Grand Turk: Gibbs Cay Stingray Swim & Fresh Conch Dive

Summary

Swim with stingrays at Gibbs Cay and taste fresh conch salad

You’ll skim over Grand Turk’s blue waters by boat with a local guide, watch your captain dive for live conch (then taste it as fresh ceviche), and wade into shallow waters at Gibbs Cay where stingrays glide right up beside you. Expect laughter, a bit of nervous excitement, and salty skin by the end—it’s one of those days that sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of salt spray against my face as our little boat cut through that wild blue water off Grand Turk. The captain—everyone just called him Mack—pointed out Gibbs Cay in the distance, this pale streak of sand that looked almost fake against the turquoise. We were maybe twenty minutes out when Mack slowed us down and grinned, saying something about “conch time.” Next thing I knew he was overboard, fins flashing, diving for live conch while we watched from the deck. There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing someone so at home in their element—he made it look easy, but I know I’d have flailed like a tourist (which, yeah, I am).

When we landed on Gibbs Cay itself, you could smell the seaweed baking on hot sand. The stingrays were already there, gliding around like they owned the place. Our guide—her name was Li—handed me a mask and told me not to worry; “they’re just curious,” she said. Honestly? My heart was pounding anyway. But being in that shallow water with them (maybe up to my knees), feeling their soft bodies brush past… it’s hard to explain. Not scary, just… electric? Li laughed when I tried to say “hello” in her accent—I probably butchered it—and then showed us how to hold still so the rays would come closer.

Mack cracked open one of those conchs right there on the beach and started slicing up a salad—conch ceviche—with lime and peppers. The shells are rougher than you’d think; he let us touch one before tossing it back into the water. I still think about that first bite: cold, briny, a little sweet from the shellfish itself. Someone handed me a cup of rum punch (not too strong), and suddenly everything felt slower—the sun hotter on my shoulders, laughter drifting over from another group trying to take selfies with a particularly nosy stingray. We stayed longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip and stingray encounter

• Boat ride to Gibbs Cay
• Captain dives for live conch
• Arrive at Gibbs Cay island
• Swim and observe stingrays
• Captain demonstrates conch preparation
• Taste fresh conch salad and rum punch

Top questions

How long is the boat ride from Grand Turk to Gibbs Cay?

The boat ride takes about 20-25 minutes each way.

Can non-swimmers join the Gibbs Cay stingray tour?

Yes, even non-swimmers can participate since the water is shallow (about 2 feet deep).

Is lunch included on this day trip?

You’ll get fresh conch salad (ceviche) prepared by your captain on Gibbs Cay.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and local rum punch are included in your tour.

What wildlife will I see at Gibbs Cay?

You’ll have the chance to swim with friendly stingrays in shallow waters.

Is hotel or cruise pickup included?

No hotel pickup; tours start about an hour after your ship arrives at Grand Turk.

Are there changing rooms on Gibbs Cay?

No changing rooms are available on the beach; wear your swimsuit under clothes.

Is there a weight restriction for this tour?

Yes, there is a 300 lbs weight restriction for guests joining this tour.

What’s included

Your adventure includes a small group boat ride from Grand Turk to Gibbs Cay with all government taxes covered; bottled water and local rum punch to keep you cool; plus freshly prepared conch salad made right on the beach by your captain before heading back across those turquoise waters together.