Grand Turk Historical Tour by Tram: Lighthouse & Cockburn Town

Ride the length of Grand Turk on an open tram, from salt ponds to the island's only lighthouse

A two-hour sightseeing tour of Grand Turk by open-sided tram, departing from the cruise terminal and traveling the full length of the island with a local guide. You'll stop in Cockburn Town to sample local food and shop, visit the Grand Turk Lighthouse built in 1852, and pass the historic salt ponds where flamingos and tropical birds live. The tram passes churches, old windmills, cannons and the island's colonial-era prison on the way.

The experience

The tram departs from the station near the cruise terminal on Grand Turk's southern end and heads north along the full length of the island. Your guide narrates as you pass Governor's Beach, old churches, inns and windmills, and points out wild horses and donkeys that roam the island. The open-air design means you see everything without glass between you and the landscape. The trade-off is sun exposure, so plan accordingly.

Cockburn Town is the main stop, where you step off to walk through centuries-old Bermudian colonial buildings, try food tastings from local merchants and browse for souvenirs. A cool drink is available to purchase here. From there, the tram continues north past Her Majesty's Prison (built in the 1830s) and the National Museum in its colonial building, then reaches the Grand Turk Lighthouse at the island's northern tip. Built in 1852, it's the only lighthouse in Turks and Caicos, and you'll have time to photograph it before heading back.

The return journey takes you past the salt ponds: flat, shallow lagoons called 'salinas' that are remnants of the island's salt industry dating to the 1600s. Your guide explains how they formed naturally and shares the history of salt production that once drove the local economy. These ponds are now a habitat for flamingos, herons, egrets and cranes, and you'll spot them from the tram as it passes.

What’s included

• Beverage.
• local guide narration throughout.
• food tastings from local merchants in Cockburn Town.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:30 and 13:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Island Tram Tours

Is this one for you?The tram departs from the cruise terminal, so if you're arriving by ship or staying without a car, you walk straight to the station and board: no transport to arrange. The two-hour loop covers the full island from south to north and back, fitting comfortably into a port day or a morning before other plans.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Grand Turk Lighthouse and why is it worth seeing?

The Grand Turk Lighthouse, built in 1852, is the only lighthouse in Turks and Caicos. It stands at the northern end of the island and offers a photo stop during the tour. The structure itself is a landmark of the island's maritime history.

Can I get off the tram and walk around Cockburn Town, or do I stay seated?

You step off the tram in Cockburn Town to explore the colonial-style buildings on foot, sample food from local merchants and shop for gifts before boarding again to continue north.

What birds might I see on this tour?

The salt ponds are home to flamingos, herons, egrets and cranes. Your guide will point them out as the tram passes the ponds on the return journey down the island.

What does the tour include to eat and drink?

A beverage and food tastings provided by local merchants in Cockburn Town are included. Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase there and at the lighthouse gift shop.