Nassau: Snorkeling, Pig Beach, Swim with Turtles, and Lunch

The pigs are only part of the story here. This spacious catamaran gives you a relaxed way to reach reefs, turtle habitat, and island beaches without being packed into a small speedboat. You can snorkel at two stops, eat a fresh Bahamian lunch, and stretch out on the front nets between activities.

I especially like the small-group feel, with many departures carrying about 20 people, and the crew’s easygoing care. On one recent sailing, Ahmad, Rashad, Dre, and Christian kept the day organized and fun. The main catch is that pig interaction costs another $30 to $35 in cash, and turtle sightings are never promised.

Quick reasons to consider this Nassau catamaran cruise

• Two different snorkeling experiences: Look for turtles at one stop, then colorful fish, coral, stingrays, or starfish at another.
• A proper lunch on board: Expect Bahamian stewed chicken, rice and peas, salad, and choices for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
• More room than a speedboat: The catamaran offers sunny seats, shade, rain cover, a washroom, and front nets for relaxing on the return ride.
• Pig Beach with a choice: You can visit the pigs without paying for hands-on interaction, or pay locally to feed, pet, and photograph them.
• A flexible route: Stops may shift with wind, waves, weather, closures, and available facilities.
• Good value for a water day: The $165 price includes the boat, crew, gear, lunch, water, ice, and unlimited rum punch or Cuba Libres.

From Montagu Beach to open water

Your day begins at Montagu Beach, not at the cruise port. The meeting point is near the pink washroom building by the main dock, close to Fort Montague and the Fisherman’s Market area. Several boats use this beach, so check in with the correct crew before boarding.

A taxi or car is the practical way to arrive. The entrance is at a traffic light on East Bay Street, with a left turn near Village Road. The operator sends detailed directions the night before, which helps because this meeting point does not have a normal street address.

Once aboard, the first 30-minute ride gives you time to settle in. You can choose a sunny seat, find some shelter, or head toward the forward nets if the water and crew conditions allow. The boat has toilets and rain cover, useful comforts on a five-and-a-half-hour outing.

The catamaran is the right choice if you prefer a gentle social day on the water. It is not silent or private, since music plays and drinks are available, but the layout gives you more freedom to move around than a compact motorboat.

Snorkeling at Athol Island

The first planned water stop is around Athol Island, with roughly 30 minutes for snorkeling. This is where you may begin looking for turtles, reef fish, coral, stingrays, and other sea life.

The crew helps point out marine life and can guide less confident swimmers. One solo participant with no prior snorkeling experience received close help in the water and was shown turtles and stingrays. That does not mean you will get a private guide, but it does suggest that beginners should speak up rather than hang back.

The reef is a natural setting, not an aquarium. Water clarity, current, visibility, and animal activity can change. Some people see several turtles, while others see one or none. The operator clearly treats turtles as wild animals, so you should book this for the chance to see them, not as a guaranteed turtle encounter.

Thirty minutes is a useful length for this stop. It is long enough to see the main area without leaving you chilled and tired before lunch. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you should bring your own towel.

Pig Beach and the Rose Island stop

After another short sail, the boat reaches the island area used for the pig visit. The exact island can vary among Pearl, Rose, and Athol, and the route can change with local conditions. The published schedule places the main island visit at Rose Island, with time for about an hour at the pigs and another 30 minutes for sightseeing.

The pigs are friendly and entertaining, especially for children. You may see pigs of different sizes, including young ones, and you can take pictures from the beach. The pig area is kept reasonably tidy by local staff, though this is still an animal beach. Mud, sand, water, and pig droppings are part of the deal.

The important price detail is easy to miss: visiting the area is included, but feeding, touching, and taking close-up pictures with the pigs costs an additional $30 to $35. Bring cash. If you are unsure about the hands-on portion, you can watch first and decide. Families with children often consider the extra fee worthwhile, while some adults find it a little steep.

The pig stop also has a practical limitation. Island access may involve a dinghy, docking when available, or anchoring nearby. Walking ashore is not guaranteed at every stop, so do not assume every scheduled island visit means a long beach walk.

Lunch, rum punch, and a quiet anchorage

Lunch is served during a 30-minute stop at a less busy location. The usual meal includes Bahamian stewed chicken, rice and peas, and salad with dressing choices. The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion, and several people describe the chicken and rice as a highlight.

Vegetarian options are available, along with vegan and gluten-free accommodations. Tell the operator about your needs when booking, rather than waiting until you are already on the boat.

You get drinking water and ice throughout the day. Cuba Libres and rum punch are included without a drink limit, which improves the value for adults who want cocktails on the water. Soft drinks are also available according to the details provided.

