Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau with Swimming Pigs

The main draw here is simple: one fast boat reaches several famous Exuma sights in a single day. You can feed rock iguanas at Allen’s Cay, stand among nurse sharks at Compass Cay, visit Pig Beach, eat lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and finish with a beautiful sandbar and a look at a sunken plane near Norman’s Cay.

I like the variety, especially the chance to hold or touch nurse sharks under crew supervision and the stop at the sandbar, where the water and pale sand do most of the entertaining. I also like that lunch, beer, water, and snacks are included. The tradeoff is the boat ride: the trip takes about eight hours, and a large share of that time is spent moving between islands in a fast, sometimes rough boat.

The day at a glance

• Fast route from Nassau: The powerboat gets you from Paradise Island to the Exumas in about an hour, then links several far-flung stops.
• Wildlife up close: See Bahamian rock iguanas, nurse sharks, and the famous pigs of Big Major Cay.
• More than Pig Beach: The sandbar, Staniel Cay lunch, and Norman’s Cay plane add variety to the day.
• Small group setting: The maximum group size is 16 people, with crew attention at each stop.
• Food and drinks included: You receive lunch, beer, bottled water, and snacks.
• Weather matters: Bad weather can cancel the trip, with a different date or full refund offered.

Why the Exumas make this a full-day trip

The Exumas are not a quick side trip from Nassau. They stretch across a long chain of islands and shallow-water cays, so the boat needs time to reach the wildlife stops. That distance is the reason this tour can pack so much into one day, but it is also the reason you should expect plenty of time underway.

The ride from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal begins at 8:30 a.m. The boat moves quickly, and the open-water run can feel exciting in calm conditions. It can also be bumpy and chilly, even on a warm Bahamian day. Bring a light layer, secure loose belongings, and use sun protection. There is a sunshade, but you will still spend a good part of the day exposed to sun and wind.

The crew is an important part of the experience. Names attached to different departures include Captain Rico, Ron, Neil, Emilio, Cam, Guelly, Captain Milio, and Captain Shay. You may not have the same crew, but the strongest pattern is a lively team that keeps the day moving, supplies drinks and snacks, explains the stops, and helps people get photos. With no more than 16 people, the boat is small enough for direct help rather than a large-coach feel.

Allen’s Cay and the Bahamian rock iguanas

The first stop is Allen’s Cay, where Bahamian rock iguanas live in their natural setting. You get about an hour here, enough time to see them close up and take photos.

These are not timid zoo animals waiting behind a fence. They move around the shore and may approach when food is offered, so follow the crew’s instructions and keep your hands clear of mouths. The iguanas are one of the more distinctive stops because you are seeing a local species in its own environment, not just checking off another beach.

This is also your first look at the Exumas’ shallow, clear water and low scrub-covered islands. The scenery begins immediately, and the stop breaks up the initial boat ride before the tour moves on to Compass Cay.

Compass Cay and the nurse sharks

For many people, the nurse sharks are the day’s highlight. At Compass Cay, you spend about 30 minutes near the marina dock, where nurse sharks gather in the water around you.

The crew helps you approach the sharks safely, and you may be able to touch or hold one under supervision. That is a remarkable experience, but it is still an encounter with large wild animals. Pay attention to the instructions, move calmly, and do not treat the sharks like tame pets.

The stop is short, so you should be ready when the boat arrives. If you want photos, organize your phone or camera before getting into the water. The dock setting also means this is not a broad swimming session. It is a focused wildlife stop, with time for close views, photos, and a controlled interaction.

Big Major Cay and the reality of Pig Beach

Big Major Cay is better known as Pig Beach, and the pigs are the most famous reason many people book this excursion. You get roughly 45 minutes on the island, where the pigs wander along the beach and into the shallows.

The scene is amusing, photogenic, and less gentle than many polished social media pictures suggest. Some pigs are large, heavy, and pushy around food. They can nip, and the sand and water may be dirty from the animals. The young pigs are cute, but you should not assume every pig is calm or friendly.

I would treat this as a wildlife visit, not a petting-zoo stop. Listen to the crew, keep valuables secure, and give bigger animals room. You can enjoy the spectacle without getting too close. If you are uneasy around large animals, you can still watch from a safer position rather than forcing yourself into the water.

This is one of the tour’s most recognizable stops, but it may not be the best one for every person. The nurse sharks and sandbar often offer a more relaxed experience. Pig Beach is worth seeing, but keep your expectations realistic.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club and the included lunch

After the animal stops, the boat heads to Staniel Cay for about an hour and a hot restaurant lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. This is a welcome change from snacks on the boat and gives you a chance to sit at a table, use facilities, and take a break from the wind.

The meal is included in the $439 price, along with beer, bottled water, and snacks. Food quality can vary by order and by personal taste. Some meals are described as very good, while another account found the food less impressive. The useful point is that you are eating at a real restaurant rather than receiving a basic packed lunch.

