Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs

Reviewed · NASSAU SWIMMING PIGS & SNORKELING CRUISES

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs

4.5 · 23 reviews From $130 Operated by Cruising Adventures · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Pigs, plus you at the wheel. I love the self-drive speedboat freedom from Malcom’s Park by the Atlantis Bridge, and I love the up-close private island pig time for feeding and photos. One consideration: if it’s windy, the boat can feel a bit wobbly at first, even if the crew helps you get comfortable quickly.

This is a short, action-packed tour (about 2 hours) that keeps the focus on hands-on fun: you’ll drive, follow a guide for the best sights around New Providence, then shift from boat thrills to pig encounters. The group stays tight (max 20), and you’ll have a mobile ticket, so check-in doesn’t take long.

Key things I’d plan around

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Key things I’d plan around

  • Self-drive rules are clear: you must be 18+ to drive; no boating license or experience needed.
  • Short and focused: plan on about 2 hours total, from Malcom’s Park to back again.
  • Guide-led route for the views: you steer while your guide shows you what to look for around the island.
  • Pig island time is hands-on: feeding and photo time are part of the experience, including lots of baby pigs.
  • Snorkel is part of the package: it’s a speedboat and snorkel guided tour, not just a pig stop.
  • Weather matters: good conditions are required, and poor weather means rescheduling or a full refund.

Getting going at Malcom’s Park near the Atlantis Bridge

Your day starts back in Nassau at Malcom’s Park by the Atlantis Bridge. It’s a straightforward starting point, and the tour location is described as near public transportation—useful if you’re not renting a car.

The vibe at the dock is practical and ready-to-move. Before you head out, you get specific but easy instructions on how to ride the speedboat, which matters because you’re not just sitting in the back for this one. You’re learning the basics so you can actually enjoy steering, not just survive the ride.

If you’re coming with a group, aim to arrive a few minutes early. With a max of 20 people, the experience is more personal than the big-bus style tours, so they can’t wait forever before pulling away.

More New Providence Island swimming pig and snorkel cruises

Driving your own speedboat (and how the crew keeps it calm)

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Driving your own speedboat (and how the crew keeps it calm)
This tour is built around a simple idea: you take the wheel. If you’re 18 or older, you can drive. If you’re younger than that, you’ll still be on the speedboat, but you’ll be riding rather than piloting.

What I like about the setup is that it doesn’t assume you’ve done this before. The tour states there’s no boating license or experience needed, and the guidance is hands-on. The tone from the experience notes points to a crew that stays patient if you need extra time figuring out controls—especially important when you’re learning something new on open water.

Here’s the reality check: wind can change everything. One highlight from the experience notes is that high winds can make driving feel challenging at first, but you’ll still get safely to the islands and back. That’s a key detail for your planning—don’t treat this as a casual joystick ride. Treat it like a short skills session with speed and sea air thrown in.

Practical tip: if you’re a first-time driver, keep your focus on smooth, controlled movements. The “learning curve” is real, and once you get the rhythm, the whole experience feels way more fun.

The ride around New Providence: views, speed, and following the guide

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - The ride around New Providence: views, speed, and following the guide
Once everyone is set, you head out for the cruise while following an expert guide. The promise here is clear: you’re not just driving from point A to point B; you’re on a guided loop that’s designed so you can enjoy the best views around the island.

This is where the tour becomes more than an activity—it becomes a short, self-directed thrill. You’ll steer while the guide handles the “where to look” moments. That keeps the chaos down, especially since you’re driving a speedboat.

You should also expect a bit of adrenaline. The experience is described as adrenaline boosting, which fits the feel of a speedboat tour in Nassau waters. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking it seriously. There’s no guarantee of calm seas, and wind can affect how the boat feels.

Snorkel time is mixed in

The tour is described as a speedboat and snorkel guided tour. That means there’s more water time than the pigs alone. The exact timing isn’t detailed, so I’d plan on at least one snorkel opportunity during the outing.

If snorkeling is a priority, bring a practical mindset: keep your expectations flexible, since conditions can vary. You’ll get guidance, but you’re still dealing with real ocean conditions, not a pool.

Private island pig time: feeding, photos, and the water question

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Private island pig time: feeding, photos, and the water question
The main land-based moment is on a private island where you can interact with pigs. The experience includes the chance to feed the pigs and take pictures, which is why this tour is so popular. It’s a simple formula, and it works: you get close, you do something hands-on, and you leave with photos that don’t look like everyone else’s.

A few details stand out from the experience notes:

  • The pigs are described as friendly.
  • The island area is kept clean.
  • People mention the excitement of seeing baby pigs, which adds a different energy than a plain animal encounter.

There’s also a funny-but-important detail about swimming. Even though it’s a swim-with-the-pigs style experience, one note says the pigs didn’t want to go in the water because there was no more food. That tells you how the animal behavior is driving the moment.

