A Full Day of Nassau’s Best: Snorkeling, Pigs, Turtles, and Tasty Treats
When you think of Nassau, Bahamas, picture crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, playful pigs on sandy beaches, and friendly turtles swimming just beneath the surface. For about $2,499 for a private group of up to 10 people, you can spend roughly 4 hours exploring these iconic sights in a way that’s tailored just for your party. Led by Captain Mario, this Private Group Tour combines snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and delicious Bahamian flavors into a seamless, personalized adventure.
What we love about this experience is how flexible and intimate it feels. First, the tour visits Pearl Island for snorkeling over untouched coral reefs—an activity that truly reveals Nassau’s underwater beauty. Second, the chance to swim with friendly turtles that will happily eat out of your hand makes for a memorable wildlife encounter. And finally, the opportunity to relax on a quiet beach while feeding the world-famous Swimming Pigs is simply unforgettable.
One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite active, requiring at least moderate physical fitness, especially if you want to fully enjoy the snorkeling and swimming segments. If you or your group prefer a laid-back experience, Captain Mario is flexible enough to let you simply hang out on the boat and soak up the scenery.
This tour suits travelers looking for a private, all-in-one day on the water that balances adventure with comfort. It’s ideal for families, small groups, or even business parties eager to enjoy Nassau’s highlights away from crowded tours.
Key Points

- Customizable Private Experience: Only your group participates, offering flexibility and personalized attention.
- Diverse Activities: Snorkeling, wildlife encounters with turtles, swimming with pigs, and a local conch tasting.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Lunch, snacks, drinks, and even beers or alcohol are included, providing great value.
- Expert Guide: Captain Mario and his team are known for their friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring a smooth trip.
- Short but Satisfying: At around 4 hours, this tour offers a thorough taste of Nassau’s aquatic life and beaches without feeling rushed.
- Accessible to a Moderate Fitness Level: While active, the tour accommodates those who are comfortable with a bit of swimming and standing on a boat.
Exploring Nassau’s Water Wonderland: A Detailed Review
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The Itinerary Breakdown
This tour packs in several of Nassau’s most iconic sights, all in a carefully curated order that maximizes your experience. The adventure begins with pickup between 1:30 and 1:45 pm, setting the stage for a relaxed afternoon on the water.
First stop: Pearl Island for snorkeling—a highlight for anyone who loves underwater scenery. The coral reefs here are untouched, teeming with marine life, and the 30-minute swim allows enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Reviewers appreciate how clear and calm the waters are, making it perfect for snorkeling, especially for those new to the activity.
Next, you’ll visit Gilligan’s Island, famously associated with the iconic TV show, but still charming in its own right. While the reviews don’t specify what happens here, it’s likely a quick photo stop or a chance to stretch your legs before heading to the turtle site. Green Cay then offers a 15-20 minute opportunity to swim with turtles—an experience many find enchanting. Comments from guests mention how the turtles are friendly enough to eat out of your hand, creating a close-up wildlife encounter that feels genuinely special.
The tour then moves to Rose Island for a leisurely lunch and the much-anticipated swimming with pigs. The pigs are the star for many, and the reviews highlight how Captain Mario makes sure everyone gets a chance to feed and interact with them. The setting is idyllic, and the pigs seem to enjoy the attention, often splashing and frolicking in the water.
Finally, the last stop is Montague Beach for a conch show and tasting—a delightful local ritual where Captain Mario prepares fresh conch and offers samples. The reviews praise the delicious conch salad and the friendly atmosphere. After this, you’re returned to your hotel or port, feeling satisfied but not exhausted.
What’s Included and Why It Matters
This tour’s all-inclusive nature—lunch, snacks, drinks, water, soft drinks, beers, and alcohol—is a significant value. It means you can relax without worrying about additional costs and simply enjoy the day. The pickup and dropoff service adds convenience, especially if you’re staying at a hotel like Baha Mar or near the cruise port.
The boat itself is described as very clean and suitable for small groups, creating an intimate, comfortable environment. Plus, the music playlist and friendly crew help set a relaxed, fun tone—essential for a memorable day on the water.
What to Expect During the Tour
You’ll be on a private boat, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. The group size cap of 10 ensures a sense of privacy and flexibility; captains like Mario are known to accommodate special requests, whether that’s more time at a specific stop or simply relaxing on the boat.
