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

The pigs are only the beginning. This Nassau speedboat outing mixes a close look at the famous swimming pigs with snorkeling, lunch, beach time, and a generous lineup of water toys. I especially like the fast boat ride and the included professional photos, since you can enjoy the day without guarding your phone. I also like that kayaks, paddleboards, floats, and beach games are included in the $140 price.

The main consideration is pace. The advertised duration ranges from 150 minutes to four hours, and you pack several activities into that window. Food portions may feel small to some people, the snorkeling stop can vary, and jet skis cost extra. Still, the tour offers a lot for your money, especially if you want a short Nassau excursion from a cruise ship.

• Athol Island pig encounter: Feed, pet, and photograph the famous swimming pigs in shallow water.
• Speedboat sightseeing: Cruise past Nassau Harbor, Paradise Island, Atlantis, Fort Montagu, and waterfront homes.
• Private beach setup: Use lounge chairs, hammocks, swings, floats, kayaks, and paddleboards at no extra charge.
• Included food and drinks: Expect snacks, soft drinks, unlimited rum punch, and a plated lunch with Bahamian, American, and vegan choices.
• Reef snorkeling: Use the supplied gear to look for tropical fish and marine life at a nearby reef.
• Free photo package: The crew takes individual and group pictures and sends them after the tour.

Why This Nassau Boat Tour Works So Well

I see this as a greatest-hits day on the water. You get a boat ride, sightseeing, animals, a beach, lunch, snorkeling, and enough games to keep children and restless adults busy.

That variety is the tour’s strongest feature. You are not stuck on a beach all afternoon, but you also do not spend the entire day bouncing over waves. The boat connects several different settings around New Providence, and the private island stop gives you time to slow down.

The atmosphere is lively rather than quiet. Music, jokes, rum punch, and energetic guides are part of the experience. If you want a peaceful nature trip with long stretches of silence, this is not the best fit. If you like a social outing with plenty happening, the mood should suit you.

The crew has earned especially high marks for friendliness, safety, and effort. Guides and captains including Sterling, Captain Johnny, Kenny, and Teisha have been singled out for keeping people informed and entertained. Names and staff can change, but the pattern is clear: the crew plays a major part in the day.

Finding the Boat at Elizabeth on Bay

Your meeting point is Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina. Coming east along Bay Street, look for the beige plaza with brown trim at Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue. The boat is at the second corner on the left after Parliament Square.

This detail matters because map apps have sent some people to the wrong spot. I would allow extra time to find the marina, especially if you are coming straight from a cruise ship. The port is close enough to walk, and one report put the walk at about eight minutes, but you should still follow the exact plaza directions instead of relying only on Apple Maps.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Cruise port pickup is included, so the tour makes particular sense for people spending one day in Nassau from a ship. Keep your return schedule in mind, since sea conditions, late arrivals, and loading can affect the timing.

The Ride Past Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island

The trip begins with a boat cruise through the waters around New Providence. The ride is not just transportation. You pass Nassau Cruise Port, Nassau itself, Paradise Island, Atlantis, Fort Montagu, and waterfront sights near the harbor.

The guide points out sights along the way, including the Atlantis resort and notable homes. This gives you a quick orientation to the area without turning the tour into a formal city walk.

The speedboat is part of the fun. You get across the water quickly, which is useful if you do not want to spend half your excursion in transit. The ride can be lively, so hold on and protect anything that should not get wet. Snacks and soft drinks are available during the trip, and the crew shares information about Nassau Harbor as you go.

The boat has generally been praised for being clean and well kept. That matters on a water tour, where a cramped or tired vessel can change the whole mood. Some people prefer a slower boat, but the speed helps this outing fit a shorter schedule.

Meeting the Swimming Pigs at Athol Island

The pig encounter is the centerpiece. At the island stop, you enter shallow, clear water to feed and pet the pigs. Food for the animals is provided, so you do not need to bring anything.

The guides give safety instructions before you get close. Pay attention. Pigs are friendly, but they are still sturdy animals with eager noses and quick feet. The crew also keeps the area tidy, including cleaning up after the pigs, which helps the experience remain pleasant.

You may be able to see young piglets, depending on the animals present that day. The close contact makes this more than a quick photo stop. You have time to feed them, pose for pictures, and watch their funny swimming habits.

Timing affects the quality of this stop. Smaller groups and earlier arrivals can make it easier to interact with the pigs and take clear photographs. At busier times, several people may be in the water at once, making personal pictures harder. The crew takes photos for you, which helps, though you may still want to bring a waterproof phone case for your own snapshots.

The pigs are a strong choice for families and first-time visitors to The Bahamas. They also give solo visitors an easy way to join the fun. You will not need a large group to enjoy the activity.

A Private Beach With More Than a Chair

After the pigs, the private beach becomes the main base. Expect golden sand, turquoise water, lounge chairs, hammocks, and swings. You can lie back with a drink, or use the included equipment to stay active.

The beach activities include:

• Kayaks and paddleboards
• Individual and group floats
• Volleyball
• Frisbee
• Cornhole
• Tug of war
• Giant Connect Four
• Hatchet toss
• Water toys and floaties

This broad mix is useful for families with different interests. One person can use a hammock while another takes a paddleboard out. Children can play games near shore, and adults can settle in with rum punch.

