Exuma Island Hopping Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau

Seven cays in one day? Yes, and it’s practical fun. I love the powerboat speed that lets you hit multiple Exuma stops without losing your whole vacation to transit, and I love how the day keeps turning into something new (iguanas, sharks, pigs, then snorkeling and beach time). The only real catch is you’ll be on the boat a lot, and at speed it can feel chilly and windy—bring a light jacket so you’re comfortable the whole day.

You check in on Paradise Island at Carnivale Bahamas, then you’re off toward the Exuma Cays with a crew focused on keeping things smooth. You’ll swim with animals, snack and drink onboard, and get a Bahamian-style lunch on Great Exuma—so the day has structure, not just random stops.

If you want a classic Bahamas highlight in one shot, this is built for that. It also has a small-group feel (max 25), which matters when you’re doing repeated water activities and want the day to move.

Quick take: what makes this Exuma hopping day work

• Powerboat day plan: fast rides between cays so you can pack in six distinct experiences.
• Allen Cay iguanas: a rare Bahamian Rock Iguana stop, with ticket-free entry time built in.
• Compass Cay nurse sharks: a nurse shark swim/photo moment at a marina where they’re used to visitors.
• Big Major’s Cay swimming pigs: feeding and swimming time at Pig Beach.
• Norman’s Cay plane wreck snorkeling: snorkel time at the famous wreck known as Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane.
• Real lunch on Great Exuma: a 1-hour Bahamian-style buffet so you’re not hungry between swims.

Entering Exuma fast: the powerboat part that shapes the whole day

This tour lives and dies by one thing: speed. You’re on a sleek powerboat, and you feel it right away as you head from Paradise Island toward the Exuma Cays. That fast travel is the reason the itinerary can include multiple islands and still feel like a full day, not a travel marathon.

You’ll also notice the rhythm is built around short, clear activity windows. That’s why this works best for people who like “see it, do it, move on” days. You’re not signing up for a slow, long-stay beach vacation. You’re signing up for a best-of Exuma hits tour.

Two practical realities you should plan for:

• You sit a lot. Even with stops, you’ll spend a good chunk of time onboard. Bring a towel, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting damp.
• Wind and cool air happen. Multiple guide/crew notes in the feedback point to it getting chilly and windy. A light hoodie or jacket is a smart move, especially if you run cold.

The good news? The boat ride itself is part of the fun. People often comment on how comfortable the boat is and how smooth it feels, even with the speed.

Allen Cay rock iguanas: the rare island-only creature moment

Allen Cay is your first interaction stop, and it’s a great opener. You go here for Bahamian Rock Iguanas—small-island residents that, based on what you’re told on the tour, can be found only on three small islands in Exuma. That narrow range is why this stop gets so much attention: you’re seeing an animal that’s not a “common anywhere” encounter.

You’ll get about 20 minutes here. That’s enough time to see the iguanas, get photos, and still be ready for the next boat jump without feeling rushed.

What to remember before you land:

• Keep your attention on the ground and the animals’ space. This isn’t a long hangout; it’s a quick, respectful meet.
• Wear comfortable footwear for getting on and off the boat and walking around a bit.

Why I like this stop as a first act: it’s not water-based. After you’ve traveled, it gives you a calmer start before the day turns into swimming and snorkeling.

Compass Cay nurse sharks: photos first, then a real swim

Next up is Compass Cay, and it’s built around nurse sharks. The setting is a marina, and the sharks are described as not shy—used to visitors. That’s important. You’re more likely to have a good encounter when the animals aren’t instantly disappearing.

You get about 40 minutes at this stop. The tour includes snorkel equipment, so you can gear up onboard or shortly after arriving. This is the kind of experience where your confidence matters: hold steady, keep a relaxed posture, and focus on calm movements in the water.

Two things that make this stop feel special:

• It’s not just watching. You’re meant to swim around the sharks.
• It creates great photos. With the sharks around you, the shots tend to come out dramatic and clear.

The trade-off? Since it’s water time, you’ll feel the wind off the water and then the boat ride right afterward. That’s another reason the jacket tip matters.

Great Exuma lunch break: a buffet that keeps the day rolling

After you’ve done iguanas and nurse sharks, you land on Great Exuma for lunch. This is a 1-hour stop, and it’s a Bahamian-style buffet at a local restaurant, plus a cold drink.

I like this part because it’s not an afterthought. A good lunch break is what prevents the afternoon from turning into “survive the next swim.” And on a day like this—where you’re in and out of water—food timing really matters.

What’s included:

• Lunch plus soda/pop and bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages like local beer are included, but only for guests 18 and older

If you’re trying to get the most out of the rest of the day, use this hour smart:

• Eat before you feel hungry again.
• Drink water.
• If you want to swim with pigs and snorkel later, keep your energy up now.

Also, because you’re eating on Great Exuma and then returning to the boat, this lunch stop helps reset the day without slowing it down too much.

Pig Beach and Big Major’s Cay swimming pigs: the headline, and the hype is real

Now we hit the reason most people book: swimming pigs at Pig Beach on Big Major’s Cay. This is where the day becomes instantly recognizable, thanks to the pigs that made global headlines through media and social media.

You’ll get about 45 minutes here, and that time is included in the experience. The expectation is straightforward: you can feed and swim with the pigs.

A couple practical tips based on how these encounters tend to work (and what the tour time suggests):

• Pay attention to the crew instructions at the water’s edge. It keeps everyone safe and helps the pigs stay calm.
• Use your time efficiently. Photos and feeding can take a little longer than you think once you’re in it.

