Gibbs Cay
4.5
About
Uninhabited island with some of the most beautiful beaches and the best diving sites the islands have to offer.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Gibbs Cay and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
20 within 3 miles
Attractions
8 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
369 reviews
Excellent
284
Very good
62
Average
12
Poor
8
Terrible
3
Elizabeth C
Matthews, NC47 contributions
Jan 2020
After our Princess cruise ship docked, we met up with Kelvin, David, and Lucky for our excursion. I found the crew fun, knowledgeable, and professional. I was a first time snorkeler and was glad they identified both first-timers and weak swimmers to keep a closer eye on them.
They easily found several stingrays for their passengers to pet and photograph. David did a conch shell demonstration and fed the passengers the mussel (to anyone who wanted to try it). The snorkeling went smoothly and the fish were lovely.
Rum punch and a beautiful sunset on the way back to the ship. This is a nice 2-hour-ish excursion for those interested in an easy trip off the ship and a nice intro to Grand Turk.
They easily found several stingrays for their passengers to pet and photograph. David did a conch shell demonstration and fed the passengers the mussel (to anyone who wanted to try it). The snorkeling went smoothly and the fish were lovely.
Rum punch and a beautiful sunset on the way back to the ship. This is a nice 2-hour-ish excursion for those interested in an easy trip off the ship and a nice intro to Grand Turk.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
Worthington, OH91 contributions
May 2021
Smitty with Grand Turk Diving Company took us out 4 different days while we were in Grand Turk, never disappointing the family. His wife prepare an incredible BBQ picnic on the Beach and it was wonderful. Chris and Smitty at GT Diving where incredible...
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bleuberrie
Spruce Grove, Canada132 contributions
Jan 2020
The only way to get here is by boat. We booked a half day excursion that brought us out to Gibb's Cay then on to snorkeling.
We had a beautiful sunny and calm day. The water was clear. We got into the water and a few stingrays came up to us immediately. They will swim around your legs bumping into you. Sitting into the water they will swim up to you. They are amazing and act like little puppy dogs coming up to you. Don't let them suck onto your leg LOL.
The beach area was nice and we did the short walk around the tiny island. After the little tour of the island we went back in the water and saw a few more rays. We were just about to leave and saw a small reef shark as well.
We had a beautiful sunny and calm day. The water was clear. We got into the water and a few stingrays came up to us immediately. They will swim around your legs bumping into you. Sitting into the water they will swim up to you. They are amazing and act like little puppy dogs coming up to you. Don't let them suck onto your leg LOL.
The beach area was nice and we did the short walk around the tiny island. After the little tour of the island we went back in the water and saw a few more rays. We were just about to leave and saw a small reef shark as well.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blondie460
Houston, TX10 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We flew to Grand Turk for a week so we had a private excursion to Gibbs Caye that included 2 stops to snorkel and float, 1 being on the wall! The belongers (locals) know the water and it's habitants, some by name lol, and make the trip so much fun. I will definately be returning to Gibbs Caye to swim with the stingrays!
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Richmond, VA19 contributions
Sep 2020
Fun day with Captain Meat and Pablo. Even with the curfew looming (5p), we were able to swim several times, eat fresh conch ceviche, hike the trail, and the adult beverages (along with sodas/water) were plenty for our group of 5 and we made it back to the resort with time to spare. A deserted island is what we needed before heading back to the States.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norma T L
Providenciales101 contributions
Jan 2020
Only way to get there is by boat. But well worth the excursion!! Went with GTD on a day where my SCUBA was cancelled due to impossible dive conditions on the West side of Grand Turk, decided on a Snorkel trip to this island.
Amazing views for a Snorkel trip! Then onto Gibbs Caye! In a foot of water 7 Stingrays came up to us in search of food in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are beautiful, majestic and awe inspiring! I put on my snorkel mask to experience them in their natural environment and was soo moved by their amazingness!! They try to bump you, so just be aware as they have the capability of knocking you off balance. I am not the type of person who went in for pictures of them “kissing” me or getting them to give me a “massage”. I enjoyed them in their natural environment doing what comes naturally..
