Exuma Cays: Swimming Pigs, Nurse Sharks & Iguanas Day Trip

Summary

Swim with Exuma’s famous pigs, nurse sharks and iguanas on a full day boat trip from Nassau

You’ll hop between Exuma islands by powerboat from Nassau—feeding iguanas, swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, then meeting those famous swimming pigs at Big Major’s Cay. Snorkel over a sunken plane wreck and relax on a sandbar before heading back. It’s loud and lively one minute, peaceful the next—you might find yourself grinning for no reason at all.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color—Exuma’s water isn’t just blue, it’s some wild electric turquoise that almost looks fake until you’re skimming right over it. We left Nassau early (I was still clutching my coffee), and our guide, Marcus, cracked jokes about “pig selfies” before we’d even hit the first island. The boat ride itself felt fast but smooth—wind in your face, salt on your lips, and that bright sun already warming up my shoulders. I didn’t expect to see iguanas first; they scuttled out from the brush when Marcus shook a bag of grapes. Their claws looked prehistoric but honestly? They just wanted snacks.

Compass Cay was next—a little marina where nurse sharks drift around like sleepy cats. I hesitated before getting in (they’re bigger than you think), but Marcus swore they were harmless. He pointed out which ones liked belly rubs (seriously), and one brushed past my leg so gently I barely felt it. Lunch came at this tiny spot on another cay—rice and peas, grilled fish, fried plantains. It tasted like someone’s grandma had made it, which is probably true. The main keyword for this tour is swimming pigs Exuma day trip, but honestly by then I’d almost forgotten that was still coming.

Big Major’s Cay was chaos in the best way—pigs everywhere, snorting and splashing straight into the water as soon as they saw our boat. I tried feeding one a carrot; she snatched it right out of my hand with these surprisingly soft lips. Someone else lost their GoPro to a curious piglet (we all laughed). There’s something weirdly joyful about swimming alongside farm animals in crystal-clear water—you can’t help but grin like an idiot.

We stopped at Norman’s Cay to snorkel above an old plane wreck—Marcus told us stories about Pablo Escobar using this place as a base in the ‘70s. The plane looked ghostly down there; fish darted through broken windows while we floated above. Last stop was a sandbar so white it hurt my eyes—I just lay back in the shallow water for a minute listening to nothing but waves and distant laughter. Even now, sometimes I’ll close my eyes and try to hear that quiet again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs

• Visit Bahamian Rock Iguanas island
• Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
• Enjoy Bahamian buffet lunch
• Feed and swim with pigs at Big Major’s Cay
• Snorkel at Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane
• Relax at sandbar or beach

Top questions

How long is the Exuma swimming pigs tour from Nassau?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops across the Exuma Cays before returning to Nassau.

Is lunch included in the Exuma island hopping tour?

Yes, lunch at a local Bahamian restaurant is included during the day trip.

Can you swim with nurse sharks on this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Compass Cay where you can swim with nurse sharks under guide supervision.

Are hotel pickups included for this Exuma day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departures are from Nassau marina.

What animals will I see on this Exuma boat tour?

You’ll see Bahamian rock iguanas, nurse sharks, and swimming pigs during various stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour package.

Are drinks provided on board?

Soda, bottled water, light snacks onboard and local beer (for adults) are included.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, pregnant travelers are not permitted on this tour for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day covers all landing fees and facility charges plus use of snorkeling gear along the way; you’ll have bottled water, sodas and light snacks on board as you cruise between cays. Lunch comes as a proper Bahamian buffet at a local restaurant mid-tour—with local beer available if you’re over 18—before heading back after beach time or sandbar lounging.