Pigs and sharks in one Bahamas day. This Exuma day trip from Nassau is a power-boat run that strings together rock iguanas, nurse sharks, and the original Pig Beach at Big Major Cay, plus water-view time around the Exuma cays.

I love that the day feels built around real animal moments, not just pretty stops—feeding rock iguanas in a wildlife setting and then swapping to swimming with nurse sharks in open water. And you’re not stuck on snacks either; lunch is included at Black Point Yacht Club.

The main consideration is the ride itself: expect an all-day power-boat schedule (about 8.5 hours) with a bumpy, windy feel at sea level, and there may be limited comfort for long stretches.

Key things to know before you go

• Original swimming pigs at Pig Beach (Big Major Cay): the classic stop people plan an entire Bahamas trip for
• Nurse sharks at Compass Cay: shallow-water and deeper-water options during the shark interaction
• Rock iguanas on Great Guana Cay: short wildlife-reserve time with feeding included
• Exuma Cays views from the water: you’ll spend real time spotting cays during transit, not just arriving once
• Black Point Yacht Club lunch: included, plus bottled water and alcoholic beverages

Why this Exuma day trip works (even if you’re short on time)

If you’re doing Nassau as your home base, this is one of the more efficient ways to hit the Exumas without having to plan ferries, overnights, and separate tours. The basic idea is simple: you start in Nassau, then you spend the day bouncing between a handful of animal-and-water stops across the Exuma area.

What makes it click is how the day is sequenced. You’re not doing one big “look but don’t touch” stop. You’re mixing wildlife reserve time, water time, and sightseeing time, with lunch placed in the middle so the day doesn’t feel like one long sprint.

I also like the group setup: it’s capped at 36 travelers, so you’ll get a lively boat day without it turning into a giant crowd-management circus. Still, keep your expectations realistic—this is an 8.5-hour power-boat day, so comfort is more practical than plush.

Montagu Beach to the Exumas: the power-boat reality check

The tour starts from Montagu Beach in Nassau at 8:00 am, and it loops back to the same meeting point when you’re done. That early start matters, because you’re planning for open-water transit, changing conditions, and enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it.

This is a speedboat/power-boat experience, not a smooth cruise. Plan on wind, spray, and a bouncy ride—especially if the sea is a bit rough. Even with great captains and crew, you should think about protecting your skin from sun and your body from choppy water.

What helps: wear your swimsuit under what you’ll be comfortable in and keep a simple plan for layers. People have noted there’s no changing room, so you want to be ready when you arrive. If you’re going in cooler months, bring an extra layer too—cold wind can sneak up on you fast when you’re moving across open water.

Great Guana Cay: short iguana time that actually feels like wildlife

Your day begins with a quick wildlife stop at Great Guana Cay, focused on Bahamian rock iguanas. This isn’t a long education session in a classroom. It’s time in a wildlife setting where the animals live in their rocky habitats.

Feeding is included, which is a big deal for two reasons. First, it gives the stop a clear purpose beyond photos. Second, it helps you understand why the iguanas behave the way they do around people—some are cautious, and some come out once they judge it’s safe.

The stop is brief (about 15 minutes), so don’t expect a slow-paced stroll. Show up ready to look closely and move with the group. If you want “slow and meandering,” this part may feel rushed—but if you want a focused wildlife hit inside a packed day, it works.

Practical tip: keep your phone and camera secured. The boat moves, wind is real, and you’ll want both hands free when you’re handling sunscreen, towels, or any gear.

Compass Cay nurse sharks: the most hands-on moment

Next comes Compass Cay, where you get the shark interaction. The highlight here is that this is a guided swim with nurse sharks in open water, and you’ll have options for shallow-water and deeper-water interactions depending on conditions and your comfort level.

This is also where the day can shift from “fun animals” to “I can’t believe this is real.” Nurse sharks tend to be calm compared with what people imagine when they hear the word shark. Still, it’s water, it’s wildlife, and you should follow the crew’s instructions closely.

Time is about 30 minutes, which feels short until you’re actually in the water and realize it’s the right amount of time. You get a real moment, you don’t overdo it, and you’re not stuck waiting around forever.

If you’re someone who gets cold easily in water, bring that up in advance or plan accordingly. People have mentioned colder weather on this kind of schedule, and being wet plus moving boat wind is a combo that can steal your comfort.

Big Major Cay and Pig Beach: why the main event lives up to the hype

Then you get to the stop almost everyone cares about: Pig Beach at Big Major Cay. This is the original swimming pigs attraction, and the structure of the day reflects that importance by giving you the longest direct animal time (about 45 minutes).

The way to enjoy this part is to treat it like an animal encounter, not a theme-park moment. Stand where the crew tells you to stand, move only when you’re supposed to, and use calm confidence. You’ll get better results and less stress for the animals.

This stop also tends to be the most photo-heavy segment, which can make it feel crowded even with a capped group size. The good news: you’re there for long enough to swim, watch, and take photos without feeling like it’s a quick drive-by.

