New Conch World Center in GT

[Green4me]

Not sure how new this is but got this from my true Key West Conch buddy today regarding Grand Turk...

 

The Grand Turk Cruise Center, owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, has partnered with Cockburn Village & Farm, Ltd., to develop Conch World, a new eco-friendly attraction in Grand Turk.

 

Four years in the making, the million-dollar-plus attraction consists of several brightly colored pink buildings that showcase the queen conch, which is native to Grand Turk and plays a vital role in the health of coral reefs as it serves as a food source for lobsters, turtles, sharks, octopus and other marine animals.

 

Conch World is the only tourist facility devoted to the queen conch at a cruise destination and is only the second such facility in the world.

 

The guided tour begins with an entertaining video and then proceeds to other air-conditioned buildings where informative displays, pictures and dioramas explain conch lore and conch farming, an important part of the Caribbean’s economy.

 

The highlight is the world famous trained conchs, Sally and Jerry, who love to venture out of their shells and have their pictures taken. Guests can also visit the Bare Naked Conch Cafe to savor the delicious farmed conch prepared in a variety of ways and the Pink Pearl Gift Shop, which sells a variety of conch-related merchandise.

 

Conch World is the first of a multi-phase development by the locally owned and operated company, Cockburn Village & Farm, Ltd. It will be followed by a commercial conch farm, Arawak Village, a modern facility with buildings resembling 1780’s Caribbean dwellings, along with beachfront eco-engineered residences.

 

Conch World is just the latest addition to Grand Turk, one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled and laidback islands. The $60-million Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to the destination and encompasses a state-of-the-art pier and 13-acre complex offering a variety of retail shops, including the Caribbean’s largest “Margaritaville”-themed bar and restaurant. (http://www.grandturkcc.com)

[Artemus]

I was looking at excursions yesterday for my upcoming cruise to GT in August and saw Conch World and wondered about it and wondered if it was new. Seemed kind of interesting and the Carnival excursion price was $25. Thank you for posting this information.

[Green4me]

Most welcome, we will be there next week so I will try and find out more to report back. I don't think you need to book this on the ship, but I could be wrong.