Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau with Swimming Pigs

Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau with Swimming Pigs
Rating: 5.0 | Review Count: 474 | Price: $439 per person

Travelers looking to pack a day with iconic Bahamas experiences will find this Exuma powerboat tour from Nassau hard to beat. For around eight hours, you’ll zip across crystal-clear waters to visit some of the most beloved sights in the Exumas, including the famous Pig Beach, where the swimming pigs await, and the nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Along the way, your guides take you to see rock iguanas, explore a sunken plane wreck, and relax on a pristine sandbar—all topped off with a delicious lunch and drinks.

Two things we particularly like? First, the round-trip powerboat transit means you cover more ground in less time, giving you a true taste of the archipelago in a single day. Second, the diversity of activities — from feeding iguanas to swimming with sharks and pigs — promises an engaging, memorable trip.

The main consideration? The long boat rides can be a bit bumpy, especially if the ocean is lively, so this might not be ideal for travelers prone to seasickness. Also, pregnant travelers are not permitted for safety reasons.

This tour suits those who enjoy adventure, animal encounters, and natural beauty, and who don’t mind a full day on the water. If you’re excited by the idea of seeing iconic Bahamas attractions with knowledgeable guides, this trip offers great value for the price.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering multiple top sights in one day.
• Includes a hot lunch, snacks, and drinks, making it good value.
• Up-close animal encounters with sharks, iguanas, and pigs.
• Fast-paced powerboat ride that maximizes sightseeing time.
• Safety and professionalism highlighted by numerous positive reviews.
• Weather-dependent, with potential for cancellations or delays.

An In-Depth Look at the Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau

If you’re in Nassau and craving an action-packed day exploring the Bahamas’ most iconic sights, this tour delivers in spades. For $439 per person, you’re transported for about eight hours through the beautiful Exuma Cays, with a mobile ticket that makes check-in straightforward. The tour is operated by Aqua Shores – Luxury Powerboat Tours, a company with dozens of satisfied travelers, as reflected in their perfect 5.0 rating from 474 reviews.

Starting Point and Timing

The adventure begins early, with a meet-up at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal at 8:30 am. This ensures you’re on the water as the Bahamas wakes up, setting the tone for a lively, fun-filled day. The round-trip nature of the powerboat allows you to see more in less time, compared to a slower, land-based tour.

The Itinerary Breakdown

1. Allens Cay and the Rock Iguanas (1 hour)
Your first stop is the Exuma Cays, where the rock iguanas roam freely in their natural habitat. Travelers consistently praise this part as “super interesting,” with one noting, “feeding the iguanas was really fun and unique.” It’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to see a rare Bahamian creature up close.

2. Compass Cay and Nurse Sharks (30 minutes)
Next, you head to Compass Cay, home to the famous wild nurse sharks. From the dock, you’ll see these gentle predators swimming around you—some reviewers describe it as “amazing” to touch and hold the sharks, with guides ensuring safety. Many mention that the sharks are surprisingly tame, making it a memorable animal encounter.

3. Pig Beach at Big Major Cay (45 minutes)
No trip to the Bahamas is complete without meeting the swimming pigs at Pig Beach. While some found the experience “cute” and “fun,” a few noted that the pigs can be quite large and aggressive—“they nipped at people,” one reviewer said. Still, most agree it’s a bucket list moment, and the sight of these absolutely adorable creatures wading and swimming is unforgettable. Be prepared for pig poop everywhere and some nipping.

4. Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club (1 hour)
A real highlight is the lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Reviewers rave about the quality of the food—“really good,” and appreciate that it’s included in the tour price. You’re free to order from the menu and enjoy a relaxed meal with all the drinks, including beer and bottled water supplied during the day.

5. Relaxing on a Sandbar (1 hour)
The tour includes a stop on a stunning sandbar in the Exumas, ideal for shell collecting, relaxing, or snapping photos. Many reviewers describe this as a “breathtaking” moment, perfect for unwinding after the busy stops. Keep in mind, time on the sandbar is about an hour, so bring sunscreen and some beach gear.

6. Norman’s Cay and the Sunken Plane (15 minutes)
The last stop is Norman’s Cay, where you can view the wreckage of a famous drug plane submerged near the island. Though only a quick stop, visitors find it “fascinating” to see this piece of history.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s all-inclusive nature adds to its appeal. Expect lunch, snacks, bottled water, and beer—all part of the package. It’s especially good value considering the number of diverse stops. There’s no snorkeling on this trip, which some travelers expected, but the stops are varied enough to keep everyone engaged.

Private transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly. Since the tour is limited to 16 travelers, the group size is manageable, fostering a friendly and intimate atmosphere.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable and energetic guides, with names like Rico, Emilio, and Neal earning praise. Travelers note they felt safe, well-informed, and entertained throughout the day. The music on the boat is also mentioned as a nice touch, creating a lively vibe during the long rides between stops.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The diversity of stops ensures you see everything from wildlife to shipwrecks.
– The included lunch and drinks make this tour a good value.
– The speedboat allows for quick and efficient exploration.
– Animal encounters are close and personal, with many reviewers describing these moments as “highlight of their trip.”

Cons:
– The boat ride can be rough at times, which might be uncomfortable for those with seasickness.
– The pigs can be aggressive and not as cute as expected, which was a point of disappointment for some.
– The long transit times mean a significant portion of the day is spent in motion.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for travelers who want a full day of variety — animal lovers, water enthusiasts, and those eager to see the most Instagram-worthy spots in the Bahamas. It suits active people who are comfortable on boats and eager to see and do rather than just relax on the beach.

If you enjoy guided tours with lively hosts and are okay with a long, water-centric day, this trip offers great value and unforgettable memories.

Final Thoughts

For a comprehensive, well-organized day exploring the iconic sights of the Exumas, this powerboat tour delivers. You’ll get plenty of animal encounters, stunning scenery, and a satisfying mix of adventure and relaxation. Many travelers leave raving about the professional guides and diverse stops, making it clear that this is a popular choice for those wanting to experience the Bahamas in one exciting day.

While the boat ride can be choppy and some stops feel a bit rushed, the overall experience offers excellent value for money — especially with lunch, drinks, and multiple stops included. If you’re looking for a fun, active, and photo-worthy day in the Bahamas, this tour probably ticks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most reviews suggest it’s best for travelers who are comfortable on boats and can handle a full day. Children who enjoy animals and water activities will likely have a good time, but check with the provider for age restrictions or specific safety concerns regarding animals.

How long are the boat rides between stops?
Expect about an hour at the start and similar time at the end, with additional time spent traveling between each attraction. The total ride can be a bit bumpy, so bring motion sickness remedies if needed.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, and some cash or cards for optional souvenirs or additional drinks. The boat is equipped with a sunshade, but you’ll spend plenty of time exposed to the sun.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes. Lunch, snacks, bottled water, and beer are all included in the price, making it convenient and good value. The lunch at Staniel Cay is well-reviewed for quality.

Can I snorkel during this tour?
No, snorkeling isn’t part of this itinerary. The stops focus on animal encounters, scenery, and relaxing on the beach.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded and weather cancellations are handled with rescheduling or full refunds.

To sum it up, this Exuma powerboat tour offers a lively, diverse, and memorable way to experience the highlights of the Bahamas in one day. It’s ideal for those who love animals, adventure, and stunning scenery, and are prepared for a full, water-based itinerary. If you’re after a mix of excitement, natural beauty, and friendly guides, this trip stands out as a smart choice for your Bahamas visit.