Private island · Bahamas · Bahamas
Great Stirrup Cay: private island guide
Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas, the first private island bought by a cruise line. Guests relax on a long, palm-shaded beach with a complimentary barbecue lunch and water sports, or pay for upgrades such as Silver Cove’s lagoon and overwater cabanas, a zip line and stingray encounters.
- Relaxing beach days
- Water sports
- Stingray encounters
- Norwegian cruisers
Photo: Ekem, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Bahamas
- Region
- Bahamas
- Type of stop
- Private island
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- Purchases are charged to your ship account; no cash needed.
- Best time to visit
- March–May
- Average highs
- 75–86°F through the year
About Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian bought Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, long before private islands became a cruise industry staple. Next door to Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, it offers a more traditional, laid-back beach day: soft sand, calm turquoise water, palm trees and hammocks, with a mix of free and paid activities. A historic lighthouse stands on the island, a reminder of its seafaring past.
It suits travelers who want an easy, relaxing beach stop with a few optional extras. Those looking for big waterparks may prefer CocoCay. Over the years Norwegian has invested in new areas and arrival facilities, so the island continues to change; check your ship’s planner for what’s open on your visit.
Where cruise ships dock in Great Stirrup Cay
For most of its history, Great Stirrup Cay was a tender stop, with ships anchored offshore and guests ferried to the island. Norwegian has been building a pier so ships can dock alongside, which removes tender delays and weather cancellations; your ship’s daily planner will confirm how your call works. Once ashore, you can walk to the main beach areas. Free: beaches, loungers, the barbecue lunch and water, lemonade and iced tea. Extra cost: Silver Cove, cabanas, zip line, stingray encounters, snorkel and water-sports rentals, massages and alcoholic drinks unless your package covers them.
Best things to do in Great Stirrup Cay on a cruise
- 1
Main beach
beach
A long, soft-sand beach with palms, hammocks and loungers, and calm, shallow water for swimming. Find a spot early and enjoy the classic Bahamas private-island day. Bars and restrooms are close by, so it’s easy to settle in for the day.
- 2
Silver Cove
beach
A premium area at an extra cost, with a lagoon, upscale beach villas and overwater cabanas, plus its own restaurant and bar. It offers more space and service than the main beach, and it’s popular for special occasions.
- 3
Stingray encounter
wildlife
Wade into a shallow lagoon where trained guides introduce you to southern stingrays and show you how to feed and touch them. It’s a gentle, family-friendly activity with limited capacity.
- 4
Zip line
adventure
Fly over the island’s beach and landscape on a zip line with views of the turquoise water. Weight and age limits apply, and spots are limited, so reserve early in the cruise.
- 5
Snorkeling and kayaking
nature
Rent snorkel gear, kayaks or paddleboards to explore the calm waters around the island. Guided snorkel trips visit nearby reefs with tropical fish.
- 6
Great Stirrup Cay lighthouse
history
A 19th-century lighthouse stands on the island, built to guide ships through the Berry Islands. Short walks around the island reveal it and other glimpses of the cay’s past.
Great Stirrup Cay weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 7524 | 7524 | 7625 | 7826 | 8027 | 8329 | 8530 | 8630 | 8530 | 8328 | 8026 | 7725 |
| Low °F (°C) | 7222 | 7323 | 7423 | 7624 | 7826 | 8228 | 8429 | 8429 | 8329 | 8127 | 7825 | 7524 |
| Rain in (mm) | 2.153 | 1.332 | 1.641 | 2.154 | 4.4113 | 5.1129 | 3.692 | 3.9100 | 5.1130 | 4.5114 | 2.665 | 2.154 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 |
What to eat and drink in Great Stirrup Cay
A complimentary barbecue lunch is served on the island, with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads, fruit and desserts. Water, lemonade and iced tea are included; cocktails, beer and soft drinks cost extra unless covered by your drink package. Silver Cove has its own restaurant for guests in that area. Try a Bahama Mama or a rum punch at one of the beach bars.
Tips for your port day
- Reserve the zip line, stingray encounter and Silver Cove early in the cruise; they have limited capacity.
- If your call uses tenders, go ashore early and head back before the final rush to avoid long lines.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat; shade can be limited once the beach fills up.
- Check your ship’s planner for which areas and activities are open, as the island has been evolving.
- Calls may be canceled in rough weather, so keep plans flexible.
Cruise lines that visit Great Stirrup Cay
Often on the same itinerary
Great Stirrup Cay cruise FAQs
Which cruise line owns Great Stirrup Cay?
Norwegian Cruise Line. NCL bought the island in 1977, making it the first private island owned by a cruise line.
Is Great Stirrup Cay a tender port?
It has traditionally been a tender port. Norwegian has been building a pier so ships can dock directly, so check your ship’s daily planner to see whether your call docks or tenders.
What is included at Great Stirrup Cay?
Beach access, loungers, the barbecue lunch and water, lemonade and iced tea. Silver Cove, cabanas, the zip line, stingray encounters, water sports and most drinks cost extra.
Is Great Stirrup Cay near CocoCay?
Yes. Great Stirrup Cay sits right next to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Berry Islands, but each island is reserved for its own line’s guests.
Do I need a passport for Great Stirrup Cay?
The island is in the Bahamas, so carry the documents your cruise line requires. A passport is strongly recommended.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.