Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Lunch, & Beach Boat Tour

The main draw is wonderfully clear: you get to feed and pet swimming pigs in shallow Bahamian water, then spend time on a private beach with kayaks, paddleboards, games, lunch, and drinks. It packs a lot into a short boat outing from Nassau.

I like the quick speedboat ride, which gives you scenic views without keeping you on the water all day. I also like the free photo and video package, a useful touch when your hands are busy with pig food, snorkeling gear, or a rum punch.

The main thing to consider is the tour’s brisk pace and changing duration, listed as 150 minutes to four hours. The beach can also feel busy when several groups arrive together, and the snorkeling quality depends on sea conditions and the reef stop chosen that day.

Key points to know before booking

• Pig time is the centerpiece: You can feed, pet, and photograph the pigs in shallow water, with food provided.
• A fast boat keeps the outing efficient: The route passes Nassau Harbor, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Fort Montagu, and nearby islands.
• The private beach offers more than a swim: Expect hammocks, lounge chairs, floats, kayaks, paddleboards, volleyball, cornhole, and other games.
• Lunch and drinks are included: You get a plated meal, snacks, soft drinks, and unlimited rum punch.
• Snorkeling is included but can vary: Some outings find plenty of fish, while one stop was described as only average.
• Cruise passengers can walk to the meeting point: The headquarters is at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina, near Parliament Square.

Why the swimming pigs are worth the boat ride

Swimming pigs have become one of the Bahamas’ best-known oddities, but the appeal is not only the novelty. The encounter is hands-on. You receive food for the pigs, walk into the shallow water, and get close enough to pet them and take photos.

The guides give safety advice before you enter. That matters because enthusiastic pigs can crowd around you, and they are not small puppies. Keep your fingers clear when feeding, follow the staff’s instructions, and expect the animals to make the most of every snack.

The setting helps. The water around the beach is clear and shallow, making it easier for children and less confident swimmers to watch the action. Baby piglets have been seen during some visits, though you should not count on them being present every day.

I would plan to make the pigs your first priority once you arrive. The beach activities remain available afterward, but the pig encounter is the part you cannot recreate with a float or a game of volleyball.

The Nassau departure and the fast-water route

You meet the boat at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters inside Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina. The location is on Bay Street, at the second corner on the left after Parliament Square when heading east, in a beige plaza with brown trim at Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue.

This is especially useful for cruise passengers. One practical report put the walk from the cruise port at about eight minutes, though you should allow extra time to find the plaza and reach the boat. Apple Maps has reportedly shown the wrong location, so use the written directions rather than relying on the map pin alone.

Once aboard, the ride doubles as a short sightseeing trip. You pass Nassau Harbor and get views toward Nassau, Atlantis, Paradise Island, and the waterfront homes and resorts. The route also passes Fort Montagu, Sun Cay, Rose Island, Blue Lagoon Island, and parts of New Providence.

The crew shares information about Nassau Harbor and points out sights along the way. Guides named Sterling, Kenny, and Teisha have been singled out for keeping the ride lively, while Captain Johnny has been praised for the boat operation. Staff names and assignments can change, but the style is clearly social and upbeat rather than quiet and formal.

The speedboat gets you to the beach quickly. That is a real advantage if you dislike long boat rides or have only part of a cruise-port day available. The tradeoff is that a fast boat can feel less restful than a large catamaran, and the ride may be bouncy depending on the water.

Snacks, soft drinks, and rum punch are available during the outing. The boat itself has been described as clean and well maintained, which matters when you are moving between swimming, food, and a wet boat deck.

Arriving at the private beach near Athol Island

The beach stop is designed as a full activity base rather than a quick photo stop. Staff greet you, explain the amenities, and direct you toward the pig area, beach chairs, games, and water equipment.

The sand is golden, and the water is the pale turquoise color you came to the Bahamas to see. Lounge chairs, hammocks, and swings give you places to rest between activities. If you prefer doing something rather than sitting in the sun, you can use the kayaks, paddleboards, individual floats, and group floats at no extra charge.

The beach games include volleyball, frisbee, cornhole, tug of war, giant Connect Four, and hatchet toss. Some descriptions also refer to water toys, a water slide, and a trampoline-style floating feature. Availability can depend on the setup that day, but there is enough here to keep children and active adults occupied.

Jet skis are available to rent, but they are not included in the $140 price. That is worth remembering when comparing the advertised package with your likely total cost. The included kayaks and paddleboards already provide a good way to get out on the water without paying extra.

The private setting is a plus for anyone who wants a beach day without arranging chairs, food, and equipment separately. It is not a deserted island experience, though. Several groups may share the facilities, and one account found the pig area crowded enough to make photos harder. Arriving early in the schedule can help, since some outings reached the pig beach before larger boats.

Lunch, rum punch, and the question of value

At $140 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours in Nassau. The value comes from the number of separate costs folded into one outing: boat transportation, guides, pig feeding, beach access, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, rum punch, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, floats, beach games, and professional photos.

Lunch includes American favorites, Bahamian dishes, and vegan choices. Reports on portion size are mixed. One person found the meal generous, while another felt the serving was closer to a snack and advised eating beforehand. I would have a light meal before leaving, especially if you plan to swim, snorkel, and spend several hours in the sun.

That does not mean the food is an afterthought. The meal has earned strong praise, and one recent description called it better than expected for a tour. Still, you should treat lunch as a convenient included meal, not a restaurant visit with a broad menu.

