You’re standing on the deck of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, looking at a speck of white sand in the Berry Islands. That’s Great Stirrup Cay. It was actually the first "private island" in the cruise industry, dating back to 1977. Since then, it’s turned into a high-stakes logistics puzzle for thousands of passengers. People obsess over Great Stirrup Cay excursions because, honestly, if you don't book something, you’re basically just sitting on a beach chair with 3,000 of your closest friends.
That’s fine for some. But for others? It's a wasted day.
The island isn't huge. It’s roughly 250 acres. You can’t just "explore" it the way you would a port like Cozumel or Nassau. There are no taxis. There are no local bars outside the NCL ecosystem. You are in a controlled environment. Because of that, the excursions here aren’t just "add-ons"—they are the day. If you mess up the booking or pick the wrong activity, you’re stuck.
The Reality of Swimming with Pigs at Great Stirrup Cay
Everyone wants the Instagram shot. You’ve seen it: turquoise water, a cute pig paddling along, maybe a carrot involved. But here is the thing people get wrong about this specific Great Stirrup Cay excursion. These aren't wild pigs that just happened to be sunbathing when you arrived. They live on a separate, nearby island (usually a short boat ride away to "Pig Island") and they are very much used to humans.
It's chaotic.
You get off a small boat, and the pigs—some of them are surprisingly large—know exactly why you’re there. They want the snacks. If you’re traveling with small kids, be careful. These animals are powerful and can be pushy. It’s not a petting zoo. It’s a feeding frenzy in waist-deep water. Honestly, if you’ve done the "original" Big Major Cay in the Exumas, this version might feel a bit manufactured. But for a first-timer? It’s still one of the most popular Great Stirrup Cay excursions because it’s just so weird to see a farm animal in the Caribbean Sea.
Expect to spend about 90 minutes on this. Don't expect a tranquil, one-on-one bonding moment with nature. It’s a group activity, it’s loud, and yes, pigs do what animals do in the water. Keep your mouth closed when you’re splashing around.
The Kayak Tour vs. The WaveRunner
If you want to actually see the geography of the Berry Islands, you have two main choices: muscle power or horsepower.
The guided kayak tour is a sleeper hit. Most people ignore it because it sounds like work. It is work. If the wind is kicking up, your lats are going to feel it the next morning. However, the guides usually take you toward the mangroves or the quieter side of the island where the massive cruise ships look like toys in the distance. You’ll see bonefish, maybe some upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea), and stingrays. It’s quiet. In a vacation environment that is usually defined by "Buffet Music" and loud announcements, that silence is worth the price of admission.
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Then there's the WaveRunner tour.
This is arguably the most polarized of all Great Stirrup Cay excursions.
Why? Because it’s a "follow the leader" format.
If you’re a speed demon who wants to do donuts in the ocean, you’ll be disappointed. You have to stay in a single-file line. If the person in front of you is terrified of the throttle, you’re going to be puttering along at 10 mph. But if you get a fast group? It’s exhilarating. You’ll cover a lot of ground, see the lighthouse, and get a face full of salt water. Just know that NCL is very strict about safety; if you start acting like a maverick, they’ll cut your engine.
Wavefront vs. Silver Cove: The Luxury Gatekeeping
We need to talk about Silver Cove. This isn't technically an "excursion" in the sense of a boat ride, but it’s the most expensive thing you can do on the island.
Great Stirrup Cay underwent a massive multi-million dollar expansion to create this private retreat area. It has its own restaurant (with much better food than the main buffet), a private beach, and air-conditioned villas.
Is it worth it?
If you are a "Haven" passenger or you just really hate crowds, yes. The main beach at Great Stirrup Cay can get incredibly packed. Finding a chair under a palm tree after 11:00 AM is like The Hunger Games. At Silver Cove, you have space. You have a shower. You have a TV you’ll probably never turn on. But more importantly, you have a buffer between you and the thousands of people lining up for taco bowls.
The "excursion" here is essentially buying your way out of the cruise ship chaos. If your idea of a great day is reading a book in total silence before taking a dip in a lagoon that isn't crowded with inflatable rafts, save your pennies for a villa.
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The Snorkel Trail and the "Hidden" Statues
The snorkeling here is... fine.
