Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Lunch, & Beach Boat Tour

The pigs are only the beginning. This Nassau boat trip packs a speedboat ride, a private beach, swimming pigs, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and beach games into a short outing that makes good use of limited time. I especially like the friendly, energetic crew and the free professional photo and video package, two details that make the day feel easier and better value.

The main thing to consider is the schedule. The experience is listed as lasting from 150 minutes to four hours, depending on the departure, and the beach, pig encounter, snorkeling, and boat sightseeing all compete for your time. If you want a long, quiet beach day, this may feel busy. If you want several classic Bahamas activities in one outing, it is a strong choice.

Key details at a glance

• Swimming pigs on the route: Feed, pet, and photograph the pigs in shallow, clear water near the private beach setting.
• A fast Nassau departure: The speedboat leaves from Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina, close to the cruise port.
• More than a pig stop: You get snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, floats, games, hammocks, and a plated lunch.
• Drinks included: Unlimited rum punch, soft drinks, snacks, and local-style food are part of the package.
• Useful for short port visits: The tour combines sightseeing around Nassau, Paradise Island, and Atlantis with the main beach activities.
• Extra cost to plan for: Jet skis are available, but they are not included in the $140 price.

Why this Nassau boat tour works so well

At $140 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a beach near Nassau. It can be good value, though, because the price covers the boat, guides, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, rum punch, snorkeling equipment, beach access, water toys, and several organized activities.

You are also getting a boat trip rather than simply a transfer to a beach. The route gives you views of Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island, Atlantis, Versailles Gardens and the French Cloister, Fort Montagu, Sun Cay, Rose Island, and Blue Lagoon Island. Many of these are viewed from the water, so think of them as passing sights, not full visits.

The strongest part of the package is its mix. You can spend ten minutes feeding pigs, then settle into a hammock. You can play volleyball, paddle a kayak, or take a swim. You can also do very little, which matters after a lively speedboat ride.

The tour has received a 4.5 rating from 421 reviews, with repeated praise for the crew, food, pigs, snorkeling, clean boat, and included photos. Several people specifically liked that the staff remembered names, kept children entertained, and helped solo participants feel included.

Finding the Bahamas Jet Boat meeting point

You meet at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters inside Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina. From the cruise port, head left after leaving the port area. One review described the walk as about eight minutes, though you should allow extra time if the harbor is crowded or you are finding the plaza for the first time.

The address can be easy to miss. Heading east on Bay Street, look for the second corner on the left after Parliament Square. The boat office is in a beige plaza with brown trim at Bay Street and Elisabeth Avenue.

Do not rely blindly on Apple Maps. One person found that the map pointed to the wrong place, while nearby locals knew the marina location and helped. Arriving early is sensible, especially if you are coming from a cruise ship. One past departure waited for passengers who were late leaving their ship, which delayed the start for those already at the meeting point.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Cruise port pickup is included, but the supplied meeting details still direct you to the company headquarters, so check your confirmation for the exact arrangement.

Nassau Harbor and the quick sightseeing cruise

Once aboard, the ride begins with light snacks and drinks. The crew gives an introduction to Nassau Harbor and points out sights as the boat moves toward the islands.

You may pass the cruise port, Nassau, Atlantis Bahamas, Paradise Island, Versailles Gardens and the French Cloister, and Fort Montagu. The boat may also offer views of private homes and island scenery. Several people enjoyed the informal sightseeing, especially the chance to see Atlantis from the water and hear about notable houses along the way.

The speedboat makes this a practical choice if you do not enjoy long boat transfers. One person chose the tour specifically because the trip to the pig beach was quick, while another described the ride as smooth and fun. Speed does not mean the boat is perfectly calm, though. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew directs you and pay attention to the safety briefing.

The ride is part transportation, part entertainment. The crew keeps the mood lively with jokes, music, and conversation. That energy is a major plus for families and groups, but it may feel loud if you want a quiet nature cruise.

