Nassau: 3 Islands Boat w/ Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling & Turtle

The star of this Nassau outing is the Rose Island pig swim, a cheerful, slightly chaotic meeting with friendly pigs that paddle out for food and attention. Before that, you snorkel at Pearl Island and look for turtles around Green Cay, so the trip offers more than one photo stop.

I like the three-island format, which packs several Bahamian experiences into three hours, and I like the easygoing boat atmosphere, with water, soft drinks, snacks, alcohol, and often music and rum punch. The main consideration is timing: the pig area can get crowded when another boat arrives, and turtle sightings may be brief.

• Pearl Island snorkeling takes place from the boat in clear, roughly 10-foot water, with fish and reef life below.
• Green Cay turtle watching is done from the boat, so you do not get in the water with the turtles.
• Rose Island supplies the main event, with swimming pigs, a beach bar, swimming, kayaking, and free time.
• The boat carries about 24 people on at least some departures, creating a social but not private outing.
• Lunch costs extra, so bring money for food and drinks at the Rose Island beach bar.
• Pickup is by boat, from the pier at Señor Frogs in downtown Nassau or the dock at Margaritaville Paradise Island.

Three Bahamian stops in three brisk hours

This is a compact boat trip built around contrasts. You get a short ride over open water, a snorkel stop, a wildlife viewing stop, the pig encounter, and time to sit on a beach.

At $175 per person, it is not a bargain-priced boat ride. I see the value in the range of activities and the included drinks, snacks, snorkel mask, and pig swim. You are paying for a tightly arranged outing with several stops, rather than simply hiring a boat to carry you to one beach.

The three-hour length also suits a cruise day or a short Nassau stay. You get a full morning or afternoon activity without giving up the whole day. The tradeoff is that each stop has a firm time limit, and the boat rides between them take a meaningful share of the schedule.

The group can be around 24 people, which is small enough for guides to give instructions and help with snorkeling, but not intimate. I would choose this for a lively group outing, not for a quiet private cruise.

Meeting the boat in Nassau or Paradise Island

Pickup is not at your hotel door. You meet the boat at one of two docks.

If you are staying in Nassau or arriving by cruise ship, go to Señor Frogs downtown. The pickup pier is in front of the restaurant, and the boat is marked Delfincharters on both sides.

If you are staying on Paradise Island or at Atlantis, meet at the dock in front of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Paradise Island. Again, look for the Delfincharters name on the boat.

This matters because the trip starts on the water. You should arrive at the correct dock with your towel and sunscreen ready, rather than expecting a land transfer. The boat ride itself is part of the outing, and the first run lasts about 15 minutes before you reach Pearl Island.

English, French, and Spanish are available from the live guides, with an English audio guide listed as well. The guides handle safety instructions and help guests get comfortable with the snorkeling gear.

Pearl Island snorkeling in clear, shallow water

The first major stop is Pearl Island, where you spend about 45 minutes swimming and snorkeling. You enter the water from the boat and look down over reef and fish in water described by one participant as about 10 feet deep.

I like this placement in the schedule. You get your active water time early, before the pig encounter and beach break. The water clarity is a major part of the appeal, and you might see numerous small fish around the reef. Reports also include sightings of stingrays and dolphins from the boat, though those are lucky extras rather than promised parts of the trip.

Do not expect a long guided reef expedition. Forty-five minutes goes quickly once everyone receives equipment, enters the water, and returns to the boat. The stop is best for a pleasant introduction to Bahamian marine life, not for serious snorkeling.

The supplied mask and snorkel are included, which saves you from packing your own gear. You still need sunscreen and a towel. I would apply sunscreen before boarding and bring a secure way to carry small personal items, since the tour involves repeated movement between boat, water, and beach.

Green Cay and the search for sea turtles

After Pearl Island, the speedboat runs for about 10 minutes to Green Cay. The turtle stop lasts roughly 15 minutes, and you watch from the boat.

This is a calm contrast to the more active snorkeling and pig swim. Sea turtles may come to the surface or glide near the boat, but sightings can be short and limited. One account described seeing only a few turtles at the surface, making this the least dependable part of the itinerary if you want a long wildlife encounter.

Still, the stop has value. You are looking for turtles in their natural setting rather than visiting an aquarium or animal enclosure. Keep your camera ready, but keep your expectations realistic. The boat may need to pause while everyone watches for movement, and a turtle may appear for only a moment.

The guide can help point out what to watch for, but this is not a guaranteed close-up viewing session. If turtle sightings are the main reason you are booking, I would choose a dedicated turtle trip instead. If turtles are one piece of a larger day on the water, Green Cay fits nicely.

Rose Island pigs, beach time, and the main photo stop

The next boat ride takes about 10 minutes to Rose Island, where you have roughly an hour for swimming, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and free time. This is also where the famous swimming pigs are part of the outing.

The pigs are friendly, playful, and accustomed to visitors. You can feed them and enter the water with them for the signature encounter. Expect splashing, snouts, muddy feet, and plenty of laughter. This is not a quiet wildlife observation. The pigs are the social center of the trip, and the interaction is designed to be hands-on.