A small caution: lunch is served aboard while anchored, not on solid ground. If you are prone to seasickness, even a gentle rocking boat can make eating harder. Consider bringing a light snack as well, especially if sunshine and swimming tend to make you hungry.

The second reef stop

Later, the boat makes another 30-minute snorkeling stop at a different reef or sheltered water area. This is often the stronger stop for fish and coral. You might see large schools of colorful fish, starfish, stingrays, or turtles, though conditions vary by day.

The contrast between the two sites is useful. One stop may be best for turtle watching, while the other offers denser reef life. You are not simply repeating the same swim twice.

If the group finishes early or the route has extra time, the crew may add another swim or sunbathing stop. That flexibility is welcome, but it means the day is not locked to a minute-by-minute script. Wind and wave protection guide the captain’s choices, and facilities or pig-beach closures can also force a change.

After the final water stop, the catamaran spends about an hour returning to Montagu Beach. This is when the open layout earns its keep. You can sit back with a drink, listen to music, or stretch out on the front nets if conditions permit. Several people particularly enjoy this calm ride home.

What the $165 price really covers

At $165 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the pigs. The value comes from combining several separate Nassau activities in one outing: boat transport, three island areas, two snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, equipment, and crew support.

You also avoid paying separately for a snorkel boat, a pig excursion, and a lunch stop. The catamaran offers more space than many fast boats, and the group size may be around 20 people rather than a packed deck.

The extra pig fee changes the calculation. For two adults, adding $60 to $70 means the day costs more than the advertised base price. Still, the fee is optional. If you mainly want snorkeling and a comfortable sail, you can skip the close pig interaction and keep the rest of the outing.

The strongest value comes for people who want variety. If you only want to snorkel, a dedicated reef trip may be more focused. If you only want pigs, a shorter beach excursion may cost less. This cruise makes sense when you want a full water day with food and drinks already handled.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to families with children age five and up, couples, solo participants, and mixed-age groups who want activity without a frantic pace. Children tend to enjoy the pigs, while adults often prefer the reef stops, lunch, sailing, and drinks.

It also suits first-time snorkelers because equipment is supplied and the crew can offer guidance. You still need to be comfortable entering the water, swimming in natural conditions, and getting in or out of a dinghy if one is used.

This is not a good fit for children under five, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people with epilepsy. The operator also requires a waiver.

Bring a towel, and consider reef-safe sun protection, a dry bag, and a small snack. Those last items are practical suggestions for a day involving salt water and an onboard lunch, but the only specifically required item is a towel.

A few drawbacks to keep in mind

The itinerary depends on the weather. Wind and waves may change the snorkeling sites, and the crew may choose more sheltered waters. That is good seamanship, but it means you cannot count on a precise island sequence.

Pig Beach may close, and the location can change. Turtle sightings are also uncertain. If your main goal is a guaranteed turtle swim or a specific beach, this is not the right kind of excursion.

The tour does not include hotel or cruise-port pickup. You need to arrange a taxi or drive to Montagu Beach. From the Nassau port area, a taxi is considered straightforward, but allow enough time to find the pink building and confirm the correct boat.

Finally, alcohol is included, so the mood can become lively. That suits many people, but if you want a quiet nature trip with no music or cocktails, choose a smaller specialty snorkeling outing instead.

Should you book this Nassau catamaran tour?

Book it if you want one well-organized day that mixes sailing, snorkeling, pigs, lunch, and drinks. The best parts are the comfortable boat, helpful crew, strong lunch, and the chance to see reef life in two different settings.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to families with older children and first-time snorkelers. Just budget for the optional pig fee, bring cash and a towel, and accept that weather controls the route.

Skip it if you dislike open-water swimming, need guaranteed turtle sightings, or want a quiet, private cruise. For everyone else, the $165 fare is a fair price for a full package, particularly if you plan to take part in the pig interaction and make good use of the included lunch and drinks.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart from?

It departs from Montagu Beach in Nassau, near Fort Montague and the Fisherman’s Market area. Meet near the pink washroom building by the main dock.

How long does the tour last?

The scheduled duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours.

Is transportation from my hotel or cruise port included?

No. Hotel and cruise-port pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Montagu Beach by taxi or car.

Is the pig interaction included in the price?

The visit to the pig area is included, but hands-on interaction, feeding, and close-up pictures cost an additional $30 to $35. The fee is paid in cash on site.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The boat visits a natural turtle habitat, but turtle sightings are not guaranteed.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch generally includes Bahamian stewed chicken, rice and peas, and salad. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinking water and ice are included, along with unlimited mixed drinks such as Cuba Libre and rum punch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the catamaran trip.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. Weather, wind, waves, island closures, and available facilities can change the route and stops. If the operator cancels the tour because of weather or another reason, you can reschedule or receive a refund.