Fresh off the plane and want to see a bit of the city before your cruise begins? But for cruisers, the activity almost always features trained domesticated pigs on small islands much closer to Nassau and Freeport. Room type: Double occupancy. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. - Royal Caribbean, Live the good life on the beaches of Nassau. Your first port on Grand Bahama Island offers glorious beaches, clear blue sea and some fabulous cafes to sit and watch the world go by. Never feed them with your hand, always use the wooden skewers. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! The more the merrier! Happy Cruising!! The top destination in the Bahamas is the famous Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach. 19952022, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Costa Rica and Panama Expedition Cruise Tips, Best Travel Medicine Kits for a Cruise and What to Put in Them, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, The Bahamas As You've Never Seen It, From A Luxury Crystal Cruise, Swimming with pigs shore excursion in the Bahamas (Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock). Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. - Jorgen Hendriksen, Kick back and relax with a cocktail on Great Stirrup Cay Island! Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2022. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Swimming Pigs Excursion on a Bahamas Cruise, Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match, 8 Perfect Cruise Line Private Islands for Every Type of Traveler, Whale Watching and Other Natural Shore Excursions in the Mexican Riviera: Just Back From Majestic Princess, Havana Cabanas on Carnival Vista and Horizon, Family Cruise Tips from a Disney Mediterranean Cruise, How to Rent Camera Equipment for Your Cruise of a Lifetime. Therell also be an opportunity to add snorkeling or jet ski adventure to your day on Great Stirrup Cay, before returning to the ship at 6 pm. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Go grab a snorkel, vest, fins, and mask and explore the underwater sea life surrounding Great Stirrup Cay! Dont limit yourself to the closest beach from the cruise port which is generally the most crowded. At the same time, we also know that this is a holiday for you and that you want to experience the best of each location, with minimal inconvenience. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Half the price would have been a much more acceptable amount. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Whatever the case, pick up some snorkel gear and make yourself at home in the turquoise waters. Please don't poke the pigs with the skewers. During these shore excursions, cruisers get into the water with the pigs, feed them apples and scratch their backs and tummies. 9. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. - Fernando Jorge, Both on and off the ship, there'll be plenty of opportunities to party! We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation. - Skylake Studio, Your first stop: the beautiful Grand Bahama Island. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Set sail and get ready for the cruise of a lifetime in the beautiful Bahamas! It is OK if you have no experience riding a jet ski, there will also be a quick instructional provision for beginners. Welcome to Miami, a city of magic offering high-end gastronomy, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Pigs have a natural affinity for the water, and when visitors discovered a colony of feral pigs living beachside on Bahamas' Exuma islands, a popular tourist attraction was born. Tour duration: 6 hours and 15 minutes. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. You can also rent a life vest for your safety. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. Whether youre flying into the area a few days early to enjoy the beaches or youre heading to the cruise ship right off the plane, youre guaranteed to have the time of your life on this trip! Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. It's easy to get caught up in chasing after a pig, but you don't want to go too fast -- unseen rocks can easily cause an injury. Although Great Stirrup Cay now offers their own version of a swimming pigs tour, theres no better way to see pigs in the Bahamas than where they were originally found; Big Major Cay (Pig Island), home of the Exuma pigs! However, that is not all this great island has to offer. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. Great Stirrup Cay is an extra-special island in the Bahamas, as youll have the whole piece of land to yourself and fellow passengers! Little Stirrup Cay is a Norwegian private island. - Unsplash: Fernando Jorge, Nassau is an idyllic island that will entice you with its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Like mentioned before, this Norwegian private island is doing great things in developing the island to cater to the cruise guests. You don't actually swim with pigs. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas an NCL private island. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. The pigs are friendly and eager to get a piece of fruit. Food on Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary and there are three dining options to choose from: Jumbo Beach Grill is the largest and most popular buffet venue. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. We'll send you weekly newsletters to your inbox with the latest cruise news and tips. Staniel Cay Tours Miami to Bahamas Day Trips Nassau to Exuma Day Trips Swimming Pigs Excursions Harbour Island Day Trips. We have put together a list of things to do on the NCL private island to make your time on Great Stirrup Cay island unforgettable. Or if you dont have time on your Bahamas Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you can take our Miami to Bahamas Day Trip before or after your cruise from our departure location in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Perhaps you might be interested in checking out the unique underwater sculpture garden on Great Stirrup Cay, located in the clear blue waters of Bertram's Cove. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. - Alonso Reyes, Here's life for the next few days sailing and island hopping in paradise! Get out and explore the different beaches and you are sure to find a beach which you can enjoy nearly to yourself. Purchased decades ago, this Norwegian cruise private island has come a long way in being developed into an exclusive island oasis offering dozens of Great Stirrup Cay excursions to create the ultimate experience for guests. Strolling around the island on a newly constructed walking path, you will be able to see the beauty of this place. