Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau with Swimming Pigs

The Bahamas gets better beyond Nassau. This full-day powerboat trip takes you from Paradise Island to the Exumas for a busy mix of rock iguanas, nurse sharks, swimming pigs, a sandbar, a sunken plane, and lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. I especially like the wide range of stops and the chance to see the Exumas’ famous clear water in one long day. The crew also gets strong marks for keeping the mood lively and helping with photos.

I like that lunch, snacks, bottled water, and beer are included in the $439 price. I also like the small maximum group size of 16, which makes the stops feel more manageable than a large boat outing. The main drawback is the amount of time spent moving between islands. The boat ride can be rough, windy, and chilly, and the most popular stops can feel short.

Quick reasons to consider this Exuma day trip

• A fast route to several famous islands: The powerboat gets you from Nassau to the Exumas in about an hour, then links six very different stops.
• Nurse sharks are the star for many people: At Compass Cay, you can get close to the sharks from the dock and, when conditions allow, touch or hold them with crew guidance.
• Pig Beach is not a gentle petting zoo: Big Major Cay has cute piglets, but also large, forceful pigs that may nip. Keep your wits about you.
• The sandbar may be the most beautiful stop: Pale sand and clear blue-green water give you a classic Exuma scene, though one hour may not feel long enough.
• Lunch is served at a real restaurant: Staniel Cay Yacht Club provides a welcome break from the boat, with food and a place to sit at a table.
• Weather matters: The operator sometimes cancels or shifts departures when conditions are poor, which is frustrating but sensible for a long open-water crossing.

From Paradise Island to the Exuma Cays

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Drive. You return to the same meeting point after roughly eight hours, so this is not a quick side trip. It is a full day built around a long run through open water.

The powerboat is the reason this outing works. By moving quickly, it reaches parts of the Exumas that would be difficult to see by slower boat in one day. You get more scenery and more stops, but you also spend a large share of the day seated on the boat.

Several people describe the ride as bumpy or choppy. That is not a flaw the crew can fully remove, since wind and sea conditions control much of the trip. Still, it matters when deciding if this is right for you. You need a moderate level of physical fitness, and the operator does not permit pregnant passengers.

The boat has shade, but you should bring strong sun protection. You may also want a light jacket or warm top. The speed creates a steady wind, and a day that feels hot on land can feel cool at sea. The crew regularly offers water, snacks, and beer, which helps during the longer crossings.

The group limit is 16 people. That is small enough for the crew to give instructions, help with pictures, and keep an eye on the group at the water stops. Captains and crew members named in feedback include Rico, Ron, Emilio, Cam, Neil, LJ, Elio, Captain Shay, Captain Milio, and others. The repeated praise centers on friendly service, humor, safety, and effort when weather complicates the route.

Allen’s Cay and the rock iguanas

The first stop is Allen’s Cay in the Exuma Cays, where you spend about an hour seeing Bahamian rock iguanas. These animals are one of the more distinctive parts of the day because you see them in their own island setting rather than behind glass or fencing.

The iguanas can be fun to watch and feed, and the crew helps you get close enough for pictures. This stop also gives you an early taste of the Exumas: low islands, bright water, pale sand, and a quiet sense of distance from Nassau.

You should still treat the iguanas as wild animals. Follow the crew’s instructions and keep food handling sensible. The stop is not about a long nature walk. It is a focused visit, with plenty of time for photos and a look at the animals before the boat moves on.

Compass Cay and the nurse sharks

At Compass Cay Marina, the boat pauses for about 30 minutes. Nurse sharks swim around the dock, giving you an unusually close look at animals that can seem intimidating from a distance.

For many people, this is the strongest part of the tour. You may be able to touch or hold a nurse shark under crew direction, while others prefer to watch from the dock and take pictures. The crew’s role matters here. Listen carefully, keep your movements calm, and do not crowd the animals.

The short stop can feel rushed if you want plenty of time in the water. Still, the close access makes those 30 minutes count. You get a memorable animal encounter without giving up the rest of the Exuma route.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you have one. The shark dock is a photo-heavy stop, and the clear water makes it tempting to spend the whole time reaching for your camera. Just remember that a picture is not worth ignoring safety instructions.

Big Major Cay, where Pig Beach gets complicated

Big Major Cay is the famous Pig Beach, and the stop lasts about 45 minutes. You can walk into the shallows and paddle beside the pigs, including young piglets that are often the most appealing part of the visit.

The pigs are also the stop that requires the clearest warning. Some are large, strong, and aggressive around food. They may push into you or nip, and pig waste can be present on the sand and in the water. This is not a calm encounter with tidy little animals waiting politely for a photograph.

I suggest standing back at first and watching how the pigs behave. Keep your hands away from their mouths, avoid turning your back on large animals, and follow the crew’s instructions about feeding and contact. You can enjoy the spectacle without trying to pet every pig.

Pig Beach is worth seeing if the novelty appeals to you, but it may not be the emotional high point of the day. Some people find the pigs less charming in person than in photographs. The stop works best when you treat it as a curious Bahamian sight, not a guaranteed cuddling session.

Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club

After the animal stops, the boat continues to Staniel Cay for about an hour at the yacht club. This is a useful pause in the day. You can leave the boat, sit at a proper table, and eat a hot meal instead of relying only on snacks.

Lunch is included, along with bottled water, snacks, and beer. The exact meal choices can vary, but the setting gives you a more relaxed break than the quick island stops. Some people find the food surprisingly good, while others consider it only average. That is a fair way to view the meal: a convenient restaurant lunch in a beautiful location, not the reason to book the excursion.

The crew can also help you make the most of the stop. You have time to eat, use facilities, and reset before returning to the boat. This break is especially welcome after the morning crossing and water activities.

The Exuma sandbar and the clearest water

The sandbar in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is often the visual highlight. For about an hour, you can walk across pale sand surrounded by shallow, blue-green water. It is the sort of place that makes the long boat ride feel worthwhile.

This stop is ideal for photographs, shell searching, and a quiet swim or wade. You get a better sense of the Exumas here than at the busier animal stops. There is no major attraction to check off. The appeal is simply the water, sand, sky, and open space.

Some people wish this stop lasted longer. I understand why. After spending much of the day on the boat, you may want to linger on the sandbar rather than hurry back aboard. If this scenery matters most to you, ask the crew how much time you have and use it carefully.

Norman’s Cay and the sunken plane

The final sightseeing stop is near Norman’s Cay, where you view the sunken plane associated with Pablo Escobar. The boat pauses for about 15 minutes, and you look at the wreck from above the water.

The plane is a surprising addition. It may sound like a quick photo stop, but the wreck is close enough to make the story feel tangible. You do not get a long snorkel session here, and this tour does not include snorkeling. That distinction is important if you are expecting to swim out to the plane or explore it underwater.

The stop rounds out the day with something different from beaches and animals. It is brief, but it adds a bit of unusual history to the route.

What the $439 price includes

At $439 per person, this is an expensive day trip. The value comes from the amount packed into one outing: round-trip powerboat transport from Nassau, six stops, lunch, water, snacks, beer, and a small group capped at 16 people.

If you tried to arrange separate transport to Allen’s Cay, Compass Cay, Big Major Cay, Staniel Cay, the sandbar, and Norman’s Cay, the logistics would be difficult and likely costly. The boat connects places that are spread across the Exumas, so you are paying for access and time as much as for the individual activities.

The price makes more sense if you have only a short stay in the Bahamas. One person with only two and a half days in the country considered the outing worth giving up a full day for because it offered such a broad look at the Exumas.

It makes less sense if you want a slow beach day, a dedicated snorkeling trip, or long stays at one island. You are buying variety, not leisure. You are also paying for a crew that handles the route, food, timing, and water activities.

Weather, comfort, and safety

This tour depends heavily on the weather. Open-water conditions can change, and poor weather may lead to a cancellation, a date change, or a full refund. The operator has also contacted people ahead of time to suggest moving the outing to a better weather day.

That caution is a good sign. A cancellation is disappointing, especially when you have built your holiday around the Exumas, but a long powerboat run should not proceed in unsafe conditions.

The boat ride can be rough. Several people describe a bumpy trip, and some found the return journey long. Bring sunblock, a hat that fits securely, and a light layer for wind. You should also expect to get wet at the swimming stops.

The experience is near public transportation, and you receive confirmation at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, changes are not accepted and the payment is not refunded unless the operator cancels for weather or insufficient numbers.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this for someone who wants to see many headline attractions in a single day and does not mind a fast pace. Families, couples, solo visitors, and small groups can all enjoy it, provided everyone is comfortable with boat travel and active water stops.

It is especially useful for:

• People staying in Nassau who want to reach the Exumas without arranging several separate transfers
• Visitors who want nurse sharks, pigs, iguanas, a sandbar, and the wrecked plane in one outing
• Anyone who values a small group and an entertaining crew
• People who have limited time in the Bahamas and want a broad sample of the Exuma Cays

I would think twice if you are pregnant, prone to seasickness, uncomfortable around large animals, or hoping for a quiet day with lots of time on one beach. I would also skip it if snorkeling is your main goal, since snorkeling is not included.

Should you book the Exuma powerboat tour?

Book it if you want a big, memorable day with plenty of variety. The nurse sharks, sandbar, and bright Exuma water are the strongest reasons to go, while the iguanas, pigs, yacht club lunch, and sunken plane add variety.

Do not book it expecting a gentle cruise or a relaxed beach escape. You will spend a large part of the day on a fast boat, and the ride may be rough. Pig Beach also demands caution, not blind enthusiasm.

For the right person, the $439 price buys a practical way to see far more of the Exumas than you could manage alone. Pack sunscreen, a light layer, a waterproof phone case, and realistic expectations about the pigs. If the weather is good and you enjoy active sightseeing, this can be the most memorable day of your Bahamas trip.

FAQ

Where does the Exuma powerboat tour begin?

The tour begins at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Drive in The Bahamas.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and returns to the Paradise Island meeting point.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages in the form of beer are included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 16 people.

Are pregnant passengers permitted?

No. Pregnant passengers are not permitted on this activity.

Is snorkeling included?

No. Snorkeling is not included in this tour. The sunken plane near Norman’s Cay is viewed from the boat.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.