Nassau: Swimming Pigs and Turtles Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Three islands, one boat, plenty to remember. This four-hour private trip combines swimming pigs at Athol Island, snorkeling near Pearl Island, and turtle watching at Green Cay. I like the private format for up to eight people and the easy mix of water time, wildlife, music, snacks, and drinks.

I also like that the tour keeps the day focused rather than packing in a long list of stops. The main consideration is the price: at $1,500 per group, it makes the most sense for a full group, and the listing gives mixed location details that you should confirm before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Athol Island pigs: Start with the famously friendly swimming pigs and plenty of photo opportunities.
• Pearl Island snorkeling: Spend time in clear water among coral and marine life.
• Green Cay turtles: Finish with a chance to see sea turtles in their natural setting.
• Private boat for up to eight: You share the experience only with your own party.
• Music and refreshments included: Expect chips, rum punch, fruit punch, water, and sodas.
• Montagu Beach departure: The stated meeting point is Montagu Beach dock in Nassau.

Three islands, three different reasons to get on the water

This is not a single-stop boat ride with a quick swim added at the end. The plan links three islands, with each stop offering a different kind of appeal.

Athol Island is about playful animal encounters. Pearl Island is the water stop for snorkeling. Green Cay brings the possibility of seeing turtles. That variety matters because four hours can feel short if you spend the whole time doing one activity, but it feels better paced when the scenery and purpose change along the way.

The private setup also changes the mood. You book the boat for your own group of up to eight people, rather than joining a large mixed party. That gives you more room to enjoy the stops at your own pace within the tour schedule, and it makes the outing a natural choice for families, couples traveling together, or a small group of friends.

The tour is operated by 700 Islands Adventure Tour. English is the listed tour language, and a live guide leads the outing. The supplied information does not name the individual guide, so you should not expect a particular guide by name when you book.

Athol Island and the swimming pigs

The first stop is Athol Island, where you can get into the water with the famous swimming pigs. This is the most playful part of the trip, and it is likely to be the main draw for families and anyone who wants unusual holiday photos.

You can expect the pig encounter to be hands-on in the simple sense that you are close to the animals in the water. The appeal is not a lecture about wildlife. It is the odd, cheerful sight of pigs paddling around while you enjoy an up-close moment.

Bring a towel, since you will be wet after this stop and the later water activities. A waterproof phone pouch may also be useful, though it is not listed among the included items. That suggestion is practical rather than a promise that the operator provides any special photography equipment.

The pig stop may be less appealing if you prefer quiet nature watching or feel uneasy around animals in the water. It is also worth remembering that animals do not perform on demand. The tour promises pigs, but the exact behavior and length of the encounter can vary.

The private boat helps here. You are not trying to get a photo while a large crowd moves around you, and your own group can share the moment without the usual pressure of a public excursion.

Pearl Island for coral and marine life

Next comes Pearl Island and the snorkeling portion of the trip. The water is described as clear, with coral and marine life to see below the surface. This is the most active section of the day, so it suits you if you want more than a boat ride and a quick look at the islands.

The snorkeling is included in the price, which keeps the booking simple. You do not need to arrange a separate snorkeling outing after the boat tour. The available information does not specify the equipment brand, sizes, or whether prescription masks are available, so ask ahead if you have special gear needs.

Your experience here will depend on sea conditions, visibility, and your comfort in the water. The description promises snorkeling, not a particular species list or a guaranteed length of time in the water. That is a fair distinction to keep in mind when comparing this trip with a specialist snorkeling charter.

Still, Pearl Island gives the tour a useful middle section. After the playful pig stop, you get time to focus on the sea itself. You may see coral and fish in the clear water, but the tour does not promise a specific marine encounter at this stop.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the operator about the conditions before you reserve. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and the supplied details do not describe any accessibility equipment or water supports.

Green Cay and the search for sea turtles

The final stop is Green Cay, where you have a chance to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. Unlike the pig encounter, this is a wildlife sighting rather than a guaranteed close-up interaction. That makes it quieter and more dependent on nature.

The possibility of seeing turtles gives the day a strong finish. You have already had a playful animal encounter and a snorkeling stop, then you get one more chance to watch wildlife in the water. If turtles are high on your list, this stop may be the reason the tour feels more special than a standard sandbar cruise.

At the same time, you should read the wording carefully. You are offered a chance to encounter turtles, not a guarantee that turtles will appear or remain nearby. Sea conditions, timing, and the animals themselves all matter.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is also why I would not book this tour solely for a guaranteed turtle photograph. Book it for the combination of three stops, with turtles as a welcome possibility.

What the four-hour schedule means for you

Four hours is a sensible length for this combination. You get enough time to visit three locations without committing to a full-day charter, yet the schedule will likely feel active because it includes boat travel, getting in and out of the water, snorkeling, and wildlife stops.

