Three coves, one small powerboat. This 3-island Bahamas run is built around snorkeling, up-close wildlife, and quick stops that feel more like getting out on the water than checking boxes. You’ll hit Rose Island reefs, meet the swimming pigs, then head to Green Cay’s turtle sanctuary, with a beach break at Sandy Cay too.

I like the way this tour uses a custom 35′ Donzi center console with a dedicated restroom onboard. That matters on an excursion that’s only about 3.5 hours, because it keeps things comfortable without turning the day into a scramble for facilities.

The part to watch is simple: this depends on good weather, and lunch is not included—so if you get hungry fast, plan around it with snacks before you go.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Small-boat vibe: capped at about 14–15 travelers, so you’re not fighting for elbow room.
• Restroom onboard: a dedicated bathroom inside the center console.
• Three wildlife stops: reef snorkeling at Rose Island, swimming pig interaction, then turtles at Green Cay.
• Sandy Cay beach time: a classic island hangout with Gilligan’s Island trailer vibes.
• Thoughtful extras: bottled water plus soda/pop included.
• Quiet success factor: some departures can feel unusually private, depending on how many boats show up.

From Paradise Island Terminal to Secret Cays in One Trip

Your day starts at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr. It’s a straightforward launch point, and the tour ends back there—no long “now get yourself across town” feeling.

This is a mobile-ticket outing, and the operator notes that you’ll get confirmation at booking time. On average, it’s booked about 19 days ahead, so if you’re traveling in a busy window, it’s smart to lock in early rather than rolling the dice.

The tour time is listed at about 3 hours 30 minutes. That’s a sweet spot for a first Bahamas boating day: enough time to snorkel and do the big animal moments, but not so long that you lose the whole afternoon to the ride schedule. Still, it’s not a slow, all-day cruise. You’ll stay active.

The 35′ Donzi Boat: Comfort That Helps You Enjoy the Stops

You’ll be on a custom 35′ Donzi Marine center console. The best practical perk is the dedicated restroom inside the center console. On hot, salty days, that’s more than convenience. It means less disruption and less standing around while everyone waits their turn.

The boat is described as center console, which usually translates into a simple layout: clear lines for getting to the water and enough open space for moving around. A smaller boat also tends to feel more personal. One review even noted they had the boat to themselves on their departure—so if you’re hoping for a calmer vibe, you may luck out.

Also pay attention when you arrive near Margaritaville area boats and companies. The tip I’d follow: look carefully for Secret Cays. The boat is small, and the name may only be easy to spot in the booking details rather than being loud and obvious on the dock. Get your bearings early and confirm you’re at the right boat before you climb aboard.

Rose Island Snorkeling: Reef Time Without the Full-Day Hassle

The snorkeling portion is built around Rose Island reefs—some of the most beautiful snorkeling in the area, with lots of aquatic life to watch. This is the part of the day where you want to be ready to act fast: once you’re in position, there’s no time to overthink it.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to haul your own mask and fins. I also appreciate how the tour pairs snorkeling with other experiences. It prevents the classic problem of a snorkeling-only trip: you get the gear on, you get in the water, and then you’re done—sometimes before you’re fully settled into the rhythm.

What I like about this setup is pacing. The day is structured so snorkeling is one major block, not the whole identity of the trip. That makes it a good choice if you want great water time but also want the famous Bahamas animal moments on the same outing.

One more note: your success here depends on conditions. If the sea is rough or visibility drops, the operator can cancel and offer another date or a refund. That’s important for snorkeling, because you really feel the difference when water conditions are good.

Swimming Pigs: The Fun Part, With a Respectful Reality

The swimming pig experience is the headline for a reason. You’ll meet, feed, and interact with the famous pigs—exactly the kind of Bahamas moment that feels like a living postcard.

Here’s the practical truth: when you’re that close to animals, you want to keep the interaction low-stress for them and safe for you. The tour includes the interaction portion, but you can still set yourself up for a smoother experience by listening closely to the guide at the start. They’re there to manage the flow and keep everyone safe.

Also, this stop is why the boat being smaller can matter. If you’re in a larger group, pig time can turn into a slow shuffle. With a cap around 14–15 people, you’re more likely to get time in the water without feeling rushed from one end of the chaos to the other.

One review highlighted how the family loved this pigs experience, and another pointed out how welcoming the crew was. That lines up with what you want in a wildlife interaction: clear guidance, patience, and a crew that keeps the vibe friendly instead of frantic.

