THE BAHAMAS · BEACH DAYS IN NASSAU
Good beach days in Nassau fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Take a 30-minute boat ride from Nassau to Rose Island, where friendly pigs paddle in shallow water and pose for photos. You’ll have a private beach club, Bahamian lunch, chairs, shade, and listed access to snorkeling gear and paddleboards. Pickup from hotels and the cruise port is available.
“Great day out, except my husband got bit by the large pig, so be careful as he was only petting him on the back”
Join Oasis Ocean 7 Charters for a fast-paced four-hour boat trip from Margaritaville on Paradise Island. You will snorkel near Rose Island, look for turtles at Green Cay, then spend about two hours at a private beach club with pigs, lunch, kayaks, hammocks, and Da Nest observation deck. Captains Andy and Kareem and guides such as Andrew and Shervin are frequently praised for their care and energy.
“ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! Talk to Servil! Most excellent crew and experience! we have been twice in less than a week! These guys are one in a million! When you see Servil, tell him Jerry and Misty say Hello!!!!”
You drive your own Can-Am Outlander 450 ATV through Nassau with guides such as EJ, Ben, Big D, or Dedrick. The route links Fort Montagu, the Queen’s Staircase, John Watling’s Distillery, Fort Charlotte, the Caves of New Providence, and Junkanoo Beach. Bring a valid driver’s license and budget extra for insurance and pickup.
“Fun atvs, didn’t need the rum cake shop, liked the pina coladas stop and the queens steps. Guide was fun.”
From Elizabeth on Bay, cruise past Paradise Island, Atlantis, Fort Montagu, and Ocean Club to a private beach near Atholl Island. Feed and hold friendly pigs, snorkel, eat a plated lunch, sip rum punch, and use kayaks, paddleboards, floaties, and beach games. Photos and video are included.
“This tour was everything we wanted and more. It was a quick boat ride to the private island where we got to see the pigs, enjoy drinks and food and then head over for some killer snorkeling. Would do this a million times over.”
Take a half-day boat trip from Nassau to Rose Island for a short pig encounter and about two hours of beach time. Feed friendly pigs, use kayaks, paddleboards, water toys, volleyball, ping-pong, and pool tables, then buy lunch or drinks at the beach bar. English-speaking crews may include Captain Sticks or Captain Shammai.
“Had a fun time being able to feed and hang out with the pigs. Once all the food was gone the pigs didn’t really stick around so no real “swimming” with them but still fun to take photos and feed them. Boat ride was fun and guides sticks and kel were entertaining and made the transportation fun.”
Spend about five hours at private Blue Lagoon Island, reached by ferry from Paradise Island. Swim in the lagoon, use hammocks and the inflatable aquapark, play games, visit the marine park, and eat a casual burger or hot dog lunch. Kayaks, snorkeling, water bikes, and animal encounters cost extra.
“I did the shark experience and the instructors were so nice and made it so much fun. The beach day was relaxing and they had tons of games and stuff to do.”
From Margaritaville on Paradise Island, you’ll ride a powerboat to a reef near Pearl and Rose islands, watch turtles at Green Cay, then relax at Oasis Ocean 7 on Rose Island. Snorkel gear, lunch, soft drinks, hammocks, kayaks, and access to Da Nest observation deck are included. Expect a lively, water-based half day.
“No Captain Dre and first Captain Lex were absolutely amazing. They were very fun and informative. I personally would like to also thank them for de-escalating a situation with other excursion goers that were very intoxicated and confrontational. Not only did they put myself and family at ease, I can tell my fellow excursion mates felt the same. I would highly recommend booking this activity and would personally recommend Captain Dre and his crew to anyone looking to have a great time!”
Spend about four hours on a small boat from Nassau, snorkeling at Pearl Island and Rainbow Reef, swimming with turtles at Green Turtle Cay, and meeting pigs near Athol Island. The trip ends with lunch and beach-club time on Rose Island. Captains such as TJ, Lee, Q, and Mico are praised for friendly, careful service, though routes and lunch locations can change.
“The crew was super friendly, Danny and Kevin are a super team. Did not see turtles, unfortunately, but visited the pig island, snorkeled with fish and swam at the beautiful beach. Small group tour.”
