Swim with the Pigs Safari in Bahamas (2hrs)

The star of this two-hour boat safari is the stop at Atholl Island, where you can stand in shallow water with swimming pigs, feed them, and take photos. The ride also threads through Atlantis tunnels and finishes with reef snorkeling near Pearl Island, so the short schedule packs in plenty.

I like the smart route and the fact that snorkeling gear is supplied, saving you a rental hassle. I also like the small maximum group of 20, with some departures running almost like private trips. The catch is simple: two hours goes fast, and weather or boat conditions can affect how much time you get at each stop.

Key points at a glance

• Swim with pigs at Atholl Island: Feed and interact with the pigs, or relax on beach chairs and swings if you prefer to stay dry.
• Cruise through Atlantis tunnels: See saltwater falls and the lost-city setting from a boat, a view you cannot get from the road.
• Snorkel at Pearl Island: Use the included equipment to see coral and underwater wildlife.
• Good for cruise schedules: Morning and afternoon departures make this practical when your port time is short.
• Small-group feel: The boat holds no more than 20 people, and some outings have had only a few passengers.
• Useful inclusions: A bottle of water, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and snorkeling gear are part of the experience.

Why this short Nassau tour works

Many Nassau boat trips ask you to choose one main activity. This one gives you three: an Atlantis cruise, a pig encounter, and reef snorkeling. That makes the $175 price easier to understand, especially if you want variety rather than a full day devoted to one beach.

I would think of this as a quick sampler of the Bahamas by water. You get a look at the grand resort side of Nassau, a playful stop with animals, and time in the sea. It is not a leisurely island day, but it gives you several photo-worthy settings without taking over your whole schedule.

The boat departs from Colours of The Bahamas in Nassau and returns to the same meeting point. Morning and afternoon options help you fit the trip around a cruise stop or another Nassau plan. Since the tour is only about two hours, you spend less time waiting and more time moving between the sights.

The small capacity matters. A maximum of 20 people is far more manageable than a large party boat, and some departures have been nearly private. Families of six have had the boat to themselves, while other outings included just two families or a couple of small groups.

That setup can make the pig stop feel more personal. Captains and crew members have included Tiggy, Lee, Meko, TC, Reggie, Tegge, and TJ. The names vary by departure, but the repeated praise is clear: the crew takes photos, explains how to feed the pigs, and keeps an eye on the group.

Cruising past Atlantis by boat

The first 30 minutes take you through the tunnels at Atlantis Bahamas. These passages are reached by water, and the boat passes through a setting with saltwater falls and the resort’s lost-city theme.

This is not an Atlantis resort admission or a land tour of the aquarium areas. You are seeing the exterior and tunnel sections from the boat, which gives you a different angle on Paradise Island. If you enjoy architectural photos, this opening section offers a strong start before the more hands-on stops.

You may also see the large homes along Paradise Island during this part of the ride. The boat route gives you a quick look at the contrast between Nassau’s resort waterfront and the smaller islands and cays that follow.

The Atlantis portion is best treated as a scenic cruise rather than the main event. Thirty minutes is enough to take pictures and get oriented, but not enough for a long stop. Keep your camera ready, and protect it from spray if the boat is moving quickly.

Meeting the swimming pigs at Atholl Island

Atholl Island is the emotional center of the trip. The boat spends about 30 minutes here, giving you time to enter the water, feed the pigs, and take pictures as they paddle around you.

The crew gives instructions on how to interact with the animals. That guidance matters, especially if you are bringing children or have never handled swimming pigs before. You can follow the feeding directions, take your photos, and let the crew help you stay comfortable around the animals.

The pigs are the reason most people choose this excursion, and the experience is more active than simply watching them from a beach. You get close enough to see them swimming and feeding, with the island setting behind you. It is a playful stop, but the time limit means you should be ready to join in soon after the boat arrives.

You do not have to get in the water. Beach chairs and swings are available for anyone who would rather sunbathe, relax, or photograph the action from shore. That flexibility helps families and mixed groups, since not everyone has to choose the same level of activity.

I would wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, even though towels are not listed as an included item. Sunglasses are also worth packing. One guest specifically advised bringing sunglasses and a towel, and that is sensible advice for a sunny boat outing with time in the water.

The photo service can be useful here. Crew members have taken lots of pictures for families and couples, including shots with the pigs. If you do not receive your photos right away, BahaWaterTours says you can request them through its listed WhatsApp number or social media pages. Keep that contact option in mind before leaving the meeting point.

One small caution: pigs are still animals, not trained photo props. Follow the crew’s instructions, give yourself room, and avoid assuming every photo will be easy. The 30-minute stop is enough for a good encounter, but it is not an all-afternoon animal visit.

Snorkeling over coral at Pearl Island

The final stop is Pearl Island, where the boat pauses at a coral reef for about an hour. This is the longest section of the trip and gives you time to swim, snorkel, and look for underwater wildlife.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment and helps you get suited up and on and off the boat. That is a real convenience at this price. You do not need to arrange a separate mask and snorkel rental, and beginners can ask for help before entering the water.

The reef stop balances the pig encounter well. Atholl Island is lively and photo-focused, while Pearl Island gives you a quieter hour in the sea. You can look for coral and marine life, swim, or simply enjoy the water if you are not intent on spotting every fish.

