Exuma Full Day Swimming Pigs Group Boat Tour

Exuma Full Day Swimming Pigs Group Boat Tour: An Honest Look at a Unique Bahamas Experience

If you’re dreaming of a day where you can see swimming pigs, meet friendly iguanas, and hang out with nurse sharks, then the Exuma Full Day Swimming Pigs Group Boat Tour might be just what you’re after. This guided adventure from Nassau promises a combination of wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and relaxed island vibes—all packed into roughly eight hours of lively exploration.

We love how this tour manages to tick so many memorable experiences into one day. From the moment you set out on a small-group boat—capped at just six folks—you’re treated to a more intimate, friendly atmosphere. Plus, the variety of stops, from natural wildlife to historic wrecks, offers a well-rounded taste of what the Bahamas has to offer.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a long day on the water. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more leisurely pace, the two-hour boat ride each way might be a challenge. Still, for those craving adventure and authentic encounters, the value and energy of this tour make it worth considering.

This tour suits travelers who love wildlife, enjoy being on the water, and want a full-Bahamas experience that’s both fun and memorable. It’s especially ideal for families, honeymooners, or groups of friends looking to share a lively, all-inclusive day in paradise.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: Only six travelers per boat for a more personal, engaging day.
• Wildlife encounters: Swim with nurse sharks, walk among iguanas, and meet the famous Bahamas swimming pigs.
• Convenient round-trip transport: From Nassau, making access much easier than self-driving around.
• Variety of stops: From wildlife sanctuaries to historic wrecks and tranquil sandbars.
• All-inclusive amenities: Lunch, snacks, drinks, and alcohol included for a worry-free day.
• Long but rewarding day: About 8 hours of adventure, including a lengthy boat ride and multiple activities.

The Itinerary — What to Expect at Each Stop

Allen Cay: Meeting the Iguanas and Birds

Your journey begins with a visit to Allen Cay, where the highlight is getting up close with ancient rock iguanas. These creatures are tame enough to be safely observed without disturbing them—a rare chance to see these critters in their natural habitat. The reviews point out that this stop lasts around 30 minutes, and many travelers find it a delightful highlight. One reviewer mentions, “The iguanas were so cute. Make sure you go up in the trees—there are so many in there.” Besides the iguanas, the surrounding birds add to the natural spectacle.

Compass Cay: Swimming with Nurse Sharks

Next, the boat heads to Compass Cay, home to many playful nurse sharks. This stop also lasts around 30 minutes, giving you ample time to swim among these gentle creatures. Visitors often describe this as a surreal experience—swimming inches from these usually-feared predators, which are famously harmless in this setting. One review states, “We swam amongst the nurse sharks, and it was incredible.” It’s a safe, well-organized environment that allows you to enjoy close contact with marine life without danger.

Pig Beach: The Star of the Tour

Perhaps the most famous stop, Pig Beach, is where you’ll find the adorable swimming pigs. Here, you can disembark and walk or swim among the free-roaming pigs—a truly unique photo op and bucket-list moment. Tour guides typically give you about 30 minutes to interact with these oinkers, and as one reviewer describes, “The pigs were adorable; the little piglets oinking—so cute.” Many travelers appreciate this stop for its quirky charm and Instagram-worthy moments.

Black Point: Tasting Bahamian Flavors

For lunch, the tour takes you to Black Point, where you’ll enjoy a buffet-style meal at Loraine’s, a local cafe. The menu offers many choices, including some flavors unique to the Bahamas. The hour-long stop allows travelers to relax, refuel, and socialize before the afternoon’s adventures. One guest noted, “The lunch was delicious, and everyone was so friendly,” emphasizing the authentic taste of local cuisine.

Underwater Plane Wreck of Pablo Escobar (Optional)

On the way to the final stop, the tour makes a brief detour to see the famous underwater plane wreck of Pablo Escobar’s drug smuggler, a site that intrigues history buffs and adventure lovers alike. While not a lengthy stop, it’s a notable sight that adds a touch of intrigue to your day.

Exuma Sand Bar: Relaxing in Tranquil Waters

The last stop is at a beautiful sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Here, you can swim, relax, and enjoy beverages in a remote, peaceful setting. The 60-minute stay is perfect for unwinding and soaking in the spectacular scenery. Many reviews highlight this as “the most tranquil and remote location” where travelers can truly disconnect from the world.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour features lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages (for 21+), making it a fully catered experience. This approach adds significant value, especially since you’re covering multiple stops and spending most of the day on the water. The boat ride itself is lively, with a playlist and plenty of drinks, according to reviews—“The boat ride playlist was banging, and the crew kept us entertained and well-watered,” one guest said.

While the tour doesn’t include private transportation to the meeting point, the pickup at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas makes getting there straightforward. The small group size—limited to six travelers—fosters a friendly, relaxed vibe, and reviews consistently praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge.

The Real Value — What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight that, despite the $499 price tag, the experience feels worth it. “It’s pricey, but worth every penny,” one guest comments, citing the variety of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and delicious lunch. Others emphasize the friendly guides and the well-organized nature of the trip.

A few reviews mention long boat rides—up to two hours each way—so being comfortable with sea travel is important. One traveler notes, “The boat ride was a bit choppy and wet, but it’s part of the adventure.” If you’re prone to seasickness, packing motion sickness remedies and waterproof gear is a good idea.

A handful of reviews are critical—particularly about last-minute cancellations or booking issues—but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility for changeable weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day adventure is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking to tick off multiple iconic Bahamas experiences in one go. It’s a great choice for families, honeymooners, or groups of friends who want a lively, interactive day on the water.

While it’s a long day with a lot of water travel, the variety of stops and the inclusive nature of the tour make it a compelling option. If you enjoy engaging with animals, exploring scenic spots, and tasting local flavors, this trip will deliver much more than just a boat ride.

Final Thoughts

The Exuma Full Day Swimming Pigs Group Boat Tour offers a rich and engaging taste of Bahamas wildlife and scenery. Its small-group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the variety of stops—from iguanas and sharks to pigs and sandbars—means you’re never bored.

The value for money is seen in the inclusion of lunch, drinks, and multiple memorable activities. Yes, the boat ride itself can be lengthy and occasionally choppy, but these are small prices to pay for such a diverse experience in one day.

If your idea of a perfect Bahamas day includes animal encounters, stunning vistas, and lively guides, then this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure, waterproof gear, and a camera ready to capture those adorable piglet moments.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and families are often well-represented. Keep in mind that the boat ride is long, so younger children should be comfortable with a lengthy water journey.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, waterproof clothing or ponchos (especially for the boat ride), and a waterproof camera if you want to capture the wildlife encounters.

How long is the boat ride?
Expect about two hours each way, which can be choppy. The ride is an adventure in itself, so plan accordingly if you’re prone to seasickness.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, the tour provides bottled water, soda, snacks, and alcoholic beverages (for those 21+), making it easy to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Can I cancel if the weather looks poor?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. If weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size and friendly guides create a welcoming environment for solo guests.

What’s the lunch like?
A buffet-style meal at a local cafe, with a variety of options including some Bahamian flavors, is included and generally praised for its deliciousness.

Are the wildlife encounters safe?
Yes, guides are experienced and ensure everyone’s safety while allowing close-up interactions with sharks, iguanas, and pigs.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, which is easily accessible from Nassau, making the start of your day straightforward.

In short, this tour offers a lively, wildlife-rich day that’s perfect for travelers craving authentic Bahamas experiences combined with fun, scenic boat rides, and plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable memories.