Exuma Island Hopping Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau

This is one of those Bahamas days that packs serious wildlife and water time into a single schedule, built around Exuma Cays and the famous swimming pigs. You hop islands by powerboat from Paradise Island, so you can hit several different “wow” moments without spending days traveling.

I especially like how the tour keeps the day moving with a fast ride and frequent stops, so you get multiple ecosystems in one go. I also like that the experience includes a real lunch on Great Exuma, plus snorkeling gear, so you are not hunting for basics midway through your day.

The tradeoff is that you spend a lot of time on the boat. It moves fast, and it can get windy and chilly, even when the water looks perfect.

Key highlights you can count on

• Speedy powerboat travel so you can stack multiple cay stops in one day
• Swimming pigs at Pig Beach on Big Major’s Cay, with time to feed and get in the water
• Allen Cay rock iguanas (rare, limited to just three small islands in Exuma)
• Compass Cay nurse sharks where the sharks are used to people and visitors
• Norman’s Cay plane wreck snorkeling tied to the Pablo Escobar story
• Included lunch in Great Exuma plus snacks and drinks on board

How Exuma island hopping works in one fast powerboat day

This tour is designed for a single-day hit list: reptiles, sharks, pigs, snorkeling, and beach time. The full day runs about 8 hours, starting early from Paradise Island and returning to the same meeting area. The day is structured so you do not just see one highlight, you collect several, with short on-island windows that still feel purposeful.

You will likely notice you are not traveling like a slow island cruiser. You travel by powerboat, which is part of why the itinerary can fit so much in. The group size is capped at 25, which helps with flow, boarding, and getting everyone moving at each stop.

One key point for your expectations: this is not a long, slow beach day. It is an active day where time is divided between the water stops and the ride between them.

Meet at Sterling Marina, then dress for wind and speed

You check in in the morning around 8:30 am at Carnivale Bahamas at Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole area on Paradise Island. From there you head out on a speedy craft with light snacks and drinks during the ride. There is also a restroom on board, which is a comfort you will appreciate on a day this length.

Because the boat is fast, you should plan for wind and cold spray at times, especially on open water. I strongly suggest packing a light jacket or something that covers your shoulders. Keep sunscreen in reach too, because you will be in strong sun at several points.

If you want local beer, it is included on board, but it is only available for guests 18 and older. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes, and keep a towel handy so you are not improvising after each swim stop.

Allen Cay rock iguanas: a rare reptile moment

The day begins with Allen Cay, where you get one of the more unusual stops on the water circuit. You have about 20 minutes here to interact with Bahamian rock iguanas. This species is only found on three small islands in Exuma, which makes this stop more than just a quick photo break.

Because the time is short, it helps to be ready the second you get there. Wear shoes or sturdy sandals you can stand in easily, and keep your hands to yourself unless the crew tells you otherwise. The goal is calm observation and safe interaction, not rushing.

What I like about this stop is that it adds variety. Between pig beach and nurse sharks later, the iguanas remind you you are in the Exuma world, not just a theme park of famous animals.

Compass Cay nurse sharks: swim with calm, not chaos

Next up is Compass Cay, a stop built around the chance to swim with nurse sharks. You typically get about 40 minutes here. The sharks are known for being comfortable around visitors, and the water is often clear enough to make your photos look like you planned them.

This is a snorkeling-focused moment, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you are not stuck buying gear last minute. Still, you should be prepared for a different feeling than pig beach. With sharks, your job is mostly steady breathing, good buoyancy, and letting the wildlife come to you at its own pace.

The big drawback to watch for is how chilly wind can feel while you are waiting and getting geared up. If you get cold easily, dress in layers before the boat ride and keep that jacket on standby between swim sessions.

Great Exuma lunch and a breather in the middle

After the animal stops, the day shifts into a real break. At Great Exuma, you get about 1 hour for lunch plus time to reset before the main attraction. Lunch is a Bahamian-style buffet at a local restaurant, with a cold drink included.

I like this mid-day structure because it gives your body a rhythm reset. You have been in the water and geared up repeatedly, so having a full hour to eat, cool off, and rehydrate helps you stay energized for the later snorkeling and swimming.

A practical note: even if you are not a big eater, treat this as fuel. You will spend more time in sun and water after this, including Pig Beach and Norman’s Cay. Bring a little extra water if you tend to run dry in heat, but bottled water is already provided on board.

