2 Islands, Under 3 Hours

Swimming Pigs Express Tour: 2 Islands, Under 3 Hours

★ 4.1 255 reviews

from $79 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: SunCay

Overview

Twenty-five minutes after leaving Nassau by boat, you reach Pig Beach on Athol Island, where the swimming pigs of the Bahamas are waiting. You get up to an hour in the water with them, feeding them apple pieces on skewers while guides explain how to handle the animals. The pigs come right up to swimmers standing in knee- to hip-deep water near the shore, and after the feeding some stay on the beach for petting and photos.

The second half of the trip moves to Pearl Island, a private island with beaches, a bar, lounge chairs and a lighthouse you can climb if you want the view. Reviewers liked this trade-off for the pig time, though a few wished they had longer to lounge at Pearl Island.

The boat leaves from a meeting point at 26 N Bar and Bistro in Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace in Nassau. Hotel pickup is not included, but if you are staying on Paradise Island you can request a pickup from a designated spot there, subject to availability on the day.

What's Included

Included

Boat trip
Guide
Swimming with pigs
Pig feeding
Lounge chairs

Not Included

Pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Meet at Elizabeth on BayCheck in at 26 N Bar and Bistro, Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace, Nassau. Pickup is not included, though Paradise Island guests can request a designated pickup spot, confirmed based on the schedule.
Boat to Athol IslandA roughly 25-minute cruise out of Nassau, with a possible short stop on Paradise Island to collect other passengers.
Pig Beach swim and feedingSpend up to an hour at Pig Beach on Athol Island, feeding the pigs apples and taking photos. Guides give instructions on handling the animals before you get in the water.
Pearl Island beach timeRelax with lounge chairs, a bar and the option to climb the lighthouse. Time here can be short on this express run.
Return to NassauBoat back to the departure point. The tour is advertised at under 3 hours, though one reviewer's day ran about 4.5 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this express run.

Find the dock early. Several travellers said the departure point is hard to find, tucked at the end of an alley inside a restaurant. Give yourself extra time to locate it on your first visit. Locals and staff were described as helpful when asked.
Wear swimwear. You board the boat from the beach, climbing down some stairs from the beach. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you are ready for the pig swim.
Apples, not hotdogs. The pigs are fed apple pieces on skewers, which one reviewer preferred over the hotdogs seen with other excursions. Guides hand out the food and explain how to handle the animals before you enter the water.
Photo help from guides. One reviewer said staff help take photos and give out extra pig food if you run out. Bring a waterproof camera or a phone you can keep safe in shallow water.
Short beach window. This is an express tour, so Pearl Island time is limited. One reviewer reported going straight back to the boat after the pigs. If lounging and water sports are the priority, a longer tour may fit better.
Cash-free trip. The tour is cashless, so plan to pay for drinks at the Pearl Island bar by card. Weather cancellations can be rescheduled or refunded.

Common issues. The two real complaints in the reviews are about finding the departure point and about pace. Several travellers said the meeting spot is hidden in an alley and the directions need work, so allow time to find it. On timing, some felt the Pearl Island stop was rushed or cut short, with one reviewer saying they went directly back to the boat with no lounging time. You must climb down stairs from the beach to board the boat, and bad weather can force a reschedule or a full refund. Pickup and drop-off are not included, though Paradise Island guests can ask about a designated pickup spot, and one reviewer suggested enquiring to save a long walk.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour Price?

The boat trip, a guide, swimming with the pigs, pig feeding and lounge chairs are all included. Pickup and drop-off are not. Drinks at the Pearl Island bar are bought separately, and the tour is cashless.

Where Does The Tour Meet In Nassau?

Check-in is at 26 N Bar and Bistro, Elizabeth on Bay Marketplace, in Nassau. The entrance is at the end of an alley shared with other shops, and several travellers found it tricky to locate, so arrive early. If you are staying on Paradise Island, you can request pickup from a designated spot, confirmed based on the tour schedule.

How Long Is The Tour?

The tour is advertised at under 3 hours, though one reviewer's day ran about 4.5 hours. The boat ride to Pig Beach takes roughly 25 minutes, and you get up to an hour with the pigs before the island stops and the return leg.

What Do You Feed The Pigs?

Apple pieces on skewers, handed out by the guides with instructions on handling the animals. One reviewer said they wished there were more food in the cups, though another noted staff provide extra food if you run out. Reviewers also reported the pigs are friendly and can be petted and photographed after the feeding.

Is The Tour Suitable For Kids Or Limited Mobility?

No age or mobility policy is stated, so check with the operator before booking. Be aware you have to climb down some stairs from the beach to board the boat, and the pig swim takes place standing in knee- to hip-deep water.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If bad weather hits, the tour can be rescheduled to another day or you will receive a full refund.