Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

The best part of this Nassau outing is that you drive the speedboat yourself, rather than sitting behind a captain for the whole ride. You cross the water to Anthol Island, feed the swimming pigs, snorkel, and return with salt on your face and a good story to tell.

I like the small-group setup, limited to 10 people, and the chance to reach the pig beach before larger boats arrive. The $120 price also compares well with other Nassau pig excursions. The catch is simple: the ride can get wet and bumpy, transport to and from the meeting point is not clearly included, and high winds can change the boat plan.

Key points to know before booking

• You take the wheel: Each boat carries two people, and the guide stays nearby to help if you feel unsure.
• Early timing matters: Morning departures may give you 30 to 45 minutes of quieter time with the pigs before more boats arrive.
• Anthol Island is more than a photo stop: You have time for feeding, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.
• Expect to get wet: Bring a waterproof case or bag for phones, wallets, and other items.
• The tour is small: Groups are limited to 10, which allows for more personal help than large cruise excursions.
• Weather can alter the plan: The activity runs rain or shine, but strong wind has occasionally required a ferry transfer instead of the open-water speedboat ride.

Driving from Nassau to Anthol Island

This experience begins with a short safety and driving orientation before you take control of a two-person speedboat. You follow the guide across the water, with the group traveling together rather than racing off on its own.

That arrangement gives you the fun of piloting without leaving you to figure everything out alone. If you are confident at the wheel, you can enjoy the speed and turns. If you are less comfortable, the guide can take over or provide close help. One family found this useful when a less confident driver preferred to ride with the guide.

The boats are small, which is part of the appeal. You feel the movement of the waves more than you would on a ferry or large catamaran. That also means you should expect spray, wind, and a ride that can feel lively when the water is rough. Wear swimwear or quick-drying clothing, and keep anything valuable in a waterproof container.

The route offers more than open water. Depending on the exact path and conditions, you may pass luxury homes, see Atlantis from the water, or move through the resort’s canals and waterfalls on the return trip. These details give the outing a useful sense of place: you see both the polished resort side of Nassau and the quieter island setting around Anthol Island.

The ride itself is relatively short within the two-hour schedule, leaving time for the beach activities. That is helpful if you want several experiences in one outing, but it also means none of the stops is an all-day exploration. You are getting a fast, active sample of the area rather than a slow island stay.

Reaching the swimming pigs before the crowds

Anthol Island is the heart of the excursion. The boat brings you close to the beach, where the pigs are fed and allowed into the shallow water. The setting is simple and appealing: a narrow beach, clear water, and a small island atmosphere rather than a large developed attraction.

Morning departures are worth considering. The 10 a.m. time has been especially useful for reaching the pigs before larger boats arrive. Early groups have had roughly 30 to 45 minutes with far fewer people around, which makes it easier to take photos, feed the pigs, and enjoy the water without standing in a line.

The pigs are friendly enough to approach, but do not mistake them for tame household animals. Some are large, and they can become pushy when food appears. Hold your food carefully, listen to the guide, and keep your fingers away from an eager mouth. The encounter is more enjoyable when you treat the pigs as strong farm animals, not as props for a selfie.

Food for the pigs has included melon. Drinks and snacks may be available on the island, but you should bring your own water rather than count on buying refreshments. Cash may also be useful for island purchases, since one outing specifically advised bringing cash for drinks.

The water is a major part of the setting. You can wade or swim near the pigs, then spend time in the clear water after feeding them. Some outings have also spotted sea turtles and an eagle ray nearby. Those sightings are not guaranteed, but they show why it is worth bringing a mask and taking time to look beyond the pigs.

Snorkeling and beach time after the feeding

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The snorkeling portion gives the outing a second focus after the novelty of the pigs wears off. You can see what is below the surface, cool off, and enjoy the water at a slower pace before returning to the boat.

The available information does not promise a particular reef, fish species, or underwater site. Think of this as a casual snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine tour. If you are hoping for a long guided session or a major coral site, this may feel limited. If you simply want time in clear Bahamian water, it fits the two-hour format well.

A beach area is included, giving you somewhere to sit, relax, and dry off between activities. There is also a banana boat ride listed among the inclusions. The exact timing of that ride is not specified, so ask the guide when it will take place and how it fits with the swimming and snorkeling schedule.

This mix works well for families and mixed groups. One person can focus on photos with the pigs, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay on the beach. The short schedule keeps the pace moving, though you should not expect long stretches of quiet beach time if you want to do every included activity.

What the small group changes

The group limit is 10 people, a useful middle ground between a private charter and a large excursion boat. You get personal attention without paying the full cost of a private trip.

A small group also makes the driving portion easier. The guide can keep an eye on each boat, answer questions, and adjust the pace when someone needs help. Guides named by previous customers include Kelly, King, Serena, and Andy, although your exact guide will depend on the date and departure.

The personal feel can be particularly valuable if you are traveling with children or someone who is nervous about driving. The boats are designed for two people, so think about who will share each one. A teenager may enjoy taking the wheel with an adult nearby, while younger children may be happier as passengers.

The guide also helps keep the beach visit organized. Feeding animals in a group can become chaotic, especially when several pigs approach at once. A guide who explains where to stand and how to offer food makes the encounter safer and less stressful.

