Exclusive Grand Turk Experience

Grand Turk Island is the administrative, historic, cultural and financial center of the island nation of Turks and Caicos. San Salvador Island or Samana Cay in the Bahamas is traditionally considered the site of Columbus' first landfall in 1492, but some believe that studies of Columbus' journals show that his descriptions of Guanahani much more closely fit Grand Turk.

This guided island drive tour will show you the highlights of Grand Turk Island. On this Grand Turk excursion, you will visit the island's top attractions, including the former United States Air Force Tracking Base and a replica of Astronaut John Glenn's Friendship 7 space capsule, which splashed down off the island's coast in 1962 following the United States' first successful manned orbit of the earth.

You will also see several 18th-century churches, beautiful Bermudan-style buildings, and salt ponds. You'll have the option to visit the National Museum (not included, approximately $5 US per person) if you would like, or explore the picturesque downtown area instead. In this peaceful town, you may see wild horses and donkeys freely roaming the streets.

There will be a brief photo stop to see a working lighthouse that has been in service for more than 150 years. Built in London in 1852 and shipped to Grand Turk, it was assembled in hopes of saving the salt trade. Standing sixty feet, it was designed by Alexander Gordon, who designed lighthouses throughout the British Empire. If you are interested, you can go inside the lighthouse for an additional fee (not included, approximately $3 US per person). Keep your eyes out for the wandering donkeys that can often be found nearby.

You will also have an opportunity to visit "The Salt House", a recreated 17th-century salt pan that chronicles the history of the salt and slave industry.

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Explore Best of Puerto Plata with Cable Car

On this Puerto Plata shore excursion, you will ascend to 2,555 feet above sea-level to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres.

Mount Isabela is Puerto Plata's most impressive geographic feature towering above the city, which will delight you with panoramic views of Puerto Plata from its flat-topped peak. Once at the top, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, see a representation of a typical countryside house or "casa tipica," take photos of the Christ the Redeemer Statue (a smaller version of the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and enjoy the views of Puerto Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.

After your time at the summit, you will take the cable car ride down the mountain for amazing views and then meet your transportation for the drive through the city to Fort San Felipe, home to a historic Spanish fortress built in 1577 to protect the city of Puerto Plata from pirates and other enemies. Here at Puerto Plata's oldest surviving structure, you will enjoy a fully narrated tour around the grounds of the fort. It is located on a hill at the Puntilla Del Malecon, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; its strategic location protected the entrance to the city's seaport. The construction of the fort was commissioned by King Felipe II of Spain in 1564, and it was completed in 1577 by Don Rengifo de Angulo, the fort's mayor.

Stroll along "Umbrella Street" and stop for photos at Paseo de Dona Blanca known as, "Pink Street". Next, your journey takes you to Parque Independencia, where your guide will offer fascinating insights into the Victorian architecture and Puerto Plata's restoration era. You'll have the opportunity to explore the Cathedral and enjoy some free time in the Victorian square before returning to your cruise ship.

Please Note: The minimum age to participate is 10 years old. The order of tour may vary depending upon ship's arrival time. A van or bus descent from the Mt. Isabela summit may be substituted for the cable car in the event of cable car maintenance, high winds or poor weather conditions. Participants must be able to get in and out of the vehicle, stand, and walk completely unassisted. This tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible, and cannot accommodate guests with mobility issues, or those who have difficulty walking or standing.