Exuma Powerboat Tour From Nassau With Swimming Pigs

Exploring the Bahamas’ stunning Exuma islands by powerboat is an unforgettable experience. This day tour from Nassau takes adventurers to meet curious rock iguanas, swim with friendly nurse sharks, and interact with the famous swimming pigs. With a small group, unlimited refreshments, and a delicious lunch, it’s an adventure not to be missed. But what really sets this tour apart is the chance to witness these unique animal encounters up close and personal.

Key Points

• The Exuma Powerboat Tour departs from Paradise Island Ferry Terminal and includes stops at Allen’s Cay, Compass Cay Marina, and Big Major Cay for swimming with pigs.
• The tour provides a small-group experience with a maximum of 16 travelers and includes a hot lunch, drinks, and snacks.
• Guests can interact with iconic rock iguanas at Allen’s Cay and swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
• The tour has received positive feedback, with a 96% recommendation rate, though some guests have had mixed reviews on the lunch quality.

Overview and Highlights

The Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau allows visitors to experience the top destinations in the Bahamas in a single day.

The tour starts with a visit to Allen’s Cay, where guests can see the iconic rock iguanas. Next, they’ll head to Compass Cay Marina to encounter the friendly nurse sharks.

The tour begins at Allen’s Cay, home to the iconic rock iguanas, then proceeds to Compass Cay Marina to interact with friendly nurse sharks.

The final stop is at the renowned "Pig Beach" on Big Major Cay, where travelers can interact with the famous swimming pigs.

The tour includes round-trip powerboat transit, a hot lunch, drinks, and snacks, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Bahamian island experience.

Tour Details and Logistics

The tour starts at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, where guests check in at the Margaritaville Restaurant.

The tour departs at 8:30 AM and returns to the same meeting point.

This small-group experience accommodates a maximum of 16 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible or recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back problems.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

• Meeting point: Paradise Island Ferry Terminal

• Departure time: 8:30 AM

• Group size: Maximum 16 travelers

• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

• Fitness level: Moderate

Inclusions and Amenities

The Exuma Powerboat Tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

The tour provides a tasty hot lunch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, where guests can select from the menu (excluding shellfish). Throughout the day, travelers enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and snacks.

Restrooms are available on the boat and at some stops. The crew ensures continuous refreshments and guests’ comfort.

This comprehensive package allows travelers to focus on the incredible sights and activities without worrying about additional expenses or basic needs.

Visiting Allen’s Cay and the Rock Iguanas

The Exuma Powerboat Tour begins with a visit to Allen’s Cay, where travelers can observe the unique rock iguanas that call this island home.

These fascinating reptiles:

• Thrive in the rocky, arid environment of Allen’s Cay

• Emerge from their burrows to bask in the warm sun

• Eagerly approach visitors for a chance to be fed

• Exhibit striking colors, including bright orange and green hues

• Provide an up-close wildlife encounter in their natural habitat

After taking in the rock iguanas, the tour continues on to Compass Cay Marina, where guests can swim with wild nurse sharks.

Exploring Compass Cay and Swimming With Nurse Sharks

After observing the captivating rock iguanas at Allen’s Cay, the tour continues to Compass Cay Marina, where guests can swim alongside the area’s renowned wild nurse sharks.

These gentle, curious creatures are often found congregating around the marina’s shallow waters, offering a unique opportunity for interaction.

Visitors are encouraged to enter the water cautiously and avoid sudden movements, as the sharks, while generally docile, can react defensively.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience leaves guests in awe of these magnificent marine animals in their natural habitat, providing lasting memories of the Exuma Powerboat Tour.

Interacting With the Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay

As the tour reaches its final destination, guests eagerly anticipate their encounter with the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. The boat pulls up to the pristine beach, and visitors are greeted by the curious and sometimes boisterous pigs.

Here are five key things to know about this unique experience:

• Pigs may approach guests curiously, so caution is advised, especially with young children.

• Guests can feed the pigs snacks provided by the crew, but should avoid hand-feeding to prevent being nipped.

• Swimming with the pigs in the shallow waters is a highlight, offering memorable photo opportunities.

• The pigs have become accustomed to human interaction, but their behavior can be unpredictable.

• Guests should be prepared for a lively, unstructured experience with these endearing and iconic Bahamian residents.

Enjoying the Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club

One key highlight of the Exuma Powerboat Tour is the lunch stop at the renowned Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

Guests can enjoy a delectable menu selection, excluding shellfish, served in the beautiful setting of the yacht club. The crew ensures continuous refreshments and guest comfort throughout the meal.

While some guests found the lunch to be average, many praised the quality and authenticity of the Bahamian fare.

With stunning water views and a laidback ambiance, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club provides a welcome respite during the tour’s action-packed itinerary.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

The Exuma Powerboat Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 96% recommendation rate from 391 guests.

Guests praised the crew’s professionalism, friendliness, and deep knowledge of the area.

Key highlights included:

• Swimming with nurse sharks

• Feeding rock iguanas

• Enjoying the beautiful Bahamian scenery

• Meeting the famous swimming pigs, though some found them aggressive

• Mixed reviews on the lunch quality, with some finding it excellent and others average

While the tour provides an unforgettable experience, guests recommend caution when interacting with the pigs and ensuring ample time at each stop, particularly the sandbar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and snacks, which are provided by the crew to ensure guest comfort throughout the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour can’t be extended, as it has a set duration from 8:30 AM to the return time at the meeting point. However, guests can opt for additional experiences or spend more time at specific stops by booking an extended or private tour.

Do the Pigs Have Access to Drinking Water at Big Major Cay?

The pigs at Big Major Cay, also known as "Pig Beach," have access to drinking water. Tour operators ensure the pigs’ well-being by providing them with a reliable source of fresh water during visitors’ interactions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back problems, and a moderate fitness level is required. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include scheduled stops for souvenir shopping or purchasing local products. However, guests can typically browse any available items at the tour stops, such as the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Specific shopping opportunities may vary.

The Sum Up

The Exuma Powerboat Tour offers an unforgettable day of adventure in the Bahamas. Guests can marvel at rock iguanas, swim with nurse sharks, and interact with the famous swimming pigs, all while enjoying unlimited refreshments and a delicious lunch. With a small group and expert guides, this tour promises an unparalleled experience in this tropical paradise.