Exuma Day Away – Original Swimming Pigs Excursion

Thinking about exploring the Bahamas beyond Nassau? The Exuma Day Away tour offers a full-throttle, wildlife-filled adventure that promises a mix of iconic animal encounters, breathtaking island scenery, and local flavor. This popular 8.5-hour trip from Nassau to the Exumas is packed with stops that will have you swimming with pigs, sharks, and iguanas, all while enjoying the stunning beauty of the Bahamas waters.

What we really love about this tour is its variety—from feeding iguanas to diving into the water with nurse sharks, it covers a lot of ground in a single day. The expert guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making each stop both fun and educational. Plus, you get a delicious local lunch and refreshing drinks, which keep everyone energized. The only downside? It’s a long day on a fast boat, so those sensitive to motion might want to prepare accordingly.

This tour is best suited for adventure-loving travelers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a comprehensive taste of the Bahamas’ wild side. If you’re after a mix of wildlife, incredible scenery, and some of the most Instagrammable moments in the Bahamas, this trip hits the mark.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Encounters: Swim with pigs, sharks, and iguanas in their natural habitats.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
• All-Inclusive Day: Lunch, water, alcohol, and facility fees included.
• Long, but Rewarding: 8.5-hour adventure with multiple stops and water travel.
• Value for Money: Packed itinerary offers multiple sights and activities.
• Comfort Considerations: Fast boat ride might be bumpy, so be prepared.

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Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off early, with meeting at Montagu Beach in Nassau at 8:00 am. From there, expect a ride of around 1 hour to the Exumas, which means you’ll be out on the water for most of the day. The trip lasts approximately 8 hours 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore each stop without feeling rushed.

The boat is described as a power vessel, designed for speed and stability, but reviewers note it can be bumpy, especially in high winds. So, if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a calmer ride, packing motion sickness tablets and a sturdy seasickness patch might be wise. The boat usually accommodates up to 36 travelers, making it a relatively intimate experience compared to larger group tours.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect for Your Day

Stop 1: Great Guana Cay – Iguana Encounter

Your adventure begins with a visit to Great Guana Cay, a wildlife reserve known for its Bahamas rock iguanas. These shy creatures are fascinating to observe in their natural habitat, often coming out to greet visitors when least expected. The feeding session is a highlight that many guests rave about, as it offers a rare chance to see these reptiles close up.

Reviewers mention that feeding iguanas is a super fun activity, especially since the guides provide insights about these animals’ behaviors and habitat. Expect around 15 minutes here, and be sure to bring a camera—these iguanas are surprisingly photogenic, especially against the rocky backdrop.

Stop 2: Compass Cay – Shark Swim

Next is the adventure highlight—swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay. This stop is often rated as number 1 by thrill-seekers, thanks to the chance to interact with sharks in open water. The shallow waters make it accessible for all comfort levels, and guides are attentive to safety instructions.

Guests frequently describe this experience as “cool” and “unforgettable,” with reviewers noting how gentle and curious the sharks are—like puppies, but in the water. The shallow and deep water options cater to different comfort levels. Expect around 30 minutes here, and don’t forget to listen carefully to the safety briefing; it’s crucial for making this encounter both fun and safe.

Stop 3: Pig Beach at Big Major Cay

This is the iconic moment—the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. This spot is undoubtedly the most famous in the Bahamas, and the main reason many travelers book this tour. The original swimming pigs have become a symbol of the Bahamas, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Guests rave about the pigs’ friendly and curious nature; some even mention that talking with confidence keeps them from being mischievous. Expect to spend about 45 minutes here, giving enough time to feed, take photos, and maybe even swim alongside these adorable animals. Keep in mind that the feeding area can get crowded, but the guides do a good job managing the crowd and ensuring everyone gets a turn.

Stop 4: Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park – Sandbars and Scenic Views

The sandbar stop offers a chance to see the famous moving sandbars that appear at low tide—an incredible sight that changes with the weather and tide. The captain typically picks one during transit, so the specific sandbar varies on the day.

Guests enjoy 20 minutes at this stop, soaking in the unmatched scenery and capturing photographs. Reviewers often mention that the shifting sandbars are a highlight, offering a perfect photo op. It’s a quick stop but one that leaves a lasting impression.