Pig Beach on Big Major’s Cay: feeding and swimming pigs

This is the headline moment, and it lives up to the hype. Big Major’s Cay is where you reach Pig Beach, and you usually get about 45 minutes. That time matters, because it is long enough to feed the pigs and then go for a swim yourself.

I like that this stop is not just a look-and-go. You get a real interaction window. You also get the chance to see the pigs from multiple angles, including water-level moments that are hard to recreate later.

Keep expectations realistic. You will be in shallow, active water with animals that move quickly. Pay attention to the crew’s safety guidance once you arrive at the cove, and resist the urge to chase. The best photos happen when you stay calm and let the pigs do what pigs do.

Norman’s Cay plane wreck snorkel and sea views

After Pig Beach, the tour heads to Norman’s Cay for snorkeling at a wreck tied to the Pablo Escobar story. You get about 30 minutes here. The wreck is a famous talking point in Exuma snorkeling circles, and the fact that it is visible underwater makes it a memorable change from the live-animal stops.

The good part: you are already in snorkel mode, and you do not need to switch gears much. The included snorkeling gear helps you stay flexible if conditions change.

The main consideration is depth and comfort. You should be comfortable swimming and snorkeling for a short period, and you should follow the crew’s guidance on where to stay in the water. If you are prone to getting nervous in open-water situations, practice calm breathing before you start, and focus on the area the crew points out.

Exuma sandbar time: your chance to slow down

To wrap the day, the tour ends with beach and sandbar time around Exuma. You typically get about 35 minutes here, with swimming and sunbathing at a stop the captain chooses.

This part is where the day stops feeling like a schedule and starts feeling like a vacation. After pigs, sharks, iguanas, and a wreck snorkel, it is a relief to put your feet in warm sand and just float for a bit.

What to do with this time is simple. Dry off if you need it, reapply sunscreen, and decide if you want water time or just a long photo session. Many people love it most because it feels less “activity” and more “reward.”

Is the $438.90 price worth it, and who should book?

At $438.90 per person, this is not a casual add-on. You are paying for a lot of value that is hard to DIY in one day: long-distance powerboat transport between multiple cays, snorkeling equipment, lunch in Great Exuma, snacks and drinks on board, and the fees tied to landing and facilities.

If you tried to recreate this yourself, you would likely spend more on transport and still struggle to coordinate everything safely and efficiently. The tour’s real strength is reducing your hassle while giving you structured time at each stop.

Who it fits best:

• You want a one-day highlights circuit without hopping across multiple days.
• You are comfortable with water time and short stops.
• You like animal viewing that includes real interaction, not just standing on land.

Who should consider skipping:

• If you hate boats or get very motion sensitive, this tour is boat-heavy.
• If you are pregnant, it is not permitted.
• If you are a cruise ship passenger, it is not recommended.
• If you need long, slow beach time over quick swim stops, you may feel rushed.

Should you book this Exuma swimming pigs tour from Nassau?

I would book it if your ideal Bahamas day includes real wildlife time plus snorkeling and you want to maximize your day starting on Paradise Island. The day has a clear payoff sequence, from iguanas to sharks to Pig Beach, then a wreck snorkel, and finally sandbar relaxation.

I would think twice if you want lots of downtime on shore. This is a day where you are on the boat more than you are on land, and wind can make you want extra warmth while you are traveling between cays.

If you are going anyway, pack smart: a light jacket, towel, and sunscreen. Then show up ready for a high-energy day of animal encounters in famously blue water.

FAQ

How long is the Exuma island hopping swimming pigs tour?

The tour is about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at the same meeting point on Paradise Island, at Carnivale Bahamas, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at a restaurant on Great Exuma as a Bahamian-style buffet.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are there alcoholic beverages on board?

Local beer is included, but it is only for guests 18 and older.

How many stops are included?

You visit several key locations: Allen Cay, Compass Cay, Great Exuma, Pig Beach on Big Major’s Cay, Norman’s Cay, and a sandbar or beach stop on Exuma.

What are the main highlights at each stop?

Allen Cay is for rock iguanas, Compass Cay is for nurse sharks, Pig Beach is for swimming and feeding pigs, and Norman’s Cay is for snorkeling a plane wreck tied to the Pablo Escobar story.

Is this tour recommended for cruise ship passengers?

It is not recommended for cruise ship passengers.

What is the cancellation policy if weather affects the tour?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.