You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Breathe in the salty air as you ride in a boat across electric-blue waters surrounded by wide-open ocean scenery. Top Excursions & Tours At Great Stirrup Cay - Bahamas. No wonder its such a popular activity. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse . A staff member handed us a skewer and two apple pieces, and even as we put an apple onto the skewer a pig spotted the juicy morsel and quickly swam over. The same goes for kayaking. This is the island that started it all. Great story from Channel 8 news just in time for EARTH DAY! To get to the island you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. The pigs are friendly and eager to get a piece of fruit. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. We're here to answer them. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. The tender then docks in a small, calm cove to let passengers off. The list of ships cruising to Great Stirrup Cay continues to grow. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. here in Kentucky, we can swim with the pigs and get a mud bath at the same time! Grab Lunch at the Buffet Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Hit Up The Food Truck or Taco Baron the Island COMBS and LAS VEGAS LIVESTOCK working together to meet the needs of our clients and the community. Where is Pig Beach Bahamas. Swim with the Pigs On Your Bahamas Cruise to Great Stirrup Cay | NCL For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Swim with stingrays Swim with pigs Adrenaline-filled Adventures** Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. It has air conditioning, a TV, and an upgraded buffet. royal caribbean shore excursions perfect day Great Stirrup Cay is also home . During these shore excursions, cruisers get into the water with the pigs, feed them apples and scratch their backs and tummies. Swimming with the pigs excursion through Norwegian Cruise Line. Non-meat options including nachos, mixed veggies, and french fries were also available. royal caribbean shore excursions perfect day The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. Take Photos with Pigs. Of course, when you take a Bahamas cruise with Norwegian, it becomes that much easier to do! As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Guests who sign up for a spa treatment have an added perkaccess to the private lagoon and Silver Coves restaurant and bars, normally reserved for those renting a villa. Ship. You won't even get your hair wet unless you purposely dunk yourself into the waist-high water. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Amenities are the same. I hoping to see some reviews in the coming weeks I think I saw someone on FB day they are going in s couple of weeks. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. I'll have my 8 year old son with me and I want to be sure this is something he'd do, especially if I'm going to spend the money on it TIA On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Swim with the Pigs Excursion | Norwegian Quin lo dira! The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. April 20, 2023 - Navigator Perhaps the best thing about the cabanas is the view. Prices are based on availability and subject to change. The small menu included fried or grilled fish, hamburgers, and chicken wings, along with various conch specialties like fritters and conch burgers. If you are into Instagram, you wont find a better place for a snapshot. Another option is to purchase a swimming with the pigs shore excursion while on a Bahamas cruise. STORMY SEAS: 5 Tips for Traveling to Mexico and . You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. 2023 Summer Cruises: Visit Bermuda, The Caribbean & Greek Isles | Blog 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, The Former Canal Zone History & Miraflores Locks, Convenience of one-stop shopping for all of the ports youll be visiting, No hidden costs for transfers or entrance fees - the price you see is what you pay, Dedicated pre-cruise and onboard specialists are available to assist you, Leverage the knowledge and experience of onboard consultants during your cruise, Be one of the first off the ship in every port of call, Never get left behind. Anyone done "Swim with the Pigs" at Great Stirrup Cay? Located just a short 10-minute boat ride from Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, are the Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island!Available for purchase through Norwegian, this shore excursion starts at the small marina at Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay Food and Beverages These spots are great for families as they are open, but also have a roof so that you can get some shade (and kids dont spend the entire day in the sun). If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Or go for a snorkel beneath the sea and discover tropical fish . This spot has its own private cove with electric blue water and a gorgeous beach, along with its own restaurant, bars, and even a spa. We are approximately a 20 . Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Fortunately, one of us decided he wasn't interested in getting in the water and was able to take pictures from the patio. Whats your favorite excursion on Great Stirrup Cay? Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Norwegian Cruise Line lists a Swim with the Pigs excursion departing from its Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay private island, an experience described on the cruise line's blog. Powered by Invision Community. Each cabana can fit six-eight people (you can have up to two more for a slight charge). Take the Skyride to Paradise Point for awe-inspiring views. Prep tips: Pack plenty of sunscreen and a towel, and bring cash for the shark encounter, lunch and tips. As a result, several Nassau and Grand Bahama Island-area operators have created their own, tamer versions of the activity using domesticated pigs. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. We explore the new Silver Cove private villas on the island, go snorkeling,. Thanks to recent TV-shows and growing popularity on social media, swimming with the pigs is quickly becoming the coolest thing you can do while cruising to The Bahamas. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. The Bahamas is famous for its swimming pigs, which you can see from Great Stirrup Cay. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. It appears that they acquired a few pigs, not feral pigs found on Exuma. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. GREAT STIRRUP CAY & COZUMEL 7 NIGHT CARIBBEAN. There were also hot dog carts around the island when we visited. This excursion actually takes place on a small island off the shore of Great Stirrup Cay, around a 10-minute journey away by speedboat. Once you're at the island, you'll go through safety talks before being able to join the pigs in a cove. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Don't Swim With The Dolphins, Swim With The Pigs. After the hair-whipping ride over to the island on a 15-person speedboat, we arrived at the tiny Treasure Island. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Bahamas: Travel by boat across crystal-clear blue waters, delighting in the beautiful scenery among the Berry Islands. If you want to visit Great Stirrup Cay in addition to other islands, look for a . Sand bars, iguanas, swim with the sharks at Compass Cay and snorkel thunderball grotto. The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Let me know in the comments below! If you love pigs, then this excursion is worth it; just don't hope for something more than simply feeding them. We were out of the water and back on the patio well before it was time to go. