Pigs, turtles, and pink sand in one day. What makes this tour so interesting is that it mixes a famous island color (Pink Sand Beach), an unforgettable animal encounter (swimming with the pigs), and real ocean time for reef snorkeling. I love how this is a true private setup for up to 15 people, so you’re not stuck waiting on a big crowd. I also love the onboard comforts—snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a restroom—because you spend your energy on fun, not logistics. The main drawback to plan for is weather: the experience requires good conditions, and the day can shift or refund if it’s canceled for poor weather.

From Nassau, you ride out to Eleuthera on a charter boat, then you spend the day moving between the island’s highlights: Pig Beach, Spanish Wells, Pink Sands Beach (with golf-cart cruising), a Royal Island sandbar, and back again. It’s built for people who want a packed day without rushing every five minutes.

This is run by Delfincharters, and the vibe is friendly and active. Reviews also mention entertainment that can make the boat feel like a party on the move—think karaoke and lots of laughter—while still keeping the focus on the water.

Key highlights at a glance

• A private Eleuthera charter for groups up to 15, with only your group aboard
• Pink Sand Beach time with golf-cart island cruising, so you see more than just the shoreline
• Pig Beach swim, a classic Bahamas moment done from a relaxed day-trip format
• Spanish Wells stop for sea turtles, with reef time that may also include stingrays
• Royal Island sandbar with wooden swings and clear-water hang time
• Onboard extras that matter: snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, alcoholic drinks for adults, and snorkeling equipment

What makes this Eleuthera day feel special (private, not crowded)

Most Bahamas tours are either scenic but slow, or animal-focused but chaotic. This one tries to balance both. You’re not sharing the boat with strangers. With a group size capped at 15, you can actually have a conversation, get a rhythm going, and let the captain steer the day based on what the water and conditions are doing.

That private setup matters more than people think. It changes the pace. If your group wants to spend a little longer by the pigs or linger at the sandbar, you’re not fighting for a spot in line. And if someone needs a break from the sun, you can build it in without feeling like you’re holding up a busload of people.

You’ll also notice the effort that goes into the basics. Snorkeling gear is included, and there’s a restroom on board. Those sound like minor points until you’re out on the water for hours and realize you don’t have to hunt for conveniences.

One more thing: Eleuthera has a quieter, more local feel than some of the bigger tourism hubs. Even when you’re doing iconic stops, the island still feels like a place people actually live. That’s part of why the pink sand, turtle waters, and reef snorkeling feel more real than staged.

Price and value: is $8,500 per group actually fair?

The price is listed as $8,500.00 per group (up to 15). That’s expensive on paper if you’re thinking per person. But charter tours usually price around the boat and the staff, not just the animals you visit.

Here’s a useful way to think about it:

• If you fill the group (15 people), the rough math comes out to about $567 per person.
• If you’re a smaller group, your per-person cost rises fast, because it’s still the same boat and crew effort.

So the best value is clearly for friend groups, families who can travel together, and anyone who can gather around the cap. This is the kind of trip where splitting costs makes a big difference—and where you’ll feel like you’re paying for time on the water with less stress.

Also, the tour includes several things that would cost money on their own: snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, alcoholic beverages onboard (not for minors), snorkeling equipment, and a restroom. That doesn’t turn the price into a bargain, but it helps justify it for a full day.

If you’re going solo or as a couple, you’ll want to compare against per-person snorkeling day trips that might be cheaper but far less flexible. The private element is the “why” behind the price.

The Nassau to Eleuthera boat ride: views, speed, and the mood shift

Your day starts with travel between islands: about a one-hour ride from Nassau to Eleuthera. This segment is more than just transportation. It’s where the trip switches from vacation planning mode to vacation mode.

On a charter, you usually get smoother access to the water and a more direct route than you’d get from smaller, shared options. You’ll also have time to settle in, grab a drink or snack, and get your sea legs before you hit the animal stops.

A couple of practical points for how to enjoy this portion:

• Sit where you’ll get the best view, not where you’ll be trapped if someone needs shade.
• If you tend to get motion-sensitive, it’s smart to pay attention to seating and how your group wants to experience the ride.

