Swimming Pigs, Turtles & Reef Snorkel in Nassau-Champion Tours

Nassau’s best boat days are not spent sitting still, and this private four-hour speedboat tour keeps moving between islands, reefs, turtles and pigs. You will visit Rose Island, Pearl Island, Green Cay and Athol Island, with time to snorkel, swim, take photos and decide when your group is ready to leave each stop.

I like the private format, since your group controls the pace instead of following a fixed crowd schedule. I also like the practical safety setup, with a captain, lifeguards and medical personnel on board. The catch is cost: at $205 per person, you still pay separately for the $45 Pig Island attraction fee, lunch and transportation.

Key points to know before you book

• Four islands in about four hours: The route covers Rose Island, Pearl Island, Green Cay and Athol Island, also called Pig Island.
• Your group sets the pace: You can choose when to leave each stop, subject to the captain and tour conditions.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Bottled water, rum punch, snacks, WiFi and snorkel equipment come with the excursion.
• Pig Island costs extra: Swimming and feeding the pigs is optional, with a $45 attraction fee per person.
• Lunch is not included: Plan for a food stop at a local restaurant or the Antiki floating bar at your own expense.
• Private and family-friendly: Only your group participates, and the boat has lifeguards and medical personnel on board.

Four islands, one fast-moving Nassau boat day

This excursion is built for people who want several classic Bahamian activities in one outing. You leave the marina at a scheduled time aboard a chartered speedboat, then head toward Rose Island, Pearl Island and Green Cay before continuing to Athol Island, known here as Pig Island.

The private setup matters. You are not simply being carried from one photo stop to the next while a guide watches the clock. Your group has room to decide how long to spend snorkeling, feeding turtles or taking pictures. You still need to follow the captain’s directions, of course, but the tour is designed around your group rather than a large shared boat.

That flexibility is especially useful for families. One person may want more time in the water, while another may prefer to stay aboard and enjoy the scenery. A family-focused excursion can go wrong when every stop is timed too tightly. This one gives you more control, at least within the four-hour window.

The tradeoff is that four hours passes quickly. With four islands, snorkeling, turtles, pigs, lunch and a return ride all in the same block, you should think of this as a lively sampler rather than a slow island day. If you want one long reef session or hours on one beach, a more focused trip may suit you better.

Rose Island, Pearl Island and Green Cay

The first part of the trip takes you around Rose Island, Pearl Island and Green Cay. These stops give you the sea views and island scenery that make a boat trip from Nassau worthwhile, while also setting up the wildlife portion of the day.

At Green Cay, you will have the chance to sightsee and feed turtles. That is a different kind of wildlife encounter from the Pig Island stop. Turtles are quieter and slower, so this part of the trip may appeal to you if you prefer watching animals in the water rather than posing beside them on shore.

You also get time to snorkel reefs and swim with fish and other marine life. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, which saves you from packing a full set of gear. You should still bring your own sunscreen and towel, since those are not included.

The tour description does not promise a particular reef, fish species or water visibility on your departure date. Conditions can change with weather and sea conditions. The safest approach is to treat the snorkeling as a chance to see what is active that day, not as a guaranteed wildlife checklist.

I would pack a dry bag or another way to protect phones and wallets. That is practical advice for any boat outing, though the operator specifically asks you to bring personal items such as sunscreen and towels. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to move between stops without wasting time changing.

The Pig Island stop and its extra fee

Athol Island is also called Pig Island, and this is where the excursion turns toward the most playful photo opportunity. You may swim with, feed and photograph the famous pigs. The stop is optional, so you are not forced to pay for it if pigs are not your main reason for booking.

The attraction site fee is $45 per person. That fee is separate from the $205 tour price, making the total $250 per person before lunch and any transportation costs if you choose to add Pig Island.

That extra charge deserves attention because the tour is advertised as having no hidden fees. The practical reading is that the major tour costs are stated, but the Pig Island admission, lunch and transportation are still outside the base price. Budget for those items before booking so the final cost does not surprise you.

Pig Island is likely the right choice for families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants the signature Nassau boat-day photograph. It may be less appealing if you care more about snorkeling time, quiet water or natural scenery. Since the stop is optional, you have a useful choice that many fixed group excursions do not offer.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a managed attraction stop, not an untouched wildlife encounter. Follow the crew’s instructions about feeding and approaching the pigs, and avoid bringing loose items into the water. The supplied information does not specify the exact time spent there, so ask the captain how the schedule looks on your day.

Snorkeling with equipment already on board

The included snorkel equipment is one of the tour’s better practical features. You do not need to rent fins or a mask separately, and the crew can help you get set up before entering the water.

The experience is aimed at a broad range of participants. Most people can take part, and the tour is described as family-friendly. Still, swimming ability matters. You should tell the crew if anyone in your group is uneasy in the water, and follow the instructions from the lifeguards and captain.

The presence of lifeguards and medical personnel on board adds reassurance, especially for families with children. It does not remove the normal risks of boating and swimming, so bring sunscreen, drink water and stay within the area the crew permits.

You will also have bottled water, rum punch, snacks and WiFi. Those inclusions make the boat ride easier, particularly when the group is moving between islands. Rum punch is an alcoholic drink, so use good judgment if you plan to snorkel afterward. The supplied information does not specify how much is served or whether alternatives are available.