One more practical thing: no towels are included, so plan ahead. People also recommend having your swimsuit on before you go, since you may not have a place to change comfortably.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: sandbars, plus a famous plane wreck sighting

After Pig Beach, you move into an area focused on the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and its low-tide sandbar scenery. The sandbars shift, and the captain chooses which sandbar is available during transit, so your exact view can vary day to day.

This segment is shorter (around 20 minutes), but it can be one of those “wow, that’s what I pictured Exuma would look like” moments. The shallow, shifting sand can make the water look layered—perfect for photos and just plain cool to watch as conditions change.

On top of that, there’s also a sightseeing stop where you can see the Pablo Escobar sunken plane wreck off Norman’s Cay. You won’t be walking around a big museum here; you’re viewing it from the water as you pass.

If your priority is long, slow beach time, you may wish for more time onshore. But if your priority is seeing a lot of Exumas in one day from the water, this fits the mission.

Lunch at Black Point Yacht Club: a real break from sea time

Between the salt water and the moving boat, lunch is more than just food. It’s your reset. This tour includes lunch at Black Point Yacht Club, and people describe it as a buffet with variety.

I like that it’s not a sad roadside sandwich situation. It’s also the kind of meal that lets you refuel before the second half of the day—especially if you’ve already been out in the sun and wind for hours.

Bottled water is included, and alcoholic beverages are included too. If you want something non-alcoholic, you’ll still have water covered, which is helpful on a long day where dehydration can sneak up.

Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)

At $438 per person, this isn’t a budget day trip. So the only fair question is whether the price buys you something you can’t easily recreate on your own.

Here’s what you’re paying for that adds real value:

• A guided schedule that stacks multiple islands and multiple animal/water stops in one day
• Included animal-related experiences: rock iguana feeding, swimming with pigs, and swim time with sharks
• Built-in transit and time on the water, with lunch included
• Fees included, including landing/facility fees (so you’re not piecing together add-ons all day)

What’s not included is simple: towels. That’s it for the big missing gear item, but you should still plan for sun protection, a dry layer for windy moments, and water shoes if you like them.

Also, be realistic about the time tradeoff. You’re doing this in one shot, so each stop has a set duration. That’s a value choice: fewer moving parts for you, but shorter time windows at each place.

If you want the Exumas with a slower pace and more beach time, you may prefer a private charter or a multi-day plan. But if you want one high-impact day with real wildlife and iconic swimming pigs, this pricing can make sense.

What to bring for a smooth day (and less misery on the boat)

This day is easy if you pack smart and hard if you don’t.

Bring:

• Sunblock (reapply when you can, especially since boat wind can make you underestimate sun)
• Towels (not provided)
• A swimsuit ready to go since changing space can be limited
• Layers you can tolerate when wind hits, particularly for cooler months
• Water shoes if you’re comfortable in them (helpful for rougher entries and sandy bottoms)

Consider bringing:

• A waterproof phone pouch if you have one, or at least a secure dry bag
• A simple snack for between the main meal and any long stretches (lunch is included, but the day can still feel long)

And do plan your expectations about comfort. Seats can feel tight on a full day, and the boat ride can leave your back sore if you’re sensitive to bumpy movement. Hydrate, brace your posture, and treat the ride like part of the experience.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want a single-day Exumas hit with iconic animal experiences. It’s especially strong for:

• First-time visitors to Nassau who want to see the Exumas without complex planning
• Animal lovers who care about more than just a postcard
• People who are comfortable in open water and follow safety instructions

You might skip or rethink if:

• You hate choppy boat rides and get motion-sick easily
• You want long beach downtime and slow travel
• You prefer a small, quiet group with lots of personal space

Also think about timing. The day depends on good weather, and if conditions turn rough, the tour may be canceled and rescheduled or refunded.

Should you book Exuma Day Away – Original Swimming Pigs?

I’d book it if your must-do list includes Pig Beach, and you also want a second wow moment like nurse shark swimming. The value comes from stacking multiple experiences that would otherwise take serious planning and separate booking.

I’d hesitate if your idea of a perfect vacation is calm water, long beach hours, and zero urgency. This is a long, active day. It’s not exhausting in the wrong way, but it does demand energy and good planning.

If you go, pack for wind and sun, show up ready to get wet, and treat the animal interactions with respect. Do that, and you’ll walk away with the kind of day you’ll tell people about later.

FAQ

How long is the Exuma Day Away excursion?

The duration is about 8 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start, and what time?

It starts at Montagu Beach, Nassau, The Bahamas at 8:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a local guide, bottled water, lunch at Black Point Yacht Club, landing and facility fees, rock iguana feeding, sightseeing and a water tour around the Exuma Cays, swimming with pigs at Big Major Cay, swim with sharks at Compass Cay, and alcoholic beverages.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at Black Point Yacht Club.

Do I need to bring towels?

Yes. Towels are not included, and the tour asks you to bring towels and sunblock.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.

What are the age requirements?

Minimum age is 3 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum drinking age is 18.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 36 travelers.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.