Nassau’s best snorkeling spots combine crystal-clear waters with vibrant marine life. I’m especially impressed with the Sandy Toes Original Swimming Pigs tour, which lets you experience the Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs while exploring protected reefs. Another standout is the Pink Sand and Pig Experience – it packs incredible value with opportunities to swim alongside stingrays and sea turtles in a single day.
For a more laid-back option, Pearl Island’s tour offers excellent snorkeling paired with authentic Bahamian lunch in a peaceful setting. The Nassau Shore Excursion brilliantly combines historical sightseeing with snorkeling at the pristine Nirvanna Love Beach – perfect for travelers wanting both culture and underwater adventures.
Let’s explore these top-rated snorkeling tours in detail.
Good To Know
- The Nassau Small-Group Half-Day Snorkeling Sea Escape offers an intimate experience with a focus on conservation, including snorkeling, swimming with turtles, and meeting pigs.
- Sandy Toes Original Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling provides a unique interaction with protected wildlife and a full-day experience with snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and an open bar.
- The Pink Sand and Pig Experience With Snorkeling is a full-day excursion that allows travelers to swim with pigs, stingrays, and turtles, with breakfast, lunch, and beverages included.
- The Pearl Island Escape With Snorkeling Experience and Lunch offers a tranquil escape with traditional Bahamian cuisine, round-trip ferry transportation, and a guided snorkeling adventure.
- The Nassau Shore Excursion: Sightseeing and Snorkeling Tour combines sightseeing in historic Nassau with snorkeling at Nirvanna Love Beach and a unique chocolate tasting experience.
Nassau Small-Group Half-Day Snorkeling Sea Escape
Although the Nassau Small-Group Half-Day Snorkeling Sea Escape tour offers a variety of engaging activities, the primary focus is on immersing participants in the vibrant underwater world surrounding the Bahamas.
With a maximum of 10-12 people, the tour provides a personal and intimate experience. Guests can snorkel through coral reefs, swim with sea turtles, and even meet the famous swimming pigs.
The tour also includes a conch show and a lunch of sub sandwiches and snacks. A portion of the proceeds supports ocean and coastal community clean-up efforts, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
The 3-hour boat trip includes welcome drinks and alcoholic beverages, as well as the use of snorkeling equipment and access to Wi-Fi and bottled water on board.
Pickup is available from hotels or cruise ports, and the tour is suitable for moderate fitness levels, though not wheelchair accessible for infants.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 240 reviews, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a memorable underwater adventure in Nassau.
Read our full review: Nassau Small-Group Half-Day Snorkeling Sea Escape Review
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Rose Island: Sandy Toes Original Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling
The Sandy Toes Original Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling excursion on Rose Island offers a unique opportunity to interact with protected wildlife and explore the vibrant underwater world. Guests can swim with vet-checked pigs, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with an open bar.
The trip includes a cruise to a local sanctuary to observe peacocks and curly tail lizards. With a maximum of 75 travelers per tour, the experience allows for personalized attention from the friendly and professional staff.
Highlights include the beautiful beach and scenery, as well as the fun interactions with the pigs. Snorkeling equipment is provided, with a refundable deposit, and guests can also use kayaks and floats during their free time on the private beach.
Reviewers consistently praise the Sandy Toes excursion, with a 94% recommendation rate. It’s an ideal way to explore the natural wonders of the Bahamas while enjoying a day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.
Read our full review: Rose Island: Sandy Toes Original Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling Review
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Famous Pink Sand and Pig Experience With Snorkeling
Travelers seeking an unforgettable experience can enjoy the famous Pink Sand and Pig Experience with Snorkeling in Nassau, Bahamas. This full-day excursion offers a chance to interact with marine life, including swimming with pigs, stingrays, and turtles, as well as snorkeling in the clear waters.
The tour, which has an overall rating of 4.7 stars from 120 reviews, includes breakfast pastries, lunch, and a variety of beverages.
While the experience is generally well-received, some travelers have reported issues, such as rushed boarding, unclear meal inclusions, and cancellations due to weather or low participation.
The host, however, has demonstrated a willingness to address concerns and offer future discounts for unresolved issues.
Prospective guests are advised to bring appropriate attire and be aware of the fast and bumpy boat ride.
Read our full review: Famous Pink Sand and Pig Experience With Snorkeling Review
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Pearl Island Escape With Snorkeling Experience and Lunch
While just minutes away from Nassau, Pearl Island offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking a day of snorkeling, relaxation, and traditional Bahamian cuisine. The package includes round-trip ferry transportation, a guided snorkeling adventure, and a lunch consisting of BBQ chicken, fish fingers, peas and rice, and coleslaw.
Guests can also enjoy access to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, water mats, and a water trampoline. The tour departs from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, with check-in 15 minutes prior to departure.
