Exuma Swimming Pigs & Sharks: Full Day Boat Tour from Nassau

Wild Iguanas, Nurse Sharks & Swimming Pigs in One Exuma Day

You board a boat in Nassau and spend the day island-hopping through the Exuma Cays: hand-feeding 40-year-old rock iguanas at Allen's Cay, viewing a sunken smuggling plane at Compass Cay, swimming with nurse sharks in calm lagoons, and paddling alongside the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. Lunch and snacks are included, and the fixed itinerary means you see all four stops without planning transport or timing yourself.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Exuma Cays' main attractions—iguanas, sharks, pigs, and a sunken wreck—in one day without arranging your own boat, island permits, or timing between stops; the fixed itinerary is what makes four islands fit into a single departure.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Nassau, boat transport to all four islands (Allen's Cay, Compass Cay, Big Major Cay, and the sunken plane wreck), time in the water with iguanas, nurse sharks, and swimming pigs, a freshly prepared Bahamian lunch, snacks, bottled water, and soda throughout the day. Alcohol is available for guests 21 and older.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Exuma Cays island adventure

• Land at Allen’s Cay to feed iguanas
• Glide through colorful shallow waters
• View Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane wreck
• Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
• Visit Big Major Cay to see swimming pigs
• Enjoy a freshly prepared Bahamian lunch
• Relax on pristine sandbars and beaches

The Experience

There's a moment on the boat ride out when the water shifts from blue to turquoise so bright it doesn't look real, and you realize you're about to swim with animals most people only see in documentaries. The Exuma Cays full day tour leaves Nassau early and doesn't slow down—it's built around the idea that you want to see everything in one go, and the boat does the heavy lifting so you don't have to figure out which island to visit or how to get between them. Your captain knows the route by heart, which stops are worth the time, and exactly when the tide lets you wade into the shallows without fighting the current.

Allen's Cay comes first, and the Bahamian rock iguanas are waiting. These aren't small—they're prehistoric-looking reptiles that live over 40 years and exist nowhere else on Earth, roaming free without predators. You feed them by hand, film them, and they're bold enough to stroll right up. After that the boat cuts through water so clear you see the coral heads beneath you, and the color shifts from turquoise to aquamarine to deep sapphire depending on the depth. Then comes the wreck—Pablo Escobar's sunken plane, a crashed 1980s smuggling aircraft resting in just a few feet of water. It's eerie and beautiful at once, transformed into an artificial reef, and you can dive down to see it up close.

Compass Cay is where the nurse sharks happen. They're bottom-dwellers, docile by nature, and the water is calm enough that wading in feels less like an adrenaline spike and more like stepping into someone's aquarium. They rely on suction feeding, which means they're not aggressive—just curious. Then you head to Big Major Cay, where the swimming pigs actually paddle out to meet the boats. Local lore says sailors left them there years ago, though nobody knows for sure. You paddle beside them, take the shots you came for, and it's exactly as surreal as it sounds.

By midday you're ready to eat, and the crew serves a freshly prepared Bahamian lunch with authentic island spices—the kind of refuel that tastes better when you've been in the water all morning. After that, if the tide cooperates, you unwind on pristine sandbars or powder-white beaches with water so clear you can see your feet in chest-deep water. The boat heads back to Nassau in the late afternoon, and you've hit four stops, seen animals most people never will, and didn't have to arrange a single detail yourself.

Top questions

How long is the tour?

Around 8+ hours, including boat travel between islands, time in the water, and lunch.

What's included in the price?

Entry to all four islands, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and soda. Alcohol is available for guests 21 and older.

Are the nurse sharks safe to swim with?

Yes. Nurse sharks are docile bottom-dwellers that feed by suction and are known for their gentle temperament. They're not aggressive toward swimmers.

Can I touch or feed the swimming pigs?

You can paddle beside them and interact with them in the water. The crew will guide you on how to approach them safely.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, sunscreen, a waterproof camera, and a towel. The boat provides water and snacks, but bring any personal medications or preferences.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels. However, it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What time does the tour depart from Nassau?

The tour departs early in the morning from Nassau. Exact pickup times are confirmed when you book.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. All the swimming spots have calm, shallow water, and the crew provides guidance. The tour is designed for mixed swimming abilities.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours operate in most conditions, but rough seas or extreme weather may result in rescheduling. Check the cancellation policy when booking.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Yes, you can bring your own or ask the crew if rental equipment is available. Confirm details when you book.