Exuma Cays: Swimming Pigs, Nurse Sharks & Sunken Plane Tour

Summary

Swimming pigs nurse sharks & exuma sandbars day trip from nassau

You’ll start by meeting ancient iguanas on Allen Cay before paddling with Exuma’s famous swimming pigs (watch your snacks!). Lunch is served at a lively local spot on Black Point, then it’s time for a swim with gentle nurse sharks at Compass Cay. End your day exploring a sunken plane wreck and relaxing on surreal sandbars — expect laughter, surprises, and plenty of salt air.

What’s the experience like?

I still laugh thinking about the first stop — Allen Cay, where these rock iguanas just kind of stare you down like you owe them something. The boat ride out from Nassau was choppy but not in a bad way, more like you’re waking up for real. Our guide, Marcus, tossed grapes to the iguanas and told us they’d been here longer than most people could remember. The air smelled salty and sharp, and there were birds everywhere — one landed right on the rail next to me for a second. I didn’t expect that.

Pig Beach is exactly what it sounds like, except weirder in person. The pigs swim out before you even touch shore, snorting and splashing around like they know they’re celebrities. One of them tried to eat my GoPro (not kidding). Kids were squealing louder than the pigs. Marcus said some of their names — “that’s Big Mama” — and I tried to pet one but it was more interested in my snack. Water’s so clear it almost looks fake until you get salt in your mouth.

Lunch at Black Point was loud and messy in the best way — fried fish that tasted like someone actually cared how it turned out, rice that stuck together just enough. Loraine (the owner) teased us for not eating fast enough. Afterward we swam with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, which… honestly? I thought I’d chicken out but they just glide by you all slow and soft-skinned, barely noticing you’re there unless you try to touch their fins (don’t). Somewhere between nervous laughter and sea spray I realized I hadn’t checked my phone all day.

The last bit was almost quiet: drifting over Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane (Marcus told us the story but half-whispered), then stopping at these white sandbars that only show up when the tide’s right. It felt like being dropped off on another planet for an hour or so — just sky and water and feet sinking into cool sand. I kept thinking about how weirdly peaceful it was after all those animals earlier… You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Exuma Cays boat tour highlights

• See rock iguanas at Allen Cay
• Paddle with swimming pigs at Pig Beach
• Swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
• Enjoy buffet lunch at Black Point
• Explore Pablo Escobar's sunken plane
• Relax and swim at ocean sandbars

Top questions

How long is the Exuma swimming pigs boat tour from Nassau?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8–9 hours including travel from Nassau to the Exuma Cays and back.

Are lunch and drinks included on the Exuma swimming pigs tour?

Yes, breakfast, lunch at Black Point (buffet-style), snacks, bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Can I swim with nurse sharks during this Exuma day trip?

Yes, there is a stop at Compass Cay where guests can swim among friendly nurse sharks under supervision.

Is hotel pickup included for this Exuma Cays boat tour?

No specific mention of hotel pickup; check with your operator for details about departure location in Nassau.

What else do you see besides swimming pigs on this Exuma tour?

You’ll also see native rock iguanas at Allen Cay, visit a sunken airplane wreck near Norman’s Cay, swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, enjoy lunch at Black Point, and relax on sandbars.

Is this Exuma boat tour suitable for kids?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers; children should be supervised closely near animals.

Are alcoholic drinks available during the Exuma Cays boat trip?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are served to guests aged 21 years or older as part of the inclusions.

What’s included

Your day includes breakfast to start things off right on board, bottled water and soda/pop throughout the ride, plus snacks if you get peckish between stops. At midday there’s a buffet-style lunch served at Loraine’s in Black Point — local dishes with plenty of options — along with alcoholic beverages if you’re 21 or older before heading back toward Nassau in the late afternoon.