The experience is offered with guides speaking English, French, or Spanish. Check the available language when booking if that matters to you, since not every departure will necessarily offer all three.

Timing, transport, and cruise-day planning

The experience lasts two hours, so it can fit a port day if you leave enough margin around your ship’s schedule. Do not cut the return too close to departure. Boat trips depend on weather and water conditions, and the meeting point may vary with the option you book.

Transportation is an important detail. It is not listed as an included feature, and several people arranged a taxi from the cruise port or hotel. The office can be within walking distance for some cruise passengers, but the walk has been described as roughly 25 minutes and hot, with an area that may not feel especially comfortable. A taxi is the more practical choice if you are carrying beach gear or traveling with children.

Plan your return before starting the tour. One person had difficulty finding transportation back to the ship, while another group arranged a drop-off directly at its cruise ship. Do not assume that return transportation is part of every booking. Ask the operator where you will finish and have a taxi plan ready.

If you are late getting off a cruise ship, contact the operator as soon as possible. The crew has accommodated late arrivals in some cases, but you should not rely on that during a busy port day. The meeting point can vary, so confirm the exact location rather than walking to a general area and hoping to spot the boats.

The activity runs rain or shine. That does not mean the speedboats will always operate in the same way. Strong wind has caused at least one outing to use a ferry transfer to reach the pigs, followed by speedboat driving in the harbor later. The crew provided an alternative, but the experience was understandably different from an open-water self-drive ride.

Is $120 a fair price?

At $120 per person, this is a strong value if you want several activities in one short Nassau outing. The price covers the speedboat ride, pig encounter, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, and beach access. You are also paying for the unusual chance to drive rather than simply ride.

The value looks better when compared with more expensive pig excursions. One person found a hotel option priced at $250 per person and chose this instead. Another family preferred it to a cruise-sponsored pig experience. Prices change, but the basic comparison is useful: this tour gives you the pig beach plus an active water ride without the cost of a private charter.

It is not the cheapest way to see pigs in The Bahamas. You are paying for the boat, the small group, the guide support, and the combination of activities. If all you want is a quick animal photo, a simpler beach visit may cost less. If you want a memorable outing that fills two hours with movement, swimming, and several stops, the price makes sense.

The biggest value comes from arriving early. A quieter beach can make the same tour feel much better than a crowded midday visit. If you have a choice, pick the earliest practical departure and leave time for transport from the port.

Who should choose this excursion?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants an active break from Nassau’s town and resort areas. You should be comfortable around water, willing to get wet, and interested in taking part rather than sitting back for the whole trip.

It can work for families with children, but the pigs deserve respect. Large animals moving toward food may frighten younger children, and the speedboat ride can be bumpy. Adults should stay close and follow the guide’s instructions during feeding and swimming.

This is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions. The activity involves speedboats, waves, swimming, and other water activities, so consider your own health before booking.

I would skip it if you dislike small boats, cannot swim comfortably, or want a calm, dry sightseeing cruise. You should also reconsider if your ship’s schedule leaves very little room for delays or if arranging taxis feels like too much work.

Simple ways to enjoy the day more

Bring a waterproof phone case or dry bag. You will likely receive spray from the speedboat, and wet hands make it easy to drop loose items.

Pack drinking water, even if you plan to buy snacks. Cash is useful for drinks on the island, and a small towel or change of clothes will make the return trip more comfortable.

Listen closely before feeding the pigs. Offer food only as directed, keep your hands clear, and give the animals room. You will get better photos when you are calm and patient instead of crowding them.

Choose a morning time if possible. Early access has been one of the clearest advantages of this tour, giving you a quieter beach and more relaxed photographs before other boats arrive.

Finally, confirm the meeting point and return plan. Those details may vary by booking, and transport is not clearly included. A few minutes of planning can prevent a hot walk or a difficult taxi search after the boat ride.

Should you book the Nassau speedboat and pig encounter?

Book it if you want the rare combination of driving a small boat, visiting a pig beach, snorkeling, and spending time on a Bahamian island in only two hours. The small group, helpful guide support, and early access potential give it an edge over larger, more passive excursions.

The main risks are weather, wet conditions, and transport planning. You may not get the exact open-water route if winds are strong, and the pig encounter is lively rather than perfectly peaceful. Still, at $120, it offers a lot for a short Nassau stop.

For an early departure, an organized attitude, and a waterproof phone case, I think this is one of the better-value ways to make a cruise day in Nassau feel personal and active.

FAQ

How long does the Nassau speedboat and pig encounter last?

The activity lasts two hours. Check availability for the starting times offered on your date.

Can I drive the speedboat myself?

Yes. The experience uses two-person speedboats, and you can take the wheel for part of the ride. A guide stays with the group and can help if you feel uncomfortable.

What is included in the $120 price?

The price includes the speedboat ride, pig swimming encounter, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, and access to a beach area.

Is transportation from the cruise port included?

Transportation details can vary by booking, and transport is not listed among the included features. The meeting point may also vary, so confirm the location and plan your own taxi arrangements if needed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity operates rain or shine, but strong wind can affect the speedboat route. In one reported case, a ferry was used to reach the pigs, with self-drive boats used later in the harbor.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions. You should also consider the wet, active nature of the speedboat, swimming, snorkeling, and banana boat portions.