Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

Hold on to your hat, the ride gets lively. This Nassau outing combines your own two-person speedboat with a visit to Anthol Island, where you can feed swimming pigs, snorkel, and relax on a small beach. It is more hands-on than a standard boat excursion.

I especially like the freedom of taking the wheel for part of the trip and the small-group size, limited to 10 people. The early departures can also put you on the pig beach before larger boats arrive. The main concern is that transport to the meeting point may not be included, and rough weather can change the boat plan.

The experience costs $120 per person and lasts about two hours. That is strong value compared with some Nassau pig excursions, particularly if you want to operate a boat rather than simply ride on one. Just remember that this is an active outing: you may get wet, the pigs can be large and pushy, and the activity runs rain or shine.

Key Points Before You Book

• You drive a two-person speedboat: Guides remain nearby, but you get genuine time at the controls.
• Early starts help avoid crowds: The 10 a.m. departure has been especially useful for reaching the pig beach before larger groups.
• Anthol Island offers more than pigs: You can feed the animals, swim, use snorkeling equipment, and enjoy the beach area.
• The group stays small: The maximum group size is 10, which gives the guides more time to help each boat.
• Bring protection for your belongings: Several parts of the trip can leave you wet, so a waterproof phone case or dry bag is a smart choice.
• Weather can alter the route: On a windy day, the operator may use a ferry to reach the pigs and offer the speedboat ride in the harbor instead.

Why This Nassau Excursion Feels Different

Nassau has no shortage of boat trips, beach visits, and animal encounters. This one earns its price by combining three separate pleasures in a short window: operating a small speedboat, spending time with pigs in shallow sea water, and enjoying a bit of snorkeling.

The boat is designed for two people. That means you are not sitting in a large shared vessel while someone else handles every turn. You can grab the wheel and steer through the waves for part of the route, with a guide close by to keep the group together and help if you feel unsure.

That control is the big selling point. Even the trip to the island becomes part of the activity instead of just a transfer. The ride is not described as a long open-ocean voyage, but it gives you enough time to feel the spray, watch Nassau recede, and enjoy the change from town to open water.

The group limit of 10 matters here. A small group usually means less waiting and easier communication with the guides. It also gives the outing a more personal feel than a large cruise excursion with dozens of people moving through the same stops.

The operator, Cruising Adventures, uses multilingual guides who can lead in English, French, or Spanish. Several guides receive praise for being attentive and flexible. Serena, Andy, Kelly, and King are among the staff members singled out for making the outing enjoyable and helping with practical details.

Getting to the Meeting Point From Nassau

The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. The activity information does not include a standard hotel or cruise-port transfer, and that is one of the few logistical weak spots.

From the cruise port, the office or meeting area may be reachable on foot. One report puts the walk at about 25 minutes, while another describes it as a longer, hot walk through an unattractive area. Those descriptions are not necessarily contradictory: the distance may be manageable, but Nassau heat, luggage, and port crowds can make a taxi the better choice.

I would budget for a taxi unless you already know the exact meeting point and feel comfortable walking in the heat. If a taxi drops you off, keeping the driver’s number for the return trip could save time. One couple had trouble finding a ride back to the ship after the activity, and another group praised the guide for arranging a drop-off directly at the cruise ship.

If you are visiting from a cruise, leave a generous buffer. The activity lasts two hours, but that does not include the time needed to get to the meeting point or return to the ship. Cruise schedules are not forgiving, so confirm the meeting details and return plan before setting out.

Taking the Wheel Across Nassau’s Water

After check-in and the required waiver, the guide explains how the boats work. Each craft carries two people, and you can share the driving between the members of your pair.

The boats are small, which is part of the fun and part of the caution. You feel the movement of the water more than you would on a big sightseeing boat. If the sea is choppy, expect spray and a bumpy ride. Put your phone, wallet, camera, and cruise documents in a waterproof case rather than trusting a regular beach bag.

