Pigs, sharks, and iguanas all in one day. I love the animal encounters and the included drinks and lunch that keep the whole trip feeling effortless. One catch: the speedboat ride can get wet and choppy, especially on the way back.

This is one of those Exuma days that packs a lot into 8 hours, so you’re not just staring out a window. You’ll bounce from cay to cay, get real water time, and still sit down for a proper buffet at Loraine’s. If you get seasick easily, bring your best attitude—or skip this one.

Key things to know before you go

• Pig Beach time is active: you’ll paddle with the swimming pigs, then there’s beach time where pigs roam freely
• Sharks are part of the plan: Compass Cay is where you can get in the water with nurse sharks
• Short, focused stops: Allen Cay (iguanas) and Compass Cay (nurse sharks) are each about 30 minutes, so you’ll move fast
• Lunch at Loraine’s: a buffet at Black Point is built in, and it’s a core part of the day
• Pablo Escobar’s plane wreck: you’ll have time to explore the underwater wreck on the return leg toward the sandbar
• Exuma Sand Bar is the wind-down: about an hour to swim, relax, and enjoy included beverages in open-ocean calm

Nassau to Exuma by speedboat: what this day trip costs and what you get

At $499 per person, this is not a budget excursion. You’re paying for a full-day itinerary that hits several “top of the list” Exuma stops from Nassau, plus a crew that runs the day with lots of food and drinks onboard. It also helps that the tour is described as a small-group experience (with a listed cap of 30 travelers overall), so you’re not packed into a giant cattle boat.

Here’s where the price starts to make sense for the right person: this isn’t just Pig Beach. You’re also getting Allen Cay rock iguanas, Compass Cay nurse sharks, a buffet lunch at Black Point (Loraine’s), a look at Pablo Escobar’s underwater plane wreck, and then the Exuma Sand Bar swim. If you want “the highlights” without stitching together multiple tours, this can be a good value.

The main “price reality” is time and comfort. The day is long, you’re on the water in a speedboat, and you should plan to get wet. If you hate motion, you’ll feel that cost every minute.

The 8:00 am start: meeting point, timing, and how to not waste the day

Your day kicks off at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas on Paradise Island, at 2 Marina Drive. Start time is 8:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not juggling a separate drop-off location.

Because it’s a long water day, I’d treat the morning like an expedition. Get there early enough to check in smoothly, and keep your phone handy for updates. One practical tip: expect that the schedule is built around weather windows and travel time, so don’t plan anything tight right before or after.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and it’s listed as near public transportation—useful if you’re not on private transport. Alcohol is served to 21+ only, so if you’re traveling with a mixed-age group, plan accordingly.

Stop 1: Allen Cay rock iguanas and local birds (about 30 minutes)

Allen Cay is a quick hit with a strong payoff. The draw here is seeing ancient rock iguanas up close without anyone stressing or bothering them. You’ll also notice local birds around the area, which adds to the “real island ecology” feeling.

This is the kind of stop where you get the most benefit by slowing down for a few minutes. Look up into the trees—iguanas aren’t always walking at eye level. If you want photos, position yourself carefully and let the animal move, rather than crowding for the shot.

Drawback to know: it’s short. You’ll be glad you came, but you won’t have time for a long, wander-and-photo marathon.

Stop 2: Compass Cay nurse sharks in their habitat (about 30 minutes)

Compass Cay is where the water-time gets serious. You’ll go to an area known for nurse sharks, and you’ll have a chance to get in and swim among them for about 30 minutes.

This part of the day is popular because it’s not a performance. The sharks are there, and your job is to be a good human in their space—stay calm, move normally, and follow the crew’s directions. If you’re comfortable in open water and you like wildlife encounters, this is the stop that can turn the whole day from fun into a story you’ll tell for years.

One practical caution: you’ll want to be ready for the physical reality of water crossings. Seaspray, slippery surfaces on the boat, and quick transitions are part of the experience. I’d wear something that dries fast and bring a plan for keeping your phone protected.

Stop 3: Pig Beach swimming pigs plus free-roaming piggies (about 30 minutes)

Pig Beach is the headline, and for good reason. You’ll paddle around with the swimming pigs, then once the boat docks, you can disembark and walk or swim near free-roaming piggies for a short stretch.

What makes this stop worth it (beyond the cuteness) is that it’s not just looking from a distance. You get water time and close-up interaction. That said, this is also where the day gets emotional—some people find it adorable, and others worry about animal handling. Follow the crew’s guidance, keep your distance when asked, and treat it like wildlife, not a theme park.

