Reviewed · BAHAMAS TURTLE ENCOUNTERS

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO

★ 5.0 · 333 reviews From $199 Operated by Ultimate SeaXscape · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The stars here are the swimming pigs. But this is more than a quick pig visit: you also snorkel over coral reefs, look for sea turtles, cruise past Gilligan’s Island, and finish with a conch show and lunch. It is a busy half-day on the water, with plenty packed into roughly three and a half hours.

I like the small-boat feel and the friendly crew, especially captains such as Enrique and Antonio, who keep the mood easy and help people find fish and turtles. I also like that pickup, food, soft drinks, beer, snacks, and snorkeling equipment are included. The catch is the price: at $199 per person, you are paying for variety and convenience, not a quiet private charter. Group size can also change if weather requires a larger boat.

Key points at a glance

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - Key points at a glance

  • Swimming pigs with time for photos: Feed and pet friendly pigs, and on some trips hold piglets under the care of the beach operators.
  • Two kinds of snorkeling: Expect a coral reef stop for tropical fish and a separate area where the crew searches for sea turtles.
  • Small group, with a weather caveat: The normal setup is capped around 10 people, though the published maximum is 12 and a larger boat may be used in rough weather.
  • A lively Nassau boat ride: Music, island views, Gilligan’s Island, and an energetic crew make the transit part of the tour part of the fun.
  • Food is part of the experience: Lunch, snacks, drinks, and a conch demonstration are included, with conch ceviche often served as a highlight.
  • Good for active families: You need a moderate level of fitness, and you should expect to get wet while boarding, swimming, and snorkeling.

A packed morning on Nassau’s water

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - A packed morning on Nassau’s water

Ultimate SeaXscape is designed for people who want several classic Nassau experiences in one outing. You are not signing up for a single beach stop with a short snorkel add-on. Instead, the trip links wildlife, reef time, a harbor ride, food, and several island views.

Pickup is scheduled in Nassau between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered, and the return can also be made to the cruise port. That matters if you do not want to arrange a taxi or find a marina on your own.

The trip lasts about three and a half hours, although some descriptions and experiences put the time closer to three hours. Think of it as a full morning rather than an all-day outing. The pace is active, but the stops are short enough that the tour can fit neatly into a cruise day or a Nassau vacation schedule.

The group is normally kept small, with the main description stating a limit of 10 people and the additional details listing a maximum of 12. That small scale is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. You get more room to ask questions, take photos, and get help in the water than you usually would on a large catamaran.

There is an important exception. On at least one weather-affected trip, the operator used a larger 40-foot boat and carried 18 people. The reason was safety and space in rough conditions, not routine crowding. Still, if a truly intimate outing is essential to you, ask about the boat and expected group size before booking.

More bahamas turtle encounters in Nassau:

The boat ride sets the tone

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - The boat ride sets the tone

The ride from Nassau is not just transportation between stops. The crew uses music, conversation, and a playful style to keep the energy up. Captains Mario, Enrique, and Antonio are singled out in the available feedback, and the crew’s warmth is one of the most consistently praised parts of the outing.

You can expect a social atmosphere rather than a silent nature cruise. Birthday celebrations, jokes, photos, and shared drinks can become part of the morning. That works well for families, couples, and solo visitors who like meeting people. If you want a calm boat with no music and little interaction, this may not be your best fit.

The water and island views do much of the work. The boat provides an easy way to see several pieces of the Nassau area without committing to separate transportation and excursions. The route includes Rose Island, known for clear water and snorkeling, along with a harbor tour before returning to Nassau.

The ride can be fun and fast, but conditions matter. Wind and weather affect which boat is used and can change how comfortable the trip feels. This is a good reason to bring sun protection, a towel, and clothing that can get wet, even though those items are not listed as included.

Meeting the swimming pigs

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - Meeting the swimming pigs

The pig stop is the most unusual part of the itinerary and likely the biggest draw for many people. The pigs are accustomed to human contact, and the visit gives you time to feed and pet them and take photos.

The animal care detail matters. The pig operators are described as attentive and ethical, and the crew cleans up promptly when needed. That makes the encounter feel more organized than a simple drop-off at a beach where animals and people are left to sort things out.

A baby pig called Sophie has become a memorable part of some visits. You may have the chance to see piglets, but animal behavior is never fully scripted. The pigs are friendly and used to people, yet your exact interaction will depend on the animals and the conditions that day.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures. The best moments happen close to the water, and feeding animals can be messy. You should also expect to get wet here, not just during the snorkeling stops.

