Nassau: Swimming Pigs & Turtle Snorkel Day Trip by Boat

Summary

Swim with Bahamas pigs snorkel turtles Rose Island beach bar

You’ll feed swimming pigs off Rose Island, snorkel with sea turtles at Green Cay, and have time to relax at a lively beach bar. With boat pickup from Nassau, all your gear sorted, plus snacks and drinks included, it’s an easygoing adventure where you’ll probably laugh more than you expect — especially when a pig tries to steal your snack.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a chunk of fruit and grinned, “They like this one best.” I was still laughing about the boat ride from Nassau — the water’s that kind of blue you only see in postcards, but it actually splashed up cold against my legs. The pigs spotted us before we even docked at Rose Island. I’d seen photos before, but seeing them paddle out for snacks is just… odd and hilarious in real life. One tried to nibble my fingers (gently), and Li laughed when I tried to say “hello” in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

The next stop was Green Cay for snorkeling. I hesitated at first because the mask always fogs up on me, but our guide showed me how to spit in it (gross but it worked). The water felt warm on my arms and there were these slow-moving turtles gliding right below us — totally unbothered by all the humans flapping around. It smelled faintly salty-sweet under the sun, and every so often you’d hear someone gasp through their snorkel when a fish darted by. I think I floated there longer than I meant to.

Back on Rose Island, there’s this beach bar with reggae playing low and sand that sticks everywhere (I still found some in my bag days later). Drinks aren’t included but honestly after swimming with pigs and turtles you kind of want to just sit down with something cold anyway. Some folks played volleyball; I just watched the clouds drift over the water for a while. It’s funny how quickly everyone starts talking like old friends after feeding pigs together — maybe it’s the rum punch or maybe just the Bahamas air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and swim with pigs

• Boat ride from Nassau to Green Cay
• Snorkel with turtles and coral reefs
• Boat ride to Rose Island
• Feed and pet swimming pigs
• Relax at Rose Island beach bar
• Play beach volleyball or unwind

Top questions

How long is the boat ride from Nassau to Rose Island?

It’s about 20 minutes by boat from Nassau to Rose Island.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes, snorkel gear and life jackets are included for all participants.

Can kids join the swimming pigs tour?

Yes, this day trip is suitable for kids and families.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included; drinks can be purchased at the beach bar.

Do you get to swim with sea turtles on this trip?

Yes, you’ll snorkel at Green Cay where sea turtles are commonly seen.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Alcoholic drinks are available on the boat but not included at the beach bar.

Where does pickup happen in Nassau?

The tour includes convenient boat pickup from two locations near central Nassau and cruise port.

Is there a restroom available during the trip?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard the boat.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient boat pickup from Nassau (with options close to cruise port), bottled water, snacks for both you and those famously hungry pigs, use of snorkelling equipment with life jackets provided, soft drinks like apple or pineapple juice onboard, plus access to kayaks and paddleboards once you reach Rose Island. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board as well as at the lively beach bar where you can unwind before heading back home sandy and happy.