Grand Turk: Small-Group Snorkeling Wall & Gibbs Cay Stingrays

Summary

Snorkel Grand Turk’s coral wall then meet stingrays on quiet Gibbs Cay

You’ll snorkel Grand Turk’s famous coral wall with a local guide, then ride out to secluded Gibbs Cay for close encounters with gentle stingrays. Watch your captain dive for conch and prepare fresh conch salad right on the sand. Expect laughter, salt in your hair, and those little moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The boat was already rocking gently when we clambered on at Grand Turk beach—sun still sharp, but not too hot yet. Our guide, Marcus, handed me a mask and grinned, “The Wall’s waiting.” I didn’t know what that meant until I dropped into the water and saw it: just this shelf of coral, all these little fish flickering around me, and then suddenly the blue drops away so far you can’t see the bottom. It made my stomach flip a bit, honestly. The sound underwater was muffled—just my own breathing and the distant hum of the boat above. Sometimes I’d catch Marcus pointing out a bit of brain coral or waving if he spotted something cool. I kept losing track of time down there.

After we climbed back in (salt stinging my lips), there was this long ride out to Gibbs Cay. The wind whipped my hair everywhere and someone passed around bottled water—felt good after all that salt. On the way, our captain just slipped off the side like it was nothing and came up with a live conch in his hand. He showed us how to get it out (I probably looked squeamish), then said he’d make salad later. When we landed at Gibbs Cay, it felt empty except for us—sand soft underfoot, sun almost too bright on the water.

I still laugh thinking about how nervous I was with the stingrays gliding by my ankles—turns out they’re more curious than scary. Marcus showed us how to let them brush past without freaking out (me or them). There was this moment where everything just went quiet except for waves lapping and someone laughing behind me. Fresh conch salad tasted briny-sweet and cold; maybe it was just being there on that empty island but it felt special. I keep thinking about that view back toward Grand Turk as we left—the light sort of gold over the water—and yeah, I’d do it again even if my hair never recovers from all that salt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and island visit tour

• Board boat at Grand Turk beach
• Snorkel at the Amazing Wall coral shelf
• Captain dives for live conch
• Boat ride to Gibbs Cay island
• Interact with stingrays in shallow water
• Watch live conch demonstration
• Enjoy fresh conch salad

Top questions

How deep is the snorkeling at Grand Turk Wall?

The coral shelf starts at 20 feet deep and drops dramatically to over 7,000 feet beyond.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Do I need to know how to swim for this tour?

Yes, guests must be able to swim in order to participate in snorkeling activities.

What food or drinks are included?

Bottled water, rum punch, and freshly prepared conch salad are included during the tour.

Can non-swimmers join?

Non-swimmers may remain on the boat during snorkeling but cannot enter the water.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup; tours depart from Grand Turk beach near cruise ship arrivals.

How many stops are there on this tour?

The tour includes three main stops: snorkeling at The Wall, a visit to Gibbs Cay for stingrays, and a live conch demonstration.

Are there changing rooms available?

No changing rooms are available; wear your swimsuit under your clothes before arrival.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling gear so you don’t have to pack your own mask or fins, plus bottled water and some pretty strong rum punch if you want it. After swimming at Grand Turk Wall and meeting stingrays at Gibbs Cay with your local guide leading the way, you’ll watch a live conch demo and eat fresh conch salad right there on the sand before heading back salty but happy.