Nassau: Swimming with Pigs, Snorkeling, and Sightseeing Tour

The star of this Nassau boat trip is the chance to reach pig islands and coral reefs by speedboat, rather than spend the day on a crowded beach. You will cruise past the waterfront homes of Paradise Island, stop to snorkel and watch marine life, then visit a beach where swimming pigs roam. The exact island can change with weather and local conditions.

I like the way Captain Chris puts safety and comfort first, especially for swimmers and anyone prone to motion sickness. I also like the flexible spirit of the trip: when Rose Island was closed or the water was not clear, he found another island and offered alternative swimming and pig encounters. The drawback is that swimming with the pigs costs extra, and rough weather or poor water clarity can change the planned stops.

Key points to know before you book

• A real speedboat outing: Expect several 15-minute boat rides, open-water views, and a brisk way to see islands near Nassau.
• Captain Chris earns strong praise: He has adjusted routes, helped with transport, supplied refreshments, and watched swimmers carefully.
• Pig swimming costs extra: The beach stop is included, but the actual swim with pigs is paid on site.
• Snorkeling is part of the package: Basic snorkeling gear and safety equipment are provided, with time for coral reefs and marine life.
• The route can change: Weather, water clarity, or an island closure may send you to a different beach or reef.
• Three hours goes quickly: This suits you if you want several short activities rather than a long, lazy beach day.

Leaving Bayshore Marina by speedboat

Your meeting point is the security booth at Bayshore Marina. Arrive ready for the water, with a towel and some cash. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and smoking and making fires are prohibited.

The boat trip begins with a short 15-minute run. That first burst gives you an immediate feel for the outing. This is not a slow harbor cruise where the scenery barely changes. You will be moving between islands, with the sea providing the main view and the boat ride itself forming a useful part of the experience.

You will pass Paradise Island and its impressive waterfront homes from the water. Seeing these properties from a boat gives you a different view of Nassau than you get from a road or hotel lobby. It is a quick sightseeing segment, not a full architectural tour, but it helps you get oriented to the islands around Nassau.

The boat is also your link between the stops. The schedule includes several 15-minute speedboat rides, so you should be comfortable with a brisk ride and some movement on the water. If you are sensitive to motion, tell the captain early. Captain Chris has changed destinations to help a passenger who became motion sick, which is a useful sign that this is a personal, responsive outing rather than a rigid route.

Paradise Island, Pearl Island, and the open-water views

After the first ride, you spend about 30 minutes sightseeing. The main attraction is the setting: low islands, bright beaches, open water, and homes that are best seen from the sea.

Pearl Island is part of the route, although the exact order and timing can shift. The tour is designed to show you places you can reach only by water, so the value comes less from a single landmark and more from the range of views packed into a short trip.

I would keep your expectations sensible. Three hours is enough for a taste of several island stops, but not enough for a slow exploration of every beach. You may get a good look at Pearl Island and nearby shores, then move on before you have fully settled into one place. That pace works well if you want variety. It is less suitable if your main goal is to spend most of the afternoon lying on one beach.

Snorkeling over coral reefs and watching marine life

The snorkeling stop gives you about an hour for swimming, marine life viewing, and wildlife watching. You receive basic snorkeling equipment and safety gear, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer using familiar equipment.

The tour description points to colorful coral reefs, including Rainbow reefs, and the water may offer views of fish and other marine life. One booking included turtle sightings, adding another reason to bring a waterproof camera if you have one. Still, the sea is not a controlled aquarium. Water clarity can change, and one outing had less-than-clear water, so you should not book this solely on the promise of perfect snorkeling.

The captain’s role matters here. You are not simply dropped at a reef and left to manage alone. Captain Chris has kept watch while people snorkeled and paid close attention to safety. That is especially helpful if you are not a confident swimmer, though you still need to be comfortable entering the water and following instructions.

The snorkeling portion also shows why a weather-flexible operator is valuable. If the water is not clean or visibility is poor, the captain may adjust the plan and spend more time on another activity. You might not get the exact reef conditions you imagined, but you are less likely to lose the whole outing to one disappointing stop.

The pig island stop and the extra-cost choice

The pig stop is the most unusual part of the experience. You will visit an island where pigs roam freely, with time to relax on the beach, visit the bar, or take part in available beach activities.

The beach and island stop are included in the tour. Swimming with the pigs is not included, and you pay for it on site. Check the cost before you commit, and bring cash as requested. The supplied information does not give a fixed price for the pig swim, so treat it as an optional add-on rather than part of the advertised $150 fee.