A floating-bar lunch stop at your own expense

The tour includes a lunch stop at a local restaurant, with the Antiki floating bar identified as the famous place to enjoy lunch on the water. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

This can be a pleasant break from the boat and water activities, but it is also one more expense to plan for. The exact menu and prices are not provided, so bring a payment method and expect to pay at the stop. If your group has dietary needs, ask about available choices before ordering, since the tour information does not list menus or special-diet arrangements.

The timing also matters. A lunch stop may cut into your time for snorkeling or wildlife encounters, though it gives you a chance to sit down and enjoy a different view of the islands. Because your group has control over when to leave each stop, you can discuss priorities with the captain early in the trip.

If food is your main interest, this is not a dedicated culinary excursion. Think of lunch as a convenient island stop within a broader boat adventure.

Speedboat comfort, safety and onboard extras

The company describes its vessels as fully licensed and insured, with certified, professionally trained captains. The boat is presented as a luxury and comfort option, though the supplied details do not identify a specific vessel, seating layout or restroom arrangement.

A speedboat can cover more ground than a slow craft, which makes the four-island route possible in a half day. It also means you should be prepared for wind, spray and a lively ride. Bring a cover-up, secure your hat and protect electronics. If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, ask about the sea conditions before departure.

The operator says lifeguards and medical personnel remain on board. That is a meaningful benefit when the itinerary includes open-water swimming, snorkeling and animal encounters. The professional captain also has to balance your preferences with weather, water conditions and safe navigation.

WiFi is included, though connection quality on the water can vary. Use it as a convenience rather than the reason to book. The real value is having water, snacks and equipment ready while you move between the islands.

You can add a jet ski for an additional fee. A special photographer can also be requested, with drone footage included in that option. Neither add-on price is given, so ask for the total before confirming. The photographer may appeal to couples, families marking a special occasion or anyone who wants more than handheld phone photos.

What the $205 price really buys

The base price is $205 per person. That is not a bargain beach transfer, but it covers a private four-hour boat experience with a captain, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, rum punch, snacks and WiFi.

The strongest value comes from the private arrangement. If your group wants flexibility and would otherwise pay for several separate activities, combining island sightseeing, snorkeling, turtles and pigs can make sense. You are paying for the boat, crew, time on the water and a tailored pace, not just admission to one attraction.

The value is weaker if you do not want the Pig Island stop or plan to spend most of the day on a beach. Remember the additional costs:

• Pig Island: $45 per person if you choose to visit
• Lunch: paid by you at the local restaurant or Antiki floating bar
• Transportation: private transportation is not included
• Jet ski: available at an additional cost
• Photographer and drone footage: available by request at an additional cost

A full Pig Island outing therefore begins at $250 per person before lunch and extras. Compare that final figure with your group’s priorities, not just the headline price.

The tour is booked an average of 92 days ahead, suggesting that you should not leave a preferred date until the last minute. Availability is not guaranteed simply because the tour operates daily.

Meeting point, timing and what to bring

The meeting point is the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Development at 3MFH+VW6, East Bay Street, Nassau. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered in the tour features, but private transportation is listed as not included. Confirm exactly how pickup works for your accommodation before booking. If you are making your own way to the marina, allow enough time to find the meeting point and arrive ready for departure.

Operating hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, for the period from February 24, 2025, through November 26, 2026. Your booking confirmation should provide the assigned start time.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Personal medication and other needed items
• A secure case or dry bag for valuables

Confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The tour is private, so only your group participates.

Weather is important. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a normal cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded.

Who will enjoy this private excursion most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples and small groups who want several Nassau highlights in one outing. It works particularly well when people in the group have different interests, since you can choose how long to stay at each stop and decide whether Pig Island is worth the extra fee.

It also suits visitors who want a crew-led day without joining a large shared excursion. The captain, lifeguards and medical personnel provide useful support, while the private format keeps the experience more personal.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike speedboats, have very limited swimming ability or want a quiet, unhurried day at one beach. The four-hour schedule covers a lot, but it does not offer unlimited time at any one island.

The available ratings are very strong, with a 5.0 score from 15 reviews and 100 percent recommending the experience. The most specific praise highlights the crew’s professionalism, patience and care with children. That matches the tour’s family-friendly design, though you should still ask about the boat setup and water conditions for your particular group.

Should you book Swimming Pigs, Turtles & Reef Snorkel?

Book it if you want a private Nassau boat day with plenty of variety: four islands, turtle viewing, reef snorkeling, an optional Pig Island stop and lunch on the water. The flexible schedule, included gear and onboard safety staff make it a practical choice for families and small groups.

Skip it if the $205 price already feels high, because the final cost rises with the $45 pig attraction, lunch, transport and optional extras. You should also avoid booking it as a slow beach retreat. This is a compact, active outing that aims to show you several sides of the Bahamas before returning to Nassau.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The boat excursion lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Development, 3MFH+VW6, East Bay Street, Nassau, and returns to the same meeting point.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Rose Island, Pearl Island, Green Cay and Athol Island, also known as Pig Island.

Is Pig Island included in the price?

Pig Island is optional and requires a separate $45 attraction site fee per person.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour stops at a local restaurant, identified as the Antiki floating bar, and lunch is paid for by you.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What else is included?

Bottled water, rum punch, snacks and WiFi are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled. You can also receive a full refund for a normal cancellation made at least 24 hours before the start time.