up the pier and through the "Dufry" shop that you'll have to go through. From there we headed right through the cruise center until we found the walkway to the beach (head right as you exit the Dufry Shops). Once on the beach it's not far at all. I've seen posts lately that there isn't much to choose from at the graveyard anymore. When we were there, the actual "graveyard" was actually right before reaching the "point".

There were shells in that spot that ranged from decent to poor condition. I found one keeper there.

We wanted to snorkel and before our trip, I saw a few posts here on CC that recommended the area around the point, so we continued around the point and saw a lot of conch shells, various conditions, up on the beach.

The water looked a little rough to snorkel and it was cloudy and windy and we figured we wouldn't see much. I went down to the water to get pictures and noticed that there were a lot of conch shells, in better condition. The were buried (some partially and some with just a tip showing) in the sand at the water's edge. There were more in the water (I went in knee deep). Since the water was a little choppy that day, many "things" that I thought were rocks were actually conch shells.

We ended up taking two more from that section. One that was down on the beach near the water was filled with sand. I tried to empty out as much as I could. I did not see one shell with an "occupant" but did check to be sure. I had no problem with odor either. Most of the shells here are older, a little worn, have lost their bright pink interior, and will have the "harvest hole" at the top (where hole is made to get original animal out). I always bring zip lock freezer bags (great for packing damp bathing suits) and used those for the shells, just in case. I know that there are those who frown upon taking them, but I have mine displayed and they're treasured keepsakes from our day in Grand Turk.

Mitsugirly, I've seen your port reviews and LOVE them and your beautiful pictures. There are some great photo opportunities of the ship as you head back from the point. I really do hope you do a review for your day in Grand Turk. :) Hope this information helps.

Not a "bad" plan. You will have to walk through part of the cruise port center to get to the left beaches though so that might take up a part of your time. It'll take you a whole 10 minutes of lollygagging strolling to get up to Jack's. But clip their free rum coupon and head up, sit at the bar drink your rum shot play with Topher and the other dog(s) around there and walk back stopping at where ever you think is the best place to stop.

 

When you head to the right side toward the end of the island, just mark your watch and go out for an hour then turn around and head back. You'll probably be down at the tip before then so can wander up the east side , if you wish. But it's a slower walk than on the left due to the rocks and stuff until you get near the tip.

 

And a word of caution, do look at heading back to the ship between 1 and 1:30P . If you head back later the lines to reboard can be long. Carnival has (had) a habit of only opening one portal for reentry and without a helluva lot to do, many cruisers come back early. No pier runners here. I've seen people dashing out of the Dufry shop at 10 minutes before departure time and suddenly slowing to a walk as there was still a line to get on board. Hopefully that's changed now as everyone complained.

Thanks for the advice Crew. I really appreciate it.

I had read that review from someone that talked about heading to the conch graveyard last and when they got close to port, they showed what huge lines there were on the pier trying to get back on the ship when it was time. They sat down in some lounge chairs, took pictures and relaxes in the shade waiting for the lines to go down. That's exactly what I'll be doing! :D No hurry to get back for sure. I'll spend every last minute I can and when I see the lines die down, I'll go running back. hehe

I may be able to help some with the "Conch Graveyard" questions. It's been a while since we were in Grand Turk (May 2010) but I do remember. We were there from 11AM - 4PM and decided to go to the "graveyard" first then head down to Jack's Shack.

 

I guess the only reason why I decided to head to the graveyard after going to the beach was I didn't want to have to carry heavy conch shells around with me. :p Then I didn't want to have to waste time taking them back to the ship and then getting back off to head to the beach if I did that.

 

The graveyard wasn't that far of a walk. As others mentioned, it's in the vicinity of "the point" which you can see from the ship.

 

After getting off the ship that morning, we were at the "point" in about a half hour, but part of that walk was up the pier and through the "Dufry" shop that you'll have to go through. From there we headed right through the cruise center until we found the walkway to the beach (head right as you exit the Dufry Shops). Good to know. Thanks Once on the beach it's not far at all. I've seen posts lately that there isn't much to choose from at the graveyard anymore. When we were there, the actual "graveyard" was actually right before reaching the "point". I really hope there's something to find there. My little one has been collecting them when she can. We will only take 1 or 2, but hope to find some good ones and also some shells. She has a big collection of shells from everywhere.