The stop is especially good for children. Kids get an immediate, hands-on experience with animals, while adults can enjoy the novelty and the setting. Just remember that this is a living-animal encounter, not a staged photo session with guaranteed poses.

Coral reefs and colorful fish at Rose Island

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - Coral reefs and colorful fish at Rose Island

The snorkeling stop near Rose Island provides the more classic Bahamian water experience. The reef area is described as clear and accessible, with tropical fish and coral in water that is not too deep or dark.

That shallow, open setting is useful for families and less confident swimmers. You do not need to spend the whole stop trying to reach the bottom to see marine life. The crew helps point out fish and can guide you toward the best areas.

Snorkeling quality depends on wind, water clarity, and boat traffic. One important practical point is that other boats may be present at popular sites. You can still see plenty of fish, but this is not a private reef with no one else around.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The tour also provides water, soft drinks, and beer, so you do not need to carry a full cooler. You should bring any personal medication, reef-safe sun protection if you use it, and dry clothes for the ride back.

The tour gives you more than one chance to get in the water. That helps if the first stop feels busy or the visibility is not perfect. It also lets strong swimmers enjoy more time while other people can stay aboard, snack, or take photos.

Searching for sea turtles

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - Searching for sea turtles

The turtle portion adds a wildlife element that can be wonderful, but it needs realistic expectations. The crew looks for turtles and helps guests spot them, but no operator can control where wild animals appear.

You might see several turtles, including young ones and larger turtles feeding on seagrass. Some outings have also included a small ray. Other trips may produce only a brief turtle sighting, or none at all.

That uncertainty is part of the difference between a wildlife trip and an aquarium visit. The guides can improve your chances by knowing the area and watching the water, but a guaranteed turtle encounter would be an unreasonable promise.

You can swim or snorkel during this stop. If you are not comfortable in open water, you can choose to remain on the boat rather than treat the activity as a test. The published advice calls for moderate physical fitness, so you should be comfortable with boarding, swimming, and repeated movement in and out of the water.

For families, this stop can be a highlight. Children often remember the turtles more than the reef because the animals are larger and easier to follow. For adults, it adds a more natural wildlife moment to a day that might otherwise focus on photos and entertainment.

Gilligan’s Island and the harbor tour

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - Gilligan’s Island and the harbor tour

The route includes a stop or pass by Gilligan’s Island, a playful reference to the television show. If you remember the program, this is a fun bit of island nostalgia. The crew may play the theme song, turning a simple view into a small shared joke on board.

It is not presented as a long cultural visit or a formal attraction. Treat it as a scenic and humorous part of the boat route. The value is in the setting and the guide’s storytelling, not in spending a long time ashore.

The harbor tour comes near the return to Nassau and lasts about 15 minutes in the listed schedule. It gives you one last look at the waterfront before the boat ride ends and you are returned to your hotel or cruise port.

These short sightseeing pieces help break up the swimming stops. They also make the outing feel like an island-hopping trip rather than a single beach transfer.

Lunch, conch, snacks, and drinks

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - Lunch, conch, snacks, and drinks

Food is included, which improves the value of the $199 price. Lunch has been described as sandwiches, with snacks, water, soft drinks, and beer also available. The portions are meant to keep you going through an active morning rather than replace a full restaurant meal.

The conch tasting is more distinctive. The crew prepares or serves conch ceviche and demonstrates how a conch is opened, showing what is inside. It is a small but useful connection to Bahamian food culture, and it gives you something local to try beyond standard excursion sandwiches.

If you have never tasted conch, this is an easy introduction. The ceviche has received especially strong praise, but food preferences vary, and the tour does not present a full menu of alternatives in the supplied details. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask before booking rather than assuming lunch can be changed.

Drinks help keep the trip social. Beer is available, along with nonalcoholic choices, and the crew is described as generous with refreshments. Pace yourself, especially because you will be in the sun and moving around the boat.

The operator also says a portion of proceeds supports ocean cleanup and coastal communities. That is a welcome part of the business model, though you should view it as an added benefit rather than the main reason to choose the tour.

What $199 buys you in Nassau

Ultimate SeaXscape Pigs/Turtles/Snorkel/Lunch/Drinks/PU/DO - What $199 buys you in Nassau

At $199 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from combining several paid experiences and taking care of the practical details in one booking.

You are getting pickup, return transportation, boat travel, snorkeling supplies, pig access, reef snorkeling, turtle searching, lunch, snacks, and drinks. Booking separate transport, a pig excursion, a reef trip, and food could take more time and produce a less coherent day.

