Great Stirrup Cay is a picturesque tropical island about 140 miles from Miami. Because it’s a cruise line, Norwegian has built it with lots of activities for visitors.
So, what are your options on Great Stirrup Cay?
Lounging on the beach, soaking up the rays, or playing in the water is undoubtedly the most popular activity. Cruise passengers can try a lot more things, though. There are many ways to fill your day, regardless of whether money is no object or you want to stick to a budget.
We’ve covered everything there is to do on Great Stirrup Cay, including free activities.
1. Take the Zipline Across the Island
The lighthouse, the tallest structure on the island, will be the first thing you notice as you approach the island. It is not a real lighthouse but a staging point for the zipline that runs through Great Stirrup Cay. So, reaching the lighthouse is probably one of the most popular activities on the island.
At a fee, you can strap in and soar through the air while enjoying breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings. You don’t get to fly over such spectacular scenery every day.
Combine the Ospray and Seahawk zipline on Great Stirrup Cay experiences into one exciting day. You will fly six times on the Great Stirrup Cay zipline and climb through the forest canopy with a cargo net and a chimney climb. The climbs are interspersed with the wild thrills of flying high, heightening their intensity. Choose the complete package and the thrills and grandeur will stay with you forever.
2. Try Taco Bar or Food Truck
On Great Stirrup Cay, you have several options for lunch and snacks, including a free buffet. ‘Abaco Taco’ and ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot’ are unique places to eat.
These locations are completely free; show up and let them know what you want. Abaco Taco’s menu is taco-centric. Ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, and rum cake are among ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot’ offerings.
If you want to grab a snack, these two locations are ideal.
3. Enjoy Kayaking Excursion
The pristine waters surrounding Great Stirrup Cay beg you to get out on them, and what better way to do so than on a guided kayaking excursion? Bring the entire family, even if none have ever kayaked. Your guide will give you a brief orientation, including instructions on maneuvering a two-person kayak.
Take it easy as you glide over clear, shallow water south of the cay. The tour follows the coastline, giving you a close-up look at its features and formations. See the marine life below, including stingrays and spectacular starfish.
4. Take a Wave Runner Tour
A wave runner tour is one of the most exciting things to do in Great Stirrup Cay. After a brief instruction on how to operate your wave runner safely, you follow your tour guide to the open water. Visitors can swim in the waters at Star Fish Alley, where they can see starfish in the clear waters, as part of the tour. More experienced riders can enjoy soaring through the waters on their jet skis by moving up front with the tour guide. But don’t worry if you’re a beginner. There is still plenty of entertainment to be had.
5. Take Photos with Pigs
The Bahamas is famous for its swimming pigs, which you can see from Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian offers a 90-minute tour that takes you to the pigs so you can enjoy swimming with the cute creatures and take some memorable photos.
6. Soar Through the Sky with a Parasailing Adventure
Parasailing is another thrilling activity available on Great Stirrup Cay. Few experiences compare to the thrill of sailing through the sky while being pulled along by an experienced guide. If you’ve never been parasailing, this is a great way to learn the ropes with a professional guide. Step on board, and the ship’s crew will look after you. You will see Great Stirrup Cay in a new light from your vantage point in the sky, which you will remember for years.
7. Take a Tour of the Snorkel Garden
Under the calm ocean, there is a snorkeling garden. Off the coast of the beach, the cruise line installed several sculptures and other attractions. What’s cool is that you can find aquatic life here to see some wildlife in addition to the artwork.
You can rent snorkeling equipment (including fins and a floating vest) and see what most people don’t get to see.
8. Luxuriate in the Cabanas and Silver Cove Villas
Claim your private retreat to take your vacation to the next level. There are two options: a beautiful open-air cabana or a luxurious Silver Core Villa. The villas include air conditioning, a television with on-demand movies, a full bathroom, and access to the delicious, upscale buffet. Furthermore, thanks to a retractable glass wall, you can access the beach and incredible, unobstructed views. Enjoy the privacy that both of these options provide.
9. Take a Photo on the Swingsets
Norwegian has you covered if you want the best photo of yourself. Double swings are located throughout the island (usually in the water). They’re the ideal location for an Instagram photo.
Each set of swings is unique, including one near the Bacardi Bar that allows you to take a great photo in front of the water with the cruise ship in the background. There is no better place for a selfie if you use Instagram.
10. Explore the Surrounding Waters on a Paddle Boarding Adventure
Prepare to explore Bertram’s Cove on Great Stirrup Cay at your own pace. Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP, is a fun and easy way to accomplish this. Rent a paddleboard, and the staff will give you pointers on how to get started. Once you’ve mastered the art of sailing, you’ll be treated to one-of-a-kind views of the beach and opportunities to see the local marine life.
11. Encounter and Interact with Stingrays
Spend time in the Stingray Encounter to prepare for an exciting experience. Following a briefing on how to interact safely with the stingrays, you will be transported to Stingray City Bahamas by boat. You’ll be surrounded as you lower yourself into the shallow water. You can even assist with the feeding of these tame stingrays. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by these gentle creatures as you hold one and possibly even kiss it.
Bottomline
Will you enjoy your stay on Great Stirrup Cay? Absolutely! This island has something for everyone, whether you want a relaxing beach day or a thrilling zipline adventure.