Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay

Bahamas

Swim with friendly rays and nurse sharks in crystal-clear shallow waters while relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches.

Currency Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
Language English
Time Zone EST (UTC-5)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Apr
Typical Duration 5-7 nights
Price Range $204.50-$9,229 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

A pristine private island destination owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, featuring white-sand beaches, water sports, and exclusive access for cruise passengers.

Cruises that visit Great Stirrup Cay

Build Your Day in Great Stirrup Cay

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Great Stirrup Cay Great day at Stirrup Cay. Cruise agency · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Perfect Day at CocoCay - Royal Caribbean International A day in the Bahamas at Coco Cay was amazing! Water park · ★ 4.7 · 3k Closes soon · 5 PM
Swim With The Pigs I do suggest swimming with the pigs on your vacation to the Bahamas. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
CoolieMae's Sunset By The Sea Was served a salad that rivals anything I have EVER had on the mainland. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Jumbey Beach Grill Jumbey Beach Grill A buffet on a cruise lines private island. Buffet · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Captain Jacks We didn’t have food, but the drinks, service, and atmosphere were great. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closes soon · 5 PM
Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse A very nice tropical escape by NCL's (Norwegian Cruise Line) private island. Historical landmark · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open now
Wacky Seagull Bar Excellent rum & coke. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 5 PM
Silver Cove Lagoon Villas If you're going to do the Bahamas, you gotta do the Bahamas right... Villa · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Snorkel Sculpture Garden Use TripAdvisor to book snorkeling trips outside the cruise where you can. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Great Stirrup Cay Flighthouse Zipline Adventure Great Stirrup Cay. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open now
Swim-Up Bar Swim up and sit and have a drink. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Open now
The Breakaway Restaurant Bar Cozy and personal. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Old Sugar Beach Hotel Ruins With that said, it was a fun place to explore! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Sugar Beach Sea Caves A fun excursion, we took bikes from the marina and rode here. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Great Life Lagoon Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Berried Treasure Bazaar Gift shop · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Whitewater Bar Great little place to hang out food is affordable. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Silver cove Playground · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Great Stirrup Cay

About Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay serves as a popular port of call in the Caribbean, with Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises regularly including this Bahamian island on their itineraries. With 718 upcoming cruises calling here, you'll find plenty of opportunities to experience this tropical destination. Most voyages are seven-night cruises that combine Great Stirrup Cay with other Caribbean favorites like Nassau, Puerto Plata, and Saint Thomas, making it an ideal addition to a broader island-hopping adventure. The port sees peak traffic during the winter months from December through April, when cruisers seek warm-weather escapes.

As a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Great Stirrup Cay offers passengers a perfect day of island relaxation and water activities. You can expect pristine beaches with calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, along with opportunities to unwind in this peaceful Caribbean setting. Whether you're looking to simply soak up the sun or explore the underwater world, this private island destination provides a quintessential cruise port experience.
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Reasons to Visit

1

Pristine Beach Paradise

Great Stirrup Cay boasts some of the Caribbean's most stunning white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The island's secluded coves and calm shoreline offer an idyllic escape where you can relax, sunbathe, and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish just steps from shore.

2

Fresh Conch Salad Experience

Savor authentic Bahamian conch salad prepared fresh daily at beachside restaurants, featuring locally-caught conch mixed with lime juice, tomatoes, and peppers. This iconic Caribbean dish captures the essence of island flavors and represents a quintessential culinary tradition you must experience during your port visit.

3

Snorkeling Among Coral Reefs

Discover the underwater wonders surrounding Great Stirrup Cay through guided snorkeling expeditions that reveal colorful coral gardens and abundant marine life. The shallow, protected reefs near the island are ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers seeking an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

4

Local Artisan Crafts Market

Browse authentic Bahamian handicrafts and souvenirs at the island's beachside market stalls, featuring handmade jewelry, woven baskets, and local artwork created by talented island artisans. These unique treasures offer genuine connections to Bahamian culture and make perfect mementos of your Caribbean escape.

5

Island Beach Club Relaxation

Experience the exclusive beach club atmosphere with comfortable loungers, tiki bars, and water sports facilities exclusively for cruise passengers. Enjoy complimentary amenities including beach chairs and umbrellas while sipping tropical drinks and soaking in the island's laid-back Caribbean vibe throughout your day.

Cruise Lines at Great Stirrup Cay

Cruises Departing From Great Stirrup Cay

Cruises Visiting Great Stirrup Cay

Ship Schedule at Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay Location

Other Cruise Ports in Bahamas

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas?

Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises both offer cruises to Great Stirrup Cay. With 718 upcoming cruises available, you'll have numerous options to choose from when planning your Caribbean vacation to this beautiful Bahamian port.

When is the best time to cruise to Great Stirrup Cay?

The peak months for cruising to Great Stirrup Cay are December, January, February, March, and April. These winter and early spring months offer the best weather conditions and are the most popular times to visit the Caribbean, so booking in advance is recommended.

How much do cruises to Great Stirrup Cay cost?

Cruise prices to Great Stirrup Cay range from $204.50 to $9,229 per person, depending on the cruise line, cabin type, cruise length, and travel dates. Shorter cruises and interior cabins tend to be at the lower end of the price range, while longer voyages and premium accommodations command higher prices.

What are the top cruise destinations from Great Stirrup Cay?

Great Stirrup Cay serves as a port of call on cruises that also visit Miami, Port Canaveral, Nassau, Puerto Plata, and Saint Thomas. These itineraries typically offer a diverse Caribbean experience with multiple island destinations and cultural attractions throughout your voyage.

Is Great Stirrup Cay a tender port or dock port?

Great Stirrup Cay is a tender port, meaning passengers are transported to shore via small boats rather than docking directly. This is typical for private island ports in the Bahamas, and the tender process is usually quick and efficient, allowing you to maximize your time on the island.

What can I do during a day at Great Stirrup Cay?

Great Stirrup Cay is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, featuring pristine beaches, water sports, swimming, snorkeling, and beach activities. You can relax on the white sand beaches, enjoy Caribbean cuisine at beachside restaurants, participate in water activities, or simply unwind in this tropical paradise during your port day.

Are taxis and transportation available at Great Stirrup Cay?

As a private island port, Great Stirrup Cay does not require traditional taxi services since the island is designed for cruise passengers with all amenities accessible on foot. Transportation between the tender dock and beach areas is provided by the cruise line, and the island is compact enough to explore without additional transportation needs.