Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Turtles, Snorkel & More

If you’re visiting Nassau and crave a blend of playful wildlife encounters, vibrant snorkeling, and relaxing beach time, the Swimming Pigs and Turtles Tour offered by Exuma Escapes is worth considering. This tour promises a memorable mix of underwater wildlife, cuddly pigs, and scenic island stops—all wrapped into a manageable four-hour adventure.

What we particularly like about this experience is its focus on authenticity and value. The tour takes you to Rose Island, famous for its friendly pigs, and includes a colorful reef snorkeling session, which offers a wonderful glimpse of Nassau’s marine life. Plus, the access to a private beach club for sunbathing, drinks, and leisurely time is a real highlight. On the downside, some travelers might find the expectation of swimming with pigs slightly misleading, as the tour features a show with pigs rather than extensive swimming opportunities with them.

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, especially those with limited time but eager to see some of the most unique attractions Nassau has to offer. It’s also perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for a lively yet laid-back tour that includes wildlife, scenic views, and a taste of local hospitality.

Key Points

• Efficient 4-hour experience with a well-rounded itinerary
• Snorkeling in a vibrant coral reef reserve suitable for all skill levels
• Close encounters with friendly pigs at Rose Island, plus a show
• Wildlife viewing of turtles and other sea creatures at the sanctuary
• Relaxing beach club atmosphere with tropical drinks, sunbathing, and hammocks
• Knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with local insights

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Nassau Swimming Pigs & Snorkel Tour

Starting Point and Check-In

The tour begins at Da Pig Beach on Nassau’s Montague Beach. Your guide will meet you in front of the pink building, wearing an Exuma Escapes uniform—no wandering out to the dock alone. Check-in begins 45 minutes before departure and closes 15 minutes prior, giving you ample time to settle in with a towel and some sunscreen.

Safety Briefing and Departure

Your adventure kicks off with a brief safety talk—important for the small power boats you’ll be riding in—and then it’s time for some speedboat action. The ride is short but exciting, taking you to your first stop, Athol Island.

Snorkeling at Athol Island

After a quick 15-minute boat ride, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant coral reef reserve. Here, the snorkeling is a major highlight, with clear waters and lively marine life. The reviews mention great snorkeling and a chance to see underwater wildlife, making this a worthwhile stop for all experience levels. You’ll spend about an hour exploring the reef, which is generally considered a good length for a half-day trip.

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Rose Island and the Beach Club Experience

Next up is Rose Island, home to the world-famous pigs. The tour description notes that you’ll visit, enjoy cocktails and lunch, swim, and even kayak if you wish—your time at the beach lasts approximately 2.5 hours. The beach club is praised for its scenic views, beach inflatables, and tropical drinks, including rum punch and fruit punch. The landscape is described as paradise-like, with plenty of sunbeds, cabanas, and hammocks to relax on.

Wildlife Viewing at Green Cay

A quick 10-minute stop at Green Cay offers a chance to spot local wildlife, adding a touch of nature to your day. It’s a brief but pleasant interlude, often appreciated for providing some wildlife photography opportunities.

Return Journey

The tour wraps up with a final 15-minute speedboat ride back to Nassau, arriving again at Da Pig Beach. The entire experience lasts around four hours, making it ideal for those who want a full but manageable half-day adventure.

Authentic Encounters and Real Guest Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a key factor in the tour’s popularity. Multiple travelers mention the knowledgeable guides, who make the trip enjoyable and engaging. One reviewer from Norway called it a “flott tur, med flotte guider og sted,” or a “great tour with great guides and places.”

The snorkeling gets high marks, with many appreciating the chance to see vibrant underwater life. One guest from Italy even wished they could swim with turtles rather than just see them from afar, which speaks to the quality of the marine viewing.

Regarding the pigs, reviews are mixed. While some were delighted by the “cute, tame pigs” that eat out of your hand, others note that the “small show” with pigs does not include actual swimming with them, which can be misleading if you’re expecting to jump in with pigs. As one traveler from Brazil pointed out, “it’s a small show with pigs, not swimming with them.” Transparency about this could make the experience better for future guests.

What’s Included and Practical Tips

The tour includes beverages—rum punch and fruit punch—which many guests enjoy as part of the laid-back island vibe. Remember to bring your towel, personal medication, and plenty of sunblock. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, heart or respiratory problems, or those over 70 or 300 lbs, so plan accordingly.

Pricing and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, reviews suggest the tour offers good value for what you get—an exciting mix of wildlife, scenic views, and relaxing beach time in just four hours. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and beverages adds to the appeal, and the small group size tends to enhance the experience’s intimacy.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is a solid choice for travelers craving a lively, wildlife-rich adventure combined with downtime at a beautiful beach. It’s especially good for those with limited time, as it packs several highlights into just half a day. Families with children, couples, or groups seeking a fun, laid-back experience with a hint of adventure will find it particularly appealing.

If you’re after authentic encounters with local wildlife—like the pigs and turtles—paired with scenic beauty and good value, this tour hits the mark. However, if your expectations include swimming freely with pigs or extensive wildlife interaction, you might want to clarify the specifics beforehand.

All in all, it’s a well-organized, enjoyable outing that offers a taste of Nassau’s charm—its lively marine life, iconic pigs, and relaxed island atmosphere.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best suited for people over 70 pounds and under 70 years old, with no mobility, heart, or respiratory issues. Children generally enjoy the boat rides and pig encounters.

How long does the snorkeling last?
You’ll snorkel at Athol Island for about an hour, which is enough to see some colorful fish and coral. The experience is suitable for all skill levels.

Are the pigs actually swimming?
No, the tour features a show with pigs that are quite tame—they eat from your hand. Swimming with pigs isn’t part of this experience, despite the name.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, personal medication, and plenty of sunblock. Water shoes are optional but could help on rocky beaches.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, tropical drinks such as rum punch and fruit punch are part of the experience at the beach club.

How do I find the meeting point?
Look for the guide in an Exuma Escapes uniform in front of the pink building near Da Pig Beach on Montague Beach.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this tour suitable for non-cruise travelers?
Absolutely. While it’s designed to accommodate cruise schedules, it’s equally fun for anyone wanting a half-day adventure near Nassau.

This Swimming Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkel Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Nassau’s best—playful wildlife, colorful reefs, and peaceful beaches—all in one affordable, lively package. It’s a great way to add some fun and sun to your Caribbean trip, especially if you appreciate a good mix of activity and relaxation.

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