Exuma Cays: Powerboat Day Trip with Swimming Pigs & Lunch

Summary

Swim with Exuma pigs nurse sharks & relax on sandbars from Nassau

You’ll zip across bright blue waters by powerboat from Nassau to the Exuma Cays, spotting iguanas on Allen’s Cay and swimming with those famous pigs at Big Major Cay. Watch nurse sharks glide past your feet at Compass Cay Marina, then share lunch with new friends before relaxing on a hidden sandbar. There’s something about those colors that sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the water to look like that — it’s almost fake, the way the Exuma Cays glow under the sun. We left Nassau early (I was half-awake), but as soon as our guide started joking about Bahamian time and passed out cold bottled water, I woke up for real. The boat ride felt like flying — salt spray in your face, wind everywhere, and then suddenly Allen’s Cay. Iguanas everywhere. They’re bigger than I thought. One stared at me like he owned the place (he probably does).

The next part was kind of wild — Compass Cay Marina is where you see nurse sharks just gliding around under the dock. Some folks leaned in for photos; I mostly watched a kid squeal when a shark brushed his toes. Our guide, Marcus, told us how locals grew up swimming here — he said nurse sharks are “all chill,” which made me laugh because they look anything but chill up close. And then came Big Major Cay: Pig Beach. The pigs actually swim out to meet you (well, some waddle). I tried feeding one a carrot and got splashed instead — fair enough.

Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club was loud and full of chatter — conch fritters and grilled fish that tasted smoky-sweet (still crave that). Afterward we drifted over to a sandbar that only pops up at low tide; standing there felt like being marooned in turquoise glass. Someone pointed out a sunken plane near Norman’s Cay on the way back — eerie and quiet under the waves. I keep thinking about those colors, honestly. It’s not just hype.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Exuma Cays and Swimming Pigs

• View Bahamian Rock Iguanas at Allen's Cay
• Take scenic tour through Exuma Cays islands
• View nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina
• Visit Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay
• Enjoy lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club
• Relax on sandbar or white sandy beach

Top questions

How long is the Exuma powerboat tour from Nassau?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from Nassau with multiple stops in the Exuma Cays.

Are swimming pigs included in this day trip?

Yes, visiting and swimming with the pigs at Big Major Cay is included in this tour.

Is lunch provided during the Exuma Cays tour?

Yes, a hot lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club is included in the tour price.

Can you swim with nurse sharks on this tour?

You can view nurse sharks up close at Compass Cay Marina; swimming is optional.

What animals will I see during this tour?

You’ll see Bahamian rock iguanas at Allen’s Cay, nurse sharks at Compass Cay Marina, and swimming pigs at Big Major Cay.

Does this Exuma day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart from Nassau to board the powerboat.

Are drinks included on this powerboat day trip?

Yes, beer and bottled water are included along with snacks and lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants and small children can join if they ride in a pram or stroller; check physical requirements first.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip powerboat transport from Nassau through the Exuma Cays, all entry fees to islands like Allen’s Cay and Big Major Cay, bottled water and beer throughout the journey, snacks for between stops, plus a hot lunch served at Staniel Cay Yacht Club before heading back across those unreal waters.