Nassau: Catamaran Snorkeling, Swimming Pigs & Turtles Lunch

Summary

Swim with pigs snorkel coral reefs and glide with turtles from nassau

You’ll board a spacious catamaran in Nassau for a day trip that gets you snorkeling at Pearl Island’s reef, feeding swimming pigs at Rose Island (they really do swim), and gliding alongside turtles near Green Cay. Lunch is served onboard with plenty of space to sprawl out between stops. You’ll laugh with locals, taste salt on your lips, and probably end up thinking about those pigs long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to see the pigs,” someone said as we climbed onto the catamaran in Nassau — I laughed because I thought they were joking. But there we were, rum punch in hand, sun already warming my shoulders as we left the harbor. The water was so clear it almost looked fake. Our guide, Marcus, pointed out Pearl Island first; he knew every little patch of reef and tossed a joke about tourists turning into lobsters if they forgot sunscreen. We jumped in for snorkeling — honestly, I got a mouthful of saltwater before I found my rhythm. Fish everywhere, all neon blues and yellows darting around the coral. For a minute it was just me and this weird quiet under the surface.

Lunch came after — rice and grilled chicken (veggie stuff too), nothing fancy but somehow perfect when you’re salty and hungry on a boat. Rose Island was next, where the swimming pigs actually do swim (I still can’t get over that). They’re bigger than I expected and kind of bossy about snacks. Marcus told us their names — one’s called “Big Mama” — and showed us how to feed them without losing a finger. There was this moment when everyone just started laughing because one pig tried to climb up the steps like he wanted to join us for lunch.

Green Cay was last — quieter there, less chatter from the group. We slid into the water again and suddenly there were turtles gliding past like they owned the place. One brushed my leg (I definitely squeaked). The sky went from blinding blue to that soft haze you get late afternoon in the Bahamas; everything slowed down for a bit. On the way back someone played old reggae on the speaker and people just sprawled out on deck, salty hair everywhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour with snorkeling and pigs

• Board catamaran in Nassau
• Visit Pearl Island coral reef
• Snorkel and spot colorful fish
• Cruise to Pig Beach
• Interact with swimming pigs
• Enjoy lunch onboard
• Glide with turtles at Green Cay
• Relax and enjoy music onboard

Top questions

Do you actually swim with pigs on this Nassau tour?

Yes, you visit Rose Island where you can swim with and feed the famous swimming pigs.

Is lunch included during the Nassau snorkeling & pigs tour?

Yes, lunch is freshly prepared onboard after snorkeling at Pearl Island.

What islands are visited on this catamaran tour from Nassau?

The tour stops at Pearl Island (for snorkeling), Rose Island (for swimming pigs), and Green Cay (for turtle spotting).

Are drinks provided during the Nassau catamaran trip?

Yes, soda/pop plus rum punch and Cuba Libre are included along with fresh water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this day trip from Nassau?

Yes, life jackets, masks, fins, and snorkel tubes are all included for guests.

How long does it take to reach Pig Beach from Nassau by boat?

The journey is split between stops but expect around 30-45 minutes cruising each way depending on conditions.

Can vegetarians or vegans be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegan and vegetarian options are available onboard for lunch.

Is hotel pickup included in this Nassau swimming pigs tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby instead.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling gear—life jackets, fins, masks—plus fresh water with cups and ice always ready. Lunch is served onboard after your first swim stop (with vegan or vegetarian choices if needed). Drinks like soda or rum punch flow freely as you cruise between Pearl Island’s reef for snorkeling, Rose Island’s Pig Beach for pig encounters, and Green Cay for turtle spotting—all guided by a local crew who know these waters inside out.