Experience The Exumas and the World Famous Swimming Pigs

A speedboat day in the Exumas sounds wild.

This tour is built around swimming pigs and nurse sharks in the Bahamas, plus a fast, multi-cay route that packs a lot into one morning-to-afternoon stretch. I especially like the way the day pairs famous animal encounters with real time in the water, and I also like that lunch and drinks are handled for you—Bahamian buffet lunch with unlimited beer and mojitos.

One thing to plan for: the ride can be bumpy. You’re going far (78 miles) and you’re on a tight schedule, so the captain keeps things moving when the water gets rough.

Quick hits before you go

• 78 miles by speedboat: lots of open-water time, with a crew that keeps the day on schedule
• Pig Beach time included: your main animal stop is built right into the itinerary
• Compass Cay nurse sharks: 45 minutes focused on meeting sharks in their natural environment
• Norman’s Cay plane wreck: a short snorkel stop at a WWII-era aircraft resting in shallow water
• Lunch and drinks included: Bahamian buffet at Lorraine’s Cafe plus unlimited beer and mojitos
• Small group max of 22: big enough for energy, small enough that you’re not lost in the crowd

The Pig Beach–to–Plane Wreck value in one long Exuma run

If you want the classic Exumas moment—the world-famous pigs—this tour is structured to deliver it early and confidently, not as a last-minute maybe. The schedule is built around three headline stops (pigs, nurse sharks, and Norman’s Cay), then additional cay time along the way, so the day feels like a mini circuit instead of one single beach plop.

At $439 per person, it isn’t a bargain, but it is easy to justify when you tally what’s included. You’re paying for long boat mileage to the Exumas, multiple admission areas, and a full Bahamian meal at the end of the morning. And you get more than lunch: there’s unlimited beer and mojitos, plus bottled water and snacks. That combination matters because it reduces the “nickel-and-dime” feeling that can hit on island day trips.

You should know the pace is real. This is an 8.5-hour outing that starts early, moves between cays, and expects you to be ready to get on and off the boat quickly. If you want slow travel, this isn’t it.

The 7:30am start and the reality of a fast, bumpy boat

The tour meets at 1 Cove Blvd, Paradise Island at 7:30am and returns you back to the same spot. That early start is what makes the day work: it buys you enough daylight and enough buffer to hit the pig and shark windows.

The speedboat is described as luxurious and sleek, but don’t let that fool you—the water can be bumpy. One featured experience notes that the ride felt rough at times, and the reason is straightforward: the captain needs to go fast to make the stops on time. In other words, the “waves” aren’t a surprise problem. They’re part of the trade for reaching multiple cays in one day.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is the part to take seriously. Bring what helps you (meds if you use them, a plan for eye contact, and a way to keep your stomach calm). Also sit in the spot the crew recommends; they usually know where the ride is least chaotic.

Stop 1: Pig Beach and how the famous pigs fit into a real swim

Pig Beach is the heart of the day, with 45 minutes on the itinerary and admission included. You’re meeting the pigs in their natural environment, not in some staged show setup. That matters because it changes the vibe: you’re watching animals who act like animals—wandering, curious, and at their own pace.

Plan your expectations: this isn’t a long swim session like you’d get on a private charter. It’s a focused encounter built around that first “wow” moment. The crew uses the time well, and once you’re there you’ll understand why this is the stop everyone talks about.

Practical tip: keep your eyes on the crew instructions before you wade in or enter the water. The best animal encounters stay safe and respectful, and the faster the boat needs to turn around, the more important it is that everyone follows the same rules.

You’ll also likely get glimpses of other local wildlife during the day. The tour notes rock iguanas as part of the overall experience, and you may spot them when you’re out on the cay during transfers and short breaks.

Stop 2: Compass Cay nurse sharks in their natural setting

Next up is Compass Cay, again with 45 minutes. The goal here is nurse sharks in their natural environment, and the admission is free.

This stop is the one that can feel surprisingly calm. Nurse sharks are not the same energy as the “scary shark” movies. You’re not looking for drama—you’re looking for close-up wildlife contact in a setting the crew can manage safely.

A helpful way to think about it: this is wildlife viewing through swimming and short water time, not a long snorkel marathon. So if you’re hoping for hours of underwater exploration, you might find the schedule too tight. But if you want the high-impact moment—nurse sharks up close—45 minutes can be plenty.

Bring your comfort items for water time. The tour includes complimentary towels, but you still need your own swim basics: suit, sunscreen, and any snorkel gear you prefer. The crew handles the flow, so you’ll typically know when it’s your turn to get in and when it’s time to regroup.

Stop 3: Norman’s Cay Plane Wreck snorkeling stop

At Norman’s Cay, the tour gives you 30 minutes to snorkel the plane wreck. This WWII-era aircraft rests beneath shallow, turquoise water, and there’s a specific story tied to how it was used: it was once connected to a major smuggling operation in the 1970s.

That combination is what makes this stop different from a generic reef break. You’re not just looking at fish. You’re looking at a piece of real-time history sitting right under the surface, close enough to see without needing a long dive.

Because the time is short, your goal should be quick “get your bearings” snorkeling. Focus on where the crew directs you first, then make the most of the clearer stretches. If you’re prone to getting distracted underwater, you might want to slow down and actually look for the wreck details when you reach the area.

Also, you’ll feel the difference between pig-and-shark stops and the wreck stop. The wreck is about attention and buoyancy. The animals are about movement and moments. The day mixes both, which is part of why it’s fun.

