Swim with the Pigs Safari in Bahamas (2hrs)

The main event is exactly what you hope: at Atholl Island, friendly pigs paddle through shallow water while you feed them, take photos, or relax on the beach. The boat also slips through the water passages at Atlantis and stops at a coral reef near Pearl Island. It is a lot of Bahamas in only two hours.

I like the tight route and the crew’s personal touch. Guides including Captains Tiggy, Lee, Reggie, Meko, TC, Tegge, and TJ are praised for clear instructions, island stories, and taking photos. The small boat can feel almost private, though the quick schedule means each stop is brief and sea conditions can affect the plan.

Key points to know before you book

• Three different stops in two hours: Atlantis, Atholl Island, and a coral reef near Pearl Island give you scenery, animals, and snorkeling in one short outing.
• The pigs are the star: You can feed and interact with them in the water, while beach chairs and swings offer a quieter option.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: Guides fit you with gear and help you on and off the boat.
• Good for a short Nassau stop: Morning and afternoon departures make this practical for cruise passengers with limited time.
• Small groups matter: The boat holds no more than 20 people, and some departures have operated with only a few passengers.
• Bring your own towel and sunglasses: These are not listed as included, while water, snacks, and alcoholic drinks are provided.

A fast boat tour with three very different stops

This excursion works because it does not ask you to choose between sightseeing, wildlife, and water time. In about two hours, you pass the grand Atlantis resort, visit pigs at Atholl Island, then spend the longest portion of the trip snorkeling near coral reefs.

That pace is both the strength and the limitation. You get a quick taste of several Bahamian highlights, but this is not a slow beach day. If you want long, unhurried swimming time, choose a longer excursion. If you have only a narrow window in Nassau, the compact route makes good sense.

The boat leaves from Colours of The Bahamas in Nassau and returns to the same meeting point. It is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided when you book. The maximum group size is 20, although some outings have ended up with just one or two families aboard.

That smaller feel can change the whole day. Guides have taken plenty of photos, adjusted attention to children and adults, and made sure people understood how to feed the pigs safely. You should still confirm how photos will be delivered before leaving. One guest had trouble receiving them at first, but the company said the images were available through WhatsApp or its social media pages.

Cruising through Atlantis from the water

The first stop is a short cruise through the tunnels at Atlantis Bahamas. These passages are reachable by boat and include salt-water falls, making this a fun opening for photos. You are not visiting the resort’s full collection of attractions, so think of this as a scenic boat passage rather than an Atlantis admission experience.

This portion gives you a look at the resort from an angle most land visitors do not get. The massive buildings and elaborate water features create an immediate sense of place, and the boat ride gets you moving before the animal and snorkeling stops.

The time here is about 30 minutes. That includes the cruise through the water passages, so you should expect a moving sightseeing segment rather than a long stop where you get off and explore. Keep your phone ready, especially if you want pictures of the falls or the resort’s unusual architecture.

Captains also share island history and point out the large homes around Paradise Island during the ride. The exact amount of commentary may vary by captain, but the guides named in the feedback, including Tiggy, Lee, and Tegge, were repeatedly praised for making the ride informative as well as enjoyable.

Feeding the swimming pigs at Atholl Island

Atholl Island is where the tour earns its name. The pigs swim around you as you feed them, creating the kind of light, silly encounter that works especially well for families. You can interact with the animals in the water or stay on shore and watch from a beach chair or swing.

The crew gives instructions on how to feed and approach the pigs. Pay attention. Pigs are charming, but they are still strong animals that may move quickly when food is available. Clear guidance makes this more comfortable, especially for children who are excited but unsure.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a hands-on encounter and photos, but it can pass quickly if your group is large or everyone wants a turn. Small groups have a real advantage here. With fewer people aboard, you may get more direct help from the crew and more room around the pigs.

The beach furniture adds a useful choice. You do not have to spend the entire stop in the water. If you have young children, someone in your group can relax on shore while others feed the pigs. You can also sunbathe or use the swings, though the short stop means you will want to keep an eye on the time.

The crew often takes photos during this part of the trip. Captains Meko and TC, along with other crew members, have been singled out for taking lots of pictures and making sure people had what they needed. Ask about the photo process before the boat leaves Atholl Island, particularly if pictures are important to you.

Snorkeling near Pearl Island

The final stop takes about an hour, making it the longest part of the experience. Near Pearl Island, the boat stops at a coral reef where you can snorkel, swim, and look for underwater wildlife.

Snorkeling gear is included. The guides suit you up and help you on and off the vessel, which is helpful if you are not used to climbing from a boat into the water. You do not need to arrange a separate equipment rental for this excursion.

This stop gives the tour some balance. The pigs provide the playful, memorable moment, while the reef lets you slow down and look beneath the surface. You may see local marine life, but the exact sights depend on water conditions and nature. No wildlife encounter can be guaranteed, so book this for the chance to explore a coral reef, not for a fixed list of animals.

