Great Stirrup Cay, Berry Islands

In January we move from Great Harbour Cay to Great Stirrup Cay, continuing south down the Berry Islands. We motor into large swells and waves in the Northwest Providence Channel, the big water south of Grand Bahamas. We turn east and can set the head sail and have a wonderful four mile sail into the Great Stirrup Cay anchorage under the white light house. 

Seas of the Northwest Providence Channel

White light house of Great Stirrup Cay

Fly Away in the blue waters of the anchorage

We explore the island owned by Norwegian cruise lines as much as allowed. There are no ships in today, but we watched them come and go from Great Harbour. We saw the tiki village, palm trees and beaches, and rows of chaise lounges. A perfect island get away. We dinghy to shore and take the path to the working but rundown lighthouse, and then along the beach where I find milk conch shells and iguana tracks. We hike into the brush, mosquito alert, and emerge on a beautiful beach cove on the tip of the island. 

We find a deserted beach on the tip of the island

The deserted beach with 2 oyster catchers on coral rocks

We look up to see a frigate bird soaring low

Fair Winds sails with 2 cruise ships 

and light house behind

Fair Winds races on a downwind leg to Soldier Cay