Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

The star of this Nassau outing is simple: you drive the speedboat. After a short run across the water, you reach Anthol Island for pig feeding, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. I like the hands-on format and the small groups, which make this feel more personal than a large cruise excursion. I also like that the early trip can put you on the beach before the crowds arrive.

The main catch is that transportation is not always included, and the meeting point can vary by booking option. You should also expect to get wet, and the sea can change the plan. One outing had to use a ferry because strong wind made the speedboats unsafe, though the group still got time with the pigs and drove the boats later in Nassau Harbor.

Key points to know before you book

• You take the wheel: Each boat seats two people, and a guide remains close by while you drive.
• Early departures matter: The 10 a.m. outing has often reached the pig beach before larger boats arrive.
• The island visit is active: Expect pig feeding, swimming, snorkeling, a beach stop, and a banana boat ride.
• The pigs are not tiny pets: Some are large and can be pushy when food appears, so follow the guide’s instructions.
• Plan your own transport: The port is walkable for some people, but several visitors found a taxi easier, especially in the heat.
• Weather can change the route: The activity runs rain or shine, but rough wind may lead to a ferry transfer or a harbor-based boat ride.

Why driving your own boat changes the Nassau outing

Many boat excursions leave you seated while someone else handles the controls. This one gives you a small two-person speedboat and the chance to steer for part of the journey. That is the difference between simply visiting a pig beach and having a proper little adventure on the way there.

The boats are small, which makes them lively in the waves. You will feel spray, wind, and the movement of the water. A guide stays with the group, and the boat can be driven by one person while the other rides along. If you are not comfortable at the controls, the guide can take over. One family had a guide named Kelly drive for a less confident participant, while other family members shared the remaining boats.

The ride to the island is described as short, but it still gives you time to enjoy the setting around Nassau. Several outings passed luxury homes, yachts, Atlantis, and its canals or water features. Those sights are a pleasant extra, though they are not the core reason to book. The real appeal is having control of the boat and arriving at a small island by water.

Groups are limited to 10 people. That number matters here. You are not trying to keep track of a huge crowd while handling a small boat, and the guide has more time to help with steering, safety, photos, and the pig encounter. The experience can feel even quieter on an early departure or a day with low bookings.

Reaching Anthol Island and the swimming pigs

The island visit begins with a short walk through brush to the beach area. This is not a polished resort setting. It has the informal, sandy feel people usually hope for when they picture a small Bahamian island. The water is clear, and the beach gives you room to relax after the boat ride.

The pigs are the main event. You can feed them, take photos, and get into the water with them. Food is provided for the encounter, and fruit such as melon has been used. You should keep your hands and food placement under the guide’s direction, since some pigs are large and can become forceful when they expect a snack.

That point deserves attention. The pigs are friendly enough for the encounter, but they are not trained photo props. A few can be surprisingly big, and one outing described them as somewhat aggressive around feeding time. This is part of the appeal for some people, but families with very young children should stay close and listen carefully to the guide.

The water gives the visit more than a quick animal photo stop. You can swim, cool off, and take pictures in the shallows. Some outings also spotted sea turtles, an eagle ray, and wild peacocks on or near the island. These sightings are not guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than part of the promised program.

You get roughly 45 minutes at the pig beach according to one detailed account, though the exact timing may vary. That is enough time to feed the pigs, take photos, swim, and look around, but it is not a full beach day. If you want hours of unhurried sand time, this is not the right format. If you want a compact island visit with several activities packed together, the timing works well.

Snorkeling, banana boats, and time in the water

Snorkeling equipment is included. The snorkeling portion lets you look below the surface after the pig encounter, adding another water activity to a trip that already includes boating and swimming. The supplied details do not promise a particular reef, fish population, or snorkeling site, so you should think of this as a short add-on rather than a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

A banana boat ride is also included. It adds another burst of activity, especially for families and groups who want more than a calm swim. Since the entire outing lasts only two hours, the time is shared among the boat ride, island visit, pigs, swimming, snorkeling, and return journey. You should expect variety, not long sessions at each stop.

The water is a major part of the day, so bring a waterproof phone case or bag. One participant found that everything got wet. That is easy to forget when you are thinking about photos, wallets, and cruise documents. Keep anything important protected before leaving the dock.

The beach area has snacks and drinks available on some visits, but you should bring water. Cash may be useful for island refreshments. These details can vary, so do not depend on a full meal or a long list of facilities.

Choosing the best departure time

An early start is one of the strongest practical tips for this activity. The 10 a.m. slot has reached the island before larger boats on several occasions, giving the first group about 30 to 45 minutes with fewer people around. That can make a major difference at a small pig beach.

With fewer people, you can take photos without waiting as long, move around the beach more easily, and spend time in the water without feeling packed in. The pigs are also easier to see when several large groups are not feeding them at once. If your schedule allows it, I would choose the earliest available departure.

The tradeoff is that the morning timing may require an earlier start from your ship or hotel. Cruise passengers should allow time to leave the vessel, reach the meeting point, complete any check-in steps, and deal with taxi traffic. One participant arrived late after disembarking and was still accommodated, but you should not count on that flexibility.

