Nassau: Swimming with Pigs, Snorkeling, and Sightseeing Tour

The biggest draw here is the chance to combine a fast boat ride, coral-reef snorkeling, and swimming pigs in one short Nassau outing. You will pass the waterfront homes of Paradise Island, stop near Pearl Island, watch marine life, and finish with beach time on Pig Island or another local island if conditions require a change.

I like the personal service from Captain Chris, who has adjusted routes for motion sickness, helped passengers get back on time, and even arranged a taxi in one case. I also like that snorkeling gear, safety equipment, snacks, and drinks are included. The main consideration is that swimming with the pigs costs extra, and weather or water clarity can change the plan.

Key points to know before booking

• Captain Chris provides a personal, safety-minded trip: He has changed routes when needed and kept a close eye on swimmers.
• The three-hour schedule packs in several stops: Expect boat sightseeing, snorkeling, marine life viewing, swimming, and beach time.
• Pig Island is optional in practice: You can pay on-site to swim with the pigs, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the island.
• The route can change: Rose Island was closed during one outing, so the captain used another local island instead.
• Snacks and drinks are included: Expect water, chips, and drinks such as rum punch.
• The tour suits active visitors more than anyone needing step-free access: Wheelchair users cannot take this tour, and the boat ride can be affected by weather.

Leaving Bayshore Marina for Paradise Island views

You meet your guide by the security booth at Bayshore Marina. From there, the boat heads out for a short ride of about 15 minutes. That opening stretch gives you time to settle in, feel the speed of the boat, and look back toward Nassau from the water.

One of the first sights is the shoreline of Paradise Island, including its impressive waterfront homes. From a boat, you get a different view than you would from the road or a resort beach. The homes, marinas, beaches, and open water make this an easygoing sightseeing start before the swimming stops begin.

The short transfer times matter. This is not a full-day island expedition with long stretches spent getting from place to place. The listed schedule uses several 15-minute boat rides, which helps the three-hour tour feel active without turning every stop into a rushed photo break.

A speedboat also means the ride itself is part of the outing. If you are prone to motion sickness, tell Captain Chris early. He has changed the destination for a passenger who was feeling unwell, a useful sign that the route is not treated as fixed at all costs.

Coral reefs, turtles, and the first swim

After the opening sightseeing section, the boat moves toward snorkeling and swimming areas. The tour includes basic snorkeling equipment and safety gear, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental. Bring your own towel, and carry cash for optional costs and small purchases.

The snorkeling stop is meant to show you the Bahamian marine world rather than provide a long technical reef session. You may see colorful coral, fish, turtles, and other marine life. One outing had poor ocean clarity, so the captain shifted the plan toward other activities. That is worth keeping in mind: water conditions can affect how much you see below the surface.

I like the way this part is paired with general swimming and wildlife viewing. If the reef is not at its clearest, you still have time in the water and other island activities to enjoy. Captain Chris also stays attentive while people are snorkeling, which matters when the group spreads out in open water.

The tour description refers to coral Rainbow reefs and a stop near Pearl Island. The exact order can vary, but you should expect a mix of scenic cruising, reef viewing, and swimming rather than one single long snorkeling session.

Pearl Island and places reached by boat

Pearl Island gives the tour another reason to leave Nassau’s main waterfront. The appeal is not only the island itself, but the feeling of reaching places you cannot see from a taxi or city street. You get more open-water scenery, beaches, and changing views of the islands around Nassau.

This stop is best approached as a scenic part of the trip, with time for swimming or looking around rather than a formal cultural visit. There are no museums, historic buildings, or long guided walks listed. If you want a boat-based taste of the islands, it fits well. If you want a detailed history tour, this is not the right choice.

The boat ride between stops also gives Captain Chris room to point out the islands and nearby sights. His role is part driver, part guide, and part host. He has provided water, chips, and rum punch, adding a little comfort without turning the trip into a full meal outing.

Pig Island and the optional pig swim

The tour’s most memorable stop is Pig Island, where pigs roam freely. You can pay on-site to swim with them, or skip the extra charge and spend your time on the beach, at the bar, or with other activities available on the island.

You should treat the pig swim as an optional add-on, not part of the $150 price. That distinction is important when comparing this tour with other Nassau excursions. The base fare covers the boat, captain and guide, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, Pig Island and beach stops, but not the pig swim itself.

The pigs are the star for many people, especially families and anyone looking for a playful photo opportunity. Still, the island stop has value even if you do not want to enter the water with animals. You can swim, sit on the beach, have a drink, or simply watch the scene.

The exact pig destination may change. During one trip, Rose Island was closed, and Captain Chris took the group to another local island where they could still swim and play with pigs. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not book this expecting one guaranteed shoreline or a fixed sequence of stops.