So what does that mean for your expectations?

  • If you come hoping for pigs splashing nonstop, you might be disappointed.
  • If you come excited to feed pigs, take photos, and enjoy the experience of being on a pig island, you’ll likely have a great time.

In other words, the pigs’ interest follows their needs. If they’re focused on food, you’ll get more interaction on land. If they’re curious, you may see them in the water. Either way, you’re not just watching from a distance.

Snorkeling with a speedboat in the background

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Snorkeling with a speedboat in the background
You’re getting two types of water time here: fast boat cruising plus snorkel moments. The tour description specifically calls it a snorkel guided tour, so it’s not an optional add-on.

What you can do to make snorkel time easier:

  • Keep your gear simple and ready. Don’t waste time once you’re on the water.
  • Wear what you can comfortably get wet in right away.
  • If you’re new to snorkeling, stay relaxed and follow the guide’s directions closely.

Since the details of exactly where you snorkel aren’t spelled out, don’t lock your whole day to one “signature underwater spot.” Treat snorkeling as one of the tour’s attractions, not the only reason to come.

Group size, timing, and why two hours feels just right

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Group size, timing, and why two hours feels just right
This tour lasts about 2 hours (approx.) and returns to the same meeting point. That short duration matters because it keeps the whole experience from dragging. You get movement, water time, and pig time without turning the day into a half-day commitment.

It also helps with pacing. With a max of 20 travelers, the group stays small enough that check-in and transitions don’t turn into a long wait. You also tend to get more personal attention on a self-drive activity, where beginners might need reassurance.

Who should pay attention to the self-drive portion

Because driving requires being 18+, the tour is best for mixed groups where adults want to drive. If you’re traveling with kids under 18, they can still join, but you’ll be the one responsible for the wheel.

Also, the minimum age is listed as 5 years and older, which makes this more accessible than many speedboat tours. Just keep in mind that being on an open speedboat can be exciting in a way that’s not for every child.

Price and value: what $130 buys you

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Price and value: what $130 buys you
At $130 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Nassau. But the value is in how many “big moments” you stack into a short outing:

  • You drive the speedboat (not just ride).
  • You get a guide to show the best views around the island.
  • Snorkeling is included as part of the guided tour.
  • You get on a private island for pig feeding and photos.

Also, you’re not dealing with an enormous group. A max of 20 helps keep time on task: fewer delays, less waiting around, and more chances to actually do the fun parts you paid for.

The biggest value question is whether you’ll enjoy the mix. If you love animal encounters but don’t care about boats, you might prefer a pure pig island experience. If you want boat time but pigs sound like a bonus, you might also find this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s a mash-up, but it’s a smart one.

Practical tips to make the boat-and-pigs day smoother

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Practical tips to make the boat-and-pigs day smoother
Here are the real-world things that help on a tour like this—based on the rules and how it’s described:

  • Plan for wind. If it’s gusty, expect the ride and driving feel to be more demanding. Go in with patience for yourself and the learning process.
  • Go in with a flexible pig-water mindset. The pigs may not go into the water if they’re focused on food, so don’t build your day on that one exact moment.
  • Arrive early enough to check in calmly. The experience uses a mobile ticket, and check-in is described as easy, but you’ll still want time to get set before the boat leaves.
  • Dress for fast changes. You’ll be on the water and then on a small island for animal interaction. Comfortable swim-ready clothes are your friend.
  • Bring your camera mindset. Photos are specifically part of the pig island time, and this tour’s whole payoff is visual.

And one more “do this before you go” note: the tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this speedboat-and-pigs tour?

I think this is a strong pick if you want a hands-on Nassau experience with real variety in one compact time slot. Driving a speedboat is the kind of activity you remember, and the pig island adds a totally different kind of joy—feeding, baby pig moments, and photos.

Skip it if you hate the idea of wind affecting a small craft, or if you only want a very calm, predictable water experience. And if you’re expecting pigs to behave like they’re in a show, adjust your mindset: they react to food and their own comfort.

If you match the vibe—adventure-first, photo-friendly, and okay with learning a little on the water—then this $130 ticket is likely to feel fair for what you get.

FAQ

Do I need a boating license to drive the speedboat?

No. The tour says no boating license or experience is needed.

Who can drive the speedboat?

People over the age of 18 can drive.

What is the minimum age for the tour?

The minimum age is 5 years and older.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What’s included on the private island?

You’ll interact with pigs, have the chance to feed them, and take pictures.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour is described as a speedboat and snorkel guided tour along with swimming with the pigs.

How big is the group?

The activity has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

More Tour Reviews in New Providence Island

Still deciding? Here are more New Providence Island tours and Bahamas cay day trips we have written up