Grand Turk has approximately 17 miles beaches, which generally are kept clean, line clear water and are open to visitors free of charge. The island also sports several cays with beaches relatively far from populated areas. The most popular beaches on Grand Turk are at Cockburn Town, Waterloo and White Sands Beach.
The largest islands of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, including Grand Turk, sport coral reefs approximately a mile to a mile and a half offshore. All of the islands and cays of the archipelago have coral reefs in shallower waters closer to shore. These marine systems are important to the population of Grand Turk because they play host to the local lobster and conch shell populations. However, they are under threat from marine industries, development along Grand Turk's coasts, fish-processing plants and hotel sewage disposal.
Conch shells are are harvested in the seas around Grand Turk and sold to tourists as souvenirs. The shells are sometimes sold whole and sometimes cut up and sold as earrings or necklaces. Conch shells also provide a source of protein for those Caribbean residents who eat the body that grows inside the shell.
Fish provide meals for many of Grand Turk's residents and visitors. It is also a popular sporting and leisure activity. Many companies offer guided fishing trips, and there is an annual Grand Turk fishing tournament. Bonefish, snapper and cod are commonly eaten by the residents of Grand Turk.
