Nassau: 3 Islands Boat w/ Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling & Turtle

Planning a day in Nassau that’s packed with memorable wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and a touch of adventure? This guided tour offers all that in just three hours, taking you to three different islands where you’ll swim with pigs, spot sea turtles, snorkel vibrant reefs, and unwind at a charming beach bar. It’s a whirlwind of natural wonders, human-animal interactions, and laid-back island vibes.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to swim with the famous Bahamas pigs — a quirky, photo-worthy experience that’s become a must-do for many visitors. Second, the carefully curated itinerary ensures you get plenty of time for snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and relaxing without feeling rushed. But, as with all adventure-packed excursions, there are a few things to consider, such as the variable conditions during water activities. This tour suits travelers who love wildlife, enjoy a mix of activities, and appreciate the scenic beauty of the Bahamas in a compact package.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: Swim with the iconic Bahamas pigs and see sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Diverse islands: Visit three distinct islands, each offering unique scenery and experiences.
• Snorkeling: Discover colorful marine life off Pearl Island’s pristine shores.
• Relaxation: Enjoy leisure time on Rose Island’s beautiful beach and bar.
• Practical value: Well-organized tour with a focus on maximizing animal encounters and scenic views.
• Group size & safety: Experienced guides ensure safety and fun, although conditions can vary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Nassau 3 Islands Boat Tour

If you’re heading to Nassau and craving a mix of wildlife, water fun, and island scenery, this 3-hour boat adventure could be just what you’re after. It offers a compact yet rich experience, perfect for those wanting a taste of the Bahamas’ natural charms without committing to a multi-day or more expensive private tour.

Starting Point & Transportation

The tour begins with a convenient pickup either from downtown Nassau at Senor Frogs or from Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville on Paradise Island. From there, a speedy 15-minute ride on a well-equipped boat whisks you to your first stop. The vessels are described as beautiful and photo-ready, and the small group size (around 24 guests) helps keep things intimate and manageable.

Pearl Island: Snorkeling & Marine Life

Your first destination is Pearl Island, where you’ll snorkel off the boat’s side. Expect to see a lively underwater scene, with colorful fish and coral reefs just a few feet below the surface. The water here is crystal clear, making it ideal for photography and underwater viewing. With approximately 45 minutes allocated, you’ll have enough time to float and explore, although the depth is around 10 feet, suitable for most swimmers.

One traveler mentioned the “picturesque” marine life, emphasizing how the vibrant fish and coral create a memorable snorkeling experience. However, a few reviews pointed out that the actual snorkeling site can vary, and some might find the marine life less abundant than expected — but the overall consensus remains positive about the underwater scenery.

Green Cay: Turtle Spotting

Next, your boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Green Cay. Here, the main attraction is observing sea turtles in their natural environment. The guides assist in spotting these gentle creatures, often seen gliding gracefully through the water. Many visitors find this encounter serene and captivating, noting it as a highlight of the trip.

A reviewer mentioned that turtle sightings can sometimes be a bit sparse, calling the experience “a bit dull” when only a few turtles surface. Still, most guests appreciate the opportunity to see these animals in the wild, especially when the guides are engaged and informative.

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Rose Island: Swimming Pigs & Beachside Relaxation

The most talked-about part of the tour is the swimming pigs at Rose Island. These friendly, playful animals have become a signature experience in the Bahamas, and you’ll get the chance to swim, feed, and interact with them. One major perk is that the pigs love water, so don’t be surprised if they come swimming right up to you. It’s a surprisingly joyful, laughter-filled moment that many guests rave about.

According to reviews, the pig swim is well-organized, with guides ensuring safety and fun. You’ll spend about an hour here, with time also allocated for relaxing at the beach bar, where you can enjoy drinks, lunch, or just soak in the beautiful ocean views. The beach bar is described as charming, with a calm, laid-back vibe perfect for unwinding after the water activities.

Additional Activities & Relaxation

While the main attractions are the pigs, turtles, and snorkeling, the tour also allows time for kayaking and enjoying the scenery. Guests have noted the warm sand, clear waters, and the chance to simply chill on the beach with a cocktail or meal. It’s a good way to balance the adventure with some downtime.

The Return Journey & Overall Experience

After your time at Rose Island, the boat heads back to Nassau in about 25 minutes. Most reviews consistently praise the smooth organization and friendly guides, with several describing the experience as “the time of their lives.”

Some reviews highlight the excellent value, considering the variety of activities packed into the 3-hour window. One traveler mentioned that, despite initial doubts about the cost, the experience was well worth it for the memorable wildlife interactions and scenic beauty.

Safety & Practical Tips

The tour emphasizes safety, with guides providing instructions during each activity. It’s important to note that the experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or anyone uncomfortable in open water. During snorkeling, conditions can vary, and at least one reviewer recounted a challenging moment in rip tide conditions, so staying attentive and following guides’ advice is essential.

For packing, bring a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Cash is recommended for food and drinks at Rose Island’s beach bar. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy—full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, highlighting their safety instructions and lively attitude. One traveler appreciated the “fun and super kind” guides who made the day enjoyable. Conversely, a few reviews pointed out that snorkeling conditions can vary, and in rare cases, safety concerns may arise if the crew isn’t experienced enough, so paying attention to instructions is key.

People loved the scenic views, often mentioning how beautiful the islands are and how the water’s clarity enhances the experience. Many found the wildlife encounters to be a highlight, with swimming pigs, turtles, and marine life creating lifelong memories.

Price & Value

While the tour isn’t the cheapest option, most reviews argue that it offers good value for money given the diversity of activities packed into three hours. It combines wildlife encounters, water activities, and scenic relaxation, which would cost more if booked separately or in different tours. The inclusion of lunch and drinks at Rose Island adds to the value, especially since many other tours charge extra for food or beverages.

Final Thoughts

This Nassau-based boat tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, adventure, and relaxation. If you enjoy swimming with animals, snorkeling, and exploring multiple islands in a short period, it’s a solid choice. The well-organized itinerary ensures you see the big highlights without feeling overwhelmed, and the scenic beauty of the Bahamas shines through at every stop.

It’s especially suited for travelers who aren’t afraid of a bit of water activity, love wildlife encounters, and want a fun, photo-worthy experience. Families, couples, and groups of friends all find plenty to enjoy here. Keep in mind the safety considerations and variable snorkeling conditions, but overall, this trip promises one of those “wow” moments you’ll remember long after your vacation ends.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including boat rides, activities, and free time on the islands.

Where do I meet the tour?
Guests staying in Nassau can meet at Senor Frogs downtown Nassau; those on Paradise Island can meet at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. The boat will have Delfincharters on both sides of the dock.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash for food and drinks at Rose Island’s beach bar.

Is snorkeling safe?
Guides provide instructions and assistance, but conditions can vary. Always follow safety advice, especially since some reviews mention challenging situations like rip tides.

Can I swim with the pigs?
Yes, the main highlight is swimming and feeding the pigs at Rose Island. They love the water and are friendly, creating memorable moments.

Are there age restrictions?
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or those uncomfortable in open water.

What is the cost relative to the experience?
While not the cheapest, the tour’s combination of wildlife, snorkeling, and scenery offers good overall value, especially with included lunch and drinks.

What do travelers most love about this tour?
Guests frequently mention the stunning underwater scenery, the fun interactions with the pigs, and the beautiful island views as highlights of the day.

In the end, if your goal is to blend wildlife fun, scenic island stops, and a touch of adventure in a manageable time, this Nassau boat tour hits the mark. It’s a lively, well-organized outing that delivers on its promises of wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and relaxing beach time—all in a compact, enjoyable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby