Long before we took off for our cruise, I began investigating the Grand Turk location. Grand Turk is not to be mistaken for Turks and Caicos. While Grand Turk has lovely water it does not offers those incredibly lavish resorts that are famous.
What I seek in tours are drivers that want to share their area with you and provide the rich detail that most do not. I seek those that are termed on other review sites as ‘punctual’ and fluent in English.
Last, I look for a business that takes on larger parties and offers great tours that entrench you in the island’s history. Traveling as a party of 5 is best met with a private tour.
How would we spend our day? What would we do? I did not want to take any of the ship’s offered adventures, rather, I chose to create my own.
Lavishly live travel out loud with my choice of the best private island tour in Grand Turk for those who want to see the real island showcased in its most natural form.
Best Private Island Tour In Grand Turk
Grand Turk Background
In case you are still not familiar with Grand Turk, it is an island that is somewhere between the Dominican Republic (which we would also be visiting) and the Bahamas.
Additionally, Cockburn Town, Grand Turk the capitol is located on Grand Turk. Grand Turk is 7 miles in length and a good tour will take about 1 1/2 hours to get to all of the top sites and then return you safely to port or a beach of your choice (dependent on your time allowance).
We had about 7 hours here and spent 1 1/2 on tour learning the ‘hotspots’ and history.
Mama Dea Private Tour Of The Island
I prefer to visit an island and observe it in its most raw and natural state. I do not want a sugar-coated tour, that shows me only the good life, we all know that is fiction. Since we are traveling as a family, it is most important that my kids get a chance to appreciate the area for what it is.
Last, I like my family to understand each place we travel to and its place in history. Personally, I like to shop where everyone else is not shopping and to see things most won’t.
If you are like this then you want to know all about Mama Dea Taxi & Tours on Grand Turk Island.
When the temperature gauge is well above 80° and the humidity is soaring, I prefer an air-conditioned ride to see the sites and Mama Dea’s private tour provides just this. Here is our ride and our private driver.
He will prepare your first step every time you stop, no jumping to the ground! And this is the van you can take your larger parties in.
There is plenty of seating inside for up to 15 passengers and someone can sit in the front as well.
James is the driver!
‘Jim’ is plenty of fun, knows the island well and where to get all the best photos.
James has an intercom system so even those in the last row of the van will be able to here. From learning about Columbus to trade products, there’s a lot to know.
Grand Turk is not just about snorkeling or diving, there is history here. Take a few minutes to learn and you will come to appreciate the island more. Finally, a key point to note is that Jim is conscientious of when your ship arrives and leaves and definitely gets you back to port! (very important guys!)
A Few Top Stops Along the Way
See more great images on my article of top 6 places to visit in Grand Turk.
Governor’s Beach – great for beautiful sand and swimming, but you get there by taxi (Mama Dea taxi)
Cockburn Town – for shopping, photos, and history.
Shopping- not in port.
Salt Ponds – what their trade used to be.
The Grand Turk Lighthouse
While the island is not huge, there are a lot of things to see. Get your camera ready, and use your computer to book your tour with James at Mama Dea Taxi and Tour service.
Get back to your ship on time and don’t miss anything that Grand Turk has to offer. The best of the best in private tours is what you have just uncovered.
Thank you to Mama Dea Taxi & Tours, for providing my transportation and tour of the island.