Nassau Swimming Pigs: Snorkeling, Lunch & Private Beach Club

Pigs, punch, and clear water make a memorable Nassau day. This boat trip takes you from Elizabeth on Bay to a private beach near Atholl Island, where you can feed and hold friendly swimming pigs, eat lunch, snorkel, and relax without the packed feel of a public beach. I especially like the private beach setting and the fact that lunch, drinks, water toys, and photos are included.

I also like the easy mix of activities. You can spend your time with the pigs, play volleyball, paddle a kayak, float in the water, or simply claim a beach chair. The main drawback is time: depending on the day’s schedule and sea conditions, the stop can feel rushed, and snorkeling may last only 10 to 15 minutes.

Five useful things to know before booking

• The pigs are the main event: You can feed them with included pig feed and, when conditions allow, hold a baby pig for photos.
• Lunch is included: Choose from American, Bahamian, or vegetarian options, with food such as burgers, fish sandwiches, wings, chicken fingers, salad, fries, hot dogs, and similar casual dishes.
• The beach has plenty to do: Kayaks, paddleboards, floaties, a water trampoline, volleyball, cornhole, swings, hammocks, and other games are included.
• Free photos and video matter: Staff take pictures throughout the pig encounter, then send the complimentary photo and video package after the trip.
• Plan extra time for the meeting point: The departure point is at Elizabeth on Bay, near Bay Street, and the walk from some cruise-area hotels can be longer and less obvious than expected.

Starting at Elizabeth on Bay in Nassau

The trip begins at Elizabeth on Bay, listed at 3MH6+6QX on Bay Street. It ends at the same place, which makes the outing simple if you are staying in central Nassau or arriving by cruise ship.

The meeting point deserves attention. It is not always obvious from the cruise port, and there may not be someone holding a large sign at the end of the pier. From the Margaritaville Resort area, the walk can take about 20 minutes and continues past the Straw Market. A taxi may be easier if you are carrying beach gear, traveling with children, or working around a ship departure.

Once you find the office, the boat ride begins with views of Nassau Harbour. The group size can reach 60 people, so this is not a tiny private charter. Still, the setup is designed to keep the main beach experience organized, with staff directing the pig interaction and helping people use the equipment.

Nassau Harbour, Fort Montagu, and Paradise Island

The ride out is part sightseeing trip, part transfer. As you pass Paradise Island, you get views of the Atlantis Bahamas resort, recognizable by its pink towers, water slides, and large marine areas.

The boat also passes Fort Montagu, the oldest surviving fort in Nassau. It sits beside the harbor and gives you a quick reminder that this outing is not only about beach time. The guides share facts about Nassau, Paradise Island, the resort, and the surrounding waters as you cruise.

You will also pass the Atlantis Marina and see the Ocean Club area from the water. These short viewing stops do not involve getting off the boat, so keep your camera ready. The sightseeing is pleasant, but it is not a full Nassau history tour. The real focus is the private beach and the pigs.

Atholl Island and the private Pig Beach

The main stop is a private Pig Beach near Atholl Island. The ride offers views toward Rose Island, Sun Cay, and Blue Lagoon Island, giving the beach a broad tropical setting rather than a boxed-in resort feel.

The beach stop is scheduled for about 1 hour and 15 minutes in the basic itinerary, though the total outing can last roughly 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. That wide time range matters. Boat conditions, weather, the order of activities, and the newer extended option may change how long you stay on shore.

The private setting is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. You do not have to compete with the crowds at a public beach, and complimentary chairs are available. Hammocks, swings, and ocean views make it easy to take a break after the pig encounter.

There is one practical limitation: the island does not have a restroom. The only restroom facility is on the boat, so plan ahead before stepping ashore. Bring your own towel, too, since towels are not listed among the included items.

Feeding and holding the swimming pigs

The pig interaction is handled in an organized way. You receive pig feed, and staff explain how to approach and feed the animals. You can pose for pictures, feed the pigs in shallow water, and, when available, hold a baby pig.

The baby pig is often the highlight for families and anyone who has wanted this experience for years. The animals are described as friendly, healthy, and vaccinated by the staff. The crew stays close, and they quickly clean up after the pigs, though you should still expect some natural mess. Pigs are not known for their table manners.

The included photos are a real advantage. Staff take pictures during the feeding and baby pig encounters, so you are not forced to hand your phone to a stranger or choose between taking pictures and enjoying the moment. You receive the photo and video package after the excursion.

A small point of etiquette helps here. Feed the pigs only with the provided food, follow staff instructions, and give the animals space when directed. The crew’s supervision is important, especially when children are holding or feeding them.

Snorkeling in clear Bahamian water

Snorkeling is included, along with the use of snorkeling equipment. The boat takes you to a separate spot where you can see small, colorful fish in clear water.

This part can be short. Several accounts describe snorkeling lasting around 10 to 15 minutes, while rough seas can affect the timing or make the stop less comfortable. On a calm day, that short session may be enough for a quick look at reef fish. If snorkeling is your top priority, this is not a dedicated reef excursion.