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Is kayaking or paddle boarding not quite exciting enough? Hope to visit it one day. Bahamas: Berry Islands, Great Stirrup Cay WP; Bahamas: Douglas Passage WP; Bahamas: Mid White & Yellow Bank WP; Thu 9 Jul 11:15 Bahamas: Exumas, Allens Cay (anchor) Wed 8 Jul 14:10 Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. The first zip-line was 100 feet long. Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Full Ships! Check out how you can swim with the pigs: https://bddy.me/2SSp3Fd You can rent snorkel gear (including fins and floating vest) and head out to see what most people dont get a chance to experience. Swimming with pigs via Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Critic I had to look up this tour for kicks "World Famous Swimming Pigs Tour" - they seriously shouldn't be allowed to market it this way. If youre familiar with the high level of service within The Haven on Norwegian ships, Silver Coves villas give you a similar experience on Great Stirrup Cay. Image courtesy of Tom Roesser, NCL Travel Blog. Try Your Hand at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking Swimming pigs in The Bahamas - Berry Islands Forum - Tripadvisor Las pezuas duras de los cerdos y los dedos suaves de los seres humanos no se mezclan! For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. And you should swim with them whenever you can, but you won't get many opportunities to swim with the pigs, so don't miss out . The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Along the way, you'll meet the endangered rock iguana in its natural habitat and explore a thriving reef teeming with vibrant marine life. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Great Stirrup Cay: A Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island And theyre usually a lot less crowded! If you want to get a picture of your ship, then Great Stirrup Cay is your best chance. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Has anyone tried this yet? The beach is completely free to enjoy, including thousands of lounge chairs available for you to use. Berry Islands: Here's your chance to get up-close to the swimming pigs, with controlled supervised staff feedings.. If you want to know one of the most popular activities on the island, look to the lighthouse. One of the most popular excursions at Great Stirrup Cay is swimming with pigs. Ride the Zipline Across the Island Cruise Overview Cruise Itinerary Cabins & Prices Ship Information. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Come swim and interact with the World Famous Swimming Pigs of The Bahamas. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. They have everything you need to get started, as well as some advice on getting started if youre a novice. They are two different islands. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. Cruisers heading to the Bahamas can go hog wild by getting in the water with swimming pigs on a ship-sponsored shore excursion from a private island or an independent tour from Freeport. Great Stirrup Cay and Swimming with Pigs - Norwegian Cruise Line Pig Beach Bahamas is located on a tiny island, Big Major Cay (Pig Island) in the south of the archipelago. Soar Through the Sky with a Parasailing Adventure. Great Stirrup Cay is a tender port- For my fellow first-time cruisers, a "tender port" means there is no big pier to dock at. Your journey begins on the turquoise sea, sailing past uninhabited islands and cays. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Swim With the Pigs You will not be permitted to bring a camera onto the beach or into the water with you. One of the most unique places to eat are Abaco Taco and Tropic Like Its Hot. Or a t-shirt? Aguas cristalinas, playas de arena suave, sabrosos brebajes congelados y cerdos adorables? Have Questions About Your Shore Excursions? . OUTLAW COUNTRY CRUISE 2023 - The SUPERSUCKERS The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. If a Norwegian organized tour is late, the ship will wait for you, Peace of mind knowing your tours are run by insured operators. Back on the Norwegian Pearl, the music and activities never stop, with five onboard venues stacked with special performances, collaborations . Be careful of rocks in the water. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! ), Pam, I completely agree. Dont forget to grab a souvenir! But if you want to relax, get one of the floating mats. But yeah, it's not Rose Island, that's nowhere near GSC. Breathe in the salty air as you ride in a boat across electric-blue waters surrounded by wide-open ocean scenery. Speaking only for the "original" swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay in the Exumas, it is not an "organized" pig swim. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! Fotografas: todas las imgenes, excepto la del encabezado, son cortesa de Tom Roesser. 6 Private Islands Owned by Cruise Lines Like Royal Caribbean: Photos Pig Beach Bahamas: 4 Things to Know Before you Go - Swimming with Pigs These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. We booked it for cruise on the Escape in November. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Before we could get our feet wet, we were taken up to a patio with tables and chairs and given a quick lesson on interacting with the animals: Don't tug on their ears or tails. Firstly, there are actually 2 locations you can visit the swimming pigs Bahamas. Como parte de la excursin, se distribuyen palitos y manzanas entre los visitantes. All Norwegian Bahamas cruises in 2023 include a day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island reserved for our cruise passengers. Taking a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian? Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. From what I can tell from what Ive seen posted it is s very new excursion. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. The same excursion can be booked through Royal Caribbean for cruisers stopping at that line's . Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. What You Need to Know, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, How to Prepare for a Snorkel and Dive Cruise, 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, Swimming with pigs shore excursion in the Bahamas (Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock). This 268-acre cay has been privately owned by Norwegian Cruise Line since 1977 and is the site of the Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse. The Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Por supuesto que se recomiendan las pequeas interacciones con los cerdos. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. Free Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Yes! Clinton Combs on LinkedIn: Las Vegas family-run business reduces food waste by turning food scraps Prices ranged from $4 for sides to $15 for a cracked conch entre. HIGHLIGHTS Bahamas: Travel by boat across crystal-clear blue waters, delighting in the beautiful scenery among the Berry Islands. 13 Private Islands and Resorts Owned by Cruise Lines - Cheapism Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's Im so glad youre here! EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on Dec. 14, 2018. While venturing around the Caribbean, Lisa Conant, her husband and their 15-year-old son and 12-year-old-daughter stopped at Big Major Cay in the Bahamas to see the swimming pigs for themselves. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Prices vary depending on which villa you choose: Rent a Floating Mat Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis.