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)
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.