The small group is also part of the price. With about 10 people on the usual boat, the crew can give more personal attention than a large excursion operator. Captains can help with photos, point out fish, and answer questions without trying to manage dozens of people.

Still, the tour is not private. A weather-related boat change can mean a larger group, and the published information itself gives both a 10-person target and a 12-person maximum. You should book it for the range of activities and the friendly service, not because you expect a private charter every time.

For a first Nassau visit, the price can make sense because the tour checks several boxes in one morning. If you already have access to a boat, beach, lunch, and drinks, the value is less convincing.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for families, couples, and solo visitors who want a lively outing with several distinct stops. It suits people who would rather spend one morning moving between pigs, reefs, turtles, and island scenery than devote the entire time to one long snorkel.

It is also a good choice for cruise passengers because pickup and return to the cruise port are offered. You should still allow enough time between the scheduled return and your ship’s departure, since the trip depends on weather and boat conditions.

Children can enjoy the pigs and turtles, while adults may appreciate the conch demonstration, music, food, and easy social atmosphere. The tour can work for mixed-age groups because you do not have to swim at every stop, though the activity remains water-focused.

I would be more cautious if you dislike getting wet, have difficulty with repeated boat boarding, or want a quiet luxury cruise. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, and exact comfort can vary with wind and group size.

Practical details before you book

Confirmation is provided at booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted. Pickup is offered in Nassau, with the listed morning window of 9:30 to 9:45 AM.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum is not met, the operator offers a different date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. Wear something practical for a boat, since the crew clearly expects you to swim, splash, and get wet.

Should you book Ultimate SeaXscape?

I would book this tour if you want variety, personal service, and an active Nassau morning. The strongest combination is the small boat, the pig encounter, accessible reef snorkeling, turtle searching, and the included food and drinks.

I would not book it if your top priority is guaranteed sea turtles, a private boat, or a fixed group of exactly 10 people. Wildlife is unpredictable, and weather can lead to a larger vessel.

For most families and first-time Nassau visitors, the tour offers a useful mix of the island’s best-known water experiences without making you arrange each piece yourself. Ask about the expected boat and group size before paying, then book with the understanding that nature and weather set part of the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the Ultimate SeaXscape tour take place?

The experience begins in Nassau, Bahamas, and includes an island-hopping boat trip with a snorkeling stop near Rose Island.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Parts of the schedule describe the outing as about three hours.

What time is pickup in Nassau?

Pickup is scheduled between 9:30 AM and 9:45 AM.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from accommodations in the Nassau area, and return transportation can also be made to your hotel or the cruise port.

How many people are usually on the boat?

The tour is described as a small-group experience capped at 10 people. The additional information lists a maximum of 12 travelers, and a larger boat may be used when weather requires it.

What wildlife can I see?

The tour includes swimming pigs, tropical fish, and a chance to see sea turtles. Wildlife sightings are not fully guaranteed because the animals are in the wild.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling supplies are included in the tour price.

What food and drinks are provided?

The experience includes lunch, snacks, water, soft drinks, and beer. A conch show and conch ceviche tasting are also included.

What level of fitness is required?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. You should be prepared for boat travel, swimming or snorkeling, and getting wet during the outing.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.

More like this

Bahamas Turtle Encounters, compared.

The full Bahamas Turtle Encounters list →
3 Islands Tour, Snorkel, Pig Beach, Turtles & Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 2,585 reviews· from $136

3 Islands Tour, Snorkel, Pig Beach, Turtles & Lunch

Read our review →
Pigs, Snorkel, Turtles, Lunch, Private Beach Club
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,116 reviews· from $139

Pigs, Snorkel, Turtles, Lunch, Private Beach Club

Read our review →
Snorkeling, Pig Beach, Swim with Turtles, and Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 790 reviews· from $165

Snorkeling, Pig Beach, Swim with Turtles, and Lunch

Read our review →
Swimming Pigs And Snorkel With Turtles
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 651 reviews· from $140

Swimming Pigs And Snorkel With Turtles

Read our review →
Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 640 reviews· from $299

Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch

Read our review →
Rose Island Adventure: Snorkel, Sea Turtles, and Private Beach
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 486 reviews· from $139

Rose Island Adventure: Snorkel, Sea Turtles, and Private Beach

Read our review →
Bluefinn242 Swim with the Turtles in Nassau Bahamas
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 320 reviews· from $128

Bluefinn242 Swim with the Turtles in Nassau Bahamas

Read our review →
3 Islands Tour, Swim with Pigs, Turtles, Snorkelling & lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 296 reviews· from $175

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

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Where the boats go

Pick a cay, a boat or a kitchen.