Swimming Pigs, Turtles & Reef Snorkel in Nassau-Champion Tours

The headline attraction is simple: you spend four hours moving between Bahamian islands by private speedboat, with time for turtle feeding, reef snorkeling, and swimming pigs. It is more than a quick boat ride, since you can choose how long to stay at each stop and skip Pig Island if the $45 site fee does not suit you.

I like the private format, which gives your group control over the pace, and I like the practical safety setup, with trained captains, lifeguards, and medical personnel said to be onboard. The main drawback is price: at $205 per person before lunch and the optional Pig Island charge, this is a serious spend for a four-hour outing.

Key points to know

• Four islands in one half-day: Rose Island, Pearl Island, Green Cay, and Athol Island are included in the route.
• Pig Island costs extra: Swimming with and feeding the pigs is optional and adds $45 per person.
• Private boat, flexible timing: Only your group takes part, and you can choose when to leave each stop.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You also receive bottled water, snacks, rum punch, and WiFi.
• Lunch is not included: Plan to pay for food at a local restaurant or the stated floating-bar stop.
• Families are well served: The crew is described as patient and helpful with children, with safety support onboard.

What a four-hour private boat trip really gives you

This excursion is built around access and control. You are not being carried through a fixed group schedule with dozens of other people. Your group receives a chartered speedboat, and the crew takes you around several islands and water stops in New Providence.

That matters most if your party has mixed interests. One person may want to snorkel, another may prefer to stay aboard, and children may be ready to move on before adults are. The stated ability to choose when to leave each stop gives you more say than a standard shared boat tour.

The tradeoff is that four hours passes quickly. You will visit several places, but this is not a slow, all-day island cruise. The experience works best if you want variety and movement, rather than one long beach stay.

The advertised price is $205 per person. That includes the private boat format, captain, snorkel equipment, bottled water, snacks, rum punch, and WiFi. Lunch is extra, and Pig Island adds another $45 per person if you choose that stop. For a family or small group, the cost can make sense if you value privacy and a flexible route. For a solo participant or a couple mainly interested in snorkeling, a less expensive shared excursion may offer better value.

Leaving Nassau for Rose Island and Pearl Island

The tour begins at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Development on East Bay Street in Nassau. Pickup is offered, but private transportation is listed as not included, so confirm exactly how you will reach the marina before the day of departure.

Once aboard, the speedboat takes you toward Rose Island and Pearl Island. These early stops set the tone: open water, island views, and short transfers between points of interest. A speedboat can cover more ground than a slower vessel, which is useful when the route includes four islands in only four hours.

You should expect the ride itself to be part of the experience. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and any personal items you need, since those are not supplied. The boat provides bottled water, snacks, and rum punch, but those do not replace a proper meal or personal sun protection.

The flexible format is useful here. If one island appeals to your group more than another, you have some control over how long you remain. Still, the exact amount of time at each stop can depend on weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment, so treat the schedule as a framework rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

Green Cay and the turtle encounter

Green Cay is the wildlife-focused portion of the route. The plan includes sightseeing and feeding turtles, giving you a chance to see them in the water rather than only from a distant viewpoint.

This is a good stop for families because it adds an animal encounter without requiring advanced swimming skills from everyone. You can enjoy the setting from the boat while stronger swimmers take part in the water activity. The crew is described as patient with children, which is useful when younger family members need help with equipment or confidence in the water.

You should still expect a natural encounter, not a controlled animal show. The number of turtles you see and how close they come can vary. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures, but do not assume that personal photography equipment is protected from spray.

The tour description says the crew is available to answer questions and provide information about the stops. That makes the turtle visit more useful than a quick photo pause, especially if you like to understand what you are seeing. No guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular named captain or host.

Reef snorkeling with fish and wildlife

Snorkeling is included, and the boat carries the necessary equipment. The route gives you a chance to see reef areas, fish, and other marine life around the islands.

I like that the snorkeling is part of a wider day rather than the only activity. If conditions are less appealing for swimming, you still have island scenery, turtles, and the optional pig stop. That variety helps families and groups with different comfort levels in the water.

At the same time, do not read the word reef as a guarantee of a particular marine display. Visibility, current, weather, and wildlife all affect the stop. The trip requires good weather, and the operator may need to change the date or provide a refund if conditions make the excursion unsuitable.

The supplied snorkeling gear removes one packing headache, but you still need sunscreen and a towel. Ask the crew for help if you are uncertain about the equipment or the water conditions. The stated presence of lifeguards and medical personnel offers added reassurance, though you should still follow instructions and be realistic about your own swimming ability.

Athol Island, also called Pig Island

Athol Island is the stop most people will picture when they see the tour name. It is also called Pig Island, and the plan allows time to swim with, feed, and photograph the famous pigs.

This stop is optional. The attraction site fee is $45 per person, paid in addition to the $205 tour price. That extra charge changes the value calculation, especially for a family. Four people would pay $180 for the pig attraction alone, before lunch and the main tour cost.

