2011-11-7  Grand Turk:

 the 3rd day of our cruise we were in Grand Turk.  It is known for the "wall", a 7,000' drop off of the ocean floor, as close as 1/2 mile from the beach.   The diving and snorkeling here is suppose to be first class.  I've been wanting to snorkel here for years!  We weren't able to port here last year due to Hurricane Tomas.  That was one of the reasons why we took the same cruise this year.  Unfortunately, our plans were foiled again due to an ocean storm surge from the north.  We took a $27 rt taxi ride to Pillory beach where the snorkeling was suppose to be the best, but the waves were too rough.
 View along the way to Pillory

 Pillory Beach---really didn't look rough in this picture, but pictures can be deceiving.

  We ended up back at the port and hung out at the beach there.

 They even had free loungers

Surprisingly enough, the snorkeling by the ship wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. There was even a mini drop off at the edge of the roped off swimming area.

At least the weather was beautiful so we thoroughly enjoyed our time near the port---snorkeling, sunbathing, walking the beach,  

And we hung out at the Margaritaville pool right by the Grand Turk port.

huge pool at Margaritaville---and free.

 Back on the ship and waiting for the shove off.

Beautiful water!

This can be a really nice cheap port---free loungers, free pool, right off the dock!  The snorkeling is even decent right by the port.