The order can also change. Some outings give you more time at the beach first, while others move to snorkeling sooner. Rough water may limit the use of kayaks, paddleboards, floaties, or other toys. The crew cannot control the weather, so keep your expectations flexible.

Lunch, rum punch, and what is included

The price is $140 per person, and the value comes from the number of extras bundled into that fee. You receive snacks, soda, unlimited rum punch, a plated lunch, beach chairs, beach games, water equipment, pig feed, and complimentary photos and video.

Lunch includes American, Bahamian, and vegetarian choices. Food mentioned by diners includes burgers, fish sandwiches, Cajun wings, chicken fingers, salad, fries, and hot dogs. The meal is casual beach food rather than fine dining, but it removes the need to pack lunch or search for food on a small island.

The rum punch is a major part of the relaxed beach-club feel. It is available without an extra charge, while soda is also included. Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to snorkel, paddle, swim, or travel back to a cruise ship.

The activity list is unusually broad for a pig excursion:

• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Snorkeling equipment
• Floaties and inflatables
• Water trampoline
• Volleyball court
• Cornhole
• Frisbees
• Tug-of-war
• Giant Connect Four
• Hammocks and swings
• Hatchet toss

Jet skis are available for an additional fee. They are not part of the $140 package, so ask about the current rental price before deciding.

How the time works in real life

The biggest question is not what the tour includes. It is how much time you get to enjoy each part.

The advertised duration ranges from 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, which is a broad window. Boat loading, weather, sea conditions, and the optional activities all affect the pace. The basic beach portion is about 75 minutes, but the provider has also introduced an extended version at no additional cost for people who want a slower visit.

If your priority is feeding pigs and taking pictures, the time should be enough on a smooth day. If you want to swim, snorkel, play volleyball, use a kayak, eat slowly, and relax in a hammock, you may wish for more time. Several people found the outing fun but rushed, especially when rough water reduced the time for beach activities.

For a cruise passenger, build in a generous return buffer. The experience ends back at Elizabeth on Bay, but boat tours can run differently from the planned schedule. The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. Weather cancellations may lead to another date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Who will enjoy this Nassau excursion most

This is a strong fit for families. Children get a clear main goal, the pigs, plus enough games and water toys to stay busy while adults eat or relax. Holding a baby pig and receiving free photos can make the day feel special without adding photography costs.

It also works well for couples, solo visitors, and cruise passengers who want a ready-made beach day. Solo visitors can join the group activities without arranging a private boat, and the staff take pictures so you are not left out of the best moments.

You should think twice if you need a quiet, private boat or want a long snorkeling session. The group may be as large as 60 people, and the schedule can be active. Likewise, the missing restroom on the island is a real inconvenience for anyone who needs easy facilities.

Is $140 a fair price?

At $140, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach in Nassau. It is also more than a simple boat transfer. You are paying for several separate pieces: transportation by boat, the private beach setting, pig feeding, lunch, snacks, rum punch, snorkeling equipment, water toys, beach games, and photo and video coverage.

The free photo package improves the value. Professional photos can easily become an extra purchase on organized excursions, while here the staff take many pictures and send them afterward. Lunch and drinks also make budgeting easier because fewer costs appear after you book.

The value is best if you plan to use several inclusions. A person who only wants to feed pigs and leave may find the price high. A family that eats lunch, uses the beach chairs and water toys, enjoys the games, takes pictures, and has rum punch included is getting a fuller day for the money.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel.
• Bring sun protection, since much of the appeal is open beach and water.
• Use the provided pig feed rather than bringing food.
• Find the meeting point before departure day, especially if you are walking from a cruise ship or hotel.
• Allow extra time for the walk from the Margaritaville and Junkanoo Beach area.
• Tell the crew if you want photos with the pigs, the baby pig, or your whole group.
• Use the boat restroom before going ashore.
• Keep your schedule flexible if the sea is rough.
• Do not count on Jet Skis being included. They cost extra.
• If your ship is departing the same day, leave a healthy time cushion.

Should you book Nassau Swimming Pigs?

Book this tour if you want a simple all-in-one Nassau outing with cute animals, a private beach, casual lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and plenty of included extras. The free photo and video package and the friendly staff add real value, especially for families and first-time visitors.

Skip it if you want a long, serious snorkeling trip, a very small group, or guaranteed hours of quiet beach time. The pig encounter is the star, but the schedule can feel tight, and rough weather may reduce the water activities.

For most people, the combination is the appeal: feed a pig, hold a baby pig, eat lunch, sip rum punch, and then choose your own pace. Just locate Elizabeth on Bay in advance, bring a towel, use the boat restroom before heading ashore, and allow more time than the shortest advertised duration suggests.

FAQ

How much does the Nassau swimming pigs tour cost?

The tour costs $140 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The approximate duration is 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. The timing can vary with the schedule and sea conditions.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Elizabeth on Bay, 3MH6+6QX, Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A plated lunch is included, with American, Bahamian, and vegetarian options.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited rum punch and soda are included. Snacks are also provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with kayaks, paddleboards, floaties, and other water equipment.

Are photos included?

Yes. A complimentary photo and video package is included, and the pictures are sent after the excursion.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the provider to cancel, you can receive another date or a full refund.