If your idea of paradise includes pigs and turtles, you’ll like this. This private Nassau boat tour mixes Pig Beach with Green Cay in one 3-hour hop, keeping the day relaxed and the water time high. You get to see marine life, do a nature trail, and keep moving island to island without the big-tour crowd.

What I like most is the feel of a real private charter: it’s all yours on a center-console power boat, and you’re not stuck waiting your turn for snorkel gear or photo angles. I also love that the crew builds in practical water moments—snorkel time with safety gear, plus wildlife viewing—so the tour is more than just a single photo stop.

One thing to consider: some of the animal fun depends on sea conditions. Swimming with sea turtles is only allowed when the water is calm enough, and the swimming-with-pigs interaction is an add-on that costs extra and is paid in person.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• A true private group on a center-console boat, designed for up to 7 people (pricing shown for up to 6, so confirm your group size)
• Pig Beach without the full-day crowd vibe, with time for photos, snorkel, and wildlife watching
• Green Cay adds another island feel, plus snorkeling and marine life viewing
• Sea turtles are a highlight, with possible swim time when conditions allow
• Comfort details matter: there’s roll-out sun shade on some boats, and the crew keeps the pacing friendly

Why a private boat beats the big Pig Beach crowds

Pig Beach is famous for a reason, but it can also turn into a production line when lots of boats arrive close together. This is different. You’re on your own private run from Elizabeth on Bay, so your day feels like it belongs to your group, not a schedule you have to squeeze into.

That matters on water. The best parts of this kind of trip are quick moments: the second you clear the channel and spot birds over the water, the first calm breath before snorkeling, or a turtle sighting that comes and goes fast. A private format gives you more control over how you experience those moments.

You also get variety without the full travel day. In three hours you hit Pig Beach, then Green Cay, plus a bit of Nassau sightseeing. It’s a smart way to get the “I was there” highlights while still leaving room for a snack, a beach walk, or a second plan later in the day.

Captain Chris and a friendly crew set the tone

The tour’s energy comes from the crew, and Captain Chris is a name that comes up again and again. The common thread: punctual, respectful, and willing to work with your timing instead of forcing you into a rigid script.

Here’s what you’ll feel in practice. During snorkel time, it’s not just wait-and-float. The crew uses simple tactics to make marine life easier to spot. One example from past trips: baiting fish during the snorkel stop, which helps you see more action underwater instead of staring at empty blue water.

On comfort, look for shade. On past departures, the boat had a roll-out sun cover, which is a big deal in Nassau sun. Even a small shaded strip makes a difference when you’re bouncing between island stops. Less sun burn, more relaxed group vibe.

And if you care about a little extra sightseeing beyond the core stops, the captain may sometimes add a detour—like extra time to see the Atlantis area from Paradise Island—when conditions and timing work out.

The 3-hour route: how the timing feels on the water

This tour is built for a half-day. Expect about 3 hours total, with island time you can actually enjoy rather than “arrive, pose, and rush away.” You’ll start at Elizabeth on Bay marina/waterfront on East Bay Street, in front of Salsa bar and grill.

From there, you cruise out briefly, then head to Pig Beach. The sailing segments are short enough that the day stays fun, not tiring. You also get multiple chances to get back on board, rehydrate, and reset between water activities.

The itinerary rhythm goes like this:

• A short cruise near Nassau
• Pig Beach time (including photo stop and about an hour for snorkeling and wildlife viewing)
• Another short water transfer
• Green Cay time (about an hour for snorkeling and marine life viewing)
• A bit of Nassau sightseeing before returning

You’re not spending half the tour in transit. That’s a big reason a private boat can feel better value than you might expect—because you’re paying for experience time, not just transport time.

Pig Beach: photos, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing on your schedule

Pig Beach is the headline, and you’ll get the iconic part right away with a photo stop. Even if you don’t do the optional pig interaction, you’ll have a chance to see the pigs and capture the classic Nassau scenes.

Then comes the portion that makes this stop more than just pig spotting: snorkeling and marine life viewing. The tour includes snorkel gear and life vests, so you’re not scrambling for rentals once you’re in the moment. There’s also wildlife viewing, and you’ll have time for a nature trail at the island.

Two practical tips for this stop:

1. Go into snorkeling with low expectations for constant action. You’ll see plenty when animals and currents line up, but sometimes it’s about patient looking.
2. Pay attention to how the crew manages water entry and safety. A smooth entry keeps the whole group comfortable and helps you stay in the water longer.

Optional add-on note: if you want to swim and interact with the pigs, that’s not automatically included. It’s offered as an add-on at checkout, and you’re advised to pay in person. If this is a must-do for your group, plan extra budget and bring cash.

Green Cay: the nature trail feel and a second snorkeling window

Green Cay adds a totally different tone from Pig Beach. Instead of focusing only on pigs, this stop leans into coastal nature and marine life viewing. You get about an hour here, and that includes snorkeling plus time for wildlife and underwater viewing.

This is a smart second stop because it spreads your day across two environments. One island can be crowded with attention (Pig Beach), while the next feels more like a calmer exploration. Even if you’re mainly doing this tour for the pigs, Green Cay is what helps the day feel full.

And turtles are a key part of why Green Cay matters. Turtle sightings are included, and you might even be allowed to swim with them when sea conditions permit. That last part is important: the crew isn’t guessing. They only allow turtle swimming when the water is safe and manageable, so follow directions closely when they brief you.

If your group likes “see it, don’t chase it,” Green Cay fits that style well. You’re not only hunting a single photo moment—you’re scanning the water, watching how life moves, and letting sightings come naturally.

Nassau sightseeing and the Paradise Island extra you might catch

After Green Cay, you’ll head back toward Nassau and get a bit of sightseeing—about 30 minutes. This isn’t a long city tour. It’s a water-level look at Nassau and the surrounding areas, the kind of quick orientation that helps you understand where things are when you later walk the streets.

What’s nice is that the captain may add extra viewpoints depending on timing. In past trips, Captain Chris has made room for an additional stop or detour near the Atlantis area on Paradise Island. If you’d enjoy those bigger resort landmarks from the water, this is the kind of tour where small extras can happen when the day allows.

Also, the tour includes beverages on board. That small thing helps during transition times, especially if you’re on the boat under sun for a couple of legs of the day.

Price and value: is $700 per group fair?

Let’s talk money plainly. The price is listed at $700 per group (with pricing shown for up to 6 people), and the tour is positioned as a private charter. On paper, it sounds steep until you compare it to the reality of a private boat: fuel, boat time, crew time, safety gear, and the animal-and-snorkel experience all roll into one.

Here’s how to think about value:

• If you’re 2 people, it’s a premium day. You’re paying for convenience and a calmer experience.
• If you’re a group of 4 to 6, the cost per person drops fast, and the private format becomes much easier to justify.
• The included gear (snorkel equipment, life vests) and beverages reduce what you’d otherwise pay separately.

The optional pig interaction is extra, and food is not included. Still, the core experience includes the key “must haves”: Pig Beach time, snorkeling, Green Cay time, and turtle sightings. If those are your top goals and you want the day to feel flexible rather than crowded, this price can feel fair.

One more practical value check: the tour is only 3 hours. That’s short enough that you avoid losing an entire day to logistics, but long enough to get real water time. For many Nassau visitors, that balance is exactly what makes the spend worth it.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great choice if you want a private-feeling Nassau day with water-based highlights. It’s especially good for:

• Couples and small groups who want a calmer route and faster access to snorkel time
• People who want Pig Beach and Green Cay in one outing without booking two separate trips
• Anyone who likes marine life viewing and can handle being out on open water briefly between stops

It’s not for everyone. The tour is listed as not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• Wheelchair users
• People over 95 years

Also, you’ll be on a boat, so plan around the fact that you’ll be dealing with sun, water movement, and getting on/off for snorkeling and viewing.

Bring a towel. Bring cash for the optional pig interaction add-on. And skip smoking during transportation.

Should you book this Nassau Swimming Pigs private boat tour?

Book it if your priority is a private, shorter island-hopping day that includes Pig Beach, Green Cay, snorkeling, and turtle sightings without a big-crowd feel. If you like clear structure but not a rushed vibe, this fits well.

You might pass if you’re mainly looking for a long beach day, a full city tour, or a guaranteed turtle swim. Turtle swimming depends on sea conditions, and the pig interaction is optional and extra. Also, if you’re traveling as a small group that won’t reach the pricing sweet spot, the cost per person may feel high.

My quick decision rule: if Pig Beach is on your list and you also want a second nature-focused stop with marine life, this private boat setup is one of the more efficient ways to do it in Nassau.

FAQ

How long is the Nassau Swimming Pigs private boat tour?

The tour duration is 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Elizabeth on Bay marina/waterfront, East Bay Street, Nassau Bahamas, in front of Salsa bar and grill.

How many people can go on the private boat?

It is listed as a private group for up to 7 persons. The price is shown as $700 per group up to 6, so you should confirm the exact group-size limit for your booking.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes the boat tour, nature trail, Pig Island time, snorkeling and turtle sightings, Nassau sightseeing, beverages on board, snorkel gear, and life vests.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, snorkeling is included, along with snorkel gear and life vests.

Are the swimming pigs interactions included?

Swimming pigs interaction is an add-on. You select it at checkout and pay in person (cash is recommended).

Will you be able to swim with sea turtles?

You can see sea turtles, and once sea conditions permit, you would be allowed to swim with them.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and cash.

What’s not included?

Food is not included, and the swimming pigs interaction add-on is not included in the base price.

What cancellation options are available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.