Green Cay Turtle Sanctuary: Watching Turtles the Easy Way

Green Cay’s turtle sanctuary is the calm, awe moment. Instead of searching and hoping, you’re visiting a place designed for turtles—so your odds are better, and your attention can stay on observing behavior rather than scanning forever.

The tour is set up so you view the turtles in their natural habitat. In one firsthand account, several turtles were seen, including one with a remora attached. Even if you don’t get that exact sighting, you can expect to find turtles present and comfortable enough with the environment that you can watch them without constant chasing.

The best part here is that the sanctuary stop feels like a change in pace. After snorkeling and pig interaction, this gives you a quieter kind of watching—less frantic, more observational. If you’re traveling with kids or someone who gets seasick, this is often the moment that still feels rewarding even if the day has been active.

Crews that stay kind and patient help a lot. One review praised Captain J and his partner for being friendly and taking great care of people, including being patient. That’s the kind of tone that makes the turtle sanctuary stop enjoyable instead of uncomfortable.

Sandy Cay Beach Time: Gilligan’s Island Energy, No Lunch Included

Sandy Cay is a break from the action. You’ll relax or play on beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy complimentary drinks. The tour also includes soda/pop and bottled water, so you’re covered for hydration and an easy refresh between activities.

Sandy Cay is also known from Gilligan’s Island trailer buzz, which gives the beach stop a fun pop-culture connection. It’s the kind of setting where you can just take a breath, rinse the salt off your skin when you need to, and soak in the island vibe without paying extra for a separate beach tour.

Now for the drawback to plan around: lunch is not included. That’s not unusual on a shorter excursion, but it does change how you should prep. If you tend to feel hungry mid-afternoon, eat a real breakfast or bring a small snack. You’ll be happier during the final beach portion, and you won’t start thinking about food right after snorkeling.

Drinks, Gear, and the Stuff That Makes It Feel Worth It

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, soda/pop, bottled water, and the powerboat ride plus captain and guide. On a $145 per person price point, the value question is whether those “included” pieces remove friction for you.

For me, the biggest value items are: gear included (no gear rental hassle) and drinks included (no surprise spending for water and a soda). Add the onboard restroom, and this becomes a smoother day from start to finish.

The powerboat ride is also part of what you’re paying for. Faster water transit means you get to the stops while conditions are still ideal for wildlife viewing and reef time.

If you’re the type who likes to keep spending controlled, the “no lunch included” matters only because you might need to plan a little. The rest of the basics are already handled.

Price, Time, and Group Size: What You’re Actually Buying

At $145 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, you’re buying a packed wildlife-and-reef day without a full-day time commitment. This is a good option when you want an experience that feels like more than just a boat ride, but you don’t want to dedicate your whole vacation day to one long schedule.

Group size is capped at about 14–15 travelers. That small number tends to help with snorkeling flow, the pig stop logistics, and the turtle sanctuary viewing. It also reduces the “everyone line up and wait” feeling that can happen on larger tours.

You’re also booking with a provider called Secret Cays, and the operation is described as having a small custom boat experience. One review specifically called out the boat feeling small in a good way for a short excursion covering a lot of ground. That matches the tour design: a tight run with multiple highlights.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Option)

I think this tour is a strong fit if you want:

• Snorkeling that’s built into a bigger wildlife itinerary
• Up-close moments with swimming pigs and turtles
• A smaller group day with a practical onboard restroom
• A half-day-style adventure that still feels like it hits the big “Bahamas” highlights

It may be less ideal if:

• You need guaranteed lunch or a long beach hangout
• You’re extremely sensitive to changing weather, since the experience requires good conditions and may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled for poor weather

If you have a wide range of ages or swimming comfort levels, the structure still helps because the day includes both active water time and calmer viewing/beach moments.

Should You Book This Powerboat + Snorkel Tour?

If your dream Bahamas day includes snorkel time at Rose Island plus the famous pig and turtle stops, this is an easy yes. The combination of included snorkeling gear, onboard restroom comfort, and compact routing makes it a practical way to get a lot done in a short window.

I’d book it if you can work with the weather and you’re willing to handle lunch on your own. That’s the trade: short day, included basics, and then you finish with beach time and drinks. If that sounds like your style, Secret Cays is a very solid way to spend a few hours on New Providence’s water.

FAQ

How long is the powerboat and snorkel experience?

The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

It’s listed at $145.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Included are snorkeling equipment, soda/pop, bottled water, the powerboat ride, and the captain and guide.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You start at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr, The Bahamas, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the 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.