If the pigs are your main reason for booking, confirm the fee and the visit before departure. If they are simply one part of a broader day, you can skip the stop and spend your time snorkeling or sightseeing instead. The private format gives you that choice, which is one of the strongest reasons to select this excursion over a rigid group itinerary.

The pig encounter also has a practical side. You will be around animals in a marine setting, so listen closely to the crew about feeding, swimming, and photography. Children may find the pigs exciting, but adults should keep an eye on them in the water and around the animals.

Lunch at the floating bar or local restaurant

Lunch is not included. The route description refers to the famous Antiki floating bar, while the inclusions state that there will be a lunch stop at a local restaurant at your own expense. Plan for a paid food stop, and confirm the exact venue and menu with Champion Cruising Tours before you go.

This distinction matters because a four-hour boat outing can make you hungry, especially if you are swimming and snorkeling. Bring enough money for lunch and drinks, since the included snacks are not presented as a full meal.

The water-based setting is part of the appeal. Eating at or near a floating venue can make the stop feel like a continuation of the boat trip rather than a break from it. But food prices and choices are not provided, so do not assume lunch is covered by the tour price or that a specific dish will be available.

The included rum punch, bottled water, and snacks are helpful during the day. You should still bring personal necessities and ask about any dietary concerns before booking, since no dietary arrangements are listed.

Safety, comfort, and the family question

The tour places strong emphasis on safety. It uses fully licensed and insured vessels, certified captains, and trained crew. Lifeguards and medical personnel are stated to remain onboard, which is a meaningful feature for an activity involving children, snorkeling, and open water.

A family-focused experience also depends on the crew’s manner. The strongest praise attached to this outing concerns a crew that was professional, helpful, patient with children, and careful to make everyone feel safe and included. That is exactly what you want on a private water trip, where a calm crew can make the difference between a relaxed day and a stressful one.

The boat is described as offering luxury and comfort, but no seating layout or vessel size is provided. If someone in your group has mobility concerns, ask for those details before booking. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Most people can participate, but this remains an active water excursion. You should be comfortable with boat travel and follow the captain’s directions around snorkeling areas and animals. Bring sunscreen and towels yourself. Those small items matter more than they might on a land tour.

Optional extras: jet ski and photography

A jet ski can be added for an extra charge. The amount is not provided, so ask for the current price and any age or safety rules before committing.

You can also request a special photographer, including drone footage. This could be worthwhile for a birthday, family gathering, or private celebration, but the cost is not stated. Treat both options as add-ons rather than part of the $205 base price.

The standard tour already gives you several photo subjects: turtles, reef water, island views, and pigs. If you want professional images, request the photographer before the excursion so you know exactly what is included and whether the drone footage depends on weather or local operating conditions.

Who will get the best value from this tour

I would consider this tour for a family or small private group that wants several activities in one outing. The flexible timing, child-friendly approach, snorkeling gear, and choice to skip Pig Island make it easier to suit different ages and interests.

It also fits a group celebrating something. The private boat, optional photographer, and ability to add a jet ski create room to shape the day around your group rather than joining a fixed public schedule.

I would be more cautious if your budget is tight. The base price is already high for four hours, and the cost rises with Pig Island, lunch, transportation, and optional extras. A group that mainly wants one short snorkeling session may not use enough of the private-tour benefits to justify the price.

You should also check the timing carefully if you are visiting Nassau from a cruise ship. The activity ends back at the meeting point, but no cruise-transfer details are provided. Leave enough time for the boat to return and for you to reach your ship or next activity.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and changes are not accepted. Because the tour requires good weather, a weather cancellation can result in a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Nassau swimming pigs tour?

Book it if you want a private, flexible speedboat day that combines turtles, snorkeling, island views, and an optional pig encounter. The crew’s reported patience with children and the stated onboard safety support make it a sensible choice for families that prefer personal attention.

Think twice if you only want a quick swim, dislike extra fees, or need an included lunch. The $45 Pig Island fee, paid food stop, transportation costs, and optional add-ons can push the final bill well above the advertised price.

Before paying, confirm the pickup arrangement, lunch location, Pig Island fee, and any add-on prices. If those details fit your budget, Champion Cruising Tours offers a varied half-day on the water with the freedom to make the trip your own.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The boat excursion lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Development, 3MFH+VW6, East Bay Street, Nassau, The Bahamas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Rose Island, Pearl Island, Green Cay, and Athol Island, also known as Pig Island.

Is Pig Island included in the tour price?

Pig Island is optional and has an additional attraction site fee of $45 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense. The tour information refers to a local restaurant and also mentions the Antiki floating bar as a lunch stop.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water, rum punch, snacks, WiFi, and snorkeling equipment are included.

Do I need to bring anything?

You are required to bring your own sunscreen, towels, and any other personal items you may need.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation for personal reasons requires at least 24 hours notice.