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. They love their stomachs to be scratched. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Innovators of travel, Norwegian Cruise Line have been redefining the cruise industry for over 50 years. Book snorkel equipment from Susans Rock Snorkel Center for the day ($30 for adults and $15 for children) and snorkel at this beautiful spot as much as you want. This picturesque paradise was once a pirates haven. To know exactly what is at your doorstep, you must first explore the island. You will not be permitted to bring a camera onto the beach or into the water with you. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is a Norwegian private island of the popular cruise line. Kayak and beach tour at Lucayan National Park (at Grand Bahama Island). However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. - Wikimedia Commons, This idyllic island paradise is exclusively reserved for guests of Norwegian. The water there is about waist height. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. There was much laughter and squealing (from the younger cruisers, not the pigs), and lots of bacon walking jokes. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Snorkel equipment rental (at Great Stirrup Cay). A short, narrated bus ride from Freeport Harbor will bring you to one of the wildest natural places on Grand Bahama: the Lucayan National Park. - Facebook: Carnival, Enjoy Miami's brilliant coastline before setting sail. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. The Norwegian Sky is your perfect home-away-from-home, offering supreme luxury, comfort and as much fun as you could wish for! The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. It is the extraordinary chance of a lifetime to go on a one day cruise to Bahamas to go swimming with pigs Bahamas style! We enjoyed the shore excursion overall despite some of the disappointments, but found the price (nearly $100) too high for what the actual experience was. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. This is for laid-back folks looking for a relaxing tour around the beautiful island waters of the Berry Islands aboard a modern double-decker catamaran. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Bring your camera photos of these pigs in the water are too good to be true. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse (built-in 1863), white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, and a wide variety of marine life. Snorkeling in Stirrup Cay Island of the Bahamas. Fortunately, one of us decided he wasn't interested in getting in the water and was able to take pictures from the patio. It's hard not to smile at swimming pigs, but the lack of any interaction beyond the feeding was somewhat disappointing. Were confident that each of our trips will be both safe and enjoyable, but if we cannot keep to either of those promises, we will defer or cancel the trip if necessary and gladly issue you credit for a future tour to be used towards any tour within 2 years. Berried Treasure Bazaar is the place to do your local artisan and souvenir shopping. Kick back and relax in your very own private beachfront cabana and enjoy the beach buffet for lunch! Miami city tour (from Miami International Airport). This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). Im really excited to live on a ship for a few days, see new places by day and party by night. We tried scratching a stomach or two, but as soon as the pig realizes there's no food, it moves on to the next person. It quickly became apparent that the pigs are most interested in the apples. Be careful of rocks in the water. Who knew life on the ocean could feel this special? There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Rental duration: All day. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. What used to be a deserted island is now a paradise of thrills and frills and activities for visitors of all ages so that everyone can have the time of their lives. Ready to experience another sizzling day of Caribbean charm? Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. However, you probably didnt know that this tiny island has over 10 acres of beachfront property to enjoy. A momento to remember your trip? The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. This is the islands natural treasure that protects a combination of environments, including mangrove creeks, coral reefs, and pine forests. Trip cancellation due to COVID-19A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due toCOVID-19 travel restrictions. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. The path is paved and suitable for all guests. Norwegians award-winning fleet offers an unparalleled sailing experience, regularly visiting over 450 destinations around the globe. Embark on a tour that offers a combination of sailing and snorkeling. Guide yourself around and make multiple trips out to the garden throughout the day. The tours start at $105 for one person on a jet ski. With countless opportunities for watersports and adrenaline activities, or as much relaxation and party time as you wish, prepare your sea-legs and get ready for an unforgettable trip! Download the Guidebook, Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit on a Cruise, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Big Major Cay Bahamas is the Famous Pig Island in Exuma, Day Trips From Nassau: 5 Can't-Miss Bahamas Excursions, Places to go in Nassau: The Top Activities in Nassau. It is just a short ride by speed boat from Great Stirrup Cay (toward Little Stirrup Cay) and can be fun for the whole family. Looking for a souvenir for a loved one? On the drinks end, there are five bars on the island, starting with the very energetic Bacardi Bar where you can hang out and listen to music as well as enjoy a drink. You'll need at least five hours in port. The Bahamas Tropical Cruise: Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau, Check-in at Norwegian Sky Cruise Line Ship, Check out of Norwegian Sky Cruise Line Ship, 4 nights on Norwegian Sky Cruise Line Ship, Complimentary meals and drinks on the cruise, Today, we'll dock in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.