3 Islands Tour, Swim with Pigs, Turtles, Snorkelling & lunch

The most unusual part of this New Providence boat trip is the chance to meet sea turtles and swimming pigs on the same half-day outing. You also cruise beneath the Atlantis tunnel, snorkel over coral and fish, and finish with beach time on Rose Island.

I like the mix of activities and the friendly crews, especially guides such as TJ, Lee, Miko, Rio, and Tiggie, who are often praised for making guests feel safe and included. I also like the price: at $175 per person, lunch, boat time, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and several island stops give you a lot to pack into four hours. The catch is that timing can vary, turtles are wild animals, and some departures have lasted closer to three hours than four.

Key points to know before you book

• Atlantis from the water: Cruise past the resort and through its tunnel for an easy photo stop.
• Two different water encounters: Pearl Island offers reef snorkeling, while Green Turtle Cay is used to search for turtles.
• Rose Island is the longest stop: You can visit the pigs, sit on the beach, use kayaks or paddleboards, and have lunch.
• Friendly crew is a major strength: TJ, Lee, Miko, Rio, and Tiggie are among the guides named in strong reports.
• Weather affects the route: Poor visibility or rough conditions can lead the crew to change a snorkeling location.
• Allow for a flexible schedule: The advertised duration is about four hours, but some outings have run shorter.

What the $175 price really buys you

At $175 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. It is also not just a quick pig-photo stop. The cost covers a full water-based outing with several separate activities: a cruise past Atlantis, reef snorkeling, a turtle search, a Rose Island visit, lunch, and use of equipment such as masks and life jackets.

That makes the price reasonable if you want variety and have only one morning or afternoon available in Nassau. Booking separate boat rides for snorkeling and pigs could cost more, and you would lose time moving between operators. Here, the crew handles the route while you move from one experience to the next.

The value is strongest when the boat runs close to the full four hours and conditions allow the planned stops. It is weaker if your trip lasts only about three hours, if a turtle sighting does not happen, or if weather forces the crew to skip the reef. You should think of the turtle encounter as a wildlife search, not a guaranteed performance.

Lunch adds useful value. Food has included choices such as burgers, wings, cracked chicken, and fries, served at a floating venue during the Rose Island portion. Several departures also provided water, soda, rum punch, and pina coladas during the outing. Drinks at the lunch stop may cost extra, so bring a card or cash if you want something beyond what is supplied on the boat.

The group limit is 29 people. That is small enough to feel manageable, though the experience can feel different with six people than with a full boat. A few small groups described the trip as almost private, while a crowded pig beach can make the final stop less relaxed.

Atlantis gives you a quick start on the water

The first stop is a boat view of Atlantis Bahamas. You do not enter the resort or pay an admission fee. Instead, the boat passes the lost-city-themed complex and goes beneath a tunnel that makes a useful photo setting.

This is a brief stop, listed at about 30 minutes, so treat it as a scenic introduction rather than a full Atlantis visit. The attraction here is the angle from the water. You see one of Nassau’s best-known sights without spending resort admission money or using valuable beach time.

The tunnel also helps set the tone for the outing. You are moving, taking pictures, and getting a look at the coast before the more active water stops begin. If Atlantis is your main reason for booking, this tour will feel too limited. If you want it as a bonus between snorkeling and island visits, it works well.

Pearl Island is for reef fish and clear water

At Pearl Island, the boat anchors near coral reefs and provides time to snorkel. Masks and life jackets are supplied, making this part easier for first-time snorkelers and anyone who does not want to pack equipment.

The focus here is fish and reef scenery. You might see exotic fish and other marine life, but visibility can change with weather and water conditions. One useful point from the trip reports is that the crew may adjust the route if the water is muddy. That can be frustrating if you expected a specific reef, but it is better than taking you to water where you cannot see much.

The snorkeling stop is listed at about 30 minutes. That is enough for a taste, not a long session. You will need to listen closely to the crew, get your mask fitted, and enter the water without wasting much of the stop. If you want a full morning devoted to coral, this is not the right product. If you want reef fish as one part of a broader day, the short session fits the plan.

The boat staff have earned praise for helping people feel comfortable in the water. Guides have also searched around for turtles rather than giving up quickly, which matters when wildlife is involved. Still, you should not treat a turtle sighting as guaranteed.

Green Turtle Cay offers the best wildlife moment

The Green Turtle Cay stop is designed around swimming with turtles in their natural setting. It lasts about an hour, giving the crew more time to look for them and giving you a better chance to watch them than the shorter reef stop allows.

When conditions cooperate, this can be the highlight of the day. Several people saw one or more large turtles, and some saw many. You may also encounter fish while in the water. The appeal is not just taking a picture beside an animal. It is seeing a wild turtle move through its own habitat, with no aquarium glass between you and it.

Nature sets the schedule here. Some outings have seen excellent turtle activity, while others have found few or none. The crew may circle or scout nearby areas in an effort to locate them, but it cannot promise a sighting. Early February departures have produced good turtle encounters, though one report also noted that the pigs did not want to swim because the water felt cold. That is a useful reminder that conditions affect animals as much as they affect people.

If you are not a confident swimmer, the supplied life jacket helps, but the stop still takes place in the water. You should be comfortable getting wet and following the guide’s directions. The crew’s role is important here, and TJ, Lee, Miko, and other named captains have been praised for patience and safety.

Rose Island combines pigs, beach time, and lunch

Rose Island is the longest planned stop, listed at about two hours. This is where the tour shifts from boat activities to a more casual island visit.

You can meet and feed the pigs, take photographs, or skip the animal encounter and use the beach, kayaks, paddleboards, or beach chairs. That choice makes the stop more flexible than a simple pig excursion. If one person in your group dislikes close animal contact, they can still enjoy the beach while others visit the pigs.

