Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Lunch, & Beach Boat Tour

The main draw is simple: you get to feed and pet swimming pigs in clear Bahamian water, then spend the rest of the outing on a private beach with lunch, drinks, games, and snorkeling. The fast boat ride also gives you fine views of Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island, and Atlantis along the way.

I like the strong mix of activities. You can join a lively beach game, paddle a kayak, float in the water, or stretch out in a hammock. I also like the free photo and video package, since it lets you enjoy the pig encounter instead of keeping one hand on your phone.

The main consideration is timing. The outing can last from 150 minutes to four hours, depending on the departure you choose and the day’s schedule. One snorkeling stop has felt short for some people, while the beach time can feel busy when several groups arrive together.

Key details to know before booking

• Swimming pigs at the private beach: Feed the pigs in shallow water, with staff nearby to explain how to approach them safely.
• Fast Nassau boat ride: See the cruise port, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Fort Montagu, and nearby islands from the water.
• Lunch and open drinks included: You get a plated meal, snacks, soft drinks, and unlimited rum punch.
• More than a pig stop: Kayaks, paddleboards, floats, volleyball, cornhole, frisbee, and other games are included.
• Snorkeling gear provided: The boat stops at a reef with tropical fish and other sea life.
• Free photos and videos: Staff photograph the day and send the files after the excursion.

A fast start from central Nassau

Your meeting point is the Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina. Find the beige plaza with brown trim at Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue, the second corner on your left after Parliament Square when heading east on Bay Street.

This location is close to Nassau Cruise Port. One person found it about an eight-minute walk from the port, though you should allow extra time to find the entrance inside the plaza. Apple Maps has reportedly directed some people to the wrong spot, so use the written meeting instructions rather than relying only on your phone.

Once aboard, the crew serves light snacks and drinks while you cruise out of the harbor. The route passes Nassau Cruise Port, central Nassau, Paradise Island, Atlantis Bahamas, Versailles Gardens and the French Cloister, Fort Montagu, and Sun Cay.

This sightseeing portion is not a full land tour. You will mainly view these places from the water and hear commentary as the boat passes. Still, it adds value, especially if this is your first time in Nassau. The ride gives you an easy look at the grand Atlantis complex, waterfront homes, and the changing color of the sea without spending time in traffic.

The boat moves quickly, which is part of the fun. It also helps keep the trip efficient, particularly if you are visiting Nassau from a cruise ship and want a substantial outing without giving up the whole day. The trade-off is that a fast boat can feel active rather than restful, and you should expect spray or a lively ride depending on the conditions.

Meeting the pigs near Athol Island

The central stop is listed around Athol Island, with the private beach area described as the new base for the experience. The route also passes Rose Island and Blue Lagoon Island before returning toward New Providence. Some descriptions refer to the beach setting as Mansa Bay, so check the exact stop and timing when you book.

Staff greet you on arrival and give a safety briefing before the pig encounter. You receive food for the pigs and can take turns feeding, petting, and photographing them in shallow water.

This is not a distant wildlife sighting. The point is close contact, with the pigs moving among the group as they look for food. Follow the crew’s instructions, keep your fingers clear when feeding, and give the animals room. The pigs are cute, but they are still sturdy farm animals with enthusiastic appetites.

The staff also keep an eye on the beach area and clean up quickly when needed. That matters here. A pig beach is a working animal encounter, not a polished theme-park exhibit, so you should expect the setting to feel informal and natural.

The time with the pigs has been one of the most praised parts of the outing. Several departures have had enough time for repeated interaction rather than a quick photo line. Still, group size affects the experience. If many people are in the water at once, getting a clear photo can be harder, even with staff taking pictures.

A private beach with plenty to do

After the pig visit, you can settle into the beach area. Expect golden sand, clear turquoise water, lounge chairs, hammocks, swings, and a selection of water toys. The setting works for people who want to keep moving and for those who simply want a beach break.

Included activities can include:

• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Individual and group floats
• Volleyball
• Cornhole
• Frisbee
• Tug of war
• Giant Connect Four
• Hatchet toss
• Water toys and floaties

The range is useful for mixed groups. A teenager can play volleyball or try the water toys while a parent relaxes in a hammock. A solo visitor can paddle or snorkel without needing to organize another activity. Families with children have more choices than they would at a basic beach transfer.

The beach stop also gives the outing some breathing room after the pig encounter. You are not pushed straight from one photo opportunity into another. The exact balance of free time and organized activity can change, though, since the full excursion may run anywhere from two and a half to four hours.

Jet skis are available for an extra charge. They are not part of the $140 price, so ask about the cost before committing. The included kayaks and paddleboards are the better value if you want time on the water without another bill.

Lunch, rum punch, and the practical value of $140

At $140 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach in Nassau. It is priced as a bundled boat-and-activity excursion, and the value depends on how much of the package you use.

Your price includes the boat ride, guides, pig interaction, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, unlimited rum punch, snorkeling equipment, floats, beach games, hammocks, kayaks, paddleboards, and the photo and video package. You would pay separately for transport, food, water activities, and professional pictures on many other outings.