Amazing views for a Snorkel trip! Then onto Gibbs Caye! In a foot of water 7 Stingrays came up to us in search of food in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are beautiful, majestic and awe inspiring! I put on my snorkel mask to experience them in their natural environment and was soo moved by their amazingness!! They try to bump you, so just be aware as they have the capability of knocking you off balance. I am not the type of person who went in for pictures of them “kissing” me or getting them to give me a “massage”. I enjoyed them in their natural environment doing what comes naturally..
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bvaughn97
College Station, Texas8 contributions
Jun 2021
Beyond diving, this was our only excursion that we took while on Grand Turk. Gibbs Cay is an uninhabited island on the eastern side of Grand Turk. We free dove for conch on the way over to the island and then our guides showed us how to harvest the conch, clean it and "cook" it for fresh conch salad. I'm not a huge conch fan, but this fresh salad was amazing. DJ and Pablo from the Esmerelda were our guides. Look them up if you want to have a great time with some good dudes.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
quiltingtoad
Minneapolis, MN145 contributions
When staying at Salt Cay, we took a trip to Gibbs Cay through a local operator. We were disappointed in the fact that they brought nothing to attract the rays - but did end up fortunate, as a private boat had come and had just caught a tuna, and used this to attract the rays. I cannot say enough about the experience, so have included enough pictures to say it all!! Just be sure that whoever you book through brings food for the rays. We did do some snorkeling from the island also, and lucked out there also. The other couple that were on the trip with us, he was a marine biologist, so he took us under his wing and put a name to things we did not know and showed us things we have never noticed before. All in all, a great trip, but not because of the operator who took us there!!
Written July 10, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States29 contributions
Dec 2011 • Friends
We booked the Gibbs Cay Beach and Sringray Encounter through Carvial Cruise Lines for our stop in the Grand Turks. Perhaps there is more than one operator offering this activity but I would steer clear of this event. First you ride via boat (30) minutes to and from an activity that is approximately (1) hour in duration. When you arrive, you do get to touch a Stringray which is held by one of the tour operators if you can crowd in aroung (35) other people trying to touch the creature. The beach is spartan by any standard and I went on the guided snorkeling tour but if you are not a STRONG swimmer look out as we had several first time snorkelers on the tour that were swept out the currents and had to struggle to get back to the beach. I am very suprised they all made it as I am a strong swimmer and I was pooped. Thumbs down the worst $ I ever spent for a snorkeling tour.
Written December 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wrldtrvlr8374
Las Vegas, NV126 contributions
I came to Grand Turk on a cruise ship and booked the New Waves / Gibbs Cay Beach and Stingray Encounter through the cruise line. They was a lot of us on that boat, over 30 at least. At one point, one of the operators jumped out into the ocean to get us a live conch for a demonstration later on.
When we arrived at Gibbs Cay, they showed us how they remove the conch from the shell and everyone got to try a bit. Then they passed out pieces of fish so we could feed the stingrays. I have actually done the stingray encounter off of Belize. (There were more stingray and sharks there than at Gibbs Cay.)
They also had us hold the stingray so we could take pictures with it. (I'm not sure this is so great for the animal though!) Then we went snorkeling a little further out. Some cool bits to see around the rocks like lion fish and so forth.
Before we left, some of the passengers wanted to bring conch shells home with them. This is the part that I'm not too positive about. Other islands do try to discourage visitors from taking shells home, and it was not the case here. At least over a handful of people brought a conch shell back on the boat with them, and some smelled really bad. (As in, rotten conch inside.) I don't think it's a good idea for locals to encourage visitors to bring these home with them.
When we arrived at Gibbs Cay, they showed us how they remove the conch from the shell and everyone got to try a bit. Then they passed out pieces of fish so we could feed the stingrays. I have actually done the stingray encounter off of Belize. (There were more stingray and sharks there than at Gibbs Cay.)
They also had us hold the stingray so we could take pictures with it. (I'm not sure this is so great for the animal though!) Then we went snorkeling a little further out. Some cool bits to see around the rocks like lion fish and so forth.