Optional: Pablo Escobar Sunken Plane Wreck

If time permits, the boat passes by the famous Pablo Escobar plane wreck off Norman’s Cay. While not an official stop, many guests enjoy the view from the boat and consider it a cool photo opportunity—another reminder of the Bahamas’ intriguing history.

What’s Included: Making the Most of Your Day

The tour package covers a lot to ensure a smooth experience, including local guides, bottled water, a delicious Bahamian-style lunch at Black Point Yacht Club, and all facility and landing fees. The feeding of iguanas and shark interactions are part of the experience, with admission tickets included for the stops where applicable.

Guests also enjoy alcoholic beverages—a nice perk for relaxing after a bumpy boat ride or cooling off in the sun. The lunch gets good reviews, especially since it’s a home-style Bahamian buffet that offers a taste of local flavors.

What’s Not Included

Travelers are advised to bring their own towels and sunscreen. The tour provides snacks and drinks on board, but packing extra sunscreen, hats, and perhaps a waterproof camera will help you fully enjoy the day.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What Guests Love

• The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each stop both fun and informative.
• The water clarity and scenery are described as breathtaking, with reviewers often mentioning how stunning the Bahamas waters look from the boat.
• The variety of wildlife encounters—pigs, sharks, iguanas—means you get a full dose of Bahamas adventure in one day.
• The lunch at Black Point offers a genuine local taste, adding authenticity to the experience.
• Many mention the well-organized nature of the tour, with good timing and management, even during busy days.

What to Consider

• The long boat rides can be bumpy, especially if the weather turns windy—something to think about if you’re prone to seasickness.
• The group size can reach up to 36, which might feel tight during the longer stops or meals.
• While the tour is full and packed, some reviewers note they would prefer more time at certain stops, like the pigs or beach, but understand the logistical constraints.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $438 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering the all-inclusive nature—transportation, multiple island stops, wildlife encounters, lunch, drinks, and fees—it offers solid value. The reviews consistently praise the diversity of experiences for the cost, with many feeling it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, wildlife-rich day trip that covers the iconic pigs, sharks, and more in the Bahamas, this tour delivers. It’s a full-day commitment but one that many find well worth it for the memories and photos.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers and animal lovers eager to see the Bahamas’ most famous wildlife in one day. It’s perfect if you want a balance of scenic water views and up-close encounters with pigs, sharks, and iguanas. The organized nature, friendly guides, and included lunch make it a hassle-free choice for travelers wanting to maximize their Bahamas visit.

However, if you prefer more comfort and less motion, or have limited time, you might want to explore other options. For those comfortable with a bumpy boat ride and eager to get a full spectrum of wildlife and scenery, this tour is a fantastic pick.

FAQ

How early do I need to arrive?
The tour starts at 8:00 am at Montagu Beach, so arriving a little early gives you time to settle in and prepare for a full day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Nassau Paradise Island is included in the package, making logistics much easier.

What should I bring?
Bring towels, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture underwater moments. No changing rooms are available, so wear your swimsuit under comfortable clothes.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 3 years, but children should be accompanied by an adult. The physical nature and boat ride may be tiring for very young kids.

Can I customize or skip certain stops?
The itinerary is fixed, but the guides do their best to manage timing. You might find some stops more enjoyable than others, but all are included in the package.

What about seasickness?
The boat ride can be bumpy, especially in windy weather. Motion sickness tablets or patches are recommended, especially for sensitive travelers.

Is vegetarian lunch available?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available if advised at booking.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The Exuma Day Away tour offers an action-packed, wildlife-centric adventure that’s hard to match in the Bahamas. From feeding iguanas to swimming with sharks and bathing pigs, it delivers a fantastic variety of experiences packed into one day. The knowledgeable guides and included meals make it a smooth, enjoyable trip, though expect a long, sometimes bumpy ride.

Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, a scenery lover, or just looking for an unforgettable day in the Bahamas, this tour covers all bases. It’s a great way to see the best of Exuma in a single trip—just be prepared for a full day of fun, adventure, and lots of water.