Nassau Pig Beach Snorkeling Tour with Turtles & Lunch: Review
Want the pigs, the turtles and a reef in one easy day from Nassau? This 5.5-hour catamaran cruise is the most-reviewed tour I track — it pairs a stop at the Rose Island pig beach with a snorkel over a Caribbean reef where sea turtles graze, then serves lunch on board in the sunshine. Here's the honest, full review of the Nassau pig beach snorkeling tour, including where the pigs actually are. Weighing your options? You can compare all Nassau snorkeling tours on the homepage.
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Full half-day with lunch on board
Friendly local Bahamian crew
Great for kids and first-timers
Rose Island pigs and a turtle reef
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for the Pig Beach, turtle and reef catamaran cruise — book directly.
Why Book This Pig Beach & Turtle Cruise
This is the tour most people picture when they imagine a Bahamas day on the water: a roomy catamaran, a stop to meet the swimming pigs, a snorkel over a reef where green turtles feed, and lunch served on board between stops. With 943 reviews at 4.8 stars, it's the most-reviewed trip I compare, which is a good sign that the timing and pacing are well-sorted rather than rushed.
The catamaran matters here. Compared with the fast three-island speedboats, it's a steadier, more comfortable ride with shade and room to move around, so it suits families and anyone who'd rather take the day at an easy pace. You still get the full highlight reel — pigs, reef, turtles and lunch — without bouncing between four stops in four hours.
What You'll See
The reef stop on this cruise is calm and shallow, with good odds of spotting:
- Green sea turtles grazing the seagrass and reef edges
- Parrotfish, blue tang and sergeant majors over the coral
- Southern stingrays gliding across sandy patches
- Yellowtail snapper and silvery Nassau grouper
- The occasional docile nurse shark resting under a ledge
- Starfish and queen conch on the sandy bottom
- The Rose Island pigs wading out from the beach to greet the boat
What's Included
A full-day catamaran cruise with the essentials handled for you:
- A spacious catamaran with a friendly local crew
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and fins) and flotation vests
- A stop at the Rose Island pig beach
- A guided reef snorkel with sea turtles
- Lunch served on board in the sunshine
Not included
Hotel transfers, gratuities and reef-safe sunscreen are on you. One thing to budget for: feeding or getting up close with the pigs is often a small on-site cash extra — usually around $30 to $35 — rather than part of the ticket price. Bring a little cash for that and for tips, and confirm the exact amount with the crew on the day.
How the Tour Works
Departures are in the morning from a Nassau marina, minutes from the cruise port. After a safety briefing you sail out toward Rose Island, about 20 to 25 minutes east of Nassau, where the catamaran anchors and you wade in to meet the pigs from the beach.
From there it's on to the snorkel reef — gear and vests are handed out, the crew leads you to the turtle grounds, and you snorkel for a good stretch over the coral. Lunch is served on board between or after the water stops, so you're never far from food and shade. The whole loop runs about 5.5 hours door to door, which fits comfortably inside a cruise port day if you share your ship's all-aboard time when booking.
Where It Happens
Who This Trip Is (and Isn't) For
Ideal for families, first-timers and anyone who wants the pigs, turtles and a reef in one relaxed day with lunch sorted. Less ideal for:
- Travelers set on the original Exuma pigs (these are the Rose Island pigs — see the FAQ below)
- Anyone wanting a fast, multi-island speedboat itinerary (look at the three-island trip instead)
- Snorkelers chasing deep coral walls rather than calm, shallow reef
- Visitors who want a quiet, small-group experience (try the six-person kayak tour)
Nassau Pig Beach Snorkeling Tour FAQ
Are these the famous Exuma swimming pigs?
No, and it's worth being clear before you book. The world-famous pigs live at Big Major Cay in Exuma, about 80 miles south of Nassau and a separate full-day or fly-in trip. This cruise visits the closer pig beach on Rose Island, roughly 20 to 25 minutes by boat from Nassau. It's the same playful pig encounter, just far easier to reach on a half-day — not the original Exuma colony.
Is feeding the pigs included, or does it cost extra?
Getting close to or feeding the pigs is often a small on-site cash extra, usually around $30 to $35 per person, rather than part of the ticket price. Bring a little cash and confirm the exact amount with the crew on the day.
Will I actually see sea turtles?
Green sea turtles graze the reef and seagrass on this route and are commonly seen, and the crew knows where to look. As with any wild animal, sightings are common but never guaranteed on a given day.
What's the lunch like?
Lunch is served on board in the sunshine, typically between or after the water stops, so you don't need to bring your own meal. If you have dietary needs, mention them when you book so the crew can plan ahead.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Flotation vests and snorkel gear are provided, the reef stop is calm and shallow, and the crew keeps an eye on the group. You should be comfortable floating in open water, but it's a beginner-friendly trip that welcomes families.
Is this a good option on a cruise day?
Yes. At about 5.5 hours it fits a port day, and departures leave minutes from Prince George Wharf. Give the operator your ship name and all-aboard time when booking so they can get you back to the cruise port on schedule.
What Snorkelers Say
Easily the highlight of our Bahamas trip. The catamaran was roomy and shaded, the reef was full of fish and we swam with two turtles. The pigs at Rose Island were hilarious — our kids are still talking about it.
Well-run from start to finish. The crew gave a clear briefing, the timing never felt rushed, and lunch on board was better than we expected. Nice not to be crammed onto a tiny speedboat.
We came for the pigs and stayed for the snorkeling. Calm, clear water and a friendly guide who led us straight to a turtle. Worth every penny for a relaxed day on the water.
Perfect for our family of five. The flotation vests gave the little ones confidence, the pigs were a fun surprise, and lunch kept everyone happy. The catamaran made the whole day feel easy.