The original cruise line private island — 268 acres of turquoise Bahamian water, powdery beaches, and a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the megaship parks. Norwegian Cruise Line has owned it since 1977, and a major $150M upgrade is underway.
The first pier opened December 28, 2025, but it closed April 1, 2026 to complete the permanent two-berth pier (reopening expected late July 2026). For now, ships anchor offshore and guests tender ashore.
💡 Pro move: Port calls can be cancelled if seas are too rough for safe tendering. With the pier temporarily closed for construction, tendering is the rule through summer 2026 — check the morning announcement.
Great Stirrup Cay's first pier debuted December 2025 but closed April 1, 2026 to finish the permanent two-berth pier (reopening expected late July 2026). Until then, all ships tender.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Cruise Line (current) | Offshore anchorage; tender to Great Stirrup Cay Marina📍 | Tendered |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (from late July 2026) | New two-berth pier, Great Stirrup Cay Marina📍 | Docked |
| Oceania Cruises / Regent Seven Seas | Offshore anchorage; tender to marina📍 | Tendered |
Everything on the island is NCL-operated — book excursions and rentals on the ship or via the NCL app before arrival to secure spots, especially for zip-lining and cabanas.
A multi-station zip line course that sends you flying over the beach and turquoise water. One of the island's most popular paid activities — book early.
Book zip line in advance →Rent gear and explore a purpose-built snorkel trail with artificial shipwrecks, sea creature statues, and a sunken piano. Tropical fish and occasional sea turtles make this a highlight.
Find snorkel gear rentals →Classic Beach Cabanas seat up to 6 and include water, towels, and food service. Silver Cove Villas are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, ocean views, and access to the exclusive Silver Cove lagoon — calm, crystal-clear water without the crowd.
Reserve a cabana or villa →Guided wave runner tours circle the Berry Islands with wide-open Caribbean views, while parasailing flights deliver panoramic shots of the ship anchored offshore.
Book water sports →Hourly rentals to explore the calm coastline at your own pace. The sheltered waters around the main beach make this easy even for beginners.
Find paddleboard rentals →The island is compact enough to walk end-to-end, though the free tram makes longer stretches easy.
The main artery from the pier/tender dock to the heart of the island. Passes the straw market and drops you at the main buffet, bars, and DJ stage.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Follow the shoreline west past Cabana Beach and Fiesta Beach to reach Silver Cove — the quiet, exclusive end of the island with a stunning man-made lagoon. Non-villa guests can admire from the path.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Great Stirrup Cay, Berry Islands, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 74°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 11 | 7:00 AM | 5:42 PM |
| Feb | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 7 | 6:46 AM | 6:05 PM |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 7 | 7:20 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Apr | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:48 AM | 7:34 PM |
| May | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 6:25 AM | 7:50 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 16 | 6:20 AM | 8:04 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:29 AM | 8:05 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 15 | 6:44 AM | 7:46 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:57 AM | 7:15 PM |
| Oct | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 17 | 7:10 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Nov | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 11 | 6:29 AM | 5:22 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:51 AM | 5:22 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Access to the island is via tender boat from the ship, or directly via the new multi-ship pier that opened December 2025. Operated by NCL at no charge.
NCL operates a complimentary tram that runs continuously around the island, connecting all beach areas, the pool complex, and Silver Cove villas.
The island is compact and easily walkable. Most beach areas, bars, and dining spots are reachable on foot from the pier or tender landing.
Paid activities booked through NCL include kayak tours (~$65–$85), wave runners (~$185–$220), ziplines (~$110–$155), paddleboards (~$40–$45/hr), and swim-with-pigs excursions (~$205–$220).
Upcoming cruises that call at Great Stirrup Cay, Berry Islands, Bahamas. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.