Meeting the swimming pigs near Athol Island

The pig encounter is the central event, and it is handled in shallow water near the private beach area. Staff provide food so you can feed the pigs, pet them, and take photos while they wade around your legs.

The animals are the stars for good reason. The smaller pigs are especially cute, and some past outings included chances to see or hold piglets. Staff also give safety advice, including how to avoid getting stepped on. Pigs are friendly, but they are still sturdy animals with strong appetites, so keep your hands clear when food is present and follow instructions.

The water is one of the most memorable parts. The clear shallows make it easy to watch the pigs move around, and the bright beach setting gives you the classic Bahamas photo backdrop.

Crowding can affect this portion. One person felt too many people were in the water at once, making photos harder. Other outings reached the pig beach early, before a larger boat arrived, and felt much more relaxed. Your exact experience depends on the day and the other boats nearby.

The staff keep the area tidy, including quick cleanup when needed. That is a small but important detail at a beach where animals are part of the attraction.

A private beach with plenty to do

After the pig encounter, you have time on the beach. The setting includes golden sand, turquoise water, lounge chairs, hammocks, swings, floats, and water toys. A water slide and a floating trampoline were also highlighted in past visits, although the exact equipment available can vary.

The beach program is unusually broad for a tour of this length. You can choose from:

• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Volleyball
• Cornhole
• Frisbee
• Tug of war
• Giant Connect Four
• Hatchet toss
• Individual and group floats
• Hammocks and swings

This is where the experience works particularly well for mixed groups. One adult can relax with a rum punch while teenagers play games or use the water equipment. Families with children have plenty to fill the beach break, while solo visitors can join group activities or simply enjoy the shore.

You should not expect a remote, empty island experience. This is an organized beach stop with staff, food service, equipment, games, and other participants. The benefit is convenience. You do not need to rent most equipment or plan separate activities. The tradeoff is that the area can feel social rather than secluded.

Snorkeling over a coral reef

After the beach and pig visit, the boat heads to a reef area for snorkeling. Equipment is included, and staff provide a safety briefing before you enter the water.

The snorkeling quality can vary with weather and the exact stop. Many people saw large numbers of tropical fish in clear water and called this part a highlight. Others found the reef only average. That is normal for an open-water activity, where visibility, current, sunlight, and marine life change from day to day.

The tour may also allow you to explore with kayaks or paddleboards. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the conditions before entering. The equipment is supplied, but your comfort in the water still matters.

I like that snorkeling is included rather than offered as a separate upgrade. It gives the trip a natural change of pace: animals at the pig beach, games and rest on shore, then fish and coral in the sea. Do not book it solely for advanced snorkeling, though. The main appeal is the full combination.

Lunch, rum punch, and what you actually eat

Lunch is served on the beach and includes American favorites, Bahamian classics, and vegan options. Past comments range from praise for the chef and generous portions to one clear warning that a serving felt more like a snack.

That difference is worth noting. You should enjoy the meal, but do not assume it replaces a large breakfast, especially if you are spending the day in the sun and swimming. Eating something before departure is sensible for anyone with a big appetite.

Unlimited rum punch is included, along with soft drinks and snacks. The drinks help make the package worthwhile, particularly if you would otherwise spend money on refreshments at a beach club. Drink responsibly, since you still have boat travel and water activities ahead.

The combination of lunch, snacks, and drinks is also useful for families. You can focus on the day rather than finding food at another stop. Vegan choices are specifically listed, though you may want to confirm the exact meal options when booking if you have allergies or strict dietary needs.

Free photos make a real difference

The complimentary photo and video package is one of the best features here. Staff take pictures during the pig encounter, beach activities, and snorkeling portions, then send them to you after the outing.

This solves a common problem. You can enjoy the pigs without keeping one hand on your phone, and you do not have to risk your camera in salt water. Several people were particularly pleased that the images arrived quickly or were available to download at no extra charge.