Unlimited rum punch and soft drinks make the package feel more complete. Drink responsibly, especially in the tropical heat and after swimming. Snacks are also useful during the boat ride and while waiting for your turn with the pigs.

The free photo and video package is one of the better value points. Staff take pictures during the pig encounter and beach activities, then send them digitally after the tour. You can enjoy the moment instead of trying to keep your phone dry and steady. The quality and number of photos can vary, but receiving them at no extra cost is unusual for a paid excursion.

Snorkeling at the reef

After the pig and beach portion, the boat heads to a reef area for snorkeling. Equipment is included, and the stop gives you a chance to see tropical fish and marine life in clear water.

The snorkeling reports are mostly enthusiastic, with several descriptions of many fish and excellent visibility. One person found the reef only average, with less to see at that particular stop. That difference is normal in the Bahamas. Visibility, current, weather, and the exact site all affect what appears below the surface.

You should think of snorkeling as an included bonus rather than the sole reason to book. If your top priority is a long, specialized reef session, a dedicated snorkeling charter may give you more time and a more focused route. If you want a good swim after the pigs, this stop adds welcome variety.

Kayaks and paddleboards may also be used for exploring the coastline, though the schedule determines how much time you have. The advertised duration ranges from 150 minutes to four hours, so check the specific departure before booking if snorkeling time matters to you.

The crew provides a safety briefing and equipment. Follow their instructions closely, especially if the water is choppy or you are traveling with children. Weather has occasionally been uncertain, and staff have adjusted their approach with safety as the priority.

How the timing works for cruise passengers

The tour is a good match for a cruise stop because the meeting point is near the port and the outing does not necessarily consume the whole day. One family chose it specifically because they wanted to return to the ship early, and the boat trip allowed time for the pigs, beach, and snorkeling without a full-day commitment.

Still, do not assume every departure lasts exactly 150 minutes. The stated range reaches four hours, and the amount of beach, pig, and snorkeling time depends on the chosen start time and conditions. Check the available departure carefully, then leave a generous buffer before your ship’s all-aboard time.

The company does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Cruise-port pickup is included, but the exact wording refers to the port rather than every hotel or resort in Nassau. If you are staying elsewhere, arrange your own transport to Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when weather or cruise schedules remain uncertain, but you should still read the final booking conditions for your chosen time.

Who will enjoy this Nassau boat tour

Families with children and teenagers are the clearest match. The pigs provide an easy shared activity, while the beach has enough games and water equipment to prevent the day from becoming one long wait in a chair. A family with a 13-year-old particularly enjoyed the paddleboards, beach games, and floating equipment.

It also works for couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors. A solo passenger found the crew welcoming and the organized activities easy to join. The staff’s lively approach helps if you are traveling alone and want a social outing rather than a quiet charter.

The tour suits adults who want a party-friendly beach day as well. Rum punch, music, jokes, and group games create a cheerful mood. If you want silence, a small private boat, or a slow sail, this is probably not your best choice.

You should be reasonably comfortable around animals, water, and a moving boat. The pigs are friendly but active, the speedboat can move quickly, and the day includes several wet activities. Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel if your booking instructions call for them, though the supplied details do not specify a packing list.

A few practical cautions before you commit

Crowding is the biggest possible frustration. The boat may reach the pig beach before larger operators, but timing is not guaranteed. When several groups gather, getting a clear photo or a quiet turn with the pigs can be harder.

The tour also has a lively personality. Guides keep the mood high with jokes, music, and encouragement. That is a strength for families and groups of friends, but it may feel too energetic if you prefer a calm nature trip.

Snorkeling conditions can change. You may see plenty of fish in clear water, or you may find the reef stop less impressive than the pig beach. The beach and boat ride carry much of the experience, so I would not book this solely for underwater scenery.

Finally, do not build your budget around the jet ski. It costs extra. The included kayaks, paddleboards, floats, and beach games offer plenty to do without adding another charge.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you want a compact Nassau outing with several big-ticket moments: swimming pigs, a speedboat ride, a private beach, lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and free photos. The $140 price makes sense when you plan to use the included equipment and activities rather than treating the pig visit as a quick photo stop.

I would choose another option if you want a quiet beach, a long reef session, or a private charter with no group crowds. For cruise passengers, families, first-time visitors, and anyone with a pig encounter on their wish list, this is a strong use of a half-day in Nassau. Just check the exact duration, leave time for the port return, and expect an energetic outing rather than a sleepy day at the beach.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina, at the corner of Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue. Heading east on Bay Street, it is the second corner on the left after Parliament Square, in a beige plaza with brown trim.

Is cruise-port pickup included?

Cruise Port Pickup is included. The meeting point is near Nassau Cruise Port, and one description places the walk from the port at about eight minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the tour price.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration ranges from 150 minutes to four hours. Check the available start time and duration when booking.

Are the swimming pigs included?

Yes. The pig encounter is part of the tour, and food for feeding them is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with American favorites, Bahamian dishes, and vegan options listed.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited rum punch, soft drinks, and snacks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour visits a reef area for snorkeling.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Kayaks, paddleboards, individual floats, group floats, and several beach games are included.

Do jet skis cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis are available for an additional price and are not included in the tour package.

Are photos included?

Yes. The experience includes a free photo and video package, with digital memories sent after the outing.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.