Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs

REVIEW · NEW PROVIDENCE ISLAND

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs

  • 4.523 reviews
  • From $130.00
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Operated by Cruising Adventures · Bookable on Viator

One of the quickest ways to shake up a Bahamas day is this speedboat-to-pig outing. You’re in charge of the speedboat (if you’re 18+), then you get to meet the pigs up close on a private island. I love that it turns a usual sightseeing cruise into hands-on fun, and it comes with a crew that keeps things organized and safe.

The trade-off is that you’ll be sharing some of the ride-control stress with the ocean, especially in windy conditions. If you’re prone to motion sickness or you hate being at the wheel, you may find the first minutes a little tense—though the guides are there to help you get comfortable.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Key Highlights at a Glance

  • Self-drive speedboat: You steer the boat if you’re 18 or older
  • Small group size: Maximum 20 travelers, so it doesn’t feel crowded
  • Easy check-in and professional crew: The team is patient and focused on safe handling
  • Private island pig time: Feed pigs and take photos on a clean, well-kept island
  • Weather-dependent water time: Wind and conditions affect how the ride feels

Meeting at Malcom’s Park and Getting Your Ride Instructions

This tour starts at Malcom’s Park at the Atlantis Bridge in Nassau. It’s a clear starting point, and the pickup area is close to public transportation, which is a big plus if you’re not driving your own car.

Check-in is quick, and the crew gives specific but easy directions on how to handle the speedboat. That matters because the whole experience hinges on you taking the wheel, and you want confidence fast, not after you’re already out on the water. Once you’re set, you’ll head out from their private dock.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Providence Island.

Driving Your Own Speedboat Around Nassau’s Coast

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Driving Your Own Speedboat Around Nassau’s Coast
Here’s the heart of the experience: you ride in a speedboat you actually control. If you’re 18+, you get to drive. If not, you’ll still be part of the boat experience, but someone else handles the wheel. Either way, you’ll follow the lead of an expert guide, which takes the guesswork out of where to go and what to look for.

You’re likely to pass by the Atlantis Bridge area, and there’s even a mention that you can reach across toward the Atlantis Hotel zone depending on the route and timing. That’s useful context: this isn’t just getting from point A to point B. It’s designed as a fast, scenic ride where you can actually enjoy the Nassau coastline from the water.

What you’ll feel most, though, is speed plus wind. Multiple people noted that driving can be challenging at first, especially with higher wind. The good news is that the crew stays patient and professional, even if you need extra help getting comfortable, and the priority is getting everyone to and from safely.

The Guide-Led Route: Why Following Someone Matters

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - The Guide-Led Route: Why Following Someone Matters
Even though you’re driving, you’re not flying blind. A guide rides with you and helps position the boat so you get good views around the island area. That’s one of the biggest value points for this type of activity, because Bahamas sea conditions can shift quickly, and routes that look simple from shore aren’t always simple once you’re out there.

This is also where small details make a difference. When the crew is paying attention—watching the boat, watching your handling, and staying aware of conditions—you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the ride. People specifically praised the team for being hospitable, professional, and accommodating when plans feel harder than expected.

Your Private Island Pig Stop: Feeding, Photos, and Swim Time

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Your Private Island Pig Stop: Feeding, Photos, and Swim Time
After the speedboat ride, you land on a private island for the pig interaction part. This is where the tour becomes more memorable than a typical photo stop, because you’re not just looking from a distance. You’ll have time to interact with the pigs, feed them, and take pictures.

One of the most praised parts is the friendliness and curiosity of the pigs—people found them approachable, and they especially loved seeing the baby pigs. That’s the kind of detail that changes the feel of the visit from cute to genuinely fun.

Now, about swimming: the tour includes pig swim time, but it’s not always a one-size-fits-all behavior scene. In windy or water-feeling conditions, pigs may choose not to go in the water if they’re focused on food. That’s not a failure on your side; it’s just animal behavior. The experience still works because you’re there for interaction, feeding, and photos, with swimming as part of the mix when the pigs are in the mood.

People also mentioned the island being clean and the water looking clear. That combination matters more than it sounds: when the island is well-kept, it feels respectful and comfortable, and when the water is clear, the whole “ocean day” vibe makes sense.

