How to Spend a Day on Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination in the Bahamas. This island paradise is a port stop you will find on a number of the line’s Caribbean itineraries. 

The destination spans 268 acres and is part of the Bahamas’ Berry Islands. Norwegian Cruise Line has spent years developing it into a dream destination, complete with pristine beaches and a variety of fun activities for travelers of all ages. 

There is no dock at Great Stirrup Cay, so guests will go on a short tender ride when they arrive from the ship to island shore. One of the fun things about the tender process is the great views you will see of the island as well as your ship as you cruise by. It is great for photo opps! 

If your next cruise includes a port stop here, consider yourself in for a treat! Following are the top eight things to check out during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay. 

1. Snorkeling 

The clear waters surrounding Great Stirrup Cay are a great place to try snorkeling. Meet the local schools of fish, lobsters, crabs, and other sea creatures who call the area home. One of the snorkeling highlights to check out is the underwater sculpture garden, which features fun statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains, and urns. 

Daily equipment rentals are available, with no time limit while you are on the island. Access is open to all and this is a family-friendly activity. 

Extra Cost

2. Zip Across the Island 

One of the first things you see on Great Stirrup Cay is the enormous zip lines that crisscross the island. There are two main zip line courses on Great Stirrup Cay. You can choose to select an excursion with access to both of two courses, or focus on one course only. Guests must be at least 8 years of age and less than 250 pounds to zip line.  

The Osprey zip line (named after the local birds) has three lines that will have you soaring above the ground. The first flight traverses 185 feet at 120 feet above the ground. On the second flight, guests will step off a platform 75 feet above the ground to soar 850 feet to the next landing which is 75 feet high. To finish, guests go up a series of stairs to a launching pad for a 900-foot zip to the ground level. 

The Seahawk zip line is for only the bravest of thrill seekers. This zipline soars 2,975 feet above the air, right over the water! To get to the top of this ride, guests take an elevator up 1,429 feet to the top, where they are greeted by the spectacular views below. When you are ready to go,  launch yourself over the expansive zipline where you will land adjacent to Silver Cove lagoon. To get back, guests will traverse a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and a 36-foot cargo net climb stationed 40 feet above the ground. Between these are two additional long zips for some extra fun. 

Extra Cost

3. Pamper Yourself 

Could there be anything more relaxing than enjoying a massage oceanside in the Caribbean? The Mandara Spa has an outpost on Great Stirrup Cay where you can choose from a variety of massage and body treatments. The spa offers a number of couples treatments which are done in a private suite right on the beach.

Mandara Spa is located at Silver Cove, and all guests who receive a treatment here will be allowed day access to the exclusive area. 

The Mandara Spa on Great Stirrup Cay offers its own hot tubs which are perfectly positioned right by the ocean. 

Extra Cost

4. Channel Your Inner Beach Bum 

Looking to do, well, nothing, during your time on Great Stirrup Cay? Enjoy a number of lounges and cabana options that dot the sandy shores. The majority of lounge chairs are included, however some seating options (such as clamshell-covered loungers) come with an additional fee. 

On a secluded area of Fiesta Beach are day-rental cabanas that can accommodate multiple guests. These are great spaces for families looking to spread out. Classic Cabanas (which start at $299) accommodate 6 guests and include a covered space, lounge chairs, a couch, and four mats for floating in the water. Premier Cabanas (which start at $649) accommodate eight guests and include a covered space, a front porch, bottled water, floating mats, and comfortable lounge chairs.   

Costs Vary

5. Paddle Across the Sea

Explore the waters of Great Stirrup Cay by stand-up paddle board (SUP) or kayak. SUP rentals come with a lesson on how to float/ride a paddleboard by a Great Stirrup Cay crew member. After your lesson, paddle around beautiful Bertram’s Cove. Rentals run for $39/hr per person. 

You can also opt for a 2-hour guided kayak tour. This is a great adventurous way to see the island and the surrounding waters and marine life. Tours run at $64/person. 

Extra Cost 

6. Swim with the Pigs

This fun activity is one of the most unique excursions at this port stop. You will take a quick boat ride over to Treasure Island, a separate part of the Berry Island chain. After a brief safety demo, you will meet with and swim with the pigs of Treasure Island.

Get your photo taken with the swimming pigs, and then go to the observation deck for great views of the ocean and the pigs. This tour runs for 1.5 hours and is for guests ages six and older.  

Extra Cost 

7. Enjoy a VIP Island Experience

There’s nothing more VIP than an exclusive area on a private island! Nestled on the far side of Great Stirrup Cay is Silver Cove. 

This exclusive section is a private retreat with its own beach area, buffet, bars, and an infinity pool that is currently being constructed. Access to Silver Cove is via the purchase of use of one of the premium villas in this area, which start at $599+ per day. 

Each villa includes A/C, a TV, a private restroom, butler service, as well as dedicated umbrellas and chairs right by the beach. All villas include an indoor living area, some with 1- or 2-bedrooms attached. Entry-level villas at Silver Cove accommodate up to six guests, with the largest ones accommodating up to 16.

Extra Cost 

8. Meet a Stingray 

Like swimming with the pigs, this activity requires a little ‘island hopping’ to reach. From Great Stirrup Cay, you will take a short boat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. Once there, you will get a quick demo on how to feed a stingray and then jump in the waist-deep waters to meet the stingrays (all with the help of professional staff). 

While here, you can also swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters. This excursion runs for about an hour and a half and is for guests ages six and older. 

Extra Cost

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Tips for Visiting a Cruise Line’s Private Island

12 Tips for an Unforgettable Norwegian Cruise 

What to do on a Cruise Line’s Private Island