Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

Your boat is small, but the fun is not. This Nassau outing puts you at the wheel of a two-person speedboat, then takes you to Anthol Island for swimming pigs, clear water, and a short snorkeling session. I love the freedom of driving across the waves and the chance to reach the pig beach before larger groups arrive. The main catch is that the meeting point and return transport can require extra planning.

At $120 per person, the experience packs a lot into two hours: boat time, a pig encounter, beach access, snorkeling equipment, and a banana boat ride. It is best for confident swimmers, active families, couples, and cruise passengers who want something more hands-on than a standard shore excursion.

The highlights at a glance

• You drive the speedboat yourself: Each boat carries two people, with guides nearby to help if you feel unsure.
• Early arrival can mean a quieter pig beach: The 10 a.m. departure has often reached the island before larger boats.
• The pigs share a real beach: You can feed them, take photos, and swim in the surrounding clear water.
• The group stays small: Numbers are limited to 10 participants, making the outing more personal.
• Snorkeling is part of the plan: Equipment is provided for time in the water after the pig encounter.
• The tour runs in most weather: It takes place rain or shine, though wind can change the boat arrangements.

Why this Nassau trip feels different

Many Nassau water excursions put you on a large boat and carry you from one stop to another. Here, the ride itself is a major part of the attraction. You sit in a compact speedboat, feel the spray, and take the controls for part of the route under the guide’s direction.

That makes the outing especially appealing if you want more than a photo stop. You are not simply transported to a beach. You get a short taste of handling a boat, then have time for animals, swimming, and sand.

I also like the scale of the experience. With no more than 10 people, the guides can keep an eye on the boats and adjust the pace when needed. Guides named Kelly, King, Serena, and Andy have all been praised for being friendly and attentive. That personal touch matters when you are operating a small boat for the first time.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a two-hour activity, not a full-day island cruise. The speedboat ride to Anthol Island is fairly short, and the time at the pig beach can feel quick if you want long snorkeling sessions, extended beach lounging, and lots of boat time.

From Nassau to Anthol Island by speedboat

The trip begins at a meeting point that can vary with the option you book. If you are coming from a cruise ship, allow time to reach the departure area. Some cruise passengers have walked there in roughly 25 minutes, while others found the walk hot and less pleasant than expected. A taxi is the safer choice if you have limited time or heavy bags.

Do not treat the walk back as an afterthought. Finding a taxi after the activity has been less straightforward for some people, so getting the driver’s number when you arrive can be useful. Transportation is not presented as a standard part of the experience, and the meeting instructions should be checked carefully before the day.

Once you arrive, you receive instructions and complete the necessary waiver. The boats are designed for two people, so you will usually share with a partner, family member, or friend. If you are not comfortable driving, the guide can take the controls. That flexibility makes the activity more approachable than the phrase self-drive might suggest.

The ride gives you a different view of New Providence. You may pass attractive waterfront homes, see luxury yachts, and, depending on the route, get views of the Atlantis area. One group even traveled through the Atlantis waterfalls and canals on the return trip. That route is not guaranteed, but it shows how the ride can include more than open water.

The boat is small, which is part of the fun and part of the limitation. You feel every turn and wave more than you would on a large ferry. Bring a waterproof phone case or bag. You should expect to get wet.

Taking the wheel on the open water

The self-driving section is the experience’s strongest feature. You are not racing. You are following the guide and traveling at a controlled pace, but the sensation is still lively. The steering feels direct, the boat responds quickly, and the open water gives you a real feeling of freedom.

I would not choose this activity if you want a quiet, dry ride. Spray is part of the deal, and wind can make the trip rougher. One boat had motor trouble during a trip, though the rest of the outing still went well. Mechanical issues can happen with any small watercraft, so a little patience helps.

The guide remains close and can take over if needed. That is important for families or anyone who has never driven a boat. Parents should also think about seating arrangements. The boats carry two people, while the overall group may include children of different ages. Children as young as 6 have taken part with their families, but the activity is still active, wet, and exposed to the weather.

The ride is also a nice chance to see Nassau from the water without committing to a long charter. You get the excitement of a speedboat, but the route is short enough that the day does not become exhausting.

Meeting the swimming pigs on a small island

At Anthol Island, you head toward a beach where the pigs gather. The setting is simple: sand, shallow clear water, and a small island atmosphere rather than a polished resort attraction. You can feed the pigs and take photos while the animals move along the shore and into the water.

The food used on the trip has included melon. Keep your hands low and follow the guide’s instructions, especially around the larger pigs. They can be surprisingly forceful when food is present, and some are much bigger than their cute photographs suggest.

That is the main safety point of the animal encounter. The pigs are friendly-looking, but they are still strong animals. Do not crowd them, grab them, or wave food around carelessly. Children need close adult supervision.

Timing makes a big difference here. The earlier departures, especially the 10 a.m. slot, can arrive before larger boats. That may give you around 30 to 45 minutes with a quieter beach before more people appear. For photos, calm water, and a less hurried meeting with the pigs, book the earliest suitable time.

The island can also offer small surprises. Wild peacocks and sea turtles have been seen during the outing. These sightings are not promised, but they add another layer to the stop. You might also find snacks and drinks available on the island, though bringing your own water is wise.

Snorkeling, swimming, and beach time

After feeding the pigs, you can swim in the surrounding water and use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The water has been described as clear, and sea turtles and an eagle ray have been spotted near the swimming area.