 

There were shells in that spot that ranged from decent to poor condition. I found one keeper there.

 

We wanted to snorkel and before our trip, I saw a few posts here on CC that recommended the area around the point, so we continued around the point and saw a lot of conch shells, various conditions, up on the beach.

 

 

The water looked a little rough to snorkel and it was cloudy and windy and we figured we wouldn't see much. I went down to the water to get pictures and noticed that there were a lot of conch shells, in better condition. The were buried (some partially and some with just a tip showing) in the sand at the water's edge. There were more in the water (I went in knee deep). Since the water was a little choppy that day, many "things" that I thought were rocks were actually conch shells.

 

I just have to ask (because I assumed) that the reason all these shells are here are from the vendors/restaurant owners getting them for meals and then tossing them at this spot to get rid of the shell correct? I mean they didn't all come here to die...no radioactive water located here that killed them correct? :p :D

 

 

We ended up taking two more from that section. One that was down on the beach near the water was filled with sand. I tried to empty out as much as I could. I did not see one shell with an "occupant" but did check to be sure. I had no problem with odor either. Most of the shells here are older, a little worn, have lost their bright pink interior, and will have the "harvest hole" at the top (where hole is made to get original animal out). I always bring zip lock freezer bags (great for packing damp bathing suits) and used those for the shells, just in case. I know that there are those who frown upon taking them, but I have mine displayed and they're treasured keepsakes from our day in Grand Turk.

 

Is going to make a note to self to bring big ziplock bags.

 

Ours is displayed too. My daughter uses her dresser/mirror to display her "cruise" stuff. She has 2 conch shells (from Belize and Grand Cayman), her shells and her ship Christmas ornaments on it. Her bedroom is a strict "no play" zone, so they stay safe in there and she's so proud of them.

 

Mitsugirly, I've seen your port reviews and LOVE them and your beautiful pictures. There are some great photo opportunities of the ship as you head back from the point. I really do hope you do a review for your day in Grand Turk. :) Hope this information helps.

You better believe I will have a full review of the place. It will probably be one of those that I take way too many pictures of since I haven't been there yet. :p

I have to say that I just LOVED your pictures you just shared with me. I definitely see some great photo ops there for sure!!!

Thank you SO MUCH for the visual...because you know I'm a visual person. It's very much appreciated.

Your plan of hitting the graveyard last is better since we ended up lugging them around the rest of the day. :p When we stopped in Margaritaville to purchase T-shirts, the gal at the counter gave us an empty large bag for the one and I really appreciated that. We had the other two in our beach bags. I hope you find a nice conch shell and the best bet is probably around the point in that area, which isn't much farther, maybe a few minutes. I also collect shells, but usually try to keep it to a small amount of nicer ones that I can put in small jars from each place we've been to and display them on my "cruise shelves". There were a lot of smaller shells on the beach around the point and I found more on our walk to Jack's Shack. I found a nice sea urchin that didn't make it back in one piece, so I bought a replacement that looked similar. There was also some really pretty, colorful dead coral around the point too (greens, pinks, purples). I hope your daughter finds some really nice ones to add to her collection and it sounds like she's got a great start.

I'm pretty sure the conch shells are discarded by restaurants and vendors since they all have that hole in the top. I sure hope it wasn't radioactive water that did them in or I have a big problem. We'd definitely be the talk of the neighborhood if HAZMAT had to show up to remove radioactive conch shells. LOL!!! :D When we did a land vacation to an AI in Jamaica one year, one of the vendors who sold shells told us that the hole is punched in the top (where the conch is attached) then that part is cut away from the interior of the shell and the conch easily slips out of the shell. He didn't do a demonstration since the shells he had were cleaned and polished, so hopefully I got his explanation correct. I've never tried eating it though, so I have no idea what they taste like.