Tip that matters: bring swim gear you feel good using right after the boat ride. You’ll go from speedboat to water quickly, and you don’t want to waste precious minutes fighting with dry clothes or straps.

Lunch at Black Point: buffet time at Loraine’s (about 1 hour)

After the animal stops, you get a solid reset: lunch at Black Point at a local cafe called Loraine’s. It’s a buffet-style meal with lots of choices, including some local flavor, and it lasts about an hour.

This is one of those built-in comforts that makes the entire day feel smoother. You’re not scrambling for food between swims. And since snacks, bottled water, soda, and (for those eligible) alcohol are also included, the day doesn’t rely on you making perfect decisions to stay fueled.

What I like about this setup: it gives you energy for the second half of the tour. I’d use lunch to cool down, regroup, and change into dry-ish layers if you can.

Pablo Escobar’s underwater plane wreck: a rare detour you shouldn’t skip

In the second half of the day, on the way to the sandbar, you’ll get the chance to explore the wreck of Pablo Escobar’s underwater plane.

This is a unique Bahamas add-on. Even if you’re not a true crime person, it gives the day a sense of contrast: from friendly animals to a weird, story-heavy artifact from history. It’s also a nice mental break after the excitement of pig and shark encounters.

Because your exact time here isn’t spelled out, I recommend you go with the mindset that this is a “look and enjoy” moment, not a long exploration. Take in what you can, listen to the crew’s context, and then keep your energy for the sandbar.

Exuma Sand Bar: the calm hour in the middle of the ocean (about 1 hour)

Then you hit the part most people dream about: the Exuma Sand Bar. You’ll disembark, swim, relax, frolic a bit, and enjoy included beverages. This is your payoff hour—open water, soft sand, and the feeling that you finally slowed down.

Here’s how to make it work in real life. Spend the first part of the hour getting oriented and finding comfortable water depth, then settle in. If you chase photos the whole time, you’ll miss the relaxation part.

Also, plan for ocean conditions. Sandbars are great until waves make things annoying. On a good day, it’s pure serenity. On a rougher day, it’s still worth it, but you’ll want to keep your footing and stay aware.

Crew, safety, and the speedboat reality (including the wet ride back)

The experience runs on the crew’s attitude. In the notes you’ll see, people repeatedly mention friendly staff and captains who keep things organized and fun. Names that come up include Captain Ryan, plus helpful team members like DiDi and Tahj.

Safety-wise, this is still a speedboat day. Some parts of the ride can get choppy, and at least a few people describe getting splashed or soaked, especially on the way back. One practical detail that shows up in the feedback: ponchos are supplied, which helps a lot.

If you want a smooth day, pack for water and weather:

• wear swimwear you can handle for hours
• bring a dry bag for your phone and cash
• accept that you may get wet no matter what

And here’s the big mindset shift: speedboat discomfort isn’t a failure. It’s just the trade for seeing so much in one day.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

I’d book this if you:

• want a classic Bahamas day with multiple wildlife stops
• care about Pig Beach, nurse sharks, and iguanas specifically
• like active excursions and don’t mind a long day on the water
• value having lunch and snacks included, instead of budgeting and hunting meals
• enjoy small-group energy and a crew that keeps the day moving

I’d hesitate if you:

• get motion sick easily
• want a slow, lazy beach day with minimal boat time
• prefer animal encounters that are strictly hands-off (this includes paddling and close contact time)

Should you book Tour Daddy’s Exuma Full Day Swimming Pigs tour?

If your must-dos include swimming pigs, nurse sharks, and Exuma sandbar time, this tour checks those boxes in one go from Nassau. The value is strongest when you want a high-density “highlights” day with included lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, and alcohol for 21+.

Make your decision based on two things: your comfort on a speedboat and your budget. If you can handle spray and a long, fast-paced day, it can be a standout Bahamas experience. If you hate rough water or you’re traveling on a tight schedule, you might prefer a slower option that keeps you safer from disappointment.

FAQ

How long is the Exuma Full Day Swimming Pigs Group Boat Tour?

The tour is listed as about 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point, and when does the tour start?

You meet at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, 2 Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence Island, The Bahamas, and the start time is 8:00 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included are lunch, alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled water, and soda/pop.

Is alcohol included, and is there an age limit?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are included for 21+.

How big is the group?

The tour is described as small-group, with a cap of six attendees for a personal feel, and it also lists a maximum of 30 travelers.

What kind of weather does this tour require?

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