Taking a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian? Chances are high that you’ll make a stop at the cruise line’s private island — Great Stirrup Cay.
Great Stirrup Cay sits about 140 miles from Miami and is a picturesque tropical island. And because it’s run by the cruise line, Norwegian has developed it with tons of things to do for guests.
So what can you do on Great Stirrup Cay?
Without a doubt the most popular activity is lounging beachside, soaking up some sun or playing in the water. But there is so much more for cruise passengers to try. And whether money is no object or you want to watch your budget, there is no shortage of ways to spend your day.
Below we’ve covered all the things you can do on Great Stirrup Cay, starting with free things to do…
Free Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay
Hit the Beach
First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. The island features a sweeping shoreline that offers several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. And because of the island’s shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm.
The beach is completely free to enjoy, including thousands of lounge chairs available for you to use. Whether you want to work on your tan, play on the beach, swim in the water, or find a shady spot under a palm tree, it’s all here for you to enjoy the paradise.
One tip is to head down the beach some to find smaller crowds. The area closest to the entrance of Great Stirrup Cay will have the most people.
Get a Photo of Your Ship
If you want to get a picture of your ship, then Great Stirrup Cay is your best chance. You used to stop offshore and have to be ferried into the island. Now there’s a newly built pier here, so you’ll dock right at the island.
Given that it’s private destination, it’s most likely that it’s only going to be your ship in port. (There are some days when two ships dock at once, but they will both be NCL vessels.)
This gives you the opportunity to get a great photo with your ship with far fewer people in the background of your shot. There is a large “Great Stirrup Cay” sign built as a photo opp on the island where you can get your picture in front of the ship. Or you can just stop on the pier and get a photo.
Take a Photo on the Swingsets
If you want the best photo of yourself, then Norwegian has you covered. In several spots around the island there are double swings (usually out in the water). They make the perfect spot to grab a photo for Instagram.
Each set of swings is a little different, including the one near the Bacardi Bar that gives you a fantastic photo in front of the water with the cruise ship in the background. If you are into Instagram, you won’t find a better place for a snapshot.
Look for Turtles in the Landing Cove
As mentioned, you dock at the pier at Great Stirrup Cay. Then you walk a path over a bridge that spans a small harbor.
When you pass this harbor, be sure to keep your eyes peeled. During our visit, we spotted sea turtles swimming in the cove. It was an amazing experience to see this sort of wildlife up close — and completely unexpected. They are hard to see… having polarized sunglasses can help cut through the glare in the water.
Hit Up The Food Truck or Beach Grill on the Island
You have several options for lunch and snacks on Great Stirrup Cay, including a buffet (Jumbey Bar & Grill), a food truck, and hot dog cart.
These venues are are completely free; you just head up and get what you want.
Tropic Like It’s Hot — the food truck — includes things like ceviche, pulled-pork sandwiches, and rum cake. So it’s not just the typical burgers and dogs seen on other islands (though you can get that too!).
Enjoy the Poolside
As part of a series of upgrades, NCL has added a lot to the island. One of the biggest upgrades was the installation of a huge pool… or as it’s officially names, Great Life Lagoon.
At 28,000 square feet its roughly 2/3 of an acre in size meaning there is tons of room for everyone.
Perhaps best of all, the pool is heated meaning that even if you visit in the cooler winter months, it will still be nice and warm to take a dip. Or you can just enjoy the swim-up bar or hang out in a lounger.
Splash Harbor
Have smaller kids? Then the new Splash Harbor is just the place. It’s great for those that want to get wet and have some excitement but aren’t ready for the waterpark just yet.
It offers 21 features, including rings spraying water, small slides, and of course the massive filling bucket that dumps water everywhere.
For parents there are plenty of shaded loungers nearby so you can watch your kids play without having to be in the middle of the action if you don’t want to.
Take a Tour of the Snorkel Garden
One of the neatest things to do on Great Stirrup Cay is something that you can’t even see at first glance.
Hidden beneath the calm ocean is an underwater snorkel garden. Just off the coast of the beach, the cruise line installed a number of sculptures and things to explore. What’s neat is that aquatic life also takes up residence here so you can see some wildlife in addition to the artwork.
You can rent snorkel gear (including fins and floating vest) and head out to see what most people don’t get a chance to experience. But if you already have your own gear, it’s free to explore.
Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay for a Charge
Ride the Zipline Across the Island
If you want to know one of the most popular activities on the island, look to the lighthouse.
As you approach the island, the lighthouse will be the first thing you notice, and it’s the tallest structure on the island. It’s not a real lighthouse, instead, it’s a staging point for the zipline that criss-cross Great Stirrup Cay.
For a fee you can strap in and set off flying through the air, getting spectacular views of the island and the surrounding water. It’s not every day that you get to fly through a place with such natural beauty. No wonder it’s such a popular activity.