So glad the pictures helped you visualize it since that always helps me as well. It is really pretty there and the water is really, really clear. We've only been there that one time but would love to make it back. I'll be sure to read your review when you get back and I hope you have a great time and wonderful weather.

Attaching picture of the smaller shells I found in Grand Turk when they were in "temporary storage" (now displayed in a jar). Bottom two rows from Grand Turk (top from HMC).

Your plan of hitting the graveyard last is better since we ended up lugging them around the rest of the day. :p When we stopped in Margaritaville to purchase T-shirts, the gal at the counter gave us an empty large bag for the one and I really appreciated that. We had the other two in our beach bags. I hope you find a nice conch shell and the best bet is probably around the point in that area, which isn't much farther, maybe a few minutes. I also collect shells, but usually try to keep it to a small amount of nicer ones that I can put in small jars from each place we've been to and display them on my "cruise shelves". There were a lot of smaller shells on the beach around the point and I found more on our walk to Jack's Shack. There was also some really pretty, colorful dead coral around the point too (greens, pinks, purples). I hope your daughter finds some really nice ones to add to her collection and it sounds like she's got a great start.

 

I'm pretty sure the conch shells are discarded by restaurants and vendors since they all have that hole in the top. I sure hope it wasn't radioactive water that did them in or I have a big problem. We'd definitely be the talk of the neighborhood if HAZMAT had to show up. LOL!!! :D When we did a land vacation to an AI in Jamaica one year, one of the vendors who sold shells told us that the hole is punched in the top (where the conch is attached) then that part is cut away from the interior of the shell and the conch easily slips out of the shell. He didn't do a demonstration since the shells he had were cleaned and polished, so hopefully I got his explanation correct. I've never tried eating it though, so I have no idea what they taste like.

 

So glad the pictures helped you visualize it since that always helps me as well. It is really pretty there and the water is really, really clear. We've only been there that one time but would love to make it back. I'll be sure to read your review when you get back and I hope you have a great time and wonderful weather.

Thanks for the info and comments. It has really helped a lot.

Yes, I have watched them catch conch and do the "hole" and pull them out and have even tried them. When we were on our excursion in Grand Cayman for the stingray sandbar, the guy on there was getting them and pulling them out, then giving the shells to the kids on board. He passed the conch around and those who wanted to try it did. We won't discuss him passing around the "sex organ" that he kept slurping up (like a clear jelly like piece of spaghetti looking long thing) and saying how it was an aphrodisiac. Several people tried it...but I didn't. It just grossed me out. LOL But hey, at least I can say that I have tried fresh conch...about as fresh as you're going to get.

Thanks for the info and comments. It has really helped a lot.

 

Yes, I have watched them catch conch and do the "hole" and pull them out and have even tried them. When we were on our excursion in Grand Cayman for the stingray sandbar, the guy on there was getting them and pulling them out, then giving the shells to the kids on board. He passed the conch around and those who wanted to try it did. We won't discuss him passing around the "sex organ" that he kept slurping up (like a clear jelly like piece of spaghetti looking long thing) and saying how it was an aphrodisiac. Several people tried it...but I didn't. It just grossed me out. LOL But hey, at least I can say that I have tried fresh conch...about as fresh as you're going to get.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMG, these pictures are hilarious!!! And the part about the "sex organ aphrodisiac"...that's funny! I've heard mixed reviews on the taste and hope to try it (well, the fresh conch) someday. Thanks for sharing your pictures since I haven't actually "seen" conch removed before...and I have to admit I'm enjoying the laugh. :D

OMG, these pictures are hilarious!!! And the part about the "sex organ aphrodisiac"...that's funny! I've heard mixed reviews on the taste and hope to try it (well, the fresh conch) someday. Thanks for sharing your pictures since I haven't actually "seen" conch removed before...and I have to admit I'm enjoying the laugh. :D

I think I threw up a little in my mouth when he did this...but I'm a trooper and still decided to "try it" when it was offered. LOL He was definitely a "strange" creature (the guy not the conch...well, maybe the conch too) :p

Is that photo of the sex organ itself? Or the whole conch???