Exuma Island Hopping Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau

Experience the Best of the Bahamas on the Exuma Island Hopping & Swimming Pigs Tour from Nassau

Imagine spending a full day on a swift powerboat exploring some of the most iconic sights in the Bahamas—feeding swimming pigs, snorkel with nurse sharks, relaxing on pristine beaches, and marveling at rare iguanas. This popular tour, priced at $438.90 per person, lasts about 8 hours and takes you from Nassau’s Paradise Island to the stunning Exuma Cays. It’s an adventure packed with memorable wildlife encounters, scenic views, and tasty local food.

What truly makes this trip stand out? First, the efficient itinerary lets you tick off multiple highlights in just one day. Second, the boat ride is a thrill in itself—fast, smooth, and full of excitement. However, it’s worth noting that the boat travels at high speed, which might be uncomfortable for some. This tour suits travelers who enjoy active days, wildlife encounters, and don’t mind a long boat ride—especially those eager to see the famed swimming pigs and rare iguanas.

Key Points
– Multiple Excursions in One Day: Visit iguanas, nurse sharks, pigs, a sunken plane wreck, and enjoy beach time.
– Efficient Transport: Speedboat shuttles you quickly between islands, maximizing time at each stop.
– Authentic Encounters: Swim with sharks, feed pigs, and see unique Bahamian wildlife, all with knowledgeable guides.
– Tasty Local Food: Enjoy a hearty Bahamian-style buffet lunch, with drinks and snacks throughout the day.
– Family-Friendly & Social: Suitable for those with moderate fitness, groups up to 25, and travelers looking for a lively, fun experience.
– Weather Dependent: The trip is weather-sensitive; bad weather cancels or reschedules the tour.

A Deep Dive into the Exuma Island Hopping & Swimming Pigs Tour

This tour offers an energetic and varied taste of the Bahamas, perfect for travelers who want both adventure and relaxation. Starting early from Paradise Island, you’ll hop aboard a sleek powerboat—expect a quick 8-hour adventure filled with wildlife, scenic stops, and fun stories from your crew.

The Journey Begins: From Nassau to Exuma

You’ll meet at Carnivale Bahamas Marina on Paradise Island around 8:30 am. The morning starts with a quick check-in before boarding your boat. This vessel isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s part of the thrill, with reviews praising its smooth ride and the crew’s friendly, attentive service. Expect to be on the water most of the day, so bring a jacket if you’re sensitive to wind or chill, especially given the high speed of the boat.

First Stop: Allen Cay & Bahamian Iguanas

Your first destination is Allen Cay, home to a small population of Bahamian rock iguanas found nowhere else in the world. The guides often highlight how special these lizards are, and the 20-minute visit allows for plenty of photo opportunities with these gentle creatures. Reviewers enjoy this stop, describing it as a rare chance to see such unique wildlife up close. It’s a peaceful start to the day, with the bonus of learning about these endangered animals from guides who are clearly passionate.

Second Stop: Compass Cay and Nurse Sharks

Next, it’s time for a swim—at Compass Cay, famous for its friendly nurse sharks. Here, the sharks aren’t shy; they’re expecting visitors and often swim right up to you, eager for a handout or some affection. The 40-minute stop is a favorite among guests, who describe it as thrilling and memorable. The guides do a good job of explaining shark behavior and ensuring safety, making this an experience that feels both exciting and secure.

Lunch: Authentic Bahamas Flavors on Great Exuma

Around midday, the tour takes you to Great Exuma for a Bahamas-style buffet lunch. Reviewers rave about the quality and flavor of the food, calling it hearty and satisfying. It’s a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy local cuisine in a casual setting, with cold drinks and soda to keep you refreshed. The hour-long break also offers some downtime before the afternoon adventures.

The Main Event: Pig Beach & the Famed Swimming Pigs

The highlight for many travelers is Big Major’s Cay, home to the world-famous swimming pigs. These pigs have gained international fame thanks to social media and TV shows, and for good reason—they’re adorable and surprisingly friendly. You’ll get about 45 minutes here to feed, pet, and swim with the pigs. Several reviews mention how well-organized and fun this stop is, noting that guides help you interact with the pigs comfortably. It becomes a truly unique animal encounter—something you can’t easily replicate elsewhere.