The guide remains involved throughout the ride. You are not simply sent off alone. If you are nervous about steering, you can ask for help, and one family reported that Kelly drove for a member who did not feel comfortable handling the boat. That makes the experience workable for mixed groups with different confidence levels.

The trip can include views of Nassau’s shoreline, large homes, luxury yachts, and the Atlantis area. One outing passed through Atlantis waterfalls and canals, while another saw the foundations at Atlantis on the return. The exact route may depend on weather, water conditions, and the group’s timing, so treat these sights as possible extras rather than guaranteed stops.

For many people, the boat ride is the most memorable part. The pigs are cute, but plenty of Nassau excursions offer pig encounters. Far fewer let you steer your own boat to reach them.

Arriving at Anthol Island’s Pig Beach

The island stop is simple rather than polished. You reach a small beach area, sometimes through a short walk from the boat, and meet the pigs near the water. The setting is part of the appeal: clear water, a narrow strip of sand, and a less developed feel than a large resort beach.

Guides provide food for the pigs, with melon mentioned as one offering. You can feed them from the shoreline and take photographs as they wade, swim, and crowd around visitors.

Keep your expectations sensible. These are large animals, not tiny farmyard piglets. One visitor specifically warned that some can be aggressive, and the pigs may push in when food is available. Follow the guide’s directions, keep your hands clear when needed, and do not assume every animal wants to be touched.

The water is a major part of the scene. You can get in with the pigs, cool off, and take pictures in the clear shallows. The animals may swim past you or gather near the feeding area, but nature does not work on a schedule. You might have a lively encounter, or you might spend more time watching them from the beach.

Early timing makes a real difference. Groups taking the 10 a.m. slot have reached the beach before larger operators, with some enjoying around 30 to 45 minutes of relative quiet. That is enough time to feed the pigs, take photos, and enter the water without feeling rushed by a crowd.

The island may also offer surprises. One family saw wild peacocks and sea turtles during the stop, and another group spotted an eagle ray while swimming. These sightings are not promised, but they show why it is worth looking beyond the pigs.

Snorkeling and Time in the Water

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. The activity description promises a chance to see below the surface, but it does not specify a dedicated reef site, exact snorkeling duration, or guaranteed marine life.

Think of snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book. The pig encounter and speedboat ride receive the strongest praise, while the island water gives you a chance to cool down and look around after the feeding.

You may see fish or other sea life, but conditions can vary with weather and water clarity. The same clear water that makes the pig beach photogenic can also make a short swim enjoyable even if your underwater viewing is modest.

A waterproof phone case is worth packing. You will want photos, and the combination of boat spray, swimming, and animal feeding makes ordinary pockets a poor place for electronics. Bring water too. Snacks and drinks may be available on the island, but bringing your own water gives you one less thing to arrange.

The included list also names a banana boat ride. The supplied details do not explain how long that portion lasts or whether it operates on every departure, so ask the guide about timing when you arrive. It may be an optional part of the beach stop rather than a major section of the two-hour schedule.

What Happens on a Windy or Rainy Day

The activity runs rain or shine, but that does not mean the original route is always possible. Wind can make the trip from Nassau to Anthol Island unsafe or uncomfortable.

One group encountered conditions too windy for the speedboats to reach the pigs. The operator arranged a ferry ride to the island instead, then allowed the group to operate the speedboats in the harbor after returning. The visitors still enjoyed the pigs and the boats, but the experience was not identical to the advertised open-water route.

This is a sensible safety adjustment, though it is important to understand the trade-off. If driving across the open water is your main reason for booking, a weather change may reduce that part of the outing. If you mainly want the pigs and a pleasant water activity, the backup plan can still work well.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, with a full refund under the stated policy. You can also reserve now and pay later. For a cruise stop, check the weather and your ship schedule, but remember that this is not a weather-free activity.

Is $120 Per Person Good Value?

