Nassau: Discover Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs Tour

Nassau: Discover Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs Tour

Planning a day trip from Nassau to the stunning Exuma Cays? This popular full-day tour offers a mix of wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and relaxing beach time. It’s ideal for travelers eager to see iconic sights and experience authentic Bahamian charm in a single, well-organized trip.

What we love about this tour is how it balances adventure with relaxation. You’ll snorkel around a sunken plane linked to Pablo Escobar, swim with the world-famous swimming pigs, and enjoy a delicious local lunch—all in one day. Plus, the chance to interact with Bahamian Rock Iguanas and nurse sharks provides truly memorable moments.

A potential consideration is the speedboat journey. Some reviews mention that the boat ride can be bumpy or slightly uncomfortable, especially for those with back or mobility issues. The tour is quite full, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy, active itinerary.

This experience appeals most to those who love wildlife, vibrant scenery, and unique photo opportunities. If you’re after a fun, action-packed day that offers both adventure and a taste of local life, this trip is a fantastic choice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• Wildlife encounters include Bahamian Iguanas and nurse sharks.
• Iconic stops like swimming with pigs and snorkeling a Pablo Escobar plane wreck.
• All-inclusive with lunch, drinks, and transportation included.
• Longer duration (8 hours) with diverse activities packed into one day.
• Group size up to 24 guests, fostering a lively, social atmosphere.
• Speedboat rides are the main mode of transportation, emphasizing speed and scenic views.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Carnivale Bahamas on Paradise Island

Our adventure begins at Carnivale Bahamas, where you’ll check in at the Born Free Charters desk. The location is convenient for those staying on Paradise Island or Nassau, but note that transportation to the check-in point isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

Early Speedboat Ride to Allens Cay

The journey kicks off with a high-speed boat ride lasting just over an hour heading southeast. The ride is exhilarating, with plenty of wind and spray—so packing a towel and sunscreen is essential. Reviewers mention that some found the boat ride a bit rough, especially for those with back issues, so be prepared for a bumpy ride if you’re sensitive.

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Wildlife Viewing at Allens Cay

Once there, you’ll spend about 25 minutes interacting with the Bahamaian Rock Iguanas—a species found only here and in a few other islands. Travelers love this experience for its rarity and the opportunity to feed and observe these gentle reptiles close-up. It’s a fun, informal encounter that’s perfect for snapping photos and learning about local wildlife.

Travel to Compass Cay for Shark Swims

Next, a 45-minute ride takes you south to Compass Cay, home to the legendary nurse sharks. These docile creatures often swim under the docks, eagerly awaiting a handout. Several reviews highlight how friendly and curious the sharks are, making this a safe yet thrilling experience. Expect to spend about 35 minutes observing and swimming with these gentle predators.

The Pigs of Big Major’s Cay

The highlight for many is the stop at Pig Beach, home to the famous swimming pigs. This beach has gained international fame thanks to reality TV and social media. Visitors are encouraged to feed and swim alongside the pigs, which are surprisingly clean and well-behaved. Experts say this part of the tour is the most photogenic—be sure to bring your camera for selfies with these adorable animals.

Lunch Break

After all the activities, a short ride brings you to a local restaurant for a buffet lunch. Reviewers mention the food as delicious and filling, with some noting the cold drinks help refresh after the morning’s exertions. The meal is a vital rest point before the afternoon snorkeling.

Snorkeling at Pablo Escobar’s Sunken Plane

Post-lunch, you’ll snorkel around the wreck of a plane that supposedly belonged to Pablo Escobar’s drug empire. The wreck, just off Norman’s Cay, is a fascinating underwater relic. Reviewers describe the snorkeling as vibrant, with clear waters and plenty of marine life. It’s a quirky, historical twist that adds depth to your Bahamas experience.

Final Stop: Relaxing at a Sandbar or Beach

The day wraps up with a visit to a tranquil sandbar or beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or snapping last-minute photos. Many reviews highlight this as a relaxing, scenic way to wind down after a busy day.

