Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is a Norwegian private island of the popular cruise line. Strolling around the island on a newly constructed walking path, you will be able to see the beauty of this place. Palm trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters; all familiar scenes of the Bahamas. However, that is not all this great island has to offer. To know exactly what is at your doorstep, you must first explore the island. Sink your feet into the warm sand and let out a shriek of joy if you must, but there is much more to Great Stirrup Cay than the norm.
Like its sister island, Little Stirrup Cay, Great Stirrup Cay island is a part of a set of islands known as the Berry Islands north of Nassau about fifty miles. It is actually the northernmost island of the set. Purchased decades ago, this Norwegian cruise private island has come a long way in being developed into an exclusive island oasis offering dozens of Great Stirrup Cay excursions to create the ultimate experience for guests.
We have put together a list of things to do on the NCL private island to make your time on Great Stirrup Cay island unforgettable. What used to be a deserted island is now a paradise of thrills and frills and activities for visitors of all ages so that everyone can have the time of their lives.
The top destination in the Bahamas is the famous Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach. Only a short day excursion on your Bahamas Cruise stopover in Nassau, you’ll be bale to take part in the Swimming with Pigs tours at Staniel Cay Exuma. Bahamas Air Tours offers Bahamas Day Trips and Swimming Pigs Tours from Nassau. Or if you don’t have time on your Bahamas Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you can take our Miami to Bahamas Day Trip before or after your cruise from our departure location in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas — an NCL private island.
What to do on this Norwegian Private Island?
Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970’s, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island:
Go on a Swimming with Pigs Tour
Just as is popping up more and more around the Bahamas, this Norwegian private island gives you the opportunity to experience swimming with pigs in the Bahamas yourself. For $105, you will board a boat and be taken to a nearby island where you will be greeted by swimming pigs who are out for their daily feed.
This is a relatively new tour but will surely become an excursion favorite in no time. Bring your camera — photos of these pigs in the water are too good to be true. The tour lasts approximately an hour and a half.
Take a Self-Guided Stroll Around the Island
Like mentioned before, this Norwegian private island is doing great things in developing the island to cater to the cruise guests. This includes a newly constructed walking path around the length of the island. The path is paved and suitable for all guests. Just be careful of the hot sun and find some shade along the way!
Little Stirrup Cay is a Norwegian private island.
Beach it
We know, we know. It is a typical thing to do and you probably don’t need to be told to enjoy the beach on your trip to a Norwegian private island in the Bahamas, anyway. However, you probably didn’t know that this tiny island has over 10 acres of beachfront property to enjoy.
Don’t limit yourself to the closest beach from the cruise port which is generally the most crowded. Get out and explore the different beaches and you are sure to find a beach which you can enjoy nearly to yourself.
Check out Stirrup Cay Island — an NCL private island in the Bahamas.
Take part in Shore Excursions
Just like any island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, the Norwegian private island also has its fair share of shore excursions to keep all cruise passengers busy during their day on the island.
Whether you want to rent a paddle board ($27) or a kayak ($60), you can explore the crystal clear exotic waters around Great Stirrup Cay in an exciting and different way.
Swimming areas are very visibly marked so just make sure you stay out of those zones. You can also rent a life vest for your safety.
Explore the Underwater Sculpture Garden
Go grab a snorkel, vest, fins, and mask and explore the underwater sea life surrounding Great Stirrup Cay! Luckily, the folks at Norwegian Cruise Lines have also set up an underwater Sculpture Garden for your snorkel viewing pleasure. You can rent all your gear for just $30 and enjoy all the marine life and sculptures your heart desires in the beautiful pristine waters around the island.
Tip: The Sculpture Garden is an excellent place to start snorkeling as it is teeming with marine life of both micro and macro levels. Guide yourself around and make multiple trips out to the garden throughout the day.
Snorkeling in Stirrup Cay Island of the Bahamas.
Visit Stingray City
Like many cruising company’s private islands, this Norwegian private island also has their own take on a stingray sanctuary at Stingray City. It is just a short ride by speed boat from Great Stirrup Cay (toward Little Stirrup Cay) and can be fun for the whole family.
The southern stingrays are harmless but, regardless, your guide will give you a safety run down before the tour begins so you know how to treat the stingrays during your interaction (for their protection more-so than yours). Tours start at just $79. It is one of the best Great Stirrup Cay excursions on this Norwegian cruise private island.
Shop Local (Berried Treasure Bazaar)
Looking for a souvenir for a loved one? A momento to remember your trip? Berried Treasure Bazaar is the place to do your local artisan and souvenir shopping. It is a great place to meet locals and maybe have a conversation or two, as well. Most cruise passengers give the market a visit, or at least a walk through to see all the neat crafts and tees.
Take a Jet Ski Tour
Jet ski tours around the island are perfect for that adrenaline-seeking traveler. It is OK if you have no experience riding a jet ski, there will also be a quick instructional provision for beginners. The tours start at $105 for one person on a jet ski. Your guide will show you around and tell you neat things about the island at high speed thrills. A jet ski tour is a guest favorite on the Norwegian private island and an excellent way to spend your day.
Check out the Great Stirrup Cay excursions on the Norwegian private island.
Swimming Pigs Nassau to Staniel Cay Day Tour
If you haven’t got your fill of exotic islands on your Norwegian private island Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas getaway, maybe Bahamas Air Tours can help. Although Great Stirrup Cay now offers their own version of a swimming pigs tour, there’s no better way to see pigs in the Bahamas than where they were originally found; Big Major Cay (Pig Island), home of the Exuma pigs!
Book a Miami to Bahamas day trips by plane for an unforgettable experience through the sky! Our Bahamas vacation packages feature flights to Bahamas in our private Cessna Grand Caravan Bahamas air charter where you will be treated with luxury like you never have before traveling from Florida to Bahamas.
Take one of our Exuma day trips Bahamas vacation deals to go on one of our swimming pigs tours to Pig Beach on Pig Island (Big Major Cay) to see the Exuma pigs in the Bahamas. It is the extraordinary chance of a lifetime to go on a one day cruise to Bahamas to go swimming with pigs Bahamas style! Take a day trip to Bahamas with us and be treated to memories for ages.
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