Exuma Cays: Swimming Pigs, Thunderball Grotto & 7-Stop Boat Tour

Summary

Swim with pigs, snorkel Thunderball Grotto, meet iguanas & sharks on Exuma day trip

You’ll fly from Nassau to Exuma Cays for a full day of swimming with pigs, feeding iguanas, snorkeling Thunderball Grotto’s caves, relaxing on a sandbar, and meeting nurse sharks—plus lunch at a local spot and roundtrip transfers handled for you. It’s lively, sometimes messy fun with plenty of laughs and real moments you’ll remember long after your feet dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started off a bit sideways — I’d forgotten to double-check my pick-up time and ended up scrambling for my sunscreen as the van pulled up outside our Nassau hotel. The driver just grinned and said it happens all the time. After a quick flight (I dozed off for half of it), we landed in the Exumas where the air felt warmer and somehow sweeter. Our guide, Marcus, handed out cold water bottles and told us we’d be hitting seven stops today — more than I expected honestly. He joked about how he could spot tourists by their sunburns alone.

I’ll admit I was mostly here for the swimming pigs — who isn’t? But standing knee-deep in that clear blue water with a piglet nudging at my hand for food was way funnier than Instagram lets on. They snort a lot louder in person. Marcus showed us how to feed them without losing fingers (I still flinched). Then we zipped over to see these giant iguanas that came scuttling out as soon as they heard the boat engine. Their claws are weirdly gentle when you hand them grapes. The sandbar stop was next; everyone just sort of wandered off barefoot, letting the white sand squish between our toes while some folks cracked open beers from the cooler.

Thunderball Grotto was wild — I’m not great at snorkeling but Marcus swam alongside me and pointed out these bright fish darting through beams of sunlight under the rock dome. It smelled faintly salty and earthy inside, like wet stone after rain. Someone mentioned James Bond but honestly I was too busy trying not to swallow seawater. Lunch was at this little dockside place on Staniel Cay; grilled fish with rice, super fresh, and one of those local sodas that tasted like pineapple bubblegum (not sure I’d order it again but hey). We finished up by floating past the sunken plane wreck — kind of eerie seeing it lying there — and then meeting some nurse sharks at Compass Cay who were surprisingly chill about being petted.

The ride back was quieter; people stretched out with towels over their faces or just stared at the water sliding by. There’s something about days like this that makes you feel both tired and lucky at once. I keep thinking about that first pig snort echoing across the bay — still makes me laugh.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Exuma Cays luxury boat tour

• Feed the swimming pigs
• See indigenous iguanas
• Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto
• Visit Compass Cay sharks
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant
• View Staniel Cay Plane Wreck
• Relax at the sandbar

Top questions

How long is the Exuma swimming pigs tour?

The boat tour portion lasts about 4 hours, plus roundtrip flights from Nassau.

Is lunch included on this Exuma Cays day trip?

Yes, a gourmet lunch is included at a local restaurant on Staniel Cay.

What stops are included in this Exuma boat tour?

You’ll visit Pig Beach, Thunderball Grotto for snorkeling, Compass Cay for sharks, an iguana island, a sandbar, Staniel Cay plane wreck view, plus lunch stop.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, beer onboard, and assorted chips are provided.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes—roundtrip airport transfers are included from your accommodation in Nassau.

How many people are on each boat?

The average group size is about 8 people per boat; private upgrades available.

Is snorkeling gear provided for Thunderball Grotto?

Yes—all snorkeling equipment is included in your tour price.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip flights between Nassau and Exumas with airport transfers from your hotel or accommodation; all entry fees; unlimited soft drinks plus beer onboard; fresh towels; use of snorkeling gear; assorted snacks; and a gourmet lunch at a local restaurant—with vegan and gluten-free options available before heading back in comfort.