The activity is listed as two hours. That makes it appealing for a cruise day, since you still have time for other Nassau plans. At the same time, the short duration means delays can matter. If you have a fixed ship departure or another prepaid activity, leave a healthy buffer rather than booking them back to back.

Getting to the meeting point from Nassau’s cruise port

The meeting point may vary according to the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. Some people walked from the cruise port, with estimates ranging from about 25 minutes to a longer, hot walk. Others used a taxi and found it easier.

The walking route may not feel like part of a sightseeing day. One account described the area as run down, and another recommended taking a cab rather than walking in the heat. I would budget for a taxi, particularly if you have children, beach gear, or limited time.

The return plan deserves equal attention. Transportation back to the port or hotel is not consistently included. One participant had trouble finding a ride after the activity, while another group was dropped directly at a Disney cruise ship by the guide. Those arrangements can differ, so ask before setting off. If you take a taxi to the meeting point, keeping the driver’s number is a sensible precaution.

The activity provider is Cruising Adventures. Guides may speak English, French, or Spanish. Names that come up in the operating team include Kelly, King, Serena, and Andy. The specific guide depends on the day, but the small-group setup allows for direct help with the boats and the island visit.

What happens if the weather turns rough

This activity runs rain or shine, but that does not mean the boats always go out in every condition. Wind can make the open-water crossing unsafe. On one occasion, the group took a ferry to the pigs and island instead, then drove the speedboats in the harbor after returning.

That kind of adjustment is worth keeping in mind. You may not get the exact route shown in the ideal version of the outing, but the operators may still try to preserve the main parts: the pigs, the island, and some boat time. If your priority is specifically driving across open ocean, a weather change could be disappointing.

At the same time, the flexible approach is better than forcing small boats into rough water. You should wear swimwear and expect wet conditions, but pack a cover-up for the ride back if the wind picks up. The activity is not a good choice if you need a guaranteed dry, calm-water excursion.

Pregnant people and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions should not book this activity. The speedboats, waves, swimming, and banana boat ride make it more physical than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Is $120 a fair price?

At $120 per person, the cost is competitive for Nassau when you consider how much is packed into two hours. You get the speedboat ride, a chance to drive, the island stop, the pig encounter, snorkeling equipment, a banana boat ride, and access to the beach area.

The value is strongest when you want several activities rather than one long stop. A cruise excursion focused only on seeing pigs may offer less control and less variety. Here, the boat itself is a major part of the experience, and a small group can feel more personal than a large organized outing.

You should account for possible taxi costs, drinks or snacks, and any personal water gear. Transportation is not consistently included, so the advertised price is not necessarily your full door-to-door cost. Even with that addition, the package can be good value for couples, families, and small groups who would otherwise pay separately for boat time and island activities.

The strongest value comes from the hands-on format. You are not paying only for a boat transfer to a photo stop. You get to steer, swim, snorkel, feed the pigs, and ride back through the Nassau waters. If you dislike getting wet or want a slow beach day, the value will feel weaker.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this to couples, families with older children, and cruise passengers who want something active but short. The two-person boats make it easy to pair up, and the guides can help if one person does not want to drive.

Children can enjoy the pigs and clear water, but parents should stay alert during feeding. Some pigs are huge, and food can make them pushy. The small boats also mean you should be comfortable with spray, movement, and basic boat handling, even though a guide is available.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet, polished resort day. The island has a natural, informal feel, and the schedule is compact. You will move from boat to pigs to water activities rather than settling into one place for the whole morning.

The activity also suits visitors who want a more independent alternative to a cruise ship excursion. Several people chose it after finding ship-based options sold out or more expensive. The tradeoff is that you must arrange transport and pay closer attention to the meeting point.

Should you book the Nassau speedboat and pig encounter?

Book it if you want the driving experience as much as the pigs. That is the feature that gives this outing its personality, and the combination of small boats, an early island visit, swimming, snorkeling, and a beach stop offers strong value at $120.

Choose an early departure, protect your phone, bring water, and arrange your return transport before you go. Keep your expectations practical: the pigs can be pushy, the island visit is short, and wind may change the route.

I would skip it if you need guaranteed calm seas, a long beach stay, or a fully arranged transfer from ship to shore and back. For everyone else, especially families and couples who want an active Nassau morning, this is a lively and well-priced way to get beyond the usual port routine.

FAQ

Where does this activity take place?

The experience begins in Nassau on New Providence in the Bahamas and travels by speedboat to Anthol Island.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is two hours, including the boat ride, island visit, pig encounter, water activities, and return journey.

How much does it cost?

The listed price is $120 per person.

Can I drive the speedboat?

Yes. You can take the wheel of a two-person speedboat for part of the journey. A guide remains with the group and can assist if needed.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is offered as a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.

What languages are available?

Guides may provide the activity in English, French, or Spanish.

Are snorkeling items included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are the pigs part of the island visit?

Yes. You can feed and swim with the pigs at the island beach.

Is transportation from the cruise port included?

The meeting point can vary by booking option, and transportation is not consistently included. Check the details for your selected option and plan how you will reach the meeting point and return afterward.

What happens if it rains or is windy?

The activity takes place rain or shine. Strong wind may affect the speedboat route. In one reported case, a ferry was used to reach the pigs, followed by self-drive boats in Nassau Harbor.