What the three-hour schedule really feels like

The timing breaks down into short boat transfers, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and free time. One listed schedule includes a 30-minute sightseeing section, an hour for swimming and marine life viewing, and another 30-minute stop for swimming, snorkeling, food, and wildlife viewing.

That is a lot for three hours, but the variety keeps the pace lively. You will not spend the whole afternoon on one beach. Instead, you move between water activities and short scenic rides.

The tradeoff is that each stop has limited time. If you prefer to settle into one quiet beach for several hours, this tour may feel too busy. If you want several Bahamian highlights in a compact outing, the format works well.

Timing can also matter if you work on a ship or have another reservation. Captain Chris has made an effort to return people on schedule, and one outing included help arranging a taxi from the harbor. I would still leave a buffer after the tour, since weather and sea conditions can affect the return.

Price and what you receive for $150

At $150 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Nassau. Its value depends on how many parts you would otherwise book separately.

You are paying for a three-hour boat tour, a captain and guide, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, beach and Pig Island stops, sightseeing around the islands, and included snacks and drinks. You also get a route that combines several activities without needing to organize separate transport.

The price makes the most sense if you want to snorkel, swim, see Paradise Island from the water, and visit the pigs in one booking. It is less compelling if you only want a beach day, especially since the pig swim costs extra.

The small-group feel can also improve the value. One booking had only one group aboard, creating the feel of a private charter. Group size is not guaranteed, so I would not book on the assumption that every departure will be private. Still, Captain Chris’s willingness to adjust the route and help with transport adds service that can make the fare feel more worthwhile.

Food, drinks, and what to bring

Snacks and refreshments are provided. You may receive water, chips, and rum punch, but this is not a substitute for a full lunch. Eat beforehand if you need a proper meal, especially if boat rides make you hungry.

Bring a towel and cash. Cash is particularly important because the optional swim with the pigs is paid for on-site. Wear practical shoes, since high heels are not allowed, and remember that smoking and making fires are prohibited.

You will want swimwear, sun protection, and a secure way to keep small items dry, though only a towel and cash are specifically required. Keep your packing light. A boat tour is easier when you are not managing a large beach bag between stops.

Weather, comfort, and suitability

The tour depends on weather conditions. Wind, rough water, or poor visibility can change the route or reduce the quality of snorkeling. The captain may substitute another island or adjust the activities, as happened when Rose Island was closed and when the water was not clear enough for the planned snorkeling.

That flexibility is a strength, but it also means you should come with the right mindset. You are booking a sea outing, not a rigid land itinerary. The pigs, reef visibility, and exact island stops can be affected by conditions beyond the operator’s control.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also listed as unsuitable for people over 95 years old. Anyone with mobility concerns, serious motion sensitivity, or difficulty boarding a boat should ask questions before booking.

For active adults, families, couples, and ship workers with a free block of time, the format is appealing. You get water time, wildlife, beaches, and a little sightseeing without giving up an entire day.

Captain Chris and the personal touch

Captain Chris is the strongest part of this outing. He has helped passengers change dates after a delayed flight, altered the route for a motion-sick passenger, watched swimmers during snorkeling, and made sure a ship worker returned on time.

Those details tell you what kind of service to expect. The trip is not simply a transfer from one attraction to another. The captain pays attention to comfort, safety, timing, and the group’s energy.

He has also gone out of his way to drop passengers closer to Atlantis. That should not be treated as a guaranteed service, but it shows a useful willingness to help when the route and timing allow it.

The overall rating is 4.9 from eight reviews, with praise centered on Captain Chris, safety, flexibility, snorkeling, and the pig experience. One rating was four stars because Rose Island was closed, but the captain provided an alternative. That is a fair picture of the tour: excellent personal service, with island conditions still outside anyone’s control.

Should you book this Nassau boat tour?

Book it if you want a compact, active outing with several different parts: boat sightseeing, Paradise Island views, snorkeling, swimming, marine life, beach time, and optional pigs. The strongest reason to choose it is the captain’s personal service, especially if you value a flexible route and close attention on the water.

Think twice if you want guaranteed access to one specific island, a long uninterrupted snorkeling session, or a complete day at the beach. Budget extra for the pig swim, bring cash, and accept that weather may change the plan.

For most people with three free hours and a taste for water activities, this is a well-packed Nassau excursion. The combination of included equipment, snacks, and adaptable guiding makes the $150 fare reasonable, provided you plan to use several of the included stops rather than only chase the pigs.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Bayshore Marina. Your guide meets you by the security booth.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts three hours.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are included.

Is swimming with the pigs included in the price?

No. Swimming with the pigs costs extra and is paid for on-site.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and cash. Cash is useful for the optional pig swim and other on-site costs.

Can the tour route change?

Yes. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and island or activity plans may change. Rose Island was replaced with another local island during one outing.

Are snacks and drinks provided?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are included. Specific items provided have included water, chips, and rum punch.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also listed as unsuitable for people over 95 years old.