Do not assume every picture will be perfect. Group tours produce a mix of candid shots and posed photos, and busy water conditions can make it hard to capture every moment. Still, free professional images add real value to a $140 excursion.

Crew service and the overall mood

The crew is a major reason this tour receives such strong feedback. Guides and captains described in past outings include Sterling, Captain Johnny, Kenny, and Teisha. Names and staffing can change, but the service pattern is clear: staff are involved, upbeat, respectful, and attentive to safety.

Sterling received especially warm praise for guiding, while other crew members were credited with good jokes, useful instructions, and a welcoming attitude. Staff at the beach also help organize activities and serve food.

That high energy will suit you if you like music, humor, and a lively group atmosphere. It may not suit you if you prefer a silent boat and a slow, private beach day. The tour is designed to keep you engaged.

Safety is treated seriously. One outing continued with adjustments when the weather became uncertain, and the crew put safety first. Conditions can still affect the route, snorkeling, and timing, so keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this tour to cruise passengers, families, couples, solo visitors, and friend groups who want several Nassau highlights in one outing. It is especially useful if you have only part of a day and do not want to spend hours on a long transfer.

Families will appreciate the games, floats, food, and range of ages the activities can handle. Teenagers may prefer the paddleboards, snorkeling, water slide, or optional jet ski rental, while younger children can stay near the shallows and play on the beach.

Solo visitors should not worry about being left out. The crew keeps the mood social, and the included photos mean you can still return home with good pictures without asking strangers to use your phone.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, uncrowded beach or serious reef snorkeling. The pig beach can become busy, the itinerary has many moving parts, and the beach portion may feel shorter than expected on a 150-minute departure.

Jet skis cost extra. They are not part of the $140 package, so plan for an additional charge if that is important to you.

Practical details before you book

The listed price is $140 per person. Included items cover the boat, guides, cruise port pickup, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, rum punch, snorkeling equipment, floats, kayaks, paddleboards, beach games, hammocks, swings, and volleyball.

The tour is offered in English with a live guide. Listed duration ranges from 150 minutes to four hours, and you need to check the available departure time because the shorter option will naturally give you less time at the beach and reef.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful if your Nassau plans depend on cruise timing or changing weather.

Wear a swimsuit and bring sun protection. A towel, dry clothes, and a waterproof phone pouch are also sensible, even though the photo package reduces the need to carry your phone into the water.

Should you book the Nassau swimming pigs tour?

Book it if you want a lively, well-organized half-day that combines the Bahamas’ most photogenic animals with clear water, snorkeling, food, and a private beach setting. The crew, included activities, and free photos make the $140 easier to justify than a simple pig visit.

Skip it if your priority is solitude, a long uninterrupted beach stay, or a specialist snorkeling trip. For most people, though, this is a smart Nassau choice because it gives you a lot in a short time, with few extra costs once you are aboard.

FAQ

Where does the swimming pigs tour meet?

Meet at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters inside Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina, at the corner of Bay Street and Elisabeth Avenue.

How close is the meeting point to the Nassau cruise port?

The meeting point is close to the cruise port. One description places the walk at about eight minutes, heading left after leaving the port.

What is included in the $140 price?

The price includes the boat tour, guides, cruise port pickup, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, unlimited rum punch, snorkeling equipment, floats, beach games, hammocks, swings, kayaks, paddleboards, and a volleyball net.

Are jet skis included?

No. Jet skis are available to rent for an additional price.

Can I feed the swimming pigs?

Yes. Feeding and petting the pigs are part of the experience, and food for the pigs is provided.

Is snorkeling equipment supplied?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat visits a reef area with tropical fish and marine life.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on the beach and includes American favorites, Bahamian classics, and vegan options.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited rum punch, soft drinks, and snacks are included.

Are photos included?

Yes. A complimentary photo and video package is included, with images sent after the experience.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and listed tour language are English.