The beach also has a playful social feel. Do not expect an untouched, empty island once the full group arrives. This is a planned activity site with games, food service, staff, and organized water activities. That is a fair trade for the convenience and range of included equipment.

Jet skis are available, but they are not included in the $140 price. If you want one, budget separately. I would treat that as an optional add-on, not part of the basic value calculation.

Lunch, Rum Punch, and the Practical Value

The tour includes snacks, soft drinks, unlimited rum punch, and a plated lunch. Food choices include American favorites, Bahamian dishes, and vegan options.

Lunch quality has received unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. Some people found the serving generous, while another found the portion closer to a snack. That difference may reflect the menu, the day, or individual appetites. If you tend to get hungry after swimming and snorkeling, eat something before departure or carry a small approved snack for the boat.

The drinks add real value. Soft drinks are useful for children and anyone avoiding alcohol, while unlimited rum punch fits the relaxed beach setting. Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or ride a jet ski.

At $140 per person, the price is not bargain-basement Nassau. But you are paying for transportation by boat, guides, the pig visit, lunch, snacks, drinks, snorkeling equipment, beach access, kayaks, paddleboards, games, and the photo package. Booking each piece separately would take more planning and could cost more.

The best value comes when you use several included features. If you only want to feed pigs and leave, a simpler outing may suit you better. If you will eat lunch, snorkel, play on the beach, and use the water equipment, the package makes more sense.

Snorkeling at the Coral Reef

The final active stop is a reef system near the island. The crew supplies masks and other snorkeling equipment, and you can look for tropical fish and marine life in clear water.

Snorkeling conditions are not identical every day. Many people have seen plenty of fish and called this part spectacular, while one person found the reef only average. Water clarity, weather, current, and the exact stopping point can all affect what you see.

Allow roughly 25 minutes in the water if that matches the day’s schedule. That is enough for a good look, but not a full reef expedition. Strong swimmers may want more time, while beginners may appreciate a shorter session.

You can also use the kayaks or paddleboards to explore above the water. Listen closely to the safety briefing, use the supplied gear properly, and do not assume the snorkeling will be the same as a dedicated full-day reef trip. Here, it is one part of a varied outing.

The Return Through New Providence Waters

After the reef, the boat heads back toward Nassau Harbor. The route may pass Rose Island, Blue Lagoon Island, New Providence, and other familiar sights around Paradise Island.

The return ride gives you another chance to see the coastline from the water. On some trips, the crew points out Atlantis and other landmarks on the way back. It is a nice final look at the area, though the amount of commentary and sightseeing can depend on the schedule.

The trip can last from 150 minutes to four hours, so check the specific departure and return time before booking. The difference is important for cruise passengers and anyone with evening plans. You should not assume every departure has the same amount of beach or snorkeling time.

Photos, Groups, and What to Bring

The free photo and video package is one of the tour’s best extras. Staff take pictures during the pig encounter and beach activities, then send the files after the outing. This lets you put your phone away during the most active moments.

There is one tradeoff: group size can affect the photo experience. At crowded times, it may be harder to get a clean shot without other people in the frame. The crew still helps, but you should not expect a private photo session.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a way to protect valuables. The supplied snorkeling gear, floats, kayaks, and paddleboards are included. Jet skis are not.

The boat and beach can be sunny, and the water activities are the point of the tour, so dress for getting wet. If you are visiting from a cruise ship, leave enough time to walk from the port, find the correct plaza, and check in without rushing.

Who Should Book This Excursion?

I would recommend it to families, couples, groups of friends, solo visitors, and cruise passengers who want several activities in one outing. Children and teenagers have plenty to do, while adults can choose between rum punch, beach time, snorkeling, and the pigs.

It is also a good choice if you want a shorter tour rather than a full-day boat trip. The speedboat cuts down travel time, and the schedule packs in a lot without requiring you to organize separate bookings.

I would think twice if you want a quiet beach with very few people, a long dedicated snorkeling session, or a large lunch after a morning in the water. You may also prefer another option if the idea of interacting closely with pigs does not appeal to you.

Should You Book the Swimming Pigs Tour?

Book it if you want the famous pig encounter plus a full set of extras. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, clean boat, included food and drinks, free photos, and the chance to choose between relaxing and active beach time.

The $140 cost is reasonable when you use the package fully. Feed the pigs, snorkel, take a kayak out, eat lunch, and enjoy the beach games. If you do that, the day feels like good value rather than a single expensive animal stop.

My practical advice is to confirm the exact duration, arrive early at Elizabeth on Bay, and eat a light meal beforehand if you need substantial portions. With those points handled, Bahamas Jet Boat offers a lively and well-rounded way to see the waters around Nassau.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina, at the corner of Bay Street and Elizabeth Avenue. The boat is in the beige plaza with brown trim, the second corner on the left after Parliament Square when heading east on Bay Street.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration ranges from 150 minutes to four hours. Check the available departure for the exact timing of your chosen tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A plated lunch is included, with American favorites, Bahamian dishes, and vegan options. Snacks, soft drinks, and unlimited rum punch are also included.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, floats, and beach games are included in the tour price.

Are jet skis included?

No. Jet skis are available to rent at an additional cost.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Cruise port pickup is included, and the meeting point is near Nassau Cruise Port.