Facilities on Pearl Island include shaded decks, beach chairs, bathrooms, and freshwater showers. Snorkeling equipment and lockers are available for an additional fee.
With 595 reviews and a 3.8 rating, the experience generally receives positive feedback for its scenic beauty and knowledgeable guides, though some guests have reported organizational issues and limited snorkeling time.
Visitors are advised to follow COVID-19 protocols and bring necessary items like beach towels and sun protection.
Read our full review: Pearl Island Escape With Snorkeling Experience and Lunch Review
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Nassau Shore Excursion: Sightseeing and Snorkeling Tour
Exploring the vibrant capital of the Bahamas, this shore excursion combines sightseeing through historic Nassau with the chance to snorkel at the picturesque Nirvanna Love Beach.
Over 5.5 hours, travelers can enjoy the city’s rich history, visiting landmarks like the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, before indulging in a chocolate tasting at the renowned Graycliff Chocolate Factory.
The highlight of the tour is the snorkeling experience at Nirvanna Love Beach, where colorful marine life and clear waters await. Included in the tour are lunch, a soft drink, and a souvenir to commemorate the day.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, this small-group excursion offers a personalized experience and the convenience of hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful beach setting, though some note room for improvement in transportation comfort and snorkeling conditions.
Read our full review: Nassau Shore Excursion: Sightseeing and Snorkeling Tour Review
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City Tour, Beach & Snorkeling at “Love Beach” in Nassau, Bahamas
The City Tour, Beach & Snorkeling at “Love Beach” in Nassau, Bahamas offers visitors a comprehensive experience that combines sightseeing in the vibrant capital with a relaxing and engaging snorkeling adventure.
This private tour, catering to up to 15 participants, provides a flexible schedule and a range of inclusions, such as bottled water, free WiFi, and the use of snorkeling equipment.
Guests can explore the beautiful Love Beach, a private stretch of sand, and enjoy the underwater world through snorkeling.
With a 4.5-star rating based on 2 reviews, this tour has received positive feedback, particularly on the overall experience.
However, it’s important to note the cancellation policy, which allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the tour, and the refund policy, which may vary depending on participation levels.
Read our full review: City Tour, Beach & Snorkeling at “Love Beach” in Nassau, Bahamas Review
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Half-Day at Green Cay Bahamas Snorkeling With Turtles
This half-day snorkeling excursion at Green Cay, Bahamas, offers travelers a chance to enjoy the vibrant underwater world and encounter the graceful sea turtles that call these waters home.
Operated by Mutton Fish Tours, the tour accommodates up to 10 people and costs $1,300 per group. The experience includes pickup from Paradise Island or Cable Beach, lunch, refreshments, and use of snorkeling gear.
Travelers can expect to see an abundance of marine life, from colorful coral reefs to captivating turtles. The tour also provides historical insights about celebrity homes in the area.
The highly-rated crew is known for their expertise and care, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. With amenities like an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, and restrooms on board, this snorkeling adventure is both comfortable and convenient.
Suitable for most travelers, the excursion is especially family-friendly and can be combined with other activities like guided fishing or swimming with pigs.
Read our full review: Half-Day at Green Cay Bahamas Snorkeling With Turtles Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Medical Requirements for Snorkeling in Nassau?
There are no strict medical requirements for snorkeling in Nassau. However, individuals with certain health conditions like heart or respiratory issues should consult their doctor before participating. Overall, snorkeling is generally safe for most people if proper precautions are taken.
How Much Underwater Visibility Can I Expect During the Snorkeling Tours?
Visibility during snorkeling tours in Nassau can vary, typically ranging from 30 to 80 feet. Factors like weather, currents, and the time of day can affect underwater visibility. Most tours provide a satisfactory viewing experience, allowing snorkelers to see a variety of marine life.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear or Is It Provided?
Snorkel gear is typically provided on tours, but you can bring your own if preferred. Most tours include masks, snorkels, and fins, ensuring a comfortable and convenient snorkeling experience. Check with the tour operator to confirm gear availability and policies.
Are There Any Age or Swimming Ability Restrictions for the Tours?
Most snorkeling tour operators don’t have age or swimming ability restrictions, but they may recommend certain tours for younger or less experienced participants. It’s best to check with the specific tour company about their policies.
What Should I Bring With Me for a Successful Snorkeling Experience in Nassau?
For a successful snorkeling experience in Nassau, one should bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, water, and a waterproof bag for their belongings. Plus, it’s recommended to wear water shoes and bring an underwater camera to capture the marine life.
The Sum Up
Nassau’s diverse snorkeling experiences offer visitors a chance to discover the vibrant marine life and stunning natural beauty of the Bahamas. From swimming with pigs on Rose Island to exploring the colorful coral reefs off Green Cay, there’s a snorkeling adventure to suit every traveler’s interests. With a range of convenient half-day and full-day tours, travelers can easily incorporate snorkeling into their Nassau itinerary.