The other cays: why five (sometimes six) stops keep the day moving

The overview says it’s 5 cays, 1 fabulous day, and in practice you can expect multiple quick landings and water jumps. One featured account described six stops in total, which tells me the exact routing can vary a bit while keeping the big-ticket moments intact.

This matters for two reasons:

1) You’ll see more variety in a single day—different shoreline feel, different water texture, and different wildlife moments.

2) You’ll also need flexibility. You’re not going to linger like you would on a slower beach day.

If you enjoy variety and you don’t mind a schedule, you’ll love this format. If you’d rather spend the day in one calm place, the multi-stop approach can feel a bit like being constantly “on deck.”

Lunch at Lorraine’s Cafe: buffet, unlimited drinks, and real island fuel

After all that water time, you’ll appreciate that lunch is already planned: a Bahamian buffet lunch at Lorraine’s Cafe in Black Point, Exuma. On top of the meal, the tour includes unlimited beer and mojitos, plus bottled water and snacks (fruit and/or chips).

This is one of the best value pieces on the whole day. Even if you don’t drink, lunch and cold water matter after sun, salt, and repeated getting-in-the-water cycles. Add in the beer and mojitos and it turns lunch into an actual break, not just a quick bite.

One more practical note: when you’re out all morning, lunch can make or break your energy for the final stretch back to Paradise Island. Eat steadily, hydrate, and give your body time to reset. This is not the day for a light-skipping strategy.

And yes, there’s also a benefit you might not think about until you’re tired: towels are included. That means you don’t have to waste time tracking down supplies on the island.

Price, admissions, and what you’re paying for at $439

Here’s how I’d look at the price: you’re paying for boat travel to the Exumas (78 miles), multiple stops, and the “included” layer that keeps the day smooth. The itinerary includes admissions at Pig Beach, while other stops like Compass Cay and Norman’s Cay are listed with free admission ticket entries.

On top of that, you’re getting a full day experience: lunch, water, snacks, and unlimited beer and mojitos. It’s hard to build that package yourself without spending a similar amount—especially once you factor in speedboat logistics and the need to get everyone to the stops on time.

The main reason the price feels high is simple: you’re not just visiting one place. You’re transporting yourself across a broad stretch of water and hitting multiple premium wildlife locations in one shot. If your priority is a single beach with minimal movement, you may find it too costly for what you want.

But if your priority is “I want the pigs, the nurse sharks, and the plane wreck on one day,” the price starts to make sense.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This outing is a strong match if you want a single ticket to a day of animal encounters and snorkel time—without having to plan a private route. It’s also built for a moderate physical fitness level. You’re moving between boat and water multiple times, and you’ll be out for roughly 8 hours 30 minutes.

It is not recommended for travelers over 275 lbs, based on the tour’s guidance. If you fall outside that range, I’d skip this one and look for a different format that’s more comfortable.

It also makes sense if you like structure. The stops have set time windows: 45 minutes for the pigs, 45 minutes for the nurse sharks, and 30 minutes for the plane wreck. That structure is exactly what lets you see so much in one day.

Think twice if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to rough water and motion
• You hate early mornings
• You want lots of free time at one beach instead of a tight itinerary

A simple packing checklist for this Exuma speedboat day

Because the day is water-heavy, pack like you’re going to a beach club plus a snorkel stop, not like you’re sightseeing only.

Plan on:

• Swimwear ready to go (you’ll spend less time fussing)
• Sunscreen you can reapply if needed
• Water-friendly footwear if you prefer grip stepping on/off areas
• A small waterproof bag for phone and essentials
• Your usual motion-sickness plan if you need one
• A light layer for after the water, since you’ll ride back in the same day

The tour provides complimentary towels, so you can travel lighter there. Still, bring what makes you comfortable. You’ll feel the difference over an 8.5-hour day.

Weather, cancellations, and how to protect your plans

This experience needs good weather. If wind and wave conditions don’t cooperate, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered either another date or a full refund.

That’s important because this is not one of those tours you can count on “no matter what.” If your schedule is tight and you only have one morning window, consider booking with flexibility in mind.

Also note: the company lists free cancellation available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Should you book Swim with the pigs and the Exumas cays?

I’d book it if you want the signature Exumas animal hits in one day: Pig Beach, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and a short but memorable snorkel stop at the Norman’s Cay plane wreck—with lunch and unlimited drinks already included.

I would not book it if you want a relaxed, unhurried beach day, or if rougher water and an early start will ruin your mood. Also skip if the 275-lb guidance is an issue for your group.

If you’re in the sweet spot—curious, ready to swim, and okay with a fast boat day—this is one of the more straightforward ways to make the Exumas feel like a checklist item you’ll actually remember for years.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The tour starts at 7:30am and runs about 8 hours 30 minutes. It ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 1 Cove Blvd, Paradise Island, The Bahamas.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $439.00 per person.

What stops are included?

The itinerary includes Pig Beach, Compass Cay, and Norman’s Cay (for snorkeling the plane wreck). The day is described as covering multiple cays.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch (Bahamian buffet at Lorraine’s Cafe), unlimited beer and mojitos, bottled water, snacks (fruit and/or chips), complimentary use of towels, and the listed admission entries for stops where tickets are included.

Is there alcohol included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are unlimited, including beer and mojitos.

Who is this tour best suited for physically?

The guidance says travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. It is not recommended for travelers over 275 lbs.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.