At $120 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see pigs in the Bahamas. It is also not an apples-to-apples comparison with a simple ferry ride or a large group beach transfer.

You are paying for the boat ride, the chance to drive, the pig encounter, snorkeling equipment, the beach area, and a banana boat ride. The small group adds value because you spend less time waiting for a large crowd to load and unload.

The strongest value comes when two people can share a boat and both want to drive. Families can also make the price work if several members are excited by the boat experience. A group of three adults may need to understand how the two-person boats are assigned, since the vessels are built for pairs.

Compared with a cruise-line pig excursion, the independent booking can cost less while offering more control. One family specifically chose this option instead of a cruise-purchased pig experience and felt it was an excellent value. Another couple found a hotel option priced around $250 per person, making this outing look especially attractive.

Still, factor in transport to and from the meeting point. A taxi can add to the total, and that cost is more important for solo visitors or small parties. The best value comes when you have a pair, can reach the meeting point easily, and choose an early time.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this outing to confident swimmers, active families, couples, and anyone who wants more than a passive boat ride. Teenagers often have a clear reason to enjoy it: they can help steer, get wet, and take part in the island stop instead of simply following a guide.

It also suits cruise passengers with a comfortable amount of time in Nassau. The two-hour duration is compact, but the meeting-point transfer and possible delays need to fit inside your port schedule.

You should think twice if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition, since the activity is specifically not suitable for those groups. The small boats, waves, swimming, and wet conditions may also be a poor match if you want a quiet, dry sightseeing trip.

Parents should prepare younger children for the animals. The pigs are friendly-looking, but some are big and may push toward food. Keep close to the guides and make sure children understand that this is an animal encounter, not a petting zoo.

Practical Tips for a Better Morning

• Choose an early departure if you can. The 10 a.m. slot has often reached the beach before bigger boats, giving you more peaceful time with the pigs.
• Use a waterproof phone case. You can get wet on the speedboat, at the beach, and in the water.
• Bring drinking water and cash. Drinks and snacks may be available, but water is worth carrying and cash can help with island purchases.
• Plan your return ride. The activity information does not promise transport back to your hotel or ship, so arrange a taxi plan in advance.
• Do not overpack. The boats are small, and loose bags are awkward around spray and swimming.
• Ask about the day’s route. Weather may shift the boat portion to the harbor, and the banana boat timing may vary.
• Listen around the pigs. Let the guide show you how to feed them safely, especially when larger animals gather.

Should You Book the Speedboat and Pig Encounter?

Book it if you want a lively Nassau outing and the idea of driving a small boat sounds as good as swimming with pigs. The combination is the real attraction. You get a hands-on ride, a scenic island stop, clear water, snorkeling, and a small group rather than a standard large-boat excursion.

I would choose an early departure, arrange transport before you leave the ship or hotel, and bring waterproof storage. I would also accept that weather can change the route and that the pigs may be more forceful than their cute photographs suggest.

Skip it if you need a fully predictable cruise-port transfer, dislike choppy water, or want a long and serious snorkeling session. For everyone else, $120 is a fair price for an active two-hour experience, and the self-drive boats give it more personality than the usual Nassau beach trip.

FAQ

How long does the Nassau speedboat and pig experience last?

The activity lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

What is included in the $120 price?

The package includes the speedboat ride, pig swimming encounter, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, and access to the beach area.

Can I drive the speedboat myself?

Yes. The two-person boats allow participants to take the wheel for part of the trip. Guides remain nearby and can assist if needed.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants, making it a small-group experience.

Which languages are available?

Guides may lead the activity in English, French, or Spanish.

Is transportation from the cruise port included?

The provided activity details do not list port, hotel, or ship transportation as an inclusion. The meeting point can vary by booking option, so confirm the location and arrange your own taxi if needed.

What happens if the weather is too windy?

The activity takes place rain or shine, but the route may change for safety. In windy conditions, the operator may use a ferry to reach the pigs and offer the self-drive boats in the harbor instead.