Cruise Line Private Islands

The Bahamas are a chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba.

Weather Update

Aletta weakens to Tropical Depression - no threat to land.

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Our Home Port is Venice, Florida, a city located on the southwest coast of Florida in Sarasota County.

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Need to know

Hurricanes

The Islands of the Bahamas are situated in an area prone to hurricanes. Rainy season is from May to November, and periodic hurricanes between June and November.

In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane alert, Shipdetective will post NWS updates and information for travelers on our Tropical Storm Update page.

Getting around

Ships anchor and passengers are brought to the island by tender boat.

All excursions are organized and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.

NCL Enhancements

Enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay were scheduled for completion at the end of 2011. A new arrival/departure pavilion was added along with additional bar facilities, nature trails, several comfort stations, a band stand, a cruise program activity area, private beachfront cabanas, a floating Aquapark and Lazy River, a straw market, and beach volleyball courts.

Update: Feb 7, 2012

Enhancements continue on Great Stirrup Cay. At the time of this post, the Lazy River, Bandstand and Aquapark are still under construction.

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Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

great stirrup cay photo by wiki user

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL purchased Great Stirrup Cay, located in the Bahamas from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers.

Stirrup Cay is part of the Berry Islands - a stirrup shaped chain of thirty large cays and numerous small cays of about thirty-two miles in length. The islands are located to the south of Great Abaco and about forty miles north-northwest of Nassau.

Map of the Bahama Islands

Good to Know

Remnants of a previous U.S. military installation and satellite tracking station are visible on the island.

The island's lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by the Imperial Lighthouse Service.

Port of Entry

Ships anchor and passengers are brought to the island by tender boat.

Time Zone

UTC - 4 (EST)

Map Coordinates

25.50'N, 77.54'W

Average Temperatures

Water: 83°- Summer; 77°- Winter

Air: 85°- Summer; 78°- Winter

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Excursions/Activities

Great Stirrup Cay Activities Map Source

Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball areas and Ping-Pong tables are available.

Wave Runner Tours

Take a guided adventure through the Berry Islands neighboring Great Stirrup Cay.

Parasailing

Soar 400 ft. above the pristine waters of the Bahamas.

Snorkeling

Explore the under-water would of Great Stirrup Cay and keep the snorkel all day.

Kayaking

Guided kayak tour of Great Stirrup Cay.

Eco-Adventure Boat Tours

Explore the natural habitat and history of the Berry Islands aboard a catamaran for a one-hour tour.

Floats & Aquatic Activities

Individual or group floats, cocktails option.

Private Island Snorkel Tours

Perfect for beginners and experts alike. You’ll have your equipment all day.

Features

Marina and Tender Pavilion

The marina basin offers four docks for the island's tenders along with a new 8,500 square foot dining facility. The marina is approximately 12 feet deep at low water and is home to the island's four tenders.

Dining Facility and Island Bars

Complimentary dining. The dining facility includes a central pizza making station, two grills, hot and cold food stations, as well as fresh fruits and breads. There are two full bars on either side of the facility.