Exuma Day Away – Original Swimming Pigs Excursion

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a full-day adventure in the Bahamas that combines wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and lively boat rides, then the Exuma Day Away – Original Swimming Pigs Excursion offers a compelling option. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a memorable experience for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

What stands out most is how this tour balances wildlife interaction—from feeding iguanas to swimming with sharks and pigs—with breathtaking water views of the Exuma Cays. Plus, the all-included lunch and transportation make it easy to relax and enjoy the day.

However, it’s important to note the long boat rides—over 200 miles of travel in one day—might be tiring for some, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a more relaxed pace. This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who love animals, enjoy boat trips, and are prepared for a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters like swimming pigs, feeding iguanas, and shark swims provide authentic, up-close animal experiences.
• Scenic water views of the Exuma Cays make this a visual feast — perfect for photography.
• The all-day tour includes multiple stops with varied activities, offering excellent value.
• Guides and crew are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness.
• The long boat rides may be tiring, but they enable covering multiple islands in one trip.
• The cost reflects a comprehensive experience, including meals, fees, and water activities.

Overview of the Tour

This is a power boat adventure that departs from Nassau at 8:00 am, taking you on a journey through some of the Bahamas’ most famous wildlife spots and scenic cays. It lasts roughly 8.5 hours, with plenty of opportunities for animal interaction, sightseeing, and enjoying the Caribbean’s famous waters.

The tour is designed with first-time visitors in mind but also suits those eager for a comprehensive Bahamian experience packed into one day. For a moderate price of $438 per person, you get a well-rounded package that includes lunch, boat rides, and all fees, making it straightforward and convenient.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Great Guana Cay

Your journey begins with a brief visit to Great Guana Cay, where you’ll get to see Bahamian rock iguanas in their natural habitat. The iguana feeding experience is a highlight, giving travelers a chance to interact with these shy but fascinating creatures. This part of the tour lasts about 15 minutes and is free, making it a great introduction to the island’s wildlife.

What you’ll love: The chance to observe iguanas in the wild and learn about this protected species from a knowledgeable guide. Multiple reviewers mention how friendly and engaging the crew is during this part, making it a good warm-up.

Consideration: Since the iguanas might be shy, don’t expect them to come right up—patience is key. Also, no admission fee applies here, but it’s an authentic encounter that adds value.

Stop 2: Compass Cay

Next, the adventure ramps up with a shark swim at Compass Cay. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in open water interaction with nurse sharks—some as friendly as puppies. You can choose between shallow or deeper water interactions based on your comfort level.

What you’ll love: This stop is widely praised for its unique, adrenaline-pumping experience. One reviewer calls it the “number 1” activity, and many mention the friendly sharks that seem almost tame, thanks to the guides’ careful supervision.

Consideration: The shark swim lasts about 30 minutes, and while exhilarating, it involves water activity that might be challenging for some. The experience is included in the tour, but if you’re nervous about sharks, consider your comfort level beforehand.

Stop 3: Pig Beach

This is the main event—the reason many book this tour. The famous swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay are a must-see. These adorable animals wade into the water awaiting treats, and visitors can feed, pet, and swim with them.

What you’ll love: As one reviewer notes, “The pigs were exciting,” and many describe the experience as “surreal” and “unique.” The pigs are quite accustomed to people, making it a fun, interactive experience.

Consideration: The stop here lasts about 45 minutes, so it’s wise to arrive early and be ready to get in the water quickly—no changing rooms are available, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Some guests mention that if you want longer with the pigs, they wish the stop was extended.

Stop 4: Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

After the pigs, you get a chance to see the shifting sand bars at low tide—an iconic part of the Exumas. The captain will pick a sandbar, usually during transit, for a quick visit.

What you’ll love: The sand bars offer excellent photo ops and a true sense of the Bahamas’ natural beauty. The view of shallow, clear waters is unforgettable for many, with some mentioning it as a “must-see” highlight.

Consideration: The stop is brief—about 20 minutes—and varies depending on the tides and sandbar availability.

Optional: Pablo Escobar Sunken Plane Wreck

Your final water-viewing stop is the famous Pablo Escobar plane wreck off Norman’s Cay. For those interested in history or just wanting a cool photo, it’s an interesting sight.

What you’ll love: It adds a touch of intrigue and a cinematic backdrop for photos.

Consideration: It’s a quick pass-by rather than an in-depth exploration, but it’s a memorable piece of the Bahamas’ story.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price covers all the essentials: round-trip transportation from Nassau, a local guide, bottled water, lunch at Black Point Yacht Club, landing and facility fees, and all water activity fees—like the shark swim and pig interaction. Alcoholic beverages are also available.

Towels are not included, so pack your own, along with sunblock. The tour boasts a maximum of 36 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable group size.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $438 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering the all-inclusive nature, the variety of stops, and the chance to see so many iconic Bahamian animals, many travelers agree it’s worthwhile. Reviewers frequently mention the good value—especially when compared to booking separate activities or transportation.

The long boat rides might be a downside for some, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer shorter excursions. One reviewer pointed out that about five hours of the trip are spent on the boat, with each stop lasting around 15-45 minutes. They also noted that the crew manages large groups well, providing a safe and enjoyable climate despite the bumpy ride.

The lunch at Black Point Yacht Club garners praise for its delicious Bahamian cuisine, offering a taste of local flavors in a pleasant setting. This meal is a significant part of the tour’s value, providing a break and a chance to relax with fellow travelers.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

Many reviewers highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience both fun and educational. Comments such as “great crew,” “informative,” and “sociable yet safety-conscious” suggest that the guiding staff are a key part of why this tour is successful.

Animal lovers rave about swimming with nurse sharks, pigs, and feeding iguanas. The authenticity of these encounters is a big draw—these aren’t staged tourist traps, but genuine moments with wild animals carefully managed by experienced guides.

Some, however, have noted that boat rides can be long and bumpy. One review mentioned the boat ride lasting over five hours, with travel accounting for the majority of the time. If comfort is a priority, consider this before booking.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of the Bahamas’ most iconic wildlife and scenery, all packed into a single day. It’s perfect for adventure seekers, animal lovers, and those eager to maximize their time exploring multiple islands and attractions in one trip.

While it comes with the challenge of long boat rides, the diversity of stops—from swimming pigs to sharks, iguanas, and stunning sandbars—more than compensates for that. The value for money is evident in the number and quality of experiences included, especially with the meals and all fees covered.

For travelers looking for a full-throttle Bahamian adventure that’s lively, authentic, and packed with memorable wildlife encounters, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to wear your swimsuit early, bring sunblock, and prepare for a day that’s as fun as it is full.

FAQs

How early do I need to arrive?
You should plan to arrive at the meeting point (Montagu Beach) before 8:00 am, as the tour departs promptly at that time.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring towels, sunblock, and your swimwear under your clothes for quick access. Alcoholic beverages are available on the boat, but it’s best to hydrate beforehand.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3 and older can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The physical activity and boat ride may be long, so consider your child’s comfort with water and motion.

Are vegetarian options available during lunch?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available; please advise at the time of booking.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the group size large?
The maximum group size is 36 travelers, which ensures a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Can I do this tour if I’m prone to motion sickness?
Because of the lengthy boat rides, if you’re susceptible to seasickness, bring medication and be prepared for bumpy waters.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the activity and tides. The overall day includes travel time, so patience is recommended.

This detailed review should help you decide if this full-day Bahamian adventure ticks all your boxes for wildlife, scenery, and fun. It promises a day packed with genuine experiences and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos—just be ready for a busy, bumpy, but ultimately rewarding ride.