Before we left, some of the passengers wanted to bring conch shells home with them. This is the part that I'm not too positive about. Other islands do try to discourage visitors from taking shells home, and it was not the case here. At least over a handful of people brought a conch shell back on the boat with them, and some smelled really bad. (As in, rotten conch inside.) I don't think it's a good idea for locals to encourage visitors to bring these home with them.
Written August 11, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jesstella
Barnsley, UK64 contributions
Hi wanting to do this tour in November when I’m on a cruise but I’m unable to swim would it be possible
bmjnine
Monterey, CA6 contributions
There are several different tours so I would check with your specific tour. But most likely it should be fine. The stingray encounter is usually the main attraction, and you only go knee-deep to waist-deep. If the tour includes snorkeling you could always skip that part and enjoy the beauty of the beach.
Jmunson80
Dallas, GA36 contributions
Who did you use to book the excursion? We're scheduled to go in February on a Carnival ship. We usually try to book on our own to save some money
Ryan C
12 contributions
The Humpback Dive Shack, Brian and Sabine. I emailed them and they responded back promptly and gave me different options or packages. We had the whole boat to ourselves and it was great. No taxis or shuttles needed, they meet you off the dock. I'm glad I took a chance and scheduled myself.
Marian K
Vlaardingen, The Netherlands88 contributions
Is it possible to stand in the area with the rays?
Debby
10 contributions
Can you get to Gibbs Cay by car and snorkel out on your own or do you need a boat?
Brett A
Minneapolis, MN10 contributions
It’s a few miles off shore - you will need a boat and I don’t recommend going on your own - get a guide. I recommend Humpback Dive Shop - Brian and Sabine are knowledgeable and respectful of the island and sea life.
luci01950
Sarzana, Italy4 contributions
alloggiando a providenciales come posso raggiungere Grand Turk e quindi Gibbs cay?
jam808
jam808455 contributions
How far is Gibbs Cay from the port? Do they have a contract with carnival so they won’t book independently?
mycutebulldog
Oriskany Falls, NY487 contributions
I want to say it’s about a 20 minutes from the port to Gibbs Cay. But I don’t know if they have a contract with Carnival. We always booked through the cruise ship in case it was running late or something so we’re not left behind by the cruise ship. Lol
Clayton B
Fort Worth, TX42 contributions
Hey all, my wife and I were looking at heading to Grand Turk as well as Gibbs Cay in November-December, have any of you traveled to this area in that time frame? Wondering if weather will be ok. I know it's unpredictable but just need a general idea.
Graham94549
Lafayette, CA23 contributions
The water was cool (not chilly) but the big thing was the wind. It churned up quite a bit of silt and waves which effected the snorkeling.
We had the typical rain shower pass through, but 15 minutes later it was bright and sunny. I have been there twice in late December, I recommend taking a snorkeling excursion that goes to the sting rays and then on the leeward side of the island.
DJWBrentwoodBay
Palm Springs, CA18 contributions
What tour operaters get a thumbs up for Gibbs Cay?
Ryan L
Montgomery, AL18 contributions
White sands snorkel were amazing, see my review of them and gibbs cay
Aninda B
1 contribution
Hi there,
We are a large group ( 15 adults and about 14 kids) and have some small kids (1.5 years and up). Is it still possible to book a trip with such small children?
If our cruise departure time is at 8:00 am... Are we be able to get on time on 8:30 tour?
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingGibbs Cay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Gibbs Cay
- Hotels near Gibbs Cay:
- (3.59 mi) Bohio Dive Resort
- (2.56 mi) Osprey Beach Hotel
- (3.27 mi) LOVE VILLAS *** SEAHORSE VILLA *** COURTESY Toyota Car *** for each Villa
- (2.58 mi) Manta House
- (2.63 mi) Turks Head Inne
- Restaurants near Gibbs Cay:
- (2.26 mi) The Beached Whale Bar & Grill
- (3.32 mi) Arches on the Ridge
- (2.58 mi) Sandbar Restaurant
- (2.21 mi) Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Grand Turk
- (2.26 mi) Jack's Shack
Gibbs Cay Information
Excellent Reviews | 284 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 62 |
Gibbs Cay Photos | 221 |