Lunch includes American favorites, Bahamian dishes, and vegan choices. The feedback on the food has been notably strong, but portion size has not been perfectly consistent. Some people found the meal generous, while one person felt the portion was closer to a snack and advised eating beforehand.

My practical advice is to have a light meal before you arrive, especially if you are bringing hungry teenagers or plan to spend much of the afternoon swimming. Treat the included lunch as a useful part of the package, not the sole reason to skip breakfast.

Unlimited rum punch and soft drinks are included, along with snacks during the boat ride and beach stop. Drink responsibly, particularly in the sun and around the water. The value improves if you enjoy a social beach atmosphere, but it is less compelling if you do not drink and mainly want a quiet swim.

Snorkeling at a colorful reef

After the pig and beach time, the boat heads to a reef area for snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. The stop is meant for viewing tropical fish, coral, and other marine life in clear water.

Snorkeling quality can vary with weather, visibility, and the exact stopping point. Some departures have found many fish and excellent clarity. Another person described the snorkeling as only average, while still rating the pig beach as the stronger part of the day.

That is a fair way to think about it. Book this for the full combination, not as a dedicated reef expedition. If snorkeling is your top priority, you may prefer a tour built around longer reef time. If you want a memorable water activity after meeting the pigs, this stop adds a welcome change of pace.

The supplied gear and guided setup make it approachable for beginners. You can also use a kayak to look around from the surface if you would rather not snorkel. The outing includes floats too, giving non-snorkelers an easy alternative while others explore.

The free photo package is a real bonus

The crew and beach staff take photos and videos during the excursion, then provide them at no extra cost. This is especially useful during the pig encounter, when it is difficult to feed an animal, stay balanced in the water, and take a good picture at the same time.

The files are sent fairly quickly after the tour. Several named crew members, including Sterling, Captain Johnny, Kenny, and Teisha, have been singled out for friendly service on past departures. The exact team changes, but the operation clearly depends on an energetic crew that helps with safety, photos, and the overall pace.

You should still bring your own waterproof phone case if you want personal pictures. The professional package is a bonus, not a guarantee that every moment or every person in your group will appear in a perfect shot. When the beach is busy, staff may have many people to photograph at once.

Who will enjoy this most

This tour suits you if you want a short, active Nassau excursion with several included features. It is particularly handy for cruise passengers, since the meeting point is near the port and past departures have returned early enough for people who wanted time back on the ship.

Families have plenty to do, from pig feeding to water toys and giant Connect Four. Teenagers may appreciate the speedboat, paddleboards, volleyball, and optional jet skis, while younger children can stick with the shallow-water pig encounter and floats.

It also works for adults traveling together. The music, rum punch, games, and upbeat crew create a social atmosphere rather than a silent beach retreat. Solo visitors can participate easily because the schedule supplies built-in activities and staff interaction.

You may want a different tour if you dislike speedboats, prefer a very small group, or want long, quiet snorkeling time. The number of people at the beach can affect your space and your photos. Also, English is the stated tour language, so ask ahead if someone in your group needs another language.

What to bring and how to plan the day

Wear a swimsuit and bring sun protection. A towel, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof pouch for valuables are practical choices for a boat-and-beach day.

Use the written meeting directions carefully. Arrive early, especially if you are walking from a cruise ship. One departure experienced a delay while waiting for late arrivals from a ship, so early arrival helps you avoid being the person holding up the boat.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Starting times and the precise duration depend on availability, so check those details before booking, especially when coordinating with a cruise schedule.

Weather matters. The crew has adjusted plans when conditions were uncertain, with safety taking priority. That can mean less time in one location or a change to the water activities. A flexible attitude is wise on any small-boat excursion.

Is this Nassau boat tour worth booking?

I would book it if you want the swimming pigs but also want a complete beach day instead of a quick animal visit. The combination of fast sightseeing, pig feeding, lunch, drinks, beach games, paddle equipment, snorkeling, and free photos gives the $140 price solid value for an active visitor.

Go in knowing what it is: a lively, packaged excursion with a private beach stop, not a secluded nature trip or a specialist snorkeling charter. The best fit is a family, couple, solo visitor, or group that wants several easy activities in one outing.

For the strongest experience, arrive early, eat something before departure, confirm the duration, and treat the reef stop as an added activity rather than the main event. If those terms suit you, the pigs, clear water, friendly crew, and unusually broad list of included extras make this one of Nassau’s better all-around boat outings.

FAQ

How much does the Nassau swimming pigs tour cost?

The listed price is $140 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The duration ranges from 150 minutes to four hours. Check available departure times for the exact length offered on your date.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina, at Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue. The boat is in the beige plaza with brown trim, the second corner on the left after Parliament Square when heading east on Bay Street.

Is cruise port pickup included?

Cruise port pickup is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with American favorites, Bahamian dishes, and vegan options.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited rum punch, soft drinks, and snacks.

Can I feed the swimming pigs?

Yes. The tour includes the pig encounter and food for feeding them in the shallow water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floats and access to kayaks and paddleboards.

Are jet skis included?

No. Jet skis are available to rent for an additional price.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live guide and listed tour language are English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve now and pay later.