Nassau: Swimming Pigs And Snorkel With Turtles

The star of this Nassau boat trip is piggy time on Rose Island, where friendly pigs swim out for treats and may even let you hold a piglet. Before that, you’ll snorkel at Green Cay, often in shallow water where sea turtles feed near the reef. It’s a lively half-day outing, not a quiet nature cruise.

I like two things here: the tour packs sea turtles, snorkeling, pigs, and island time into about three hours, and the crew keeps the boat stocked with water, snacks, soft drinks, music, and some alcoholic drinks. The main catch is capacity. The limit is 26 people, and a full boat can feel crowded, especially when everyone gathers around the pigs or reaches for snorkeling gear.

Quick take on the Nassau pig and turtle tour

• Green Cay comes first: Spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes snorkeling in clear, calm water with sea turtles, fish, coral, and possible stingrays.
• Rose Island is the big finale: Feed and pet swimming pigs, with a chance to hold a piglet.
• Kayaks and paddleboards are included: You can use them during the Rose Island stop.
• Drinks and snacks are part of the boat ride: Expect bottled water, juice, soda, snacks, music, and available alcoholic drinks.
• The boat holds up to 26 people: Smaller than a large party boat, but a sellout may still feel packed.
• Cruise passengers need to watch the clock: Pickup is offered from two locations, including a point near the cruise port, but the tour operator and booking agent must have the correct arrival and meeting information.

Green Cay snorkeling with sea turtles

The first stop is Green Cay, a good match for families and first-time snorkelers. The water is described as clear, shallow, and calm, and the crew supplies masks, snorkels, and life jackets after a quick safety briefing.

The main draw is the sea turtles. You may see green turtles moving along the ocean floor near the reefs, along with fish, coral, and occasional stingrays. The guides help locate the turtles before you enter the water, which matters because wildlife sightings depend on patience and timing. One group was even taken back for a second look after the first attempt produced little, and the turtles appeared on the return visit.

I like that this stop is not presented as a test of swimming skill. You can watch from the boat or snorkel in the shallows, and children and beginners can take part. Still, you should be comfortable wearing a life jacket and following directions in the water. The crew can point out wildlife, but nobody can promise a turtle sighting at a precise moment.

Keep your hands to yourself. Turtles and stingrays are wild animals, not props for a photo. Move slowly, give them room, and let your guide handle the search. A waterproof camera is worth bringing, but put the animal first and the picture second.

The snorkeling itself may be less impressive than the turtles. The reef and fish make a pleasant setting, but the real value is the chance to watch turtles in their natural surroundings. If you want a serious reef expedition, this short outing may feel light. If you want a manageable wildlife stop before the pigs, it works well.

The boat ride between New Providence and Rose Island

The ride is part of the experience, not just transportation. You’ll cruise across the turquoise water with music playing, snacks available, and drinks served on board. Bottled water, apple, orange, cranberry, and pineapple juice, soda, and other soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks are available on the boat as well.

That setup gives the trip a social, easygoing feel. Families can settle in with juice and snacks, while adults can enjoy a rum punch or another alcoholic drink if offered by the crew. The music is often loud enough to shape the mood, so this is better for people who enjoy a fun boat outing than for anyone seeking silence.

The boat has a restroom, a useful detail on a short trip with children. It also comes with life jackets and snorkeling equipment. You do not need to arrange a separate rental for the water activities, though bringing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and waterproof phone protection makes sense.

Weather can change the character of the ride. The crew has worked to keep people comfortable during rain, but an overcast or wet day can mean less dramatic views and cooler conditions after snorkeling. Poor weather can also lead to a cancellation, with a new date or full refund offered.

Rose Island and the swimming pigs

Rose Island is the emotional high point of the trip. After the boat arrives, the pigs swim toward the group for food. The crew provides treats, and you can feed and pet them under supervision. A piglet may be available to hold, though that opportunity is not guaranteed.

This is a highly interactive stop, and it is especially appealing to children. You get the odd, memorable sight of pigs paddling through seawater, then gather on the sand once the feeding is finished. Bring a camera, but expect a bit of commotion as people try to get close at the same time.

The pigs are the reason many people choose this tour, but it helps to set fair expectations. This is not an isolated encounter with one animal and a private beach. Other people will be nearby, and the experience can feel busy when the boat is full. The pigs may also be more interested in food than in posing for a perfect photograph.

After the animal encounter, you can use the kayaks and paddleboards on Rose Island. That gives you a choice: stay active on the water, relax on the beach, or watch the pig activity from shore. Beach volleyball is also available, adding another option for anyone who does not want to sit still.

A beach bar is fully stocked, but its drinks and food cost extra. Lunch is not included. You can bring your own lunch or buy it at the bar, so plan ahead if you need a proper meal rather than snacks. The included refreshments are useful, but they are not a substitute for lunch during a longer day.

How the group size affects the experience

The maximum group size is 26 people. That is smaller than many large excursion boats, and the crew has enough room to give safety instructions, help with equipment, and keep the schedule moving.

Still, do not assume small group means private. When the boat sells out, more than 20 people may be on board, and some groups have found it crowded. The pressure points are easy to understand: boarding, collecting masks, standing near the side of the boat to watch turtles, and gathering around the pigs.

The upside is the crew’s energy. Captains and crew members identified as H, O, M, and CJ have been praised for being friendly, funny, professional, and attentive. The exact staff may vary, but the service style appears to be warm and active rather than formal.

If you prefer plenty of personal space, ask about the expected group size before booking. If you mainly want a well-run outing with several activities in a short time, the size is probably manageable. Families often benefit from having a crew that helps with children and equipment, though parents should stay responsible for supervising their own children in the water.

What the $140 price covers

At $140 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. The price makes more sense when you count the moving parts: boat transportation, two island and marine stops, snorkeling gear, life jackets, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, some alcoholic beverages, and access to kayaks and paddleboards on Rose Island.

You are also paying for the crew to locate turtles, organize the wildlife encounter, handle the boat ride, and keep the schedule within a half-day. That makes the tour good value if you want several signature Nassau activities without arranging separate bookings.

The value drops if you plan to skip the water activities, do not care about pigs, or need a full meal included. Lunch costs extra, and the Rose Island beach bar is not covered by the tour price. You should also remember that sea turtles, stingrays, and favorable weather cannot be guaranteed.

For a family, the price can add up quickly. Yet the compact schedule may be useful during a short Nassau visit, especially when you want to return to town or your ship without giving up a full day. Music, drinks, and snacks also mean you are not paying only for the time spent in the water.

Timing and pickup for cruise passengers

Pickup is available from two convenient locations, including a point near the cruise port. The company says it aims to get cruise passengers back in time for their departure, and cruise passengers can change the tour date or receive a full refund if the cruise line changes its itinerary.

You still need to treat the meeting time as firm. There have been serious problems when booking information and ship arrival times did not match, including confusion between a shared tour and a private boat. Do not rely on a casual estimate that the meeting point is only a short walk away.

Check the exact pickup location, check-in time, and ship docking time before you pay. If your ship arrives close to the tour departure, contact the operator or booking agent and get the arrangement confirmed in writing. A missed boat is a costly way to learn that a seven-minute walk can take longer after disembarking, gathering your group, and finding the correct dock.

Morning and afternoon departures are available. Morning may suit you if you want the rest of the day free, while afternoon can work better for a later start. Your choice should depend on your ship schedule, weather forecast, and how much time you want around Nassau before or after the boat trip.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants several classic Bahamas experiences in one booking. Children can enjoy the calm Green Cay water, the pