Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line‘s private island in the Bahamas, is a true tropical paradise for cruisers seeking a day of sun, sand, and sea!
The island is located in the Berry Islands, part of the Bahamas archipelago which consists of a chain of around 30 cays and islands, including CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private destination).
Great Stirrup Cay sits about 130 miles east of Miami, Florida, and is therefore often included on many Norwegian Cruise Line’s itineraries.
The island spans 268 acres and is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and various activities, from snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to relaxing in luxurious cabanas at Silver Cove.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay, including beaches, facilities, and top activities.
Great Stirrup Cay Port Overview
There is no pier and ships can’t dock directly at the island, so passengers must take a tender boat to get ashore. The tender process is usually smooth and you’ll be given the instructions onboard.
The tender boats can also accommodate guests with mobility difficulties and in wheelchairs.
As soon as you arrive, you can grab a coffee from the Starbucks kiosk or head over to another kiosk to book exciting excursions and reserve a private cabana for the day.
Restaurants at Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay offers a variety of food options to satisfy every taste. The lunch is usually served between 11:30 am and 2 pm, although the opening hours generally depend on the cruise ship’s schedule.
While the Jumbey Beach Grill, Abaco Taco, and Tropic Like It’s Hot are complimentary for all guests, Silver Cove’s dining options, including a fine-dining restaurant and bars exclusive to cabana guests, come at an extra cost.
Here’s what food you can find in these restaurants:
- The Jumbey Beach Grill serves up classic beachside favorites like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and jerk chicken.
- The Abaco Taco offers customizable tacos with a choice of fillings like fish, chicken, or beef.
- For a quick bite, the Tropic Like It’s Hot food truck offers delicious sandwiches, ceviche, and more.
- At Silver Cove, the exclusive dining options include more upscale, gourmet meals, ranging from fresh seafood to specialty dishes. The restaurant in this area offers a premium dining experience, often with chef-curated menus.
Bars & Drinks at Great Stirrup Cay
If you’ve purchased a Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package, you’ll be glad to know it also covers drinks on Great Stirrup Cay.
This means you can enjoy unlimited beverages, including alcohol, at no extra cost while on the island. Simply show your key card to receive drinks, just like on the ship.
The package includes a variety of alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like soda and bottled water.
The island features several bars, out of which the popular options include the Bacardi Bar, located near the main beach, and Patron Tequila Bar, offering a variety of cocktails with a great view.
Other bars include the Lighthouse Beach Bar, Bertram’s Bar, and of course, Silver Cove’s bars, exclusively for Silver Cove guests, offering premium cocktails.
Beaches at Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay doesn’t have specific, widely-known names for individual beaches like some other private destinations. However, the main beach areas are often referred to by their general location or feature:
- Main Beach: The primary beach where most guests relax, located near the tender drop-off area.
- Silver Cove Beach: A more exclusive, private beach area offering cabanas and a luxurious retreat experience.
- Lagoon Retreat Beach (part of Silver Cove): A quieter, upscale area of Silver Cove that offers enhanced privacy for those renting cabanas.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary for all guests and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Silver Cove Exclusive Retreat
Silver Cove Exclusive Retreat offers a luxurious escape for an extra cost for guests seeking privacy and relaxation. This area features private cabanas, beachfront villas, and a beautiful lagoon with stunning views of the bay and the ship.
Each cabana is equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and concierge service.
Guests can enjoy access to a pool, an exclusive bar, premium dining options, and secluded beach areas.
The retreat provides a more personalized and upscale experience, perfect for those looking to elevate their day on the island with added privacy and comfort.
It’s best to reserve villas and cabanas ahead of time, as they may sell off quickly.
Shopping at Great Stirrup Cay
Shopping options at Great Stirrup Cay are limited but offer a few opportunities for souvenirs and essentials.
You can browse small shops and kiosks selling local crafts, beachwear, and souvenirs to take home a piece of the Bahamas.
There’s also a shop where you can pick up essentials like sunscreen or sunglasses if you need them during your visit. Bring both your card and a little bit of cash on you.
While it’s not a major shopping destination, it’s convenient for cruisers looking to grab a few items during their beach day.
Activities and Watersports at Great Stirrup Cay
At Great Stirrup Cay, you can enjoy a variety of activities and watersports.
Adventure seekers can try snorkeling to explore vibrant coral reefs, or go paddleboarding and kayaking in the calm, crystal-clear waters.
The Underwater Sculpture Garden is a unique snorkeling attraction featuring a collection of artistic sculptures submerged beneath the sea. These sculptures are placed at different depths, and you can explore them right off the beach.
Thrill-seekers can take part in ziplining or parasailing for breathtaking aerial views of the island, or embark on a jet ski tour.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, lounging on the beach or renting a floating mat for a peaceful drift in the water are great options.
Great Stirrup Cay: Cruise Tips and Practical Info
- Arrive early: The best beach spots fill up fast, especially those with natural shade or close to the water. Arriving early ensures you can choose your preferred spot and enjoy more time exploring the island.
- Pack sunscreen and a hat: The Bahamas sun can be intense, and shade can be limited on the beaches. Be sure to apply sunscreen frequently and wear a hat to avoid sunburn, especially if you’re spending the whole day outdoors.
- Book excursions and cabanas in advance: Popular activities like parasailing and renting cabanas can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book them before your cruise. This guarantees you’ll get to do your preferred activities without disappointment.
- Bring your own snorkel gear: While rental equipment is available, bringing your own snorkel gear can save you money and ensure you’re ready to explore the underwater world at any time. It also ensures you have the gear you’re comfortable using.
- If you have purchased a Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package on the ship, it also applies on Great Stirrup Cay. This means you can enjoy unlimited drinks, including cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water, without any extra charges. Just present your key card at any bar on the island, and you’ll be able to take full advantage of your beverage package.
- Take advantage of the complimentary dining: Enjoy free meals at Jumbey Beach Grill or Abaco Taco, saving money while enjoying delicious beachside food. This allows you to relax and enjoy the island without worrying about additional dining costs.
- Bring water shoes: Some parts of the island, particularly near the coral reefs, can be rocky and rough. Water shoes will protect your feet while wading or snorkeling, making the experience more comfortable.
Wrapping Up
Overall, Great Stirrup Cay offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for cruisers sailing to this part of the Caribbean.
Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, this private island in the Bahamas provides a wide range of activities, from lounging on pristine beaches to exploring the underwater world through snorkeling and watersports.
With convenient dining, shopping, and exclusive areas like Silver Cove, there’s something for every type of traveler.
If you’re cruising the Bahamas, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this stunning island retreat!
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Western Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