If you’ve snorkeled in Belize or the Red Sea, you’re going to find it underwhelming. The "Snorkel Trail" is a designated area where they’ve submerged some artificial reefs and statues—mermaids, fountains, and even a "sunken" piano. It’s cool for kids. It’s great for people who aren't strong swimmers because it’s a protected cove.
But here is a pro tip: You don't necessarily need to pay for the "excursion" if you have your own gear. You can just swim out. However, if you want the vest and the fins provided by the island, you’ll need to book the rental.
The best sea life isn't actually by the statues. It’s usually over by the rocky edges where the currents bring in more nutrients. I’ve seen some decent-sized barracuda hanging out near the pier pilings, which is always a bit of a heart-starter when you first see those teeth.
Zip Lining: Is the View Worth the Wait?
The zip line at Great Stirrup Cay is one of the tallest in the Caribbean. You get a genuine bird's-eye view of the entire island, the ship, and the surrounding reef. It’s a multi-stage course.
The problem? The wait times.
Because of the safety briefings and the gear-up process, you can easily spend two hours of your island time just standing in line or sitting in a harness. If you only have six hours on the island, you have to ask yourself if you want to spend a third of it on a platform. If you love heights, go for it. The final "flight" over the beach is pretty spectacular. If you just want a quick thrill, maybe stick to the giant inflatable slide (which is cheaper and usually has a faster turnaround).
What Most People Get Wrong About Tendering
This is the boring part of Great Stirrup Cay excursions that nobody mentions until they’re stuck in it.
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Great Stirrup Cay is a tender port.
This means the ship does not dock at a pier. You have to get on a smaller boat to get to the island. If there are high winds or rough seas, the captain will cancel the entire stop. It happens more often than you’d think, especially in the winter months.
If you have an early excursion booked—like the 9:00 AM WaveRunner tour—you get priority tendering. This is a massive "hack." Even if you don't care that much about the jet ski, booking an early excursion ensures you aren't sitting in the theater for two hours waiting for your tender group number to be called. It’s the fastest way to get your feet in the sand.
The Food Situation (That No One Admits)
Let’s be real about the island food. It’s included in your cruise fare. There’s the Jumbey Beach Grill and the Abaco Taco bar.
The taco bar is generally considered the "insider" choice. The lines at the main buffet can get legendary, and the food is basically the same stuff you get at the garden cafe on the ship—burgers, hot dogs, some grilled chicken. The taco bar is a bit more customizable and usually moves faster.
Also, your beverage package works on the island! This is a huge perk compared to some other private islands where you have to pay extra. The "Island Queen" or a classic "Bahama Mama" is the standard order. Just remember that drinking rum in 90-degree heat for four hours before getting back on a swaying boat is a recipe for a very long nap (or a very bad headache).
Actionable Tips for Your Day on the Island
You don't want to wing it at Great Stirrup Cay. The island is too small and the ship is too big for "going with the flow" to work in your favor.
- Book the WaveRunner or Pig Encounter first thing. These sell out weeks before the ship even leaves Miami or Port Canaveral. If you wait until you’re on board, you’re looking at the leftover 3:00 PM slots when everyone is already tired and sunburnt.
- Bring your own snorkel gear. Not only is it more hygienic, but it saves you $30-$50 and the hassle of waiting in the rental line. You can just walk into the water whenever you feel like it.
- Pack a "dry bag." You’ll be getting on and off tenders and small excursion boats. Things get wet. A simple $15 dry bag from an outdoor store will save your phone and your ship card.
- Walk past the first beach. Most people get off the tender and stop at the very first patch of sand they see. It’s crowded and loud. If you walk just 5-10 minutes further down the path, the crowds thin out significantly and the water is just as blue.
- Check the "Freestyle Daily." This is the ship's newsletter. It will tell you the last tender time. Do not miss it. The ship will not wait for you on a private island, though since NCL owns the island, they'd eventually find you—but it’s an embarrassment you don't want.
Great Stirrup Cay is what you make of it. It can be a high-adrenaline day of jet skiing and zip lining, or it can be a luxury escape in a Silver Cove villa. Just don't expect it to be a "wild" deserted island experience. It’s a well-oiled machine designed for maximum vacation output. Plan your excursions early, get off the ship as soon as possible, and for heaven's sake, wear more sunscreen than you think you need. The Bahamian sun doesn't play around.