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

The star of this Nassau excursion is the swimming-pig encounter near Athol Island. You feed and pet the pigs in shallow, clear water, then spend time on a private beach with lunch, rum punch, kayaks, games, and a reef-snorkeling stop. It packs a lot into a short boat trip.

I like the smooth speedboat ride, which gives you scenic views of Nassau Harbor, Atlantis, Paradise Island, and waterfront homes without wasting half the day in transit. I also like the practical extras: snorkel gear, beach equipment, snacks, drinks, and professional photos are included.

The main drawback is pace. Depending on your departure time and group, the 150-minute to four-hour outing can feel full. Snorkeling time may be brief, and the beach can become busy if several groups arrive close together. Jet skis are available, but they cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Swimming pigs near Athol Island: Feed, pet, and photograph the pigs in shallow water, with staff giving safety instructions.
• A fast sightseeing boat ride: See Nassau Harbor, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Fort Montagu, and nearby islands along the way.
• Private-beach time: Use loungers, hammocks, swings, floats, kayaks, paddleboards, and beach games.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a plated meal with American, Bahamian, and vegan choices, plus snacks, soft drinks, and unlimited rum punch.
• Snorkeling at a reef: Use the supplied equipment to look for tropical fish and other marine life.
• Free photos and video: The crew takes pictures during the day and sends the package after the tour.

The Nassau departure is easy, but follow the meeting instructions

The tour leaves from Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina. Look for the beige plaza with brown trim at Bay Street and Elisabeth Avenue. If you are walking east on Bay Street, it is the second corner on your left after Parliament Square.

This detail matters because map apps have reportedly placed the meeting point incorrectly. Use the written directions and look inside the plaza rather than relying only on Apple Maps.

Cruise passengers can walk from Nassau Cruise Port to the meeting point. The walk has been described as about eight minutes, though you should allow extra time to find the exact office and check in. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so resort guests need to arrange their own way to the marina.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. You cruise past the harbor, Nassau, Atlantis Bahamas, Paradise Island, Versailles Gardens and French Cloister, Fort Montagu, Sun Cay, Rose Island, and Blue Lagoon Island. Some locations are sightseeing views from the water rather than full stops, but they give you a pleasant introduction to the islands around New Providence.

The boat is a speedboat, not a slow sightseeing launch. That means you reach the beach area fairly quickly, but the ride can feel lively. Hold on to loose belongings and expect spray or movement on the water. The crew also provides safety guidance before water activities.

Swimming with the pigs near Athol Island

The pig visit is the emotional center of the outing. Once you reach the beach area near Athol Island, staff organize the encounter and give you food to offer the animals. You can feed and pet the pigs in the shallows while the crew helps manage the interaction.

The pigs are friendly, but they are still pigs. Follow the staff’s instructions, keep your hands clear when they are eating, and avoid standing directly in their path. The guides explain how to approach them and help prevent people from getting stepped on. Staff also keep the area tidy during the visit.

This is a good activity for families because children get a clear, memorable task: feed the pigs, take pictures, then wash off and move on to the beach. Adults will appreciate that the crew handles much of the photo-taking, so you are not forced to keep one hand on your phone throughout the encounter.

The timing can make a real difference. Earlier departures may reach the pig beach before larger boats arrive. That can mean more room around the animals and easier pictures. At busier times, several groups may gather at once, which makes it harder to get an uninterrupted photo.

Some departures have included very young piglets, though animal sightings can vary. If the pigs are your main reason for booking, choose a time that gives you plenty of room in the schedule and arrive promptly at the meeting point.

A private beach with more to do than simply sit

After the pig visit, you have time to settle into the beach setting. The private island area includes golden sand, clear turquoise water, lounge chairs, hammocks, and swings. You can simply relax with a drink, or keep moving with the included equipment.

The activity list is unusually broad for a short excursion. You can try:

• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Individual and group floats
• Volleyball
• Cornhole
• Frisbee
• Tug of war
• Giant Connect Four
• Hatchet toss
• Swings and hammocks
• Other water toys and floats

That range makes the outing work for mixed groups. One person can sit in a hammock while another takes a paddleboard out, and children can play games on shore. It also helps the tour feel less dependent on one attraction. If you have had enough pig time, there is still plenty to occupy you.

A water slide and additional floating features have also been mentioned as part of the beach setup. Exact equipment can change, so think of the beach as an activity area rather than a guaranteed, fixed water park.

Jet skis are available to rent for an added charge. They are not part of the $140 price, so ask about the current rate before committing. If you want a quiet beach break, you can ignore them and still have access to the included kayaks, paddleboards, and floats.

Lunch, rum punch, and the value of an all-in package

The $140 per person price is easier to judge when you look at what it covers. You are paying for the boat, guides, port pickup, pig encounter, beach access, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, unlimited rum punch, snorkeling gear, water equipment, games, and the photo package.