The lunch stop also gives the day a better rhythm. The morning includes wildlife and water activity, while Staniel Cay provides a proper pause before the final scenic stops. If you have dietary concerns, confirm the available menu choices before booking. One account noted that shellfish was excluded because of allergies, but the exact arrangement may depend on the group and restaurant.

The sandbar: the quiet star of the trip

The Exumas are famous for bright water and sandbars, and this may be the most beautiful part of the day. You get about an hour to walk, swim, look for shells and sand dollars, and enjoy the open stretch of pale sand.

There is no complicated activity here. That is exactly why it works. After the noise of the powerboat and the busy animal stops, the sandbar gives you space to slow down. The water can appear in several shades of blue, and the low horizon makes the Exumas feel much larger than Nassau or Paradise Island.

Some departures may feel that the sandbar stop is too short. If this is the place you most want to enjoy, use the full hour and do not spend all of it taking photos from the boat. Bring footwear that can handle wet sand, and remember that conditions can affect how much sand is exposed.

Norman’s Cay and the sunken plane

Near Norman’s Cay, the boat pauses for about 15 minutes to view a sunken plane associated with Pablo Escobar. You do not get out for a long snorkeling session, and this is not a full underwater excursion. The boat comes close enough for you to see the wreck below the surface and take photos.

The stop is brief, but the story and setting make it more interesting than a simple photo break. You get a glimpse of a piece of local lore while looking into unusually clear Bahamian water. If you expected to swim to the plane or snorkel around it, adjust those expectations before you go.

What the $439 price really buys you

At $439 per person, this is an expensive day. The value comes from access and logistics rather than from any single stop. A fast powerboat, crew, lunch, drinks, snacks, and several distant Exuma locations are bundled into one outing.

You are paying to avoid arranging separate transport between Nassau and the Exumas, finding a boat captain, locating the wildlife sites, and organizing lunch. The group limit of 16 also matters. This is not an enormous vessel carrying a crowd, and the crew can help with photos and water access at each stop.

Still, the price will feel high if your main goal is simply to visit a beach. It makes more sense if you want a packed day with several signature sights and you value the convenience of having the route handled for you.

I would compare it with the cost of a separate Exuma boat charter, but only after accounting for lunch, drinks, fuel, crew, and the number of places covered. For someone with only a few days in the Bahamas, the tour can be a practical way to devote one day to the Exumas. For a slower beach holiday, it may feel rushed.

Comfort, pace, and what to pack

The boat ride is not a minor detail. You may spend about an hour reaching the first stop, then continue on the water between islands, followed by another long ride back to Nassau. Several people describe the trip as choppy or bumpy, while others enjoy the speed and the views.

I would not book this if you need a gentle, quiet boat ride. Pregnant people are not permitted, and the activity calls for a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable boarding a powerboat, moving around at beaches and docks, and getting in and out of the water.

Pack:

• Strong sunscreen and a hat
• A light jacket or warm layer for the ride
• A swimsuit and a change of clothes
• A waterproof phone case or secure camera
• Water shoes or sturdy sandals
• Any personal medication you need during the full day

The boat has a bathroom, and some stops have facilities, but do not expect the same comfort level as a land-based tour. Keep your bag compact and protect electronics from spray.

Who will enjoy this Exuma tour most

This trip suits you if you want maximum variety in one day. Families, couples, solo visitors, and groups can all find something here, provided everyone is comfortable with a long boat ride and a busy schedule.

It is especially good for first-time visitors who want to see more than Nassau. You get animals, a restaurant meal, a sandbar, scenic island views, and a bit of unusual history without arranging each part separately.

It is less suitable if you want long, unhurried time at one beach, serious snorkeling, or a calm sightseeing cruise. There is no snorkeling program included, and the plane stop is from the boat. The stops are carefully packed into the day, so you will not have hours at any one location.

Weather is another important factor. The company has canceled departures because of poor conditions and offered a new date or full refund. That can disrupt your plans, but it is the right call for an exposed powerboat trip. If your schedule allows, avoid placing this activity on the last possible day of your holiday.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal Bahamas day includes nurse sharks, swimming pigs, iguanas, sandbars, and a fast boat ride, all without arranging separate transport. The nurse shark encounter and sandbar are the strongest reasons to go, while the lunch and included drinks make the high price easier to justify.

Think twice if you dislike rough water, large animals, or tightly timed stops. Pig Beach can be messy, the ride can be cold and bumpy, and the day may feel long on the return trip.

For the right person, this is one of the most efficient ways to see the Exumas from Nassau. Just pack for the boat, respect the animals, and expect a full day rather than a relaxed beach outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Drive in the Bahamas.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, beer, bottled water, and snacks are included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 16 people.

Are pregnant people permitted to join?

No. Pregnant travelers are not permitted on this activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you will also be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.