Grand Turk and Caicos - Cruise Port
Our First Experience with Golf Cart Rentals
Grand Turk, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, offers everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise—stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and diving, and a laid-back island vibe. But what sets it apart is the unique freedom of renting a golf cart and exploring the island at your own pace. On our recent trip, we decided to take the plunge and try something new. Here’s a look at our adventure with a golf cart rental, along with some helpful tips for anyone considering the same.
Cruise Port
When you arrive at the Grand Turk cruise port, you’ll notice two berths close together, leading to a long dock. The area is typical of many Caribbean cruise ports, with:
Duty-free shopping
A private beach with cabanas
The massive Margaritaville restaurant
Various activity rentals and services
While these amenities are nice, we were focused on one thing: finding a golf cart.
The Quest for a Golf Cart
Renting a golf cart in the Caribbean can be a bit of a gamble, with mixed reviews about reliability and pricing. Still, we were in the mood for adventure and didn’t want to spend another day in a shopping mall or at the pool. With limited transportation options (taxis, tours, or pre-booked car rentals), we were thrilled to find that golf carts were available with minimal planning.
Here’s how we found our cart:
Exit the cruise terminal: After walking through the duty-free shops, turn left and pass through the main plaza.
Fun In The Sun Rentals: After about 5 minutes, we found the first rental desk—no need to dally, as carts tend to get snapped up quickly.
Renting the Golf Cart: The Process
The rental process was simple:
Required paperwork: Just sign a form and present your valid driver’s license (no international permit needed).
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to rent a cart.
Insurance: Basic coverage was included, but it did not cover personal injury.
Payment: After paying, we were escorted to our cart, parked just past the taxi area.
What to Expect from the Golf Cart
The golf cart wasn’t brand new, but it worked perfectly for our needs. Here’s a breakdown of what we experienced:
Seats: Fairly clean, but the floor was sandy from daily use.
Storage: No trunk space, but there’s a small basket in the front for towels or small items. Larger bags will need to be carried on your lap or side.
Driving: The cart had simple controls—pedals were clearly marked, but the gear shifter was upside down and took a bit of getting used to.
Ride Quality: It was bumpy, with no power steering and a noisy gas engine. Think of it like flying coach on a budget airline—uncomfortable but fun and part of the adventure!
Essential Tips Before You Set Off
To make your golf cart experience smoother, keep these tips in mind:
1. Sunscreen is a Must
The Caribbean sun is intense. Even though the cart has a canopy, you’ll be exposed to sunlight from the sides. Apply sunscreen regularly, or risk getting burned!
2. Bring a Navigator
Google Maps can be inaccurate on the island. It’s helpful to have a second person with you to navigate, especially since there are a few areas where roads diverge. Plus, navigating through the island’s two main water bodies—Town Salina and North Creek—requires some local knowledge.
3. Watch Out for Potholes and Donkeys
The island’s roads aren’t always smooth. Expect plenty of potholes, rough patches, and—of course—donkeys wandering across the road. They’re part of the island’s charm but can be a bit surprising at times.
4. Driving on the Left
As a British Overseas Territory, Grand Turk follows left-side driving. Be sure to stay alert and adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road from what you might be used to.
Exploring Grand Turk by Golf Cart
We set off on our adventure, exploring some of the island’s most beautiful spots. Here’s where we went:
1. Cockburn Town Beach
Location: 10-15 minutes north from the port, along the main road through Cockburn Town.
Vibe: Quiet, with soft sand and very few people around. Be prepared for the lack of amenities like bathrooms, though. The town has some museums and stores, and while it’s a popular stop for tour groups, it’s still a peaceful spot to enjoy.
2. Pillory Beach
Location: A few minutes further north, on the west coast.
Vibe: This beach is secluded, with clear waters ideal for snorkeling. It’s a bit abandoned due to hurricanes, but still a dream for those looking for a quiet, untouched beach. No services, but you can rent beach chairs for around $20.
3. The Lighthouse
Location: All the way north, past North Creek.
What to Expect: The lighthouse itself isn’t much to write home about, but the real fun is feeding the donkeys that roam the area! It’s a quirky but fun experience you don’t want to miss.
4. Governor’s Beach
Location: Close to the port.
Vibe: More crowded than other beaches, but it offers a variety of services like food stands, lawn chairs, and even Wi-Fi. The beach has a more public feel, but the snorkeling and the water are still fantastic.
Refueling the Cart
Before returning the cart, we needed to refuel. Here’s where we went:
Central Fuels: Located across from Grand Turk Liquor on Pond Street (Google Maps might not have the correct address, but just search for Grand Turk Liquor and look across the street).
Payment: Bring cash (U.S. dollars are accepted). The station was helpful, and the attendant did all the work for us.
Returning the Golf Cart
When it was time to return the cart, we simply parked it where we had picked it up. Be sure the attendant sees you before heading back to the ship. It’s a simple process with no real closing formalities.
Final Thoughts
Overall, renting a golf cart in Grand Turk was an unforgettable experience. The island’s laid-back vibe, combined with the freedom of a golf cart, made for a fun and memorable day. While the cart wasn’t the smoothest ride, the joy of exploring the island up close and personal, with the wind in our hair and the sand beneath our feet, more than made up for any bumps along the way.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just looking for a unique way to explore Grand Turk, renting a golf cart is an experience we highly recommend. The stunning beaches, friendly locals, and pure fun of driving a golf cart through the island make it worth every moment.