The snorkeling portion should be viewed as a short add-on rather than a major reef expedition. The schedule includes several activities, and the island stop has to fit within a two-hour round trip. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, this may not provide enough time.

For most people, the appeal is the mix. You can take photos with the pigs, cool off in the water, look below the surface, and sit on the beach without changing locations or joining another boat. That variety is valuable when you have only a morning in Nassau.

The banana boat ride is also included, though the exact timing and format are not detailed. Think of it as an extra water activity rather than the main reason to reserve the tour.

Why the earliest departure is worth considering

The early time slot gets the strongest practical recommendation. Arriving before larger operators can change the mood of the island. Instead of lining up near the pigs or sharing every photo spot, you may have a quieter stretch of beach for a while.

That quieter start is especially useful for families. Young children can approach the pigs with less noise around them, and parents have more room to manage food, cameras, and wet clothes. Couples also get better conditions for photos.

The trade-off is simple: an early start means leaving your hotel or ship sooner. Cruise passengers should confirm the ship’s disembarkation schedule before booking. A late departure from the ship could make you miss the start, even though the guides have sometimes been flexible with delayed cruise passengers.

Do not assume that a later slot will be bad. It can still be enjoyable, and the beach is still the beach. You should just expect more people once additional boats arrive.

Price, group size, and overall value

The cost is $120 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see pigs near Nassau, but it compares well with more expensive options that charge around $250 per person for similar animal encounters.

The value comes from having several elements in one short outing:

• A self-drive speedboat ride
• A pig feeding and swimming stop
• Snorkeling equipment
• Beach access
• A banana boat ride
• A small group capped at 10 people
• A live guide in English, French, or Spanish

The self-drive feature is what makes the price easier to justify. A standard ferry ride to a pig beach would not provide the same sense of participation. You are paying for the activity and the transport, not just the animal photo opportunity.

The two-hour length keeps the price from feeling excessive, especially for a cruise port day. You can still have lunch, walk around Nassau, or return to your ship with time to spare. On the other hand, you should not expect a slow island day. The schedule is compact.

The activity has a rating of 4.7 from 84 bookings, with especially strong praise for the guides, the boats, the early access, and the value compared with other Nassau excursions. That matches the main strengths: it is active, personal, and less costly than many similar choices.

Weather, safety, and who should skip it

The activity runs rain or shine. That does not mean the exact route is fixed in every condition. Strong wind has prevented boats from traveling to the pig island on at least one occasion. In that case, the group used a ferry to reach the pigs and later drove the speedboats in the harbor.

That backup kept the day going, but it was not the same experience as driving across open water to the island. If your heart is set on the self-drive ride, you need to accept that weather may change the plan.

You should bring a waterproof phone case, sun protection, water, and clothes that can get wet. A towel and a dry change of clothes are sensible for the ride back. Cash may be useful for snacks or drinks on the island.

The outing is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions. You should also think carefully about the boat motion if you are prone to seasickness, although that specific condition is not listed by the operator.

The activity suits:

• Couples who want a lively two-hour outing
• Families with children who can follow water-safety instructions
• Cruise passengers seeking an alternative to a ship-booked excursion
• First-time boat drivers who want guide support
• Visitors who prefer a small group to a large catamaran

It is less suitable for anyone wanting a long snorkeling session, a dry boat ride, or a slow, quiet beach day.

Practical booking advice for Nassau cruise passengers

Check the meeting point as soon as you book, since it can vary by option. Build in time for a taxi from the cruise port, or confirm the walking route before setting out. The return ride to the ship may need separate planning.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Nassau schedule is still shifting.

Choose the earliest departure that fits your ship’s schedule. It offers the best chance of reaching the pigs before bigger groups. Do not book so early that you risk missing the start because your ship has not cleared passengers yet.

Finally, pair up before arrival. Since each boat carries two people, knowing who will drive with whom avoids a last-minute scramble. If one person is nervous, the guide can help or take control.

Should you book the speedboat and pig encounter?

I would book this outing if you want an active Nassau experience with a strong value angle. The self-drive boats are the reason to choose it over a basic pig beach transfer, and the small group makes the stop feel less rushed when you arrive early.

I would skip it if you need guaranteed transport, dislike getting wet, or want a full day of snorkeling. Wind can change the boat plan, and the two-hour schedule leaves limited time at each stop.

For most couples, families, and cruise passengers who can manage the logistics, this is a lively and fairly priced way to combine Nassau’s water, island scenery, and swimming pigs. Pick the early slot, carry waterproof storage, and make a return transportation plan before you leave the ship.

FAQ

How long is the Nassau speedboat and pig experience?

The activity lasts two hours, including the speedboat ride, the island stop, the pig encounter, and snorkeling time.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $120 per person.

Can I drive the speedboat myself?

Yes. The experience uses two-person speedboats, and participants can take the wheel for part of the trip. A guide can help or drive if you feel uncomfortable.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants.

What animals will I see?

You can feed and swim with the island’s pigs. Sea turtles, an eagle ray, and wild peacocks have also been seen, but those additional sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a banana boat ride included?

Yes. A banana boat ride is listed among the included activities.

What happens if the weather is windy?

The activity operates rain or shine, but strong wind can change the boat portion. On one occasion, participants used a ferry to reach the pigs and later drove the speedboats in the harbor.

Is the activity suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions. The experience is active, involves water and boat movement, and can be wet.

Which languages are available?

The live guides can provide the activity in English, French, or Spanish.