The pig swim can also be chaotic. One departure became crowded when another group arrived for the same activity. If you want calm photographs with plenty of personal space, the timing of other boats will matter. The tour team can provide instruction and help keep the activity moving, but a popular animal stop rarely feels private.

Rose Island gives you a useful break after the animal encounter. You can swim, sit on the sand, or use the beach bar. Kayaking is listed as an option, although the exact amount of time available for each activity depends on the group and the pig schedule.

The beach bar is where you buy lunch. Lunch is not included, so bring extra cash or another accepted form of payment. Drinks are also available for purchase there, while the boat supplies water, soft drinks, snacks, and alcohol during the outing.

A social speedboat with drinks and music

The boat atmosphere is a major part of the value. Water, soft drinks, snacks, alcohol, and snorkeling equipment are included, and the boat carries drinks during the trip. Some departures have rum punch and music, with an upbeat mood that can turn the ride into a small party.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like meeting other people and moving between stops with music in the background. It may not suit you if you want a silent nature cruise. The boat is described as attractive and photo-friendly, which helps if you want pictures during the rides, but the focus remains on getting between the islands efficiently.

The crew also has a practical role. Guides provide safety help and instructions before snorkeling, and the overall setup is organized around several short activities. That support is useful for families and for anyone who feels less confident getting into open water.

The tour is not designed for people who need a completely gentle ride. It uses a speedboat, and the operator does not recommend it for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems. If any of those concerns apply to you, choose a slower and more accessible outing instead.

What the $175 price really covers

The $175 price includes more than transportation. You receive the speedboat ride, three island stops, snorkeling equipment, the pig swim, water, soft drinks, snacks, and alcohol. The guides also provide safety support and information in English, French, or Spanish.

The price makes more sense if you plan to take advantage of all three parts: snorkel at Pearl Island, watch for turtles at Green Cay, and spend time with the pigs and at the beach on Rose Island. If you only care about the pigs, a cheaper single-stop option may be better value.

You should also budget for lunch at the beach bar. The tour description lists lunch as separate, and food and drinks at Rose Island require extra money. A towel and sunscreen are not supplied, so pack both.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which can help if your Nassau plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this to families with children, couples, cruise passengers, and anyone who wants several easy Bahamian activities in one booking. The pig swim gives children a clear highlight, while adults can enjoy the boat ride, drinks, snorkeling, and beach time.

It also works well for people who do not want to spend an entire day at sea. Three hours is long enough to feel substantial but short enough to fit around other Nassau plans.

Strong swimmers and casual snorkelers will get the most from Pearl Island. You do not need to be an expert, and guides assist with safety, but the snorkeling stop does involve entering the water from the boat.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking solitude, a private charter, or a slow wildlife tour. The boat may carry about 24 people, the pig area can fill up, and the turtle stop is brief. It is a lively, planned outing, not a personal expedition.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and extra money for lunch at Rose Island. Wear a swimsuit from the start, since snorkeling and the pig swim are central parts of the schedule.

Keep your expectations flexible at the wildlife stops. Fish and clear water are strong possibilities at Pearl Island, but dolphins, stingrays, and turtles are wild animals. The crew can take you to the right areas, but they cannot control what surfaces.

Protect your phone if you plan to take pictures. You will move between a speedboat, the water, and the beach, so a waterproof case is more useful than a loose phone in a pocket.

Remember that chewing gum and weapons or sharp objects are not allowed. The operator also advises against booking if you are pregnant or have back or heart problems.

The schedule may occasionally change. One departure was moved to an earlier time, and another group affected the timing of the pig swim. I would keep the rest of your Nassau plans flexible rather than booking a tight connection immediately after the tour.

Should you book this Nassau pig swim?

Book it if you want a high-energy three-hour sampler of Nassau’s nearby islands, with pigs, snorkeling, turtles, beach time, and drinks in one outing. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, the variety of stops, the clear water at Pearl Island, and the memorable Rose Island pig swim.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or guaranteed close-up turtle viewing. At $175, the tour earns its price when you enjoy the whole package, not just one animal encounter.

For most first-time Nassau visitors, I think the combination is appealing. Just bring lunch money, expect a social boat, and treat the turtles as a fortunate sighting rather than the main event.

FAQ

How long is the Nassau three-island boat trip?

The activity lasts three hours, including boat rides, snorkeling, turtle watching, the pig encounter, and beach time.

Where does pickup take place?

Nassau and cruise ship visitors meet at the pier in front of Señor Frogs downtown. Paradise Island and Atlantis visitors meet at the dock in front of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Paradise Island.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Pearl Island, Green Cay, and Rose Island.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. A snorkel and mask are included, and snorkeling takes place at Pearl Island.

Can I swim with the pigs?

Yes. Swimming with the pigs at Rose Island is included. You also have time there for swimming, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No guarantee is provided. Green Cay is used for turtle spotting from the boat, but sightings may be brief.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you can buy food at the Rose Island beach bar.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. You should also bring extra money for lunch and any purchases at the Rose Island beach bar.