Prices vary depending on the course you run:
- Osprey Zipline: $99 adult/$79 child
- Seahawk Zipline: $99/$79
- Island Zipline Adventure: $139/$119
Rent Your Own Private Cabana
If you want to relax in style, then check out one of the open-air cabanas. These spots are great for families as they are open, but also have a roof so that you can get some shade (and kids don’t spend the entire day in the sun).
Each cabana can fit between two to twelve people, depending on which you select as there are different options all over the island. Depending on which you choose, inside you can have a couch, chairs, a ceiling fan, plus a mini-fridge.
Prices vary depending on which cabana you choose:
- Great Life Lagoon Couples Cabana: $329
- Vibe Shore Club Couples Cabana: $329
- Great Life Lagoon Cabana (8 guests): $749
- Vibe Shore Club Premium Cabana (4 adults): $749
- Cabanas on the Cay (8 guests): $749
- Great Life Lagoon Grand Cabana (12 guests): $899
- Great Tides Waterpark Cabana (6 guests): $1,099
Pamper Yourself with a Villa at Silver Cove
Want luxury? You can get it at Great Stirrup Cay with Silver Cove. Access to Silver Cove is limited to those who book one of the villas for the day, and you might find it worth the money.
Not only do you get your own villa, complete with air conditioning, a private bathroom, fridge, a bedroom, and private porch, but you also get access to the entire Silver Cove area.
This spot has its own private cove with electric blue water and a gorgeous beach, along with its own restaurant, bars, and even a spa.
If you’re familiar with the high level of service within The Haven on Norwegian ships, Silver Cove’s villas give you a similar experience on Great Stirrup Cay.
Prices vary depending on which villa you choose:
- Silver Cove Ocean Villa (6 guests): $1,049
- Silver Cove Lagoon Villa (8 guests): $1,149
Do Some Souvenir Shopping
Don’t forget to grab a souvenir! Or maybe you forgot something like your hat or sunglasses?
If you want there is a small market with several local vendors selling all sorts of merchandise, from sundresses to sunscreen. Want a souvenir magnet? Or a t-shirt? You’ll find just the thing here. Be sure to bring some cash with you.
Try Your Hand at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking
Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a trend that doesn’t show signs of stopping and for good reason. It’s a fun way to get a little exercise while also being out on the water. The same goes for kayaking where NCL offers guided tours.
Great Stirrup Cay offers paddle boarding around the island. They have everything you need to get started, as well as some advice on getting started if you’re a novice. From there, you can head out into the water and paddle around the beach — no matter if you want to stand (paddle boarding) or sit (kayaking).
- Stand-Up Paddle Board Rental: $50
- Kayak Tour: $90
Take a Jet Ski Tour of the Island
Is kayaking or paddle boarding not quite exciting enough? What about a jet ski tour?
Norwegian runs jet ski tours, giving you the controls as you take a trip around the island and the surrounding area. You’ll see a lot of places that most visitors never get a chance to experience, all while having a blast darting across the waves.
One thing to keep in mind is that you have to be 18 years old to drive the jet ski solo.
- Jet Ski Tour: $200
Swim With the Pigs
The Bahamas is famous for its swimming pigs, and you can have that experience from Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian offers a tour lasting about 90 minutes that takes you to the pigs to have the joy of swimming with the cute creatures and be able to grab some memorable photos.
- Swimming With the Pigs Excursion: $230 adult/$190 child
Great Tides Waterpark
For years, Great Stirrup Cay was a bit sleepier than Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, located right next door. If you wanted something more active, you didn’t have a ton of choices. Today, that’s changed with the introduction of the Great Tides Waterpark.
Coming in at nearly six acres (about the size of 4.5 football fields), the park features a staggering 19 slides. It’s all anchored by what NCL is dubbing the Tidal Tower, featuring multiple slides, including Breakwater Blasters, a tube ride that takes you both down -= and up — using water jets.
There’s a massive kids splashpad area, a lazy-river ride complete with tunnel, and even a four-person body slide. It also has a spot for cliff jumping if you’re brave enough.
- Great Tides Waterpark: $90 per person
More on Sailing NCL:
- What I Wish I Knew Before Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line
- Complete Guide to Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
- Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): 10 Major Differences Between The Lines
Want more on visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Don’t miss our 17 tips and things to know for the island.
I Normally I use an electric wheelchair. I can walk a little, after being up for about 15 minutes my back goes into heavy pain and I need to sit down. What would be the best of this stop at Great Stirrup Cay. I’ll be 80 years old. I probably not be able to use my wheelchair.
I’m not sure how this would be handled because you tender to port. They should have a ramp you can use to drive the wheelchair to the tender boat. From there, what do you like to do? There are plenty of loungers where you can transfer and then relax for the day.