Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Turtles, Snorkel & More

Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Turtles, Snorkel & More offers a lively blend of adventure and leisure that’s perfect for travelers seeking a taste of the Bahamas’ famous attractions. For around four hours, you’ll hop aboard a powerboat from Nassau’s historic harbor, visiting three key spots: Athol Island, Rose Island, and Green Cay. Along the way, you’ll enjoy snorkeling vibrant reefs, swimming with the world-famous pigs at Rose Island, and discovering local turtle sanctuaries. The tour wraps up with plenty of time to relax at a private beach club, enjoying tropical drinks, sunbathing, and lounging in hammocks or beach cabanas.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the balance of activities and relaxation—it’s not all rushing from one spot to another. Second, the knowledgeable guides and friendly staff seem to elevate the experience, making guests feel well cared for and informed. However, it’s worth noting that the actual pig-wading experience might not match every expectation, as some travelers mention the pigs are more used to human interaction than swimming. It’s a tour that appeals best to those wanting a mix of adventure, wildlife, and beach time—exactly what we look for in a Bahamas day trip.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines snorkeling, wildlife, and beach relaxation
• Authentic experiences: Swim with pigs, visit turtle sanctuaries, snorkel reefs
• Value for money: Well-rounded half-day tour with multiple stops
• Knowledgeable guides: Friendly, attentive staff enhance the trip
• Relaxing beach club: Enjoy tropical drinks, sun, hammocks, and inflatables
• Limited drawbacks: Some may find pig interaction less interactive than expected

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Departure

This tour begins at Da Pig Beach in Nassau, conveniently located near Montague Beach. Our guide, wearing the Exuma Escapes uniform, met us promptly, so there’s no wandering around looking for the right boat. Check-in starts 45 minutes before departure—an important point if you want to avoid rushing or missing the boat—and ends 15 minutes prior to departure. The meeting spot near the pink building is easy to find, and the boat ride kicks off the adventure with a quick safety briefing, setting everyone at ease before the fun begins.

The Speedboat Ride and First Stop: Athol Island

Within 15 minutes, we’re on a speedboat heading towards Athol Island. Here, you’ll get approximately an hour to snorkel among colorful coral reefs. The reefs are lively, attracting a variety of fish and marine life, making it an engaging spot for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. We loved the way the guides explained the marine environment, turning the snorkel into an educational experience—yet relaxed enough to just enjoy the view.

Travelers raved about the snorkeling: “The snorkeling was great,” said Nicholas, and others appreciated the vivid underwater scenery. It’s a good first taste of Nassau’s natural beauty, and the relatively short stop keeps the tour moving without feeling rushed.

Rose Island: Swimming Pigs and Beach Bliss

Next, we zoom over to Rose Island, the highlight for many. This tiny island is famous for its swimming pigs—but as some reviews noted, don’t expect a Disney-like experience. According to one traveler, the pigs are “very domesticated” and just eat from your hand, rather than swimming with you. We appreciated the honesty—this isn’t a wild pig encounter, but rather a chance to be close to these adorable animals in a controlled environment.

After the pig activity, the tour offers a generous 2.5-hour stay at the private beach club. This is the real gem: sunbathing on powdery sand, floating on inflatables, or lounging in hammocks with a tropical drink in hand. Drinks, including rum punch and fruit punch, are included, adding to the laid-back vibe. Many visitors comment on the paradise-like setting, describing it as “a little paradise,” and the “beach club vibe” is perfect for those wanting a break from sightseeing.

Optional Activities and the Scenic Waters

Besides just relaxing, you can kayak or swim, further enjoying the clear waters. The scenic ride back from Rose Island offers views of the coast and the surrounding cays, making the journey part of the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wildlife Spotting at Green Cay

On our way back, we stopped briefly at Green Cay for wildlife viewing—about ten minutes—where we saw some local birdlife and hoped to glimpse more marine creatures. It’s a quick stop, but a nice way to round out the day with a touch of nature.

Return to Nassau

The tour concludes with another 15-minute ride back to Nassau, where we disembarked at the same spot we started. The entire trip lasts just about four hours, making it manageable even on a busy cruise day or for those with limited time in Nassau.

Reviews highlight the friendly guides and the stunning views. Marcel from Germany mentioned that “the boat rides to the spots were fun,” and the beach at Rose Island was “quite beautiful.” Nicholas appreciated the great value for money and called it “a really nice half-day excursion,” noting that the staff was “wonderful” and that snorkeling was “great.”

Not all reviews were perfect; Vicente from Brazil pointed out that the pig experience is more of a small show with pigs eating from your hand rather than swimming with them, suggesting travelers should set their expectations accordingly. Others, like Veronica from Italy, loved the snorkeling and the staff’s friendliness but wished they could swim with turtles rather than just see them from afar.

Practical Tips

• Bring sunscreen and a towel, especially if you plan to sunbathe or snorkel.
• Personal medication is recommended if needed.
• The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, heart or respiratory issues, or those over 70 or over 300 lbs.
• The tour is conducted in English, and multiple transfers are available daily, accommodating cruise schedules.
• Since the pigs are more accustomed to human interaction than swimming, manage your expectations about pig encounters.

This experience is ideal for families, first-time Nassau visitors, or those seeking a combination of wildlife encounters and beach relaxation. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want a half-day adventure that balances active snorkeling and wildlife viewing with downtime at a beautiful beach club. If you’re looking for a lively, fun-filled day with friendly guides and scenic views, this tour hits the mark.

For the price, this tour offers a solid value. You get to snorkel in vibrant reefs, see the famous pigs, and unwind on a stunning private beach—all with the convenience of a well-organized trip. The guides’ warmth and knowledge really make a difference, turning what could be a typical beach excursion into a memorable experience.

While the pig interaction isn’t quite the wild swimming adventure some might expect, it still provides a delightful chance to meet these gentle animals up close. The relaxed setting at the beach club and the included drinks add plenty of leisure, making this a well-rounded, enjoyable half-day that’s perfect for those wanting just enough adventure without overextending.

This tour isn’t suited for travelers who want intense wildlife interactions or have mobility restrictions, but for most others seeking a fun, scenic, and authentic Bahamas experience, it’s a compelling choice.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s great for families as long as children are comfortable with boat rides and snorkeling. Be sure to check age restrictions and bring necessary personal items.

How long is the snorkeling?
You’ll snorkel for about an hour at Athol Island, viewing coral reefs and marine life.

Will I swim with the pigs?
You’ll meet the pigs and see them up close; however, most reviews note they do not actually swim with guests but rather eat from hands.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, personal medication, sunblock, and any personal items needed for beach relaxation.

Are drinks included?
Yes, tropical drinks like rum punch and fruit punch are included at the beach club.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to boat and beach terrain.

How many stops are there?
There are three main stops: Athol Island, Rose Island, and Green Cay, plus the beach club.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour ideal for honeymooners or couples?
Absolutely, the relaxed beach time combined with wildlife viewing makes it a lovely romantic outing, especially for those who enjoy underwater scenery and leisure.

In summary, this Bahamas half-day tour offers a lively mix of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and beach lounging. It’s a well-organized trip that truly captures the essence of Nassau’s laid-back charm and natural beauty, perfect for travelers wanting a practical yet memorable outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby