Nassau, Private Swimming Pig, Island Hopping, Snorkeling, Turtles

This tour is interesting because it mixes classic Nassau sightseeing with a fast hop through the nearby cays, where you are not just looking at wildlife, you can often see it up close. I love the turtle time at Green Cay, with the chance to snorkel near reefs and even swim near turtles around the boats. And yes, the swimming pigs add a goofy, memorable twist that most trips do not manage.

I also like the pacing. You get a full hour at Rose Island for snorkeling and beach time, then you still have room for short stops that feel fun instead of rushed, like the photo-friendly Gilligan’s Island sandbar.

The main drawback to plan around is the pig part. The swimming interaction is optional and costs an extra $25 per person, so you should decide ahead of time if it is worth it for your group.

Key things that make this tour special

• Private speedboat for up to 8 so you control the vibe
• Green Cay turtle sightings plus snorkeling over colorful reef areas
• Rose Island snorkeling and beach time with restaurants nearby if you want a break
• Optional pig swim for $25 per person if you want the full experience
• Gilligan’s Island photo stop that is quick and scenic
• Snorkel gear, life vests, and turtle sightings included, with drinks onboard

Why this Nassau private pig-and-turtle speedboat works

If you want Nassau without a long day of sitting and waiting, this is a good match. The tour is built around a simple idea: hop between islands by speedboat, do the highlights in a few focused blocks, and spend your time where the water is doing the entertaining.

What makes it click is that the tour does not rely on one single gimmick. You get wildlife time first (Green Cay and turtles), then a proper island break (Rose Island), then the famous pigs as an optional add-on, and finally a classic sandy stop for photos. Even the reviews line up with this, praising captains for finding good timing and giving families a smooth day, including kids who want less crowd pressure.

From Elizabeth on Bay to the first cays: a simple route

Your day starts near Elizabeth on Bay on Bay St in Nassau. The end point is back at the same meeting spot, so you do not have to figure out logistics halfway through.

From there, you will run the water routes to hit multiple islands in about 4 hours total. That time limit matters. It means each stop is long enough to do the main activity, but not so long that you waste time stuck at one place. If you like structured days with clear targets, this schedule will feel efficient. If you prefer slow exploring with no clock, you might feel the edges of the timeline.

Green Cay Turtle Time: reef snorkeling and possible swims

Stop 1 is Green Cay, and this is where the trip starts feeling like a real nature moment. Boats stop around the cay and you can often see turtles swimming nearby. The tour also sets you up with snorkeling gear and life vests, so you can get in the water without scrambling for equipment.

Why Green Cay is a highlight:

• Turtle sightings around the boats can happen early, so you get that wow factor right away.
• Colorful reef areas make snorkeling more than a shallow swim. It is more like reef time, with the kind of fish spotting that keeps people grinning even after the boat ride.
• You might even have the opportunity to snorkel in a way that brings you close to turtles, not just watch them from the deck.

A small practical note: turtle encounters can be unpredictable. That is part of the charm. The tour provides the gear and keeps the timing tight, and a good captain helps you use the conditions you get.

In reviews, captains such as Captain Paul and Captain Eddy are praised for knowing where to go and when, including stories about finding sea turtles in the wild and getting kids into great snorkeling spots. That matters because it turns Green Cay from a hope into a plan.

Rose Island hour: beach breaks, snorkeling, and restaurants

Stop 2 is Rose Island, and this is your reset button. You get about one hour for snorkeling, swimming, and beach activities. Rose Island also has restaurants nearby, which is a nice option if you want a quick break from saltwater.

What makes this stop valuable is balance. Green Cay can be more “wildlife-focused.” Rose Island gives you a chance to do the fun, carefree part too: get out on sand, stretch out a bit, and enjoy the island vibe while still staying in the snorkeling game.

What you can expect to do in that hour:

• Snorkel or swim using the included gear
• Spend time on the beach
• Take in the scenery and plan a few easy photos

Potential drawback: because it is only one hour, you should treat it like a timed visit. If you want a long beach lunch, this is not that kind of excursion. But if you want a clean taste of Rose Island, it is just enough.

Pig Island option in Nassau: the $25 swim fee and what you get

Stop 3 is the pig portion, often the main reason people book in the first place. You will head to Pig Island for about 45 minutes.

Here is the key detail, and it affects how much you will enjoy this stop: the pig swim is optional. The swimming interaction fee is $25 per person, charged by the island. If you choose not to pay, you can still see the pigs and take photos, but you skip the water time with them.

Is it worth it? It depends on your comfort level and your expectations. One review notes that they did not end up swimming with the pigs, even after paying, and still enjoyed feeding and photos. Another highlights that the pigs can be active and messy, with animal activity happening close by. Translation for you: do not imagine a sterile swim experience. You are there for a quirky encounter with animals, not a spa.

How to decide before you get there:

• If your group loves the idea of being in the water with pigs, budget for the $25 per person.
• If your group prefers to observe animals without entering the swim interaction, you might still have fun just watching and photographing.

This is also where a private tour helps. You can keep the vibe comfortable for your group. No pressure to do every step.

Gilligan’s Island sandy-cay stop for photos and calm water

Stop 4 is Gilligan’s Island, another 45-minute stop. This one is all about atmosphere and photos. You explore a sandy cay inspired by the famous TV show, and you will likely want to take a bunch of pictures because the setting is so postcard-friendly.

What you get here:

• A quick sandy-cay wander
• Easy photo opportunities
• A chance to relax before heading back

The trade-off is obvious: 45 minutes means you are not going to feel like you fully “did” Gilligan’s Island in the deep sense. But that is not the point. The stop works best as a final highlight that wraps the day with something light, scenic, and simple.

Price, group size, and value versus big-boat tours

The price is $799 per group for up to 8 people. That makes it one of those deals that feels very different depending on your group size.

• If you are a full group of 8, the per-person cost drops a lot, and you effectively get a private speedboat experience without paying per person on a huge boat.
• If you are traveling with fewer people, it costs more per person, but you still gain privacy, faster decisions, and a quieter day.

Then factor in the one variable cost: the optional $25 pig swim fee per person. If everyone in your group wants the swim, that adds up. If you keep it optional, you control the total.

So what is the value? For me, it is the mix of included basics and guided timing. You get snorkeling equipment, life vests, and turtle sightings, plus the speedboat ride itself. Reviews also reward this with stories about captains making the day feel easy, including parents who booked for a first big outing and kids who needed a less crowded pace.

Guides named in reviews include Captain Chris, Captain Paul, Bodie, and Captain Eddy. While you cannot assume any specific captain, the consistent theme is the same: friendly guidance, practical help in the water, and solid local knowledge about where to go and when.

What to bring, how to snorkel, and how to stay comfortable

This is a water-based day, so your comfort choices matter. One review sums it up well with a simple packing reminder: bring towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Here is the practical checklist I would follow:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses for open water sun
• Towel for after snorkeling
• Comfortable swimwear under clothes, since you will be in and out
• If you want it, you can bring a cover-up for the boat time between stops

How to get the best snorkeling results with what is provided:

• Use the included snorkeling equipment and life vest and take the time to get comfortable before you head in.
• Pay attention to where the guide wants you to swim. A good captain can position the boat so you have better chances at seeing fish and wildlife.
• Go at your own pace. You do not need to race through the reef to enjoy it.

One more comfort factor: bring a realistic mindset for Pig Island. Even if you skip the swim interaction, you are on a small island with animals. Expect the scene to feel animal-close and a bit chaotic in a way that is part of the whole experience.

Should you book this Nassau private island hopping tour?

Book it if you want a private, structured half-day that hits multiple highlights without a long travel slog. It is especially solid for people who like snorkeling but do not want to spend the day negotiating crowds or waiting for delayed groups.

I would also book it if your group values guide energy. Reviews strongly highlight that captains and crew help make the day feel smooth, including named guides like Captain Chris, Captain Paul, Bodie, and Captain Eddy. That kind of calm leadership is a real value when you are mixing water activities with kids or first-time Nassau visitors.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You hate the idea of extra costs at Pig Island, even if the interaction is optional.
• You want long, slow beach time at one place rather than quick, focused stops.
• You are very sensitive to animal environments, since Pig Island is animal-close.

If your plan is simple, see turtles, snorkel a bit, enjoy two islands, and finish with the classic sandy-cay photo stop, then this tour is a smart way to spend your Nassau time.

FAQ

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour includes stops at Nassau (Green Cay with turtles), Rose Island for snorkeling and beach time, Nassau for Pig Island, and Nassau for Gilligan’s Island. Depending on the route, nearby cays can include options like Athol or a nearby Pearl Island.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 4 hours (approx.).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What snorkeling and safety gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life vests, plus safety support during the experience.

Are turtle sightings included?

Yes. The tour includes turtle sightings, and Green Cay is specifically known for turtles around the boats.

Is swimming with the pigs included?

No. The swimming pig interaction is optional. There is a swimming pig fee of $25 per person charged by the island.

Where do we meet in Nassau?

You meet at Elizabeth on Bay, with the location listed as Bay3MH6+6QX, Bay St, Nassau, The Bahamas.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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