What I like about this stop is the mix. It’s not purely “stand and watch.” It’s active. Even if you don’t love animals, you’ll probably end up with at least one photo you’ll keep.

The only downside is the emotional pull: it’s so fun that you might wish you had more minutes. But for most people, 45 minutes hits the sweet spot—enough to do the main activities without dragging the rest of the day.

Norman’s Cay plane wreck snorkeling: the story and the water time

After pigs, you head to Norman’s Cay. This is your snorkeling stop tied to the wreck known as Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane. The tour presents it as a rumored connection tied to a crash in the late 1970s and a story involving cocaine.

Here, your snorkeling time is about 30 minutes. Since snorkeling gear is included, you’re not scrambling to rent equipment or find a place to buy it.

Two ways this stop can land for you:

• If you love snorkeling, the wreck gives you something more interesting than plain sand or reef.
• If you’re newer to snorkeling, 30 minutes can feel just right—enough to try without feeling like it’s dragging.

One thing to be honest about: this is not marketed as a long, detailed snorkeling safari. It’s a quick, memorable water stop that pairs story with the sensation of being in clear Exuma water near a famous wreck.

The sandbar or beach stop: where the wind finally loses

To close out the day, the captain makes a stop at a sandbar or beach for swimming, sunbathing, and photo time. This is about 35 minutes, and it’s one of the best mental breaks of the whole itinerary.

This part matters because you’ve spent the earlier hours doing animal encounters and snorkeling. A sandbar stop gives you a slower pace—just you, the water, and a chance to catch your breath.

A few things to do to make it count:

• If you’re sun sensitive, bring sunscreen and use it early. The day includes lots of water time and lots of exposed skin.
• If you’re cold easily, this final stretch is often when you’ll appreciate that jacket again—wind at boat speed can sneak up on you.

Why I’d call it essential: it turns a packed, action-heavy day into something that feels like a proper beach moment, not just a sequence of activities.

Price and value: what $438.90 buys you (and why it can be worth it)

At $438.90 per person, this isn’t a budget excursion. But it also isn’t just “a ride to a beach.”

Here’s what’s included in a way that affects your real costs:

• Round-trip style day structure by powerboat from Paradise Island
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Lunch on Great Exuma plus cold drinks (water and soda/pop)
• Light snacks onboard
• Local beer included for those 18+
• Restroom onboard
• Landing and facility fees
• Multiple activity stops where admissions are listed as free for the time spent at each location

When you add that up, the cost becomes more understandable. You’re paying for:

1) the transportation that lets you hit many locations in one day, and

2) the organized animal-and-water schedule, with gear and food handled.

Is it expensive? Yes. But for people chasing Exuma’s top highlights without spending an entire trip just getting there, it’s closer to a “day of experiences” than a single attraction ticket.

The human side: crew energy and safety rhythm

One of the strongest themes in the feedback is the crew’s vibe—helpful, friendly, and safety-focused in a way that still feels fun. Names that come up in crew callouts include Alex, TJ, Winston, Joey, Jasmine, and Chris, plus a captain role often referenced as Winston or TJ depending on the day and group.

Here’s what that usually means for your day:

• You get help boarding and offloading the boat
• Snacks and drinks keep showing up onboard
• You get clear direction for the animal stops and the water activities

That “repeatable care” is important on a day with multiple wet stops. If you’re wearing the wrong gear or you feel unsure around animals, instructions can make the whole experience smoother.

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

This tour fits best if you want a one-day Exuma highlights plan and you’re comfortable with active experiences—animal interactions and snorkeling—within short time windows.

It also helps if you:

• Have moderate physical fitness
• Like boats, and don’t mind that you’ll be sitting between stops
• Want lunch plus drinks handled for you
• Prefer guided structure over trying to DIY island hopping

It may not be the best match if you:

• Are a cruise passenger (it’s not recommended for cruise ship passengers)
• Are pregnant (not permitted)
• Struggle with chilly, windy boat rides (bring a jacket and towel)

Also, it requires good weather. If conditions are off, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded.

Should you book the Exuma Island Hopping Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau?

If you’re aiming to do Exuma’s signature moments—swimming pigs at Pig Beach, plus nurse sharks and iguanas—in one day, I’d say yes, book it. The biggest selling point is the “many places, one schedule” approach, powered by the fast boat and supported by included gear and food.

But don’t book it if you hate the idea of a high-speed boat day. If wind and chill make you miserable, plan for it with a jacket. If you’re looking for a long, slow snorkeling vacation with hours of downtime, this probably won’t match your style.

My quick decision rule:

• Choose this tour if you want a packed day with iconic wildlife and water moments.
• Skip it if you want mostly beach time and minimal boat time.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Exuma island hopping swimming pigs tour?

It runs about 8 hours (approximately).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Where do you meet for the tour?

Meet at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island (Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas).

What’s included besides lunch?

You get light snacks onboard, soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, a restroom on board, and landing/facility fees. Local beer is included for guests 18+.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Which stops are part of the day?

You’ll go to Allen Cay (rock iguanas), Compass Cay (nurse sharks), Great Exuma (lunch), Pig Beach / Big Major’s Cay (swimming pigs), Norman’s Cay (plane wreck snorkeling), and a sandbar or beach stop for swimming and sunbathing.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Is it recommended for cruise ship passengers?

No, it is not recommended for cruise ship passengers.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.