Expect punctual pickup, and be prepared for moderate physical activity—swimming, snorkeling, and walking on uneven surfaces—so comfortable footwear and swimwear are advised. The tour runs rain or shine, but if the weather’s bad, a full refund or a different date is offered.
The duration of about 4 hours strikes a good balance—enough to see Nassau’s top sights without the day feeling rushed or overly tiring. You’ll leave with plenty of photos, new wildlife friends, and a belly full of fresh conch.
Authentic Encounters and Authenticity
Reviews emphasize the friendly, accommodating nature of Captain Mario and his crew. Many mention how they appreciated the flexibility—some chose to sit back and relax, while others jumped in the water at every stop. The feeding of pigs and turtles is authentic, not staged for travelers, which makes those moments truly memorable.
Fascinated by underwater life? Here are other snorkeling spots we've covered in Nassau
The Value of This Tour
Compared to larger, less personal excursions, this private tour offers excellent value for money. The all-inclusive pricing means no hidden costs, and the personalized experience ensures you get what you want—whether that’s snorkeling, wildlife watching, or just soaking up the sun. Critics highlight how the experience exceeded expectations—from the delicious local food to the stunning scenery.
Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re traveling with a small group that values privacy and flexibility. It’s especially suitable for families or couples who want a mixture of adventure and relaxation. Small groups of friends or business parties will appreciate the tailored approach and attentive service.
If you’re looking for a fun, authentic day on the water that combines wildlife, scenery, and local flavors, this tour ticks all the boxes. Those who appreciate delicious food, clear waters, and friendly guides will find this an excellent choice.
FAQs

Is this a full-day tour?
No, it lasts around 4 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive experience that fits well with other Nassau activities or excursions.
What is included in the price?
Lunch, snacks, water, soft drinks, beers, and alcohol are included, along with pickup and dropoff. The tour is private, so only your group participates.
Can I skip swimming or snorkeling?
Yes, Captain Mario is flexible. If you prefer to relax on the boat and enjoy the scenery, that’s perfectly fine. Many guests appreciate this option.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, some cash for tips or souvenirs, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone case. The boat is very clean, but bringing a dry bag is always smart.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but guests should have moderate physical fitness and be comfortable in the water. Children often enjoy feeding the pigs and turtles, but supervision is recommended.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
In all, this private Nassau tour by Captain Mario offers a well-rounded, memorable day that balances wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and local culture. Perfect for small groups seeking a personalized adventure, it provides excellent value, flexibility, and authentic experiences that will leave you with stories to tell long after you leave the Bahamas.
More Lunch Experiences in Nassau
- Nassau: Island Hopping Boat Trip with Lunch & Drinks
- Athol Island Swimming Pigs Half-Day Boat Tour with Lunch
- Nassau: Pigs, Snorkel, Turtles, Lunch, Private Beach Club
- Nassau: Reef Snorkeling, Turtles, Lunch & Private Beach Club
- Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Lunch, & Beach Boat Tour
- Nassau: 3-Island Snorkel Tour with Pigs, Beach Club, & Lunch
More Private Tours in Nassau
- Nassau: Pigs, Snorkel, Turtles, Lunch, Private Beach Club
- Nassau: Reef Snorkeling, Turtles, Lunch & Private Beach Club
- Nassau: Private Boat Charter Snorkel Tour
- Rose Island Adventure: Snorkel, Sea Turtles, and Private Beach
- Nassau: Rose Island and Green Cay Private Snorkeling Tour
- Nassau Bucket List: Private Full-Day Exploration Tour
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More Nassau experiences we've covered
- Nassau: Island Hopping Boat Trip with Lunch & Drinks
- Nassau: ATV Guided Tour
- Island City Tour
- Island Hopping, Swimming w/ Turtles & Unlimited Bahamas Mama
- Nassau: Exuma Powerboat Day Trip
- Athol Island Swimming Pigs Half-Day Boat Tour with Lunch
- Tasty Rythm and Rock Tour
- Nassau: Historical Sightseeing Guided Half-Day Tour
- Nassau: Reef Glass Bottom & Snorkel Tour
- Nassau: Pigs, Snorkel, Turtles, Lunch, Private Beach Club
- Nassau: City Tour with National Art Gallery Entry
- Dilly Dally Walking Tour of Nassau Attractions
