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Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Your port day at a glance

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Distance to town
15 mi / 24.1 km
Currency
Bahamian Dollar / BSD
On this page
  1. Getting to town
  2. Your day in port
  3. Best time to visit
  4. Shore experiences
  5. Food, drink and shopping
  6. What to wear
  7. Advisor notes

Getting to town

Distance to town: 15 mi / 24.1 km.

Your day in port

Arrive early via tender for prime beach spots and activities; allocate morning for watersports/snorkeling, midday for dining/relaxation, and return by early afternoon to avoid tender lines. Plan 10-15 minute tender rides each way.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Great Stirrup Cay is during the dry season from December to April for pleasant weather and calm seas. Avoid peak hurricane season from June to November.

  • Hurricane season runs June-November with risk of storms.
  • High heat and humidity year-round, especially May-October.

Shore experiences

  • Inflatable hippo slide and floats.
  • Kayak rentals.
  • Wave runners.
  • Beach play and shallow waters.

Food, drink and shopping

Local food and drink

  • Grilled foods, pizza made fresh at central station, hot and cold food stations, fresh fruits and breads.
  • Bars at dining pavilions serving tropical drinks.

Shopping

  • Limited shopping; focus on island souvenirs available via cruise line charged to account.

What to wear

Swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water shoes for beaches and activities; light cover-ups for dining areas.

Advisor notes

Advise clients to book tender tickets early via NCL app or ship screens, as lines can form; note new pier opening late 2025 will eliminate tendering. Emphasize cashless paradise—pack only beach essentials.

Sources (9)

Practical information

Currency
Bahamian Dollar / BSD

Useful apps

  • Norwegian Cruise Line app for tender tickets and excursions.
  • General Bahamas weather apps.

Planning a sailing that calls at Great Stirrup Cay?

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