Private Swim With Pigs and Snorkeling in Paradise Tour

A private speedboat trip to Paradise Island is a rare mix: swimming with the pigs and snorkeling reefs in the same half-day. I like that you get a more personal setup than a bus-and-queue kind of day, and I also like that the basics for snorkeling are already handled with the included gear. One thing to consider, though, is that the pig swim has an extra $40 per person fee, and you should be comfortable with moderate water time.

This tour starts at 10:00 am and runs about 4 hours, which is long enough to enjoy real ocean time without eating your entire day. I also think the timing and pacing fit families well, since you get multiple chances to cool off, see sea life, and still have time for relaxing on a beach. Since it’s a private group, it works best when you want flexibility, like moving at the pace of your crew and not following a script.

You’ll be in New Providence Island waters, heading over to Paradise Island where the scenery is the whole point: turquoise water, bright sun, and underwater life when you put your face in the mask. Pickup is offered, and you’ll use a mobile ticket, but private transportation is not included, so it helps to plan how you’ll get to the meeting point. The good news is it all ends back where it starts.

Key things I think are worth knowing first

• Private speedboat comfort for up to 6 people, no cattle-car feeling
• Snorkel gear and snacks included, so you can travel lighter
• Pig swim costs extra ($40 per person), but it’s the main payoff
• You’re set up for reef wildlife viewing, including turtles and stingrays
• Time on a secluded beach for sunbathing between water moments
• Weather matters, since it’s dependent on good conditions

A half-day that feels like a whole vacation day (in the best way)

If you want the classic Bahamian dream day, this is built for you. It’s not just a scenic ride, and it’s not just a snorkel stop either. You’re stacking three of the biggest island hits into a tight 4-hour window: pigs, snorkeling, and a beach break.

The private part is what makes this feel special. Up to 6 people per group means you’re not spending the day negotiating where to stand, where to jump in, or how long it takes for everyone to get their gear on. I like that the crew can be more hands-on, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you want help with the simple stuff like getting comfortable in the water.

The main tradeoff with a half-day format is that you have less time to do everything slowly. If you love lounging for hours and never rushing, this may feel busy. But if you want variety and you’ll enjoy multiple short water sessions, it’s a strong fit.

Price and value for a group of up to 6

At $850 per group (up to 6), the price looks high at first glance. But do the math the way it actually plays out: you’re paying for a private speedboat experience, not a per-person ticket. For a family or a small group, it can be very reasonable compared with the cost of similar “private” ocean time elsewhere.

There is one extra line item that you should plan for: the $40 per person swim-with-pigs fee. The listing keeps things a bit cleaner by including snorkeling equipment and snacks, but it’s still smart to budget for that pig swim. If you’ve got 4 people in your group, that’s a smaller add-on than if you’re a full 6-person crew, so I’d base your decision on how many adults and swimmers you’ll bring.

Also note what’s included and what’s not. Snacks and snorkeling gear are included, while private transportation isn’t. Pickup is listed as offered, so you might be able to coordinate a ride, but since the package doesn’t explicitly include private transportation, it’s worth confirming what you’ll cover when you book.

Bottom line: this is good value if you want a private day on the water with multiple experiences, and you’re okay budgeting for the pig swim add-on.

Getting to Paradise Island by private speedboat

You’ll board a private speedboat and cross the water to Paradise Island. The ride itself is part of the experience. In these Bahamas waters, the light and color are a big deal, and speedboat travel gets you there faster than slow ferry vibes.

Because this is a private setup, you also tend to spend less time waiting around. That matters on a half-day tour. You’re not losing an hour to late stragglers or a big group shuffling for photo stops. You also get a smoother rhythm for the water activities, which is where most people actually feel the “wow” factor.

One practical point: sea conditions can change fast, and this tour requires good weather. That doesn’t mean it will always be calm, it means the operator plans around safe and workable conditions. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, book with some flexibility.

Stop on Paradise Island: pigs, reefs, and getting close to turtles

This is the core of the day, and the order matters less than the fact that it’s packed. You go to Paradise Island for the pig swim, reef snorkeling, and up-close time with green turtles.

Swimming with the pigs

The pig swim is the headline moment, and it comes with that $40 per person fee. I recommend going in with two expectations set clearly:

1. This is the main attraction, so plan your time around it.
2. It’s an extra cost, so don’t confuse “admission ticket free” with the pig swim being included.

Even if you’re not the type who loves animals up close, this is one of those “only here” experiences. The pigs are a playful, visual memory, and you don’t need an advanced skill level to enjoy the moment. You do need to be comfortable with getting into the water and moving safely with your group.

Snorkeling coral reefs and spotting sea life

After the pigs, you shift to snorkeling. The tour includes snorkel equipment, which is a big deal because it removes a common hassle. You’re not hunting for rental gear or paying extra on arrival.

The reef viewing is the big second payoff. You can expect to see tropical fish, and the highlights also mention stingrays. You’ll also have your best shot at spotting green turtles while you’re in the water.

Here’s the practical tip: snorkeling enjoyment often comes down to comfort more than technique. If you can control your breathing and you can stay calm for a few minutes, you’ll see more. If you panic, even for a short time, you’ll lose the view. If you’re new to snorkeling, take it slow and keep your mask sealed before you start moving around.

Beach time for sunbathing and resetting

One of the most consistently loved parts is the break on a quieter beach. You get time for sunbathing between water moments, and that matters because it turns the day from constant activity into a loop: swim, snorkel, relax, repeat.

This kind of beach intermission is a smart design for families and mixed groups. Kids get a breather, adults can dry off and take photos without feeling like they’re abandoning the schedule, and everyone gets a chance to warm up between swims.

What the crew really does for you (and why it matters)

The overall tone from the experience is that the captain and crew help make the day smooth. People love that the crew is flexible, and that flexibility shows up in how the day is experienced rather than how it’s marketed.

In a private setting, flexibility can mean:

• timing your water breaks so you’re not rushed
• helping people feel comfortable in the water
• keeping the group moving while still making time for real viewing

This is especially important with kids. Water days can turn chaotic if everyone is trying to figure out gear, masks, and nerves at once. A capable crew reduces that friction, so the day stays fun instead of stressful.

What to bring so the day stays comfortable

Since the snorkel gear is included and snacks are part of the deal, you can travel lighter than you might for another tour. Still, you’ll want to plan for sun and getting in and out of the water.

Bring:

• a swimsuit you don’t mind leaving a bit sandy or wet
• reef-safe sunscreen (if you use it, apply before you’re fully soaked)
• a rash guard or light cover-up if you burn easily
• water shoes or sandals with grip (helps on rocky areas and in and out of boats, if needed)
• a small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• a hat and sunglasses with a strap if you want to stay comfortable during the boat ride

If you forget water shoes, you can still do the day, but you’ll feel it in your feet. If you forget sunscreen, you’ll pay for it at the beach portion when the sun is high.

Pace and physical fitness: the real-world considerations

The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level. That’s not about hiking fitness. It’s about being able to handle water time, get in and out, and move around while you snorkel and swim.

You don’t need to be an athlete. But you should honestly ask yourself if you feel comfortable:

• spending time in open water with a mask and snorkel
• handling short swimming segments
• staying steady in and out of the boat

If you’re recovering from an injury or you’re nervous about the water, you may want to choose a calmer option. If you’re generally healthy and you can swim at a comfortable beginner level, you’re likely a good fit.

Family-friendly in practice, not just on paper

This is a family-friendly kind of day because it has multiple ways to enjoy it. Some kids will love the animals right away. Some will want the fish and turtles. Others will just want to splash and have beach time.

The key is that you’re not stuck with only one activity. The day changes mood as you move from pigs to snorkeling to the secluded beach. That reduces the chance that one part ruins the whole tour.

Also, the private format helps. When a group is small, adults can supervise better, and the crew can adapt to the moment without waiting for a large crowd to catch up.

How far in advance to book (and why timing matters)

The tour is described as commonly booked about 45 days in advance. That tells me it’s popular, and it’s the kind of day that can sell out around good weather windows. If you’re traveling in peak season or during school breaks, I’d book sooner rather than later.

You also want to line it up with the rest of your Bahamas plan. If you schedule it right before a long travel day, you might end up stressed if weather affects timing. If you schedule it with some breathing room, it’s easier to handle any adjustments.

Short decision guide: should you book this tour?

Book it if:

• you want a private, small-group half-day on the water
• you care about doing the pig swim, not just looking at it from afar
• you want snorkeling gear included and you actually plan to use it
• you like a day with variety, pigs, reefs, and beach time

Skip it or look for another option if:

• you’re not comfortable with moderate water time
• you hate any additional fees after you book
• you prefer a slow, lounging-focused beach day over active water breaks
• your schedule is too tight to handle weather-dependent changes

If you’re on the fence, I’d treat this as a “yes” for the right kind of traveler: people who want their Bahamas day to feel iconic and efficient, without the hassle of large groups.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and what time does it start?

The tour is about 4 hours and starts at 10:00 am. It ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.

Do I pay extra to swim with the pigs?

Yes. The swim with the pigs costs $40 per person.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks and use of snorkeling equipment are included. Private transportation is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.