The listing does not provide exact departure times or the precise number of minutes at each island. You need to check availability for the available start times. Because the tour packs in three separate locations, arriving promptly at Montagu Beach dock is important.

The trip includes music, which adds a party-boat feel to the ride between stops. One verified booking from Philipp of Germany, dated July 19, 2024, praised the ride, the stops, and the music, and described the outing as suitable for the whole family. That detail is useful if you want a lively boat trip rather than a silent sightseeing cruise.

The food and drink setup is light. You receive chips, rum punch, fruit punch, water, and sodas. Lunch is not included, and neither are additional alcohol, wine, or top-shelf rum.

You should eat before the tour or plan food for afterward. Four hours on a boat with swimming and snorkeling can leave you hungry, and chips are a snack rather than a meal. If you want premium drinks, you will need to pay separately or bring your expectations down to the included basic refreshments.

The $1,500 group price: when is it good value?

The listed price is $1,500 for a group of up to eight people. If eight people share the booking, the cost works out to $187.50 per person. For four people, it becomes $375 per person, and for two people, it is $750 per person.

That math is the key to judging the value. For a full group, you are paying for a private four-hour boat outing with a guide, three island stops, snorkeling, wildlife encounters, music, and drinks. It can be a strong choice for a family or friend group that values privacy and wants several activities in one booking.

For a small party, the cost is much harder to justify. You are still receiving the private boat and guide, but you are spreading the same group rate across fewer people. If you are traveling as a couple, compare the price with a shared boat tour before committing.

The price also includes the unusual combination of pigs, snorkeling, and turtles. You are not paying only for transportation from one beach to another. You are paying for access to a planned set of stops and for the convenience of having them handled in one four-hour outing.

I would treat the private format as the main value. The snacks and drinks are welcome, but they are not what makes the price worthwhile. The real benefit is keeping your own group together and avoiding a large public boat, provided you can fill enough places.

What to bring and what to clarify first

The only stated item to bring is a towel. Pack one for the pig stop, snorkeling, and turtle stop, since all three parts may involve water.

The information does not list sunscreen, a hat, dry clothes, waterproof storage, or personal snorkeling gear as required items. You may still want those basics for a boat day, but the operator has only specifically identified a towel. Ask about equipment details if you have concerns about mask fit or personal gear.

There is one important point to clarify before you pay. The experience is presented as a Nassau tour, with Montagu Beach dock as the meeting point, but the location field also identifies South Andros, Bahamas. Those are different place references. Confirm the exact departure dock, island, and transfer plan directly with 700 Islands Adventure Tour so you do not arrive at the wrong place.

The tour includes a separate entrance for skipping the line, according to the supplied details. That suggests the operator has a dedicated access arrangement, but it does not change the need to confirm where you should check in.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still shifting. Check the available starting time before you finalize your plans.

Who will enjoy this private boat trip most?

I would recommend it first to a group of six to eight people. The per-person cost becomes much more reasonable, and a private boat gives the whole group a shared day without strangers joining every stop.

Families are another good match. The pigs provide a playful moment, the snorkeling adds activity, and the turtles give the day a wildlife focus. The July 2024 booking specifically praised the family appeal, along with the ride, stops, and music.

This also suits you if you want variety. Some boat outings are mostly about sitting on the water, while others focus only on snorkeling. Here, you move between animal encounters, underwater viewing, and a chance to spot turtles.

You may want to choose another option if you need a low-cost trip for one or two people, a full lunch, premium alcohol, wheelchair access, or a guaranteed turtle sighting. The tour is also not designed for people with mobility impairments, based on the stated restrictions.

Should you book the swimming pigs, snorkeling, and turtles tour?

Book it if you can share the $1,500 price with a large group and want a private four-hour outing with a playful start, active snorkeling, and a quieter wildlife finish. The mix of Athol Island, Pearl Island, and Green Cay gives you more variety than a single-stop boat ride, while the music and refreshments keep the ride between stops easygoing.

Think twice if your group is small or your priority is a full meal, top-shelf drinks, or a guaranteed encounter with turtles. Before booking, confirm the Nassau and South Andros location details, then bring a towel and plan food around the tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The stated meeting point is Montagu Beach dock.

How long does the boat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is listed as a private group experience for up to eight people.

What activities are included?

The tour includes swimming with pigs at Athol Island, snorkeling near Pearl Island, and a chance to encounter turtles at Green Cay.

What drinks and snacks are provided?

Included refreshments are chips, rum punch, fruit punch, water, and sodas.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and other food are not included. Additional alcohol, wine, and top-shelf rum are also excluded.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.