And yes, there’s a chance of extra fun onboard. One review highlights a lively, entertaining crew setup—so don’t be shocked if the mood gets playful on the way out.

The ride back is about another hour, so you’ll get both an arrival “wow” moment and a slower decompression on the return.

Pig Beach swim: the iconic part, handled with crew help

Pig Beach is the headline for a reason. The island’s swimming pigs are friendly, and the whole stop revolves around letting you actually experience them in the water—not just look from a distance.

You’ll have about one hour here. In that time, the goal is simple: get your turn in the water, watch the pigs move around naturally, and enjoy the humor of it all. Pigs doing pig things in seawater is funny in the best way, and once you’re in, it’s hard not to feel instantly relaxed.

What I like about this stop, even for people who aren’t “animal people,” is that it’s not just a photo moment. Swimming with the pigs forces you into the real rhythm of the sea. You’re not watching from a boardwalk. You’re sharing the water and seeing how the pigs behave in their environment.

A possible consideration: this is still an animal encounter, so you’ll get the most out of it if your expectations are respectful and calm. Move slowly in the water, and follow the captain’s guidance on timing and how to handle gear. That helps keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone.

If your group wants to maximize the experience, consider taking a moment on shore first to see how the pigs are behaving. Then, when you go in, you’ll feel like you’re part of what’s happening rather than interrupting it.

Spanish Wells and turtle-focused reef snorkeling

After Pig Beach, you head to Spanish Wells, with about 1 hour 30 minutes scheduled here. This stop is built around sea turtles. The tour information notes multiple sea turtle types that can be part of the experience, including green sea turtles, loggerhead turtles, and hawksbill turtles.

The real value here is the combination: you’re not just on land looking for a sighting. You’re in the water doing reef snorkeling as part of the day. The tour description also includes stingrays, so you should expect that the reef time may bring both turtles and stingrays into view, depending on conditions.

What to know going in:

• Reef snorkeling rewards patience. If you rush, you’ll miss what’s right in front of you.
• Keep your snorkeling movements smooth. That helps visibility and makes it easier to watch wildlife without startling it.

One drawback to consider is that marine life sightings are never 100% guaranteed. Still, the trip is structured around the right places and the right time blocks to make the chances good.

I also like that Spanish Wells is a different feel from Pig Beach. Pig Beach is playful and chaotic in the best way. Spanish Wells shifts you toward something quieter: watching turtles glide through the water while your swim becomes more about observation.

Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island: the famous color, plus breathing room

Then you reach Pink Sands Beach, with about two hours there. This stop is tied to Harbour Island, and you’ll get there via golf cart cruising through the island streets from the marina.

That golf-cart piece matters because it turns the stop into a mini local tour, not just a straight shot to the sand. You get a feel for the island between the boat and the beach.

Pink Sand Beach itself is exactly what it sounds like: a signature pink tone under your feet. What I like about giving it a full two hours is that you can choose your pace. You can:

• soak up sun and take a slow walk along the waterline,
• take photos without rushing,
• or just sit with a drink and watch the sea.

A practical consideration: beach time in the Bahamas can feel hot fast, even if the breeze is nice. Use the time to reapply sunscreen and hydrate—especially since you’ll likely be doing more in-water time later.

If your group includes people who aren’t into snorkeling, Pink Sands gives them a different kind of win. Everyone can enjoy the day.

Royal Island sandbar: swings, clear water, and a change of pace

Next up is Royal Island, including about one hour. This stop is designed for a calmer kind of fun: a sandbar where soft sand meets clear water. The experience mentions wooden swings here, which gives you something playful to do while you sit back and enjoy the view.

This is a good break after the more active animal moments. It’s also where the day can feel like a vacation instead of an itinerary. You’re not locked into watching wildlife. You can just enjoy the water color, the shallow feeling in a sandbar setting, and the simple joy of doing nothing for a bit.

If you like photos, this is another easy spot. The sandbar and swings naturally give you that “postcard” frame. If you prefer less posing, it’s still enjoyable because the main activity is relaxing in a place that feels open and airy.