Return Journey

The boat heads back to Nassau, with a roughly 70-minute ride to conclude your island-hopping adventure. While the tour is packed, many guests appreciate how efficiently the day is organized, giving you maximum activity without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Diversity: From iguanas and nurse sharks to swimming pigs, you get a wide array of Bahamian creatures in their natural habitats. The chance to see and interact with animals that are unique to the Bahamas makes this trip special.

History and Fun Combined: Snorkeling around a plane wreck linked to Pablo Escobar adds an intriguing historical layer to your visit. It’s not every day you get to swim past a drug lord’s plane, after all.

Comprehensive Experience: The itinerary covers several iconic sites in a single day, with activities that suit diverse interests—beach lovers, animal enthusiasts, history buffs, and snorkelers.

Value for Money: Given the included transportation, multiple stops, lunch, and guides, the trip offers good value—especially for travelers eager to cram a lot into one day without the hassle of organizing individual excursions.

Strong Reviews and High Ratings: The 4.7-star rating from 22 reviews, with guests praising the guides and overall experience, indicates solid quality and enjoyable outings.

What Could Be Better?

The main consideration is the speedboat ride. Some reviews mention the boat can be somewhat uncomfortable, especially for those prone to motion sickness or with back problems. The tour’s pace is quite lively, so it’s not ideal for very small children or anyone needing a slower, smoother ride.

Since the itinerary is quite full, it’s not really suited for those seeking a leisurely, unstructured day. You need to be prepared for an active schedule, with multiple stops and a fair amount of time on the water.

The Overall Experience and Value

This tour combines the best known sights of Exuma in a single, action-packed day. The wildlife encounters alone make it a memorable trip; swimming with pigs and nurse sharks offers a playful, adrenaline-fueled element that’s hard to find elsewhere. The historical snorkeling at Pablo Escobar’s plane wreck adds a bit of storytelling and mystery, making your underwater adventure both fun and fascinating.

The included lunch and transportation make it convenient and hassle-free, giving you more time to enjoy rather than plan. The group sizes are moderate, creating a lively vibe without feeling overcrowded.

While the speedboat rides can be rough for some, they do add to the sense of adventure and scenery. The entire day is well-paced, with enough diversity to suit different interests, and the guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits active travelers, wildlife lovers, and those craving a blend of adventure, history, and culture. It’s perfect for families (with older kids), groups of friends, or solo explorers eager to tick off iconic Bahamian sights. However, those with mobility issues, back problems, or seeking a slow, relaxed day might find the extensive schedule a challenge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, adventure-filled day that showcases the best of the Exuma Islands—swimming pigs, nurse sharks, colorful marine life, and historic wrecks—this tour offers a great balance of excitement and comfort. It’s a chance to see wildlife, explore underwater relics, and relax on beautiful beaches, all in one seamless package.

While the boat ride might not suit everyone, the overall experience delivers genuine, Instagram-worthy moments and memorable encounters with Bahamian nature. For those up for a full day of activity and discovery, this trip provides impressive value and plenty of stories to tell back home.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including multiple stops, travel time, and lunch.

Where does the tour depart from?
It begins at Carnivale Bahamas on Paradise Island, at the Born Free Charters desk. Transportation to this location isn’t included.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 2, and some activities like the speedboat ride may be uncomfortable for little ones or those with mobility concerns.

Are the wildlife encounters safe?
Yes, the nurse sharks and iguanas are generally safe to interact with under guided supervision. The sharks are friendly, and the iguanas are accustomed to visitors.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and possibly a waterproof camera for photos. The tour provides the rest.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Like most outdoor excursions, it’s best enjoyed in good weather. If the weather is poor, check with the provider about rescheduling options.

How many people are on the tour?
Up to 24 guests can join, providing a lively but manageable group size.

Is lunch included?
Yes, there’s a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, which reviewers say is delicious and filling.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a balanced blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural highlights that make for a truly unforgettable day in the Bahamas. Whether you’re snapping photos of swimming pigs or snorkeling over a historic wreck, you’re sure to come away with stories—and souvenirs—that will last a lifetime.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby