REVIEW · NASSAU
Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Lunch, & Beach Boat Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Bahamas Jet Boat Ltd. · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Swimming pigs plus snorkeling beats a beach-only day. This Nassau speedboat outing is built around Athol Island pig time, then rolls you straight into beach fun and reef snorkeling—plus lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and a free photo/video package. You also get the kind of short, energetic boat day that fits a cruise schedule without turning it into an all-day slog.
I especially like that the tour mixes hands-on animal time with real water time: feeding and petting pigs in shallow, clear water, then using provided snorkeling gear to check out the reef. I also like the beach setup on their private island—lounges, hammocks, games, and kayaking/paddleboards—so you’re not just waiting around for the next activity.
One thing to consider: this is a popular stop, so if you’re sensitive to crowds or picture-taking, the timing can matter. If you want the calmest pig-and-photo moments, plan to move with the group and don’t expect zero waiting.
In This Review
- Key things to know
- Nassau by speedboat: how this 4-hour day actually works
- Getting to Bahamas Jet Boat: the meeting point that matters
- The ride out of Nassau: scenic passes before pig time
- Athol Island swimming pigs: what you do and how to enjoy it
- The private beach island break: lunch, hammocks, and active fun
- Rum punch and snacks: fun, but plan your day
- Snorkeling on the reef: time in the water and what you’ll likely see
- Photos and free take-home memories: the upgrade you’ll appreciate
- Price and value: is $140 fair for what you get?
- Who should book this Nassau tour (and who should skip it)
- One last heads-up: crowding and timing can change your feel
- Should you book Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Lunch & Beach Boat Tour?
- FAQ
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- How long is the tour?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Is jet skiing included?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- Are photos included?
Key things to know
- Fast speedboat ride out of Nassau to pig time, with plenty of scenic passes along the way
- Athol Island swimming pigs in shallow water, with guided feeding and lots of photo opportunities
- Beach break with activities like hammocks, swings, cornhole, frisbee, volleyball, and more
- Kayaks and paddleboards included, with extra thrill options like jet skis available for rent
- Snorkeling gear provided for a reef stop with colorful fish and marine life
- Free photo and video package so you don’t have to play photographer all day
Nassau by speedboat: how this 4-hour day actually works
This excursion is timed to feel like a full Nassau experience without consuming your whole day. Your day is built around two big anchors: swimming pigs first, then snorkeling at a reef system. Everything between those moments is there to keep the energy up and keep you comfortable—snacks, drinks, beach games, and lunch on the private island.
The schedule also makes sense if you’re on a tight itinerary. It’s short enough to fit many port days, but long enough that you’re not rushing from one photo spot to the next. Most people leave remembering the animals and the water, not the travel time.
If you’re the type who gets bored lounging on a beach chair for hours, you’ll like the pacing. If you’re the type who wants quiet and slow, you might find the day is busier than you expect—still fun, just not a silent retreat.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nassau.
Getting to Bahamas Jet Boat: the meeting point that matters
You meet at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters at Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina. If you’re walking in, head east on Bay Street, then look for the boat at the second corner on your left after passing Parliament Square. It’s in a beige plaza with brown trim, at the corner of Bay Street and Elisabeth Avenue.
This is one of those details that can save time. The better you can spot the exact plaza, the less time you spend standing around with a sunscreen-covered nervous brain. Also note: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need your own ride or walking plan from where you’re staying.
If you’re arriving on a cruise, a practical tip from past cruisers: once you get off, go left out of the port. People have described it as roughly an 8-minute walk, but still use the on-the-ground signs and the specific plaza directions.
The ride out of Nassau: scenic passes before pig time
Your day starts with boarding in Nassau at the dock, then a speedboat cruise through the turquoise waters of New Providence. On the way, you pass major landmarks and get photo stops and guided narration—think Atlantis-area views, Paradise Island, and other famous spots along the coast.
This isn’t just driving for the sake of driving. The boat portion gives you two things:
- Momentum: you’re already feeling the vacation vibe before you reach Athol Island.
- Photo chances: the Atlantis/Paradise Island viewpoints are easy wins for quick vacation snaps.
If you get motion-sick, you may still want to take the trip seriously. Speedboats can feel fast, but multiple people highlighted that the ride doesn’t feel like a big-wave boat, and that you reach the pig island quickly.
Athol Island swimming pigs: what you do and how to enjoy it
The big moment is the swimming pigs stop on Athol Island. When you arrive, staff guide you on what to do and where to go, and you get time to interact in shallow water. This is the part where the day turns from sightseeing to pure bucket-list joy.
Here’s what you can expect in practice:
- Feeding and petting in shallow, clear water
- Turn-taking so you’re not just waiting in a line forever
- Lots of guided moments that make it easier to get your photos without everyone fighting for the same angle
People also mention that this can include holding piglets at times, so if that’s important to you, keep an open mind while you’re there. Guides also help set expectations around the fact that pigs are pigs—yes, they poop—but the guides are quick about cleanup, and they manage it without turning it into an awkward ordeal.
For the vibe: past participants have called out high-energy staff and named guides like Sterling and Capt Johnny, who reportedly kept the day light, safe, and fun while you’re in the water.
Practical advice: use the first minutes efficiently. Don’t drift toward the back of the group. If you want your best pig photos, be ready when your group is called in.
The private beach island break: lunch, hammocks, and active fun
After the pigs, you switch gears into beach mode—but not the kind where you just sit and hope the hours pass. The private island setup is built for hanging out and playing.