One consideration: sandbars can be sensitive to conditions. If the water’s behaving differently, the captain’s guidance will matter. Follow it and treat this as part of a living seascape, not a theme park.

What’s onboard, and how to make the day run smoothly

This charter includes snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages onboard for adults (not served to minors). There’s also snorkeling equipment included and a restroom on board, which is a huge quality-of-life upgrade for an 8-hour day.

A few practical ways to get the most from those inclusions:

• Eat earlier than you think you need to. You’ll burn energy in the sun and water.
• Bring any personal comfort items you like for long days (like sunglasses you trust). The provided gear covers snorkeling basics, but your preferences still matter.
• If alcohol is part of your plan, keep it moderate. A long day in the sun is already dehydrating; add drinks and you’ll feel it.

Entertainment can be part of the experience. One review specifically calls out karaoke as part of the fun. That kind of onboard energy is a nice bonus for groups traveling together, especially families and friend groups.

Finally, the tour is built as a private activity, meaning you’re not juggling other groups. That makes it easier to organize your day: when someone wants a quick snack run or wants to check gear, you can do it without feeling like you’re slipping behind a schedule.

Weather, timing, and small details that change the experience

The tour runs for about 8 hours total, and you’ll see most of that in these segments: travel to Eleuthera, pig time, Spanish Wells reef time, Pink Sand Beach with golf-cart cruising, a Royal Island sandbar stop, then the return trip to Nassau.

The most important variable is weather. The experience requires good conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not just policy—it’s a practical reality for being on the water safely.

When you’re planning, I’d treat the trip like a weather-dependent water day, not a “land tour with water extras.” The sea drives the schedule.

Also, remember that snorkeling days can be cooler than they look. Even if the sun is intense, wind and water temps can change how you feel. Wear what you’re comfortable in and plan for some time getting in and out of the water.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of those trips where structure and a friendly crew help a lot. The stop durations are set up to keep the day moving without turning it into a never-ending sprint.

Who this tour suits best (and who might prefer something else)

This experience fits best if you want a mix of:

• animal encounters (the pig swim),
• reef snorkeling (turtles and possible stingrays),
• and signature beach scenery (Pink Sand Beach plus a sandbar stop).

It’s especially good for:

• families who want one “wow day” that isn’t boring for adults,
• friend groups who want a private boat day with snacks and drinks,
• couples who like active sightseeing but still want time to relax on the sand.

It may not be ideal if:

• you only want to spend time on land and dislike water activities,
• you’re on a strict budget where charter pricing is a dealbreaker even for a full group,
• or your schedule can’t flex if weather forces a date change.

Should you book Private Eleuthera Island: Swim With Pigs, Turtles & Stingrays?

Yes, if you’re traveling with enough people to make the private-group price make sense, and you want an all-in-one day that hits multiple “once in a lifetime” moments.

Book it if you care about value in the practical sense: private boat time, included snorkeling gear, snacks and drinks, and a full route that combines pigs, sea turtles, reef snorkeling, and the famous pink sand. The day is structured so that even non-snorkelers get plenty of enjoyment from the beaches and sandbar.

Skip it (or compare) if you’re going alone or as a small party and the per-person cost would strain your budget. Also think twice if you can’t tolerate weather uncertainty, since good conditions are required.

If you do book, go in with a calm, respectful mindset in the water. The day is built for you to enjoy the animals and the sea without rushing, and that’s when Eleuthera turns into a story you’ll keep telling.

FAQ

Where does the tour operate?

The experience is in the Bahamas, starting from New Providence Island (Nassau) and taking you by boat to Eleuthera and back.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people are in a group?

The price is per group for up to 15 people.

What is included in the price?

Included items are snacks, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board.

Do you get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

What animals are part of the experience?

You can swim with pigs, and there is reef snorkeling with turtles and stingrays as part of the overall experience.

Are alcoholic beverages served during the tour?

Alcoholic beverages are available onboard, and they are not served to minors.

What stops are included during the day?

The day includes stops at Eleuthera, Pig Beach, Spanish Wells, Pink Sands Beach, Royal Island, and then the return to Nassau.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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