You can enjoy this stop without entering the water with the pigs. That is useful if you would rather swim, sit on the beach, or watch the animals from shore. If you have always wanted the classic pig-swim photograph, this is your chance, but the experience may feel brief because the full tour lasts only three hours and includes boat travel, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

The route may use Rose Island or another local island. Rose Island was closed on one outing, and Captain Chris took the group to a different island where they could still swim and interact with pigs. That flexibility is worth noting. It means the name of the island should not matter as much as the overall plan: beach time, pigs, swimming, and a captain willing to adapt.

Snacks, drinks, and the small comforts

Bahamian snacks and drinks are provided during the outing. Captain Chris has supplied water, chips, and rum punch, which is a welcome touch after swimming and snorkeling. These are simple provisions, not a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need something substantial.

The refreshments also make the boat time more pleasant. You can take in the views, cool off, and listen as the captain points out islands and explains what surrounds you. The tour is conducted in English, and the captain serves as both guide and boat operator.

One practical detail deserves emphasis: bring a towel and cash. The towel is obvious, but easy to forget when you are leaving a hotel for a short tour. Cash is useful for the paid pig swim and any on-site expenses. Nothing in the supplied information promises a card machine at the island.

What $150 buys you

At $150 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach near Nassau. The price makes more sense when you count the boat, captain and guide, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, beach and pig-island stops, and the chance to link several places in one three-hour outing.

You are also paying for access and convenience. Instead of arranging separate transport, snorkeling equipment, and a pig-island visit, you get one boat trip from Bayshore Marina. The captain can adjust the route if conditions change, which has real value when weather or island closures affect the day.

The main limit is time. Because the tour includes several 15-minute speedboat segments, some of your three hours are spent in transit. That is not wasted time if you enjoy being on the water and seeing the islands from offshore. If you want two full hours at one reef or a long, quiet beach stay, another tour may offer better value.

A private or nearly private feel is possible, but it is not guaranteed. One family found themselves alone on the boat and effectively had a private charter. You should not assume every departure will be private, but the operator appears willing to personalize the route when circumstances allow.

Timing, flexibility, and getting back on schedule

The planned route includes the marina, sightseeing, snorkeling and marine life viewing, a beach or pig-island visit, and the return ride. The listed timing adds up to a fast-moving three hours, with several boat transfers of about 15 minutes.

That schedule matters if you are visiting Nassau from a cruise ship or have an evening flight. One group working on a ship was returned on time, and the captain even helped arrange a taxi from the harbor. You should still confirm your own departure needs and allow a buffer, since this is an outdoor activity subject to weather.

The tour begins and ends at Bayshore Marina. In one case, Captain Chris dropped guests closer to Atlantis after the outing. Treat that as a special accommodation, not a standard transfer service.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule that fits your day rather than assuming a fixed departure.

Who will enjoy this Nassau boat tour

I would choose this trip if you want several Bahamian experiences in one morning or afternoon: a speedboat ride, island sightseeing, snorkeling, beach time, and the option to swim with pigs.

It fits couples, families, and small groups who value a helpful captain and do not mind a changing route. It is also a good choice for someone who wants more personal attention than a large, fixed boat excursion may provide. Captain Chris has been especially attentive with safety, comfort, timing, and route changes.

You should think twice if you dislike open-water boat rides, need a fully fixed itinerary, or want a long, quiet beach day. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is listed as unsuitable for people over 95. The tour is also weather-dependent, so a cloudy or rough day may produce a different experience from the one you pictured.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want variety and a captain who can respond to real conditions. The strongest reason to choose it is not just the pigs. It is the combination of flexible island stops, snorkeling, marine life, refreshments, and personal service from Captain Chris.

Before paying, remember three things: the pig swim costs extra, water clarity can vary, and three hours is a compact schedule. Bring a towel and cash, wear practical shoes, and leave room for the route to change.

For $150, I see good value if you plan to use every part of the outing. You get a boat, guide, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, snacks and drinks, plus access to beaches and islands that are difficult to reach on your own. If that mix sounds better than spending the whole day at one resort beach, this is a strong Nassau choice.

FAQ

How long is the Nassau swimming with pigs and snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including the boat rides, sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and return to Bayshore Marina.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet the guide by the security booth at Bayshore Marina.

What is included in the $150 price?

The price includes the boat tour, captain and guide, snorkeling gear, safety gear, and beach and Pig Island stops.

Does the tour price include swimming with the pigs?

No. Swimming with the pigs is optional and must be paid for on site.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Basic snorkeling gear and safety equipment are provided.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and cash. Cash is especially useful because the pig swim costs extra and is paid on site.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live guide conducts the tour in English.

Can the route change?

Yes. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and stops may change if an island is closed or the water is not clear. Rose Island was replaced by another local island on one outing.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.