Snorkel on the Water: Adding More Than One Moment of Fun

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Snorkel on the Water: Adding More Than One Moment of Fun
The tour description points to a speed boat and snorkel guided component along with the pig swim time. Even if you’re mostly here for the adrenaline and the pigs, snorkel time is what turns the trip into a true water adventure instead of a single activity chain.

I like snorkel tours that are guided for one reason: you’re not scrambling to figure out where conditions are best. A guide can help you make the most of the water window you’ve been given, and it keeps the focus on fun rather than problem-solving in open water.

If you’re not an experienced snorkeler, you’ll still be set up to participate as “most travelers can participate,” and the age minimum is 5 years and older. Still, use common sense with comfort in water and follow the crew’s instructions.

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Duration and Group Size: How That Affects Your Day

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Duration and Group Size: How That Affects Your Day
The tour lasts about 2 hours. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough to feel like a real outing, short enough that you don’t lose half your day on boats and transfers.

It also runs with a maximum of 20 travelers, which helps keep things moving. Smaller groups tend to mean less waiting and more time for your personal moment at the pigs. It’s also easier for the crew to coach you on the speedboat—especially if someone is having a slower start in windy conditions.

Price and Value: Is $130 Worth It?

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Price and Value: Is $130 Worth It?
At $130 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it’s not priced like a passive cruise either. You’re paying for three things that would cost more separately:

1) A guided speedboat experience where you can drive (no boating license required)

2) Time at a private island with pig feeding and photo opportunities

3) A snorkel component on the water

If you’re the type of traveler who likes doing something active instead of just watching, the value makes sense. The driving element is the hook, but the pig interaction is what people remember afterward—especially the baby pigs and the close, friendly encounter.

The other “value” factor is the crew quality. People praised how patient and accommodating the guides were, including when getting the speedboat ride feeling right took more time than expected. In rougher conditions, a calm, competent crew can turn what could be stressful into something you enjoy.

Who Should Book This Self-Drive Pig Adventure?

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Who Should Book This Self-Drive Pig Adventure?
This tour is a strong match if you want:

  • Hands-on fun: you want to drive, not just ride
  • A short, action-filled outing that doesn’t eat your whole day
  • A mix of ocean views and a private island experience
  • A crew-led day where you get support if the ride feels tricky at first

It’s also ideal for families with kids who are at least 5 years old, as long as everyone can follow instructions and you’re comfortable with a water-based activity format. For adults who prefer controlled, low-risk sightseeing, the speedboat wheel might feel like a lot—especially if wind is strong.

Weather and Wind: The One Thing You Can’t Ignore

This experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because wind doesn’t just affect comfort—it changes how intense the boat handling feels when you’re learning to drive.

If you want the smoothest ride, aim for calmer conditions when possible. When wind picks up, expect the speedboat handling to be harder at first, then easier as you get used to it—this is exactly what people reported when they struggled initially but improved quickly.

What to Bring and How to Prepare (Practical Tips)

You’ll be on the water for a couple of hours and doing a pig island interaction, so plan like it’s a beach day with a twist:

  • Bring swimwear and plan to get wet
  • Wear secure footwear for the dock and island areas
  • Expect sun exposure on a speedboat ride and pack sun protection
  • Follow the crew’s instructions on where to be and when, especially during boat handling

The biggest preparation tip: don’t wait until you’re already on the boat to mentally commit to the wheel. The faster you focus on the instructions, the sooner the ride feels fun instead of stressful.

Should You Book It?

I think you should book this if you want a Bahamas day that feels active, guided, and genuinely different from the usual island tour. The combination of self-drive speedboat fun, pig feeding and photos, and a water component (snorkel plus swim time) gives you multiple “main moments” in just about two hours.

I’d skip it or choose a different option if you hate being at the helm, get motion sick easily, or know you’ll feel anxious when wind makes boat handling less steady. In those cases, you might enjoy the pigs but struggle with the speedboat part that this experience is built around.

If you’re ready for a hands-on adventure with a professional crew and a private island pig moment, this one is a strong bet.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Malcom’s Park at the Atlantis Bridge in Nassau, The Bahamas. It ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $130.00 per person.

Can I drive the speedboat?

Yes—persons over the age of 18 and older can drive. No boating license or experience is needed.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 5 years and older.

Is snorkeling included?

The tour description includes a speed boat and snorkel guided component along with swimming with the pigs.

How many people are in a group?

The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

What happens on the private island?

You can interact with the pigs, feed them, and take pictures.

What if weather conditions are 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.

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