Expect lounge chairs and hammocks, plus beach games such as:
- volleyball net
- cornhole and frisbee
- tug-of-war
- hatchet toss
- giant Connect Four
There are also water toys and flotation options, and kayaks and paddleboards are included so you can explore the coastline rather than staying in one spot.
And yes, this is where lunch happens. A plated lunch is included with a mix of American favorites and Bahamian classics, plus vegan options. People have also noted that the lunch can be solid for a tour day, not just filler.
A few more Nassau tours and experiences worth a look
Rum punch and snacks: fun, but plan your day
Rum punch is included as unlimited, along with complimentary soft drinks and snacks. If you like a drink with beach time, this is a nice perk because it removes the need to budget for alcohol at every stop.
If you’re not a heavy drinker, still keep an eye on pacing. The day has enough active moments—pigs, snorkeling, and water activities—that you’ll feel it if you overdo it.
Snorkeling on the reef: time in the water and what you’ll likely see
After the beach break, you head back out for snorkeling at a reef system with colorful tropical fish and marine life. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the guides give safety guidance before you go in.
The snorkeling experience seems to land in two categories:
- For many people, it’s unreal, full of fish and bright underwater life
- For a smaller number, the visibility and what you see is more average at the specific spot you’re taken to
That difference can happen in the Bahamas depending on the exact conditions of the day and the reef area chosen. The practical takeaway: don’t assume you’re guaranteed to see a deep, dramatic reef every time, but you’re still very likely to see plenty of colorful fish because the area is described as lively with marine life.
Time-wise, people have described snorkeling as around 25 minutes in the water, which is a good length for a short excursion. It’s enough to feel satisfied without turning your day into a gear-handling marathon.
Pro tip: if you don’t snorkel often, focus on floating and slow kicks. You’ll spot more fish that way than if you thrash around.
Photos and free take-home memories: the upgrade you’ll appreciate
One of the most appreciated perks is the free photo and video package. Instead of spending your pig time behind your phone, the team takes professional photos and sends them to you afterward.
People consistently mention getting photos quickly after the experience. If you hate the awkward pause where you’re trying to remember where your camera is while your friends are already splashing in the water, this is the smart fix.
Also, the day has enough “photo beats” that you’ll have something to look at later:
- boat passes around Nassau and the Atlantis/Paradise Island area
- pig interaction moments
- beach-and-game setups
- snorkeling shots from above or alongside you
Price and value: is $140 fair for what you get?
At $140 per person, the pricing makes sense only because this is not just a pig visit. You’re paying for:
- a boat tour out of Nassau
- guided pig interaction time
- snorkeling gear and reef access
- lunch on the beach
- snacks, soft drinks, and unlimited rum punch
- beach activities and water gear like kayaks/paddleboards
- a free professional photo/video package
In other words, you’re bundling several paid activities that would often be separate if you booked them on your own. If your goal is one high-impact day with minimal planning, this package is built for that.
Where the value drops slightly is if you personally don’t care about pigs or don’t want to be in the water much. Then you’re paying for beach games, snacks, and snorkeling that may not be your priority. But if pigs and snorkeling are on your list, the bundle is strong.
Jet skis aren’t included, though they can be rented for extra. So if you’re hoping for that high-speed add-on, budget for it in your mind, not in your base price.
Who should book this Nassau tour (and who should skip it)
This is a great fit if you want:
- a short, energetic Nassau day
- hands-on animal fun that isn’t just a viewing line
- real time in the water—snorkeling plus pig swimming
- a beach break with games and included gear
- a take-home photo set without extra effort
It may be less ideal if you:
- hate crowds or get stressed when groups move together
- want a silent, slow beach day with minimal interaction
- prefer super-long snorkeling sessions over a packed half-day format
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s also easy to see why it scores well: there’s something to do almost nonstop, from pig time to beach games and water activities.
One last heads-up: crowding and timing can change your feel
Even with a well-run schedule, this is a popular activity in Nassau. Some people have noted that too many people at once can make it harder to get perfect photos.
So here’s the mindset: aim for fun first, photos second. If you treat the day like an active experience—pet the pigs, then snorkel, then play beach games—your enjoyment is likely to stay high even if there’s a bit of waiting or crowding.
And if weather turns iffy, guides focus on safety and will steer the experience accordingly. Bring a practical attitude: sunshine is part of the Bahamas deal, but good crews still run smart.
Should you book Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, Lunch & Beach Boat Tour?
If your Nassau day needs one “main event” that’s actually different from every other beach day, I’d book it. The combination of swimming pigs, a structured beach break, snorkeling with provided gear, lunch, and a free professional photo/video package is a rare mix at a price that still feels fair.
I’d especially book it if:
- pigs and snorkeling are both on your list
- you want a half-day plan that gets you back with energy
- you’d rather pay for a bundle than piece together activities
Hold off if you’re expecting a quiet, uncrowded nature experience or if you want the most extended snorkeling possible. This tour is more about fun pacing than long, slow exploration.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need your own way to reach the meeting point.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at Bahamas Jet Boat headquarters in Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace and Marina at the corner of Bay Street and Elisabeth Avenue (second corner on your left after Parliament Square).
How long is the tour?
The duration is listed as 150 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the starting time and day.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with individual and group floats.
Is jet skiing included?
No. Jet skis are not included, but jet skis are available for rent for an extra cost.
What’s included for food and drinks?
Lunch is included, along with snacks and soft drinks. Rum punch is also included and described as unlimited.
Are photos included?
Yes. The tour includes a free photo and video package.