An hour is a useful amount of time for a short tour. You have time to swim and snorkel without feeling that the water portion is merely an afterthought. Still, if snorkeling is your top priority, compare this tour with a dedicated reef trip that spends most of its day at sea.

The guides assist with getting in and out, but you should be comfortable participating in a boat-based water activity. The tour information says most people can take part, though it does not provide detailed medical or mobility guidelines. Ask the operator directly if you have a specific concern.

Why the two-hour schedule works for cruise passengers

The schedule is designed for people who cannot spare half a day. Morning and afternoon departures offer flexibility, and the meeting point is in Nassau near public transportation. For cruise passengers, that combination can be useful, but you should still leave a generous buffer around your ship’s all-aboard time.

The tour ends where it begins, which keeps the return simple. You are not left arranging a separate ride from another island or beach. The experience itself lasts approximately two hours, but allow extra time for reaching the meeting point, checking in, and returning to your ship or hotel.

A short boat tour also reduces the risk of spending an entire day on one activity that may not suit everyone in your group. One person can enjoy the pigs, another can focus on the reef, and everyone gets a look at Atlantis. That variety is the main reason I see this as a good fit for mixed groups.

The tradeoff is pace. You will not have unlimited time at the beach, and you cannot linger at the reef until you are ready to leave. Keep your belongings organized, listen for the guide’s timing, and be ready to move between activities.

What is included for $175

The price is $175 per person. That is not a bargain in the simple sense, but it covers several pieces that would cost money and planning if arranged separately: a boat ride, the Atlantis water route, the pig encounter, snorkeling equipment, guide assistance, water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.

The value is strongest when you want variety and convenience. You are paying for a compact route that joins three island and cay experiences without having to coordinate separate transport, equipment, and animal activities. For a cruise passenger with only a few free hours, that can be worth more than choosing the cheapest boat ride.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to lounge on a beach or spend a long time snorkeling. Thirty minutes with the pigs and one hour at the reef are fixed parts of a tight schedule. You may prefer a longer excursion if your main goal is relaxed water time.

Water is included, along with snacks and alcoholic drinks. You should still bring sunglasses and a towel. Those simple items make a real difference once you are moving between boat, beach, and reef.

The mobile ticket also keeps the booking process simple. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the experience has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. Since the activity depends on good weather, a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Crew service and the small-group advantage

The strongest part of the experience may be the crew. Several captains are named in the feedback, including Tiggy, Lee, Reggie, Meko, TC, Tegge, and TJ. Their roles may vary by departure, but the consistent themes are clear instructions, friendly service, island information, and help with photos.

That matters on a short outing. A rushed crew could make the schedule feel mechanical. A good crew keeps the transitions moving while still helping people feed the pigs, fit snorkeling gear, and get safely into the water.

The boat holds up to 20 people, but some trips have had only two families or even one family aboard. You cannot count on a private boat unless the operator confirms it, yet the maximum group size is still modest compared with many larger water excursions.

If you are booking for a family, ask about the group size on your date if that information matters to you. A smaller departure may make it easier for children to see the pigs, get personal help, and receive more attention during snorkeling.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour if you want a short, varied Nassau outing rather than a single-purpose beach or reef trip. It suits cruise passengers, families, couples who want a playful photo stop, and anyone who wants to sample several Bahamian sights in one morning or afternoon.

It also works well for groups with different interests. One person can enjoy the Atlantis scenery, another can focus on the pigs, and a third can spend the most time snorkeling. The included equipment and guide assistance reduce the amount of preparation you need to handle yourself.

I would think twice if you dislike quick schedules, have a strong preference for extended snorkeling, or want a quiet beach visit. The pigs can be busy around feeding time, and the boat schedule leaves little room for a long, private moment at any one stop.

The activity requires good weather. If your Nassau plans are already tight, keep the cancellation terms in mind and avoid placing the tour immediately before an important departure unless you have enough time to spare.

Final call: Is the Swim with the Pigs Safari worth it?

Book it if your priority is seeing a lot in two hours. The route combines the Atlantis tunnels, swimming pigs, a coral reef, snorkeling gear, refreshments, and an experienced crew without requiring a full day.

The best reason to choose it is the balance of experiences. The pigs are the highlight, but the reef and boat sightseeing keep the outing from feeling like a single photo stop. The main caution is the pace. At $175, you should want all three parts, not just the pigs.

For a first taste of Nassau from the water, especially during a cruise stop, I think the package offers solid value. Bring sunglasses and a towel, protect your phone, listen carefully during the pig encounter, and ask how photos will be shared before you leave.

FAQ

How long does the Swim with the Pigs Safari last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Colours of The Bahamas, located at 3MH4+M84 in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $175 per person.

What stops are included?

The tour visits the water passages at Atlantis Bahamas, Atholl Island for the swimming pigs, and a coral reef near Pearl Island for snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Guides provide snorkeling gear and assist you on and off the vessel.

Are food and drinks included?

The tour includes snacks, alcoholic beverages, and a bottle of water.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. Morning and afternoon tours are available.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.