Cockburn Town Lighthouse

Overview

The Cockburn Town Lighthouse is a historic maritime beacon located in the heart of Cockburn Town, the capital of Grand Turk. Standing tall on the island's coast, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters and is a symbol of the island's rich seafaring history.

The lighthouse is a vital part of Grand Turk's maritime heritage and has been guiding ships safely since its establishment. It is also a popular tourist attraction due to its scenic views and historical significance.

Lighthouse Historical Site Viewpoint

Location

Address

Cockburn Town, Grand Turk

Neighborhood: Downtown

Coordinates

21.463900, -71.144400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$5

Children

$3 (ages 5-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

30 minutes

Recommended

1-2 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and pleasant

• Wildflowers in bloom
• Clear skies

summer

Hot and humid, with a risk of hurricanes

• Extended daylight hours
• Warm ocean temperatures

autumn

Warm to cool, decreasing humidity

• Pumpkin Festival (October)
• Cooler temperatures

winter

Cooler and drier, with occasional rain

• Christmas decorations in Cockburn Town
• Holiday markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Wear comfortable shoes
Bring water and sunscreen
Check for guided tour availability

What to Bring

essential

ID water sunscreen

seasonal

umbrella rain jacket

not allowed

drones pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• Climbing stairs to the top
• Sun exposure

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site, nearest hospital 5 km away

Payment Information

Accepted

cash (USD), credit cards (Visa, MasterCard)

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Typical Costs

entry $5

guided tour $20

parking $5

food $15

Dress Code

casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes, closed-toe shoes recommended, inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for guided tours
• Official tourism website or local tour operators
• 48 hours for full refund
• Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Grand Turk Explorer

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Tickets and tours, Local events and festivals

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nearby cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Grand Turk International Airport (GDT)

Distance: 5 km

Travel Time: 10 minutes

taxi

$15 10 min

public_transport

$2 15 min

From City Center

Distance: 0.5 km

walking

$0 5-7 min

taxi

$5 3 min

bicycle

$10/hour 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The lighthouse is a symbol of Grand Turk's rich maritime history and a reminder of the island's seafaring past. Locals appreciate its historical significance and the panoramic views it offers.

Historical Significance: The Cockburn Town Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely since 1852. It played a crucial role in the island's development and is a testament to Grand Turk's maritime heritage.

Insider Tips

Visit the lighthouse early in the morning for a peaceful experience and the best views
Combine your lighthouse visit with a stroll through the historic Cockburn Town district
Try local conch dishes at nearby restaurants, such as conch fritters, conch salad, or conch stew

Local Recommendations

• Try local conch dishes at nearby restaurants
• Explore the historic Cockburn Town district
• Visit the nearby Grand Turk Museum

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Tank yuh

where_is Whe deh...?

how_much How much?

beautiful Breezy

ticket Tickit

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Lighthouse base with ocean backdrop

Best Time: Golden hour (late afternoon)

Tips: Low angle or wide shot to capture the lighthouse and ocean

Result: Iconic lighthouse photograph with vibrant colors

#grandturk #cockburnlighthouse #turksandcaicos #lighthouse #caribbean

Nearby Duke Street with colorful buildings

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Capture the lighthouse in the background with the historic buildings in the foreground

Result: Charming street scene with the lighthouse as a backdrop

#cockburntown #grandturk #caribbeancolors #historicdistrict #turksandcaicos

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Lighthouse base, Nearby streets and parks

prohibited areas Inside the lighthouse (restricted access), Private properties

flash photography allowed in outdoor areas, not recommended for interior shots (restricted access)

commercial photography permit required for professional shoots

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy allowed in outdoor areas, not recommended due to crowds

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Grand Turk Museum

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Museum

Cockburn Town Historic District

Distance: 150m

Walking: 2 min

Type: Historical Site

Governor's Beach

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Beach

Lucas Creek Waterfall

Distance: 3km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Waterfall

Reviews

4.4

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds"
"Combine your lighthouse visit with a stroll through the historic Cockburn Town district"
"Try local conch dishes at nearby restaurants"

Contact Information

+1 649 946 2299

tourism@tcia.gov.tc

www.grandturk.tc

Social Media

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