That is strong value if you plan to use several of those inclusions. A family that feeds the pigs, snorkels, uses kayaks, eats lunch, and spends time at the beach is getting a full half-day of activities without several separate add-on fees.

Lunch includes American favorites, Bahamian classics, and vegan choices. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. Portions have been described differently, with some people finding the meal generous and another finding it closer to a snack. If you have a large appetite, eating something before departure is a sensible backup.

Snacks and soft drinks are available during the experience. Unlimited rum punch adds a holiday feel, but pace yourself, especially in the sun and on a moving boat. Water activities and alcohol do not mix well, so save the stronger sipping for your time on shore.

The free photo and video package is one of the better inclusions. Staff take pictures during the pig encounter, beach time, and other activities, then send the files after the outing. This is useful for families and solo visitors who want good pictures without asking strangers to take them.

Snorkeling over a reef after the beach stop

The final major activity is a stop at a reef system near New Providence. You receive snorkeling equipment and enter the water to look for tropical fish and other marine life.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with weather, water movement, and the exact stopping point. Some outings have produced excellent fish sightings, while one account found the reef less impressive than the pig beach. That is the fair expectation: the snorkeling can be a strong second act, but the pigs and beach are the more dependable headline attractions.

The supplied equipment is included, which saves you the trouble of bringing a full set from home. You can also use kayaks or paddleboards to explore the surface if you prefer not to snorkel. If you are not a confident swimmer, listen closely to the safety briefing and stay within the area set by the crew.

One reported snorkeling session lasted about 25 minutes. That is enough for a look around, but it is not a dedicated reef expedition. If you want a long, quiet session underwater, choose a specialist snorkeling tour instead. If you want snorkeling added to a pig-and-beach day, this arrangement makes sense.

The crew and the overall atmosphere

The crew is a major part of the experience. Guides keep the mood lively during the speedboat ride and help organize the pig encounter, beach activities, meals, and snorkeling. Several guides have been named in individual outings, including Sterling, Captain Johnny, Kenny, and Teisha.

You should expect an upbeat, social atmosphere rather than a silent nature cruise. Jokes, music, and encouragement are part of the style. That works well for families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want company during the day.

The crew also appears to take safety seriously. When the weather has been uncertain, departures have been adjusted around conditions and staff have emphasized safety. Still, this is an outdoor boat activity, so sea conditions can affect the ride, the timing, and the comfort of the snorkeling stop.

The tour is conducted in English. If you want detailed commentary, ask questions during the ride. The route includes views of Nassau Harbor and the islands around Paradise Island, with guides pointing out notable sights and waterfront properties.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would choose this excursion if you want several classic Nassau activities in one booking. It is particularly well suited to:

• Families with children and teenagers
• Cruise passengers with only part of a day ashore
• Couples who want beach time plus something unusual
• Solo visitors who prefer an organized social activity
• Groups with mixed interests
• First-time visitors who want a quick look at the harbor and nearby islands

The tour is less suitable if you dislike speedboats, crowds, animal encounters, or tightly scheduled activities. It is also not the best pick for someone whose top priority is a long reef session or a quiet, secluded beach day.

The duration is listed as 150 minutes to four hours, depending on the departure and schedule. That broad range matters. Check the exact start time and expected length before booking, especially if you are returning to a cruise ship. One advantage is that the shorter format can get you back to Nassau with time left in the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies give you some flexibility, but you still need to allow enough time for the walk from the port and any delays returning to the ship.

Should you book the Nassau swimming-pig tour?

Book it if you want a lively, well-packed beach excursion where the pigs are only the beginning. The best parts are the quick speedboat ride, hands-on pig encounter, friendly crew, broad choice of beach activities, included food and drinks, and free photos.

Before paying $140, decide how you will use the time. The value is excellent if you want lunch, snorkeling, games, floats, and a private-beach setting along with the pigs. If you plan to spend the entire trip quietly on the sand or want serious reef snorkeling, a simpler beach or snorkeling trip may suit you better.

For most cruise visitors and families, this is a practical way to turn a short Nassau stop into a full day of island activities. Arrive early, follow the plaza directions, bring sun protection, and treat the snorkeling as a bonus to the pig encounter rather than the whole reason to go.

FAQ

How much does the Nassau swimming-pig boat tour cost?

The listed price is $140 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is between 150 minutes and four hours. Check the available departure time for the exact schedule.

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 Elisabeth Avenue. The beige plaza has brown trim.

Is cruise port pickup included?

Cruise port pickup is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and unlimited rum punch are included. Lunch offers American, Bahamian, and vegan choices.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with individual and group floats.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Kayaks and paddleboards are included, along with beach games, hammocks, swings, and other listed equipment.

Are jet skis included?

No. Jet skis are available to rent for an additional price.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide service is in English.

Can I cancel the booking?

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