Snorkeling at Norman’s Cay & Pablo Escobar’s Wreck

Next, you’ll snorkel at a plane wreck off Norman’s Cay, reputedly Pablo Escobar’s drug plane. While some find this part fascinating, others mention it’s more about the novelty than detailed snorkeling. Still, it’s an interesting piece of Bahamas lore, and the wreck provides good photo opportunities. The 30-minute stop is enough to get a glimpse of the wreck and enjoy the clear waters.

Final Stop: Beach and Sandbar Relaxation

To wrap up the day, your guide will take you to a sandbar or beach for some laid-back swimming, sunbathing, and more pictures. Guests describe this as a perfect way to wind down, soaking up the scenery and enjoying the calm after a busy day.

Return Journey & Overall Experience

The boat ride back is quick and exhilarating, with many reviewers noting the fun of high-speed cruising. The crew’s attentiveness ensures everyone is comfortable, with plenty of snacks, drinks, and music to keep the atmosphere lively.

What to Expect: Practical Tips & Considerations

This tour is packed with activities, so packing light but smart is a good idea. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel for water stops. Because much of the day involves being in or on the water, waterproof camera or GoPro is a plus. You’ll spend a lot of time on the boat—so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions.

While the itinerary is designed for efficiency, some reviewers mention that the boat’s high speed can make the ride somewhat windy and chilly—especially on the return trip. For those sensitive to wind, a light jacket or hoodie is recommended.

The tour is suitable for most people with moderate physical fitness but isn’t ideal for pregnant travelers or cruise ship passengers, who often find the long boat ride less convenient. Group sizes are kept manageable, with a maximum of 25 travelers, making for a friendly and lively atmosphere.

Value for Money

Given the number of stops, wildlife encounters, and included lunch, many consider this tour to be good value. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the variety of experiences packed into one day. The fact that everything from snacks to snorkeling gear is included means fewer extra costs, making it easier to relax and enjoy.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for those who thrive on active, wildlife-focused outings and enjoy being on the water. Families, couples, and solo travelers who are comfortable with boat rides and love animals will find it especially rewarding. If you’re looking for a comprehensive day that offers both scenery and one-of-a-kind animal encounters, this tour hits the mark. However, if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed day or aren’t keen on long boat rides at high speed, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The Exuma Island Hopping Swimming Pigs Tour from Nassau offers a fantastic mix of wildlife, scenery, and local flavor. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making each stop educational and fun. The scenery alone, with crystal-clear waters and lush islands, justifies the price for many travelers, as does the chance to feed pigs and swim with sharks—all in one day.

This experience is best suited for energetic travelers eager to see a variety of iconic sights and wildlife, who don’t mind a long day on the water. The combination of exciting animal encounters, scenic stops, and tasty food makes it a memorable outing worth considering for your Bahamas trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely yes, especially if your children are comfortable with water activities and high-speed boat rides. The tour involves some walking and water stops, so basic physical fitness is recommended.

How long is the boat ride between islands?
The boat ride is quite swift, with some guests mentioning that it can be quite windy and chilly due to the speed. Expect the majority of the day to be spent on the boat traveling to and from islands.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, a waterproof camera or GoPro, and a jacket or hoodie if you’re sensitive to wind. Snacks and drinks are provided, but extra water or personal preferences are welcome.

Can I snorkel at the plane wreck?
Yes, part of the tour includes snorkeling around a wreck off Norman’s Cay, which is rumored to be Pablo Escobar’s plane. It’s a quick stop but offers good photo opportunities and a chance to explore the clear waters.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a Bahamian-style buffet lunch at a local restaurant on Great Exuma, praised for its flavor and hearty portions.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour limits groups to 25 travelers, ensuring a friendly atmosphere and space to enjoy each activity.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s advisable to check the forecast beforehand.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, wildlife-rich, scenic day that captures the essence of the Bahamas. It balances excitement with comfort, making it ideal for travelers craving a dynamic island experience. Whether you’re feeding pigs, swimming with sharks, or simply soaking up the views, this trip promises plenty of memories—and maybe a few Instagram-worthy photos to go with them.