Cruise ship guests enjoying the ocean at Governor's Beach Snorkeling at Governor's Beach, Grand Turk.
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Governor's Beach

Grand Turk
Beach Information
Do Not Take Shells or Coral
Do Not Touch Fish or Coral
Dogs Must be on Leash
No Lifeguard
No Open Fires
No Fishing
Editor's Comments
Governor's Beach is the best beach on Grand Turk. This beach may have the sparkliest ocean water of any coast in the country.
5-star rating for Governor's Beach by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands

Found on the west coast between the Cruise Center and Cockburn Town, Governor’s Beach is the best beach on Grand Turk. The site gets its name from being the location of the Governor’s mansion, Waterloo, which is found a short distance away from the main beach access.

Governor's Beach on Grand Turk
The pristine Governor's Beach, Grand Turk.

Sheltered from the typical east-southeast trade winds, this beach offers a wide strip of white sand, shallow clear water, and a thick casuarina tree grove for shade.

There’s really not any good snorkeling at Governor’s Beach. Some rocky patches can be found in areas, but simply not much coral or fish life is found here.

Although typically calm, when there is a high ocean swell Governor’s Beach can experience some low rolling waves.

When a cruise ship is in, there are usually vendors selling souvenirs and cold drinks.

Governor’s Beach is part of the Columbus Landfall National Park.

If you expect to rent a vehicle and explore Grand Turk on your own (one of our top recommended activities), you may want to make Governor’s Beach your initial stop, as you’ll beat the tour crowds and will have much of the coast to yourself for an hour or two.

Incredible Beach Sand

The ocean clarity at Governor’s Beach is exquisite, and the sand is incredibly soft with a light peach hue. Much of the sand in the Turks and Caicos is of broken-down shell and coral origin, and the fineness of the sand grain and color is dependent on how new the sand is. The excellent sand at Governor’s Beach is quite fresh, having been produced a short distance away on the reef and dive sites off Grand Turk.

If you take a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion you’ll be able to see this in live action, as parrotfish and other sea animals feed on reef algae and corals.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling at the sea fans and coral of Governor's Beach
The snorkeling at Governor's Beach.

Governor’s Beach is also a popular beach snorkeling spot. However, this is mainly due to ease of access and the typically excellent underwater visibility of the beach.

The only underwater sights close to shore are the remains of an ancient rock jetty. Small amounts of coral, a few red sea fans, and some tiny reef fish can be seen here, but this site really doesn’t compare to the incredible snorkeling reefs found at other locations in the Turks and Caicos.

Apart from this small collection of rocks, the ocean at Governor’s Beach offers a beautiful white sandy bottom.

Mega One Triton

The Mega One Triton wreck on Governor's Beach
The Mega One Triton shipwreck on Governor's Beach.

From 2012 to March 11, 2020, the large and derelict Mega One Triton ship was grounded on Governor’s Beach near the primary beach access. This wreck was washed ashore during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Formerly an oil rig service vessel, after it was decommissioned it started a new life as a cargo ship with a route between the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk. The wreck was finally removed in early 2020, costing the taxpayers of the Turks and Caicos $3.7 million.

Getting to Governor’s Beach from the Cruise Center

Although only about one mile (1.6 km) north of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, it’s unfortunately not possible to walk up to Governor’s Beach along the coast as the main port for Grand Turk blocks a small section of the way. Some may consider walking the one mile (1.6 km) each way journey along the road, but be aware that there are no sidewalks and few directional signs.

The beach fronting the Cruise Center gradually improves as it progresses towards Governor’s Beach, so if you’d rather not arrange transport, consider simply walking down the coast a distance. Doing so will also offer the benefit of a less crowded coast.

A taxi should cost about $4 per person each way to and from the Cruise Center. Be aware that taxi drivers may try to charge more than this fare.

Beach Access

The expansive Main Access 🡓 is the best way to get to Governor’s Beach. There is ample free parking for cars.