Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. The southern part features a helicopter airfield (with a sign reading "Great Stirrup Cay International Airport"), a large area without vegetation, and numerous concrete blocks. These are all remnants of a previous U.S. military installation and satellite tracking station. The island's lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by the Imperial Lighthouse Service. Great Stirrup Cay is adjacent to Little Stirrup Cay, Royal Caribbean Cruises' private island.
Great Stirrup Cay | |
|---|---|
Island | |
Beach at Great Stirrup Cay | |
Great Stirrup Cay | |
| Coordinates: 25°50′N 77°54′W | |
| Country | Bahamas |
| Island | Great Stirrup Cay |
| District | Berry Islands |
| Area | |
| • Land | 1.08 km2 (0.42 sq mi) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 5 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern Time Zone) |
| Area code | 242 |
Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay | |
| Location | Great Stirrup Cay Berry Islands Bahamas |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 25°49′24.7″N 77°54′03.1″W |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1863 |
| Construction | stone tower |
| Height | 17 metres (56 ft) |
| Shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings | white tower |
| Power source | solar power |
| Operator | Little Whale Cay Resort |
| Light | |
| Focal height | 25 metres (82 ft) |
| Range | 22 nautical miles (41 km; 25 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (2) W 20s. |