The snorkeling is included, but conditions can vary. Water clarity, wind, and sea movement affect what you see. This is a short reef visit, not a specialist snorkeling expedition, so I would book it for a pleasant introduction to local marine life rather than a serious underwater survey.

Since the tour ends here before returning to Nassau, save some energy for this stop. It is easy to spend all your enthusiasm with the pigs and then find that the reef section is your longest chance to swim. If snorkeling is important to you, make sure you allow enough time for the equipment fitting and water entry.

What the $175 price includes

At $175 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Nassau. The value depends on how much you want to do in a limited window.

The price includes the boat trip, the Atlantis cruise, the Atholl Island pig stop, Pearl Island snorkeling, snorkeling equipment, a bottle of water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. You are paying for a compact package rather than adding separate costs for gear and refreshments.

The small-group limit also improves the value. A boat with no more than 20 people should make boarding, equipment help, and photo-taking easier than on a large excursion. When the departure has only a few passengers, the experience can feel like a private charter without the full cost of hiring a boat.

I would call the price fair for a cruise passenger who wants a lot from two hours and does not want to arrange separate transport, pig access, and snorkeling. It is less compelling if you want a slow beach day or plan to spend most of your time at Atlantis, since neither of those goals receives a long dedicated visit.

Included alcoholic beverages may not matter to families or anyone who does not drink, but the water and snacks are useful for everyone. You should still bring sunglasses and a towel, and you may want sun protection for the boat and beach portions.

Timing, meeting point, and group size

The meeting point is Colours of The Bahamas at 3MH4+M84 in Nassau. The excursion ends back at that same location, which keeps the plan simple and avoids a one-way transfer problem.

Morning and afternoon departures give you some control. Cruise passengers should compare the selected start time with their all-aboard deadline and leave a generous margin for returning to the ship. The boat tour itself is about two hours, but you should also allow time to reach the meeting point and get back to your vessel or hotel.

The published stop times total two hours:

• Atlantis Bahamas: 30 minutes
• Atholl Island: 30 minutes
• Pearl Island: 1 hour

Those numbers explain the tour’s appeal and its limit. You see three settings without committing a full day, but there is no room for a long unscheduled beach stay. Plan to be ready at the start time rather than expecting a relaxed departure window.

The activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The maximum group size is 20. No special accessibility details are provided, so you should ask BahaWaterTours directly if you need specific boarding or water-entry assistance.

The crew and the small-group advantage

A good short tour depends heavily on the crew. With only two hours, you need people who keep the route moving without making it feel rushed.

Captains named on different departures include Tiggy, Lee, Meko, TC, Reggie, Tegge, and TJ. They have been praised for island information, clear instructions, friendly service, and making sure everyone had what they needed. One crew pairing took lots of photos and helped a mother and daughter enjoy the trip, while another made a family of six feel well looked after when they were the only passengers.

Do not assume you will have a private boat. The stated maximum is 20, and the size depends on your departure. Still, the possibility of a very small group is a useful advantage, especially if you prefer a more personal outing.

The crew also helps bridge the experience between sightseeing and activity. They can point out island features during the ride, explain how to feed the pigs, and assist with snorkeling gear. That combination is valuable for first-time visitors who want guidance without signing up for a full-day organized program.

Who should book this pig safari

I would recommend this experience to you if:

• You have only two hours in Nassau.
• You are a cruise passenger with a tight port schedule.
• You want pigs, snorkeling, and sightseeing in one outing.
• You like boat rides and photo stops.
• You prefer a small group to a large party vessel.
• You are traveling with family members who may want different activities.

It is especially useful for a group with mixed interests. One person can interact with the pigs, another can relax on a beach chair, and everyone can join the reef stop afterward.

I would hesitate if you want a long, quiet beach day, a serious snorkeling session, or a full tour of Atlantis. The schedule is compact, and each stop has a clear time limit. You should also be comfortable with a boat-based day in which weather affects the plan.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. That policy makes early planning sensible, particularly if your cruise schedule is fixed.

Should you book the two-hour Nassau pig safari?

Book it if you want maximum variety in minimum time. The route gives you Atlantis views, a memorable pig encounter, and coral reef snorkeling, while the included equipment and refreshments remove several small hassles.

At $175, this is best value for a short Nassau stop, not for a slow island holiday. Bring sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and a camera you can protect from water. If you want the pigs but also want to see more of the Bahamas than one beach, this efficient boat trip makes a strong case for itself.

FAQ

How long is the Swim with the Pigs Safari in the Bahamas?

The experience lasts approximately two hours. The planned stops include 30 minutes at Atlantis Bahamas, 30 minutes at Atholl Island, and one hour at Pearl Island.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Colours of The Bahamas, located at 3MH4+M84 in Nassau. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the price per person?

The listed price is $175 per person.

Are snorkeling supplies included?

Yes. The crew provides snorkeling gear and assists you with getting equipped and boarding or leaving the vessel for the snorkeling stop.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. Morning and afternoon tours are available, which can help you fit the outing into a cruise or Nassau schedule.

What happens at Atholl Island?

You can interact with and feed the swimming pigs as they move through the water. Beach chairs and swings are also available if you prefer to relax or stay on shore.

Are food and drinks included?

A bottle of water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are included.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people. Some departures may be much smaller, but a private boat is not guaranteed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.