Spend about four hours cruising from Paradise Island to Rose Island and Green Cay. You will snorkel over a reef, look for sea turtles, relax at 007 Beach Club, and enjoy lunch, soft drinks, and water. Pig visits may be part of the experience or an extra, so confirm before booking. Captains Ken, Obie, and Vito have been praised for their friendly service.
“Had soooo much fun with our guides!! Great company and beautiful sunset on the way back. We got to see pigs and swim with the sea turtles :)”
Spend about five hours on Pearl Island after a short ferry ride from Nassau. You get two beaches, chairs, shaded decks, a Bahamian lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, water mats, and a lighthouse visit. Snorkeling equipment is included, but guided snorkeling may cost extra. Lynn and MJ are among the staff praised for friendly help.
“Staff and boat crew (Captains) were excellent. They went above and beyond thier duties and made the trip much better. Short ride to the island and enough activities once we arrived.”
Spend about five hours between Pearl Island and Pig Beach near Nassau. Feed and swim with friendly pigs, eat a traditional Bahamian lunch, tour the lighthouse, and use kayaks, paddle boards, water mats, and beach chairs. Round-trip ferry service is included, but drinks, lockers, and guided snorkeling cost extra.
“Getting interactions with the pigs was a free for all since the group was so big. Some of the larger pigs were intimidating but overall this was a fun experience. My one downside is I didn’t book through my cruise line (booked viator) and differeRead more”
Take a round-trip ferry from Paradise Island to Pearl Island for up to five hours of beaches, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, lighthouse views, and a Bahamian lunch. The $94 price includes transport, food, water mats, and island facilities, but drinks, lockers, and snorkeling gear cost extra.
“Escursione molto deludente. Innanzitutto non vi aspettate di andare a vedere chissà quale mare perché l'isola si trova soltanto a 10-15 minuti di barca dal molo di Paradise island. Il mare é esattamente uguale a quello di paradise island e rimarrete confinati insieme a tantissime altre persone a Pearl Island per un tempo estremamente lungo. Il mangiare é pessimo e le bibite costanto parecchio. Se volete fare un'escursione in una bella isola, vi consiglio vivamente di non prendere in considerazione questa.”
Take a 30-minute boat ride from Elizabeth on Bay to SunCay, a private Bahamian island with beach time, lunch, lounge chairs, kayaks, paddle boards, and shade. You can add snorkeling, iguanas, or swimming pigs. English-speaking guides, including Fernando, help run the day.
“We had an amazing day at SunCay. Kayaks, float pads, and a hearty lunch. Friendly staff, had us back to the ship in good time. We were a family of 6 with 2 toddlers, parents and grandparents. Truly a fab spot to swim and sun. Thank you!”
Ride from Nassau past Atlantis, Ocean Club Estates, Pearl Island, Green Cay, and Gilligan’s Island to Rose Island. You’ll spend about three hours at Sand Dollar Beach with swimming pigs, snorkeling, beach games, hammocks, and a bar and kitchen. Guides including Theo, Tobie, Orry, and Sedale may lead the day.
“I decided to try this activity out with my 16 year old daughter the last day of our stay. I was a bit skeptical at first because of the limited Viator reviews. The price and the duration was the most appealing. The activity is approximately 90 mins from start to finish and I didn’t want to do an entire day excursion. I’m glad I booked. The owner, tour guides and the captain were all exceptional. Some of the patrons participated in a snorkeling activity. I couldn’t swim so I stayed on the boat and watched. This activity was approximately 25 minutes which goes by really fast when you looking out…”
Cruise 30 minutes from Nassau to Rose Island, where you can feed and pet well-cared-for swimming pigs, eat a Bahamian lunch, and relax at a private beach club. Chairs, shaded seating, snorkelling gear, paddle boards, restrooms, and one soft drink are included. Hotel and cruise-port pickup is available.
“We loved every second of it. The crew was helpful, careful and fun! They’re professionals. We got on this gorgeous island and later on we met the pigs. We got to feed them, pet them and take tons of pictures and videos! We also had lunch, Bahamian food and it was the most delicious thing I’ve had. I highly recommend this experience!!!”
Pick an island, a reef or a road.