The pigs are the main draw, and the young ones are especially appealing for photographs. The larger pigs can move fast when food appears, and some can become pushy. Listen carefully to the staff’s feeding instructions and keep a little distance from the bigger animals. One family-friendly report found the encounter suitable for children, while another parent questioned bringing young kids because of the larger pigs’ size and speed. I would call it manageable with attentive adults, not carefree.

Do not expect the pigs to perform on command. Some will walk into the water, while others may stay on shore. The phrase swim with pigs can therefore mean anything from wading beside them to feeding them at the beach and taking pictures. The encounter is still fun, but your expectations should stay flexible.

Rose Island can also be busy. A crowded beach may make it harder to get a quiet photo or relaxed time with the pigs. On the better-timed departures, the crew has helped people move through lines quickly and find extra activities. On other trips, the stop did not last the full two hours. That variation is worth noting if beach relaxation is your main goal.

Lunch is served during this final section, with a floating dining spot described as part of the experience. Food has been considered good overall, though not everyone found it special. Expect a practical meal rather than a carefully prepared restaurant lunch. It is a welcome break after time in the water, and having food included means you do not need to plan a separate meal before returning.

The captains can make or break the day

The strongest part of this tour is often the crew. Names that come up repeatedly include Captain TJ, Lee, Miko, Rio, Tiggie, Tegge, and Terek, with spellings varying in different accounts. Their shared strengths are friendliness, patience, safe boat handling, and a willingness to keep looking for turtles.

A good guide matters because the day has several moving parts. Someone must explain how to use the mask, direct people around the pigs, help with photographs, watch the water, and keep the schedule moving. The best crews also add local details about the scenery and notable visitors to the Bahamas.

You may get a lively boat atmosphere with music and drinks. That suits people who want a social outing. It may be less appealing if you prefer quiet sightseeing or a private charter. The maximum group size is 29, so ask yourself how much space and personal attention you need.

One serious complaint involved a pickup mix-up, with the operator responding that several boats run at once and that nobody from its company was left behind. That story points to a practical concern: confirm the correct departure point and boat details before setting out, particularly if multiple operators use the same dock.

Timing is the main weakness to plan around

The advertised duration is approximately four hours. Most of the planned time is divided among four stops: about 30 minutes at Atlantis, 30 minutes at Pearl Island, one hour near Green Turtle Cay, and two hours at Rose Island. Those figures add up to four hours before allowing for boat travel, boarding, and any delays.

In practice, some departures have lasted closer to three hours. One person also reported booking a six-hour option and receiving a repeat of the shorter route without the expected lunch. That appears to reflect a booking or communication problem, but it is still a reason to confirm the exact duration and inclusions before paying.

Weather can delay departure or change the route. One boat arrived late because of weather, yet the crew tried to make up time. If the sea is rough or visibility is poor, the captain may choose a different snorkeling area or skip a reef that will not be worth entering. That is sensible for safety and enjoyment, but it means the advertised sequence is not fixed.

I would avoid scheduling an important flight or cruise connection immediately after this tour. The experience requires good weather, and the schedule has shown some flexibility. The cancellation terms are straightforward: cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded.

Who will enjoy this New Providence boat trip

This tour suits you if you want several classic Bahamas experiences in one booking. Families with older children, couples, first-time visitors, and groups with mixed interests can all find something to do. A confident snorkeler can explore the reef, while a less active companion can spend more time on the beach or in a chair.

It is also a good match for people who value a friendly crew over a polished luxury operation. The boat atmosphere is social, and the guides may joke, play music, share local facts, and help with photographs. The small-group departures can feel personal, but a near-capacity boat will be livelier and less spacious.

I would hesitate if you want guaranteed turtles, a long reef session, or a quiet private boat. I would also think twice if your children are very young and you are uneasy around large, fast-moving animals. Most participants can take part, and the activity is near public transportation, but the water portions still require basic comfort around swimming and snorkeling.

Should you book the 3 Islands Tour?

I would book this tour if you want a busy, photo-friendly half-day with turtles, reef fish, pigs, beach time, and lunch in one package. The crew receives unusually strong praise, the equipment is provided, and $175 is fair when the boat runs close to the promised four hours and the weather allows the full route.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may not see turtles, the pigs may not swim, the reef stop may change, and Rose Island may be shorter than planned. Confirm the exact departure details, bring money for possible lunch-stop drinks and a crew tip, and allow extra time in your day. With that flexibility, this is a lively way to sample several sides of the Bahamas without booking multiple excursions.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour is advertised as approximately four hours. The planned stops include about 30 minutes at Atlantis, 30 minutes at Pearl Island, one hour at Green Turtle Cay, and two hours at Rose Island. Actual trips can vary, and some have lasted closer to three hours.

What islands or locations does the tour visit?

The route includes Atlantis Bahamas, Pearl Island, Green Turtle Cay, and Rose Island. Atlantis is viewed from the boat, while the other stops involve snorkeling, turtle watching, or time on the beach.

Are snorkeling masks and life jackets provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and life jackets are provided for the water activities.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. Green Turtle Cay is used to search for turtles in their natural habitat, but sightings depend on weather, water conditions, and the animals’ movements.

Can I choose not to swim with the pigs?

Yes. At Rose Island, you can feed and photograph the pigs, lounge on the beach, use kayaks or paddleboards, or sit in a beach chair.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included during the Rose Island portion, with food such as burgers, wings, cracked chicken, and fries reported as available. Drinks at the lunch stop may cost extra, while water, soda, and some drinks have been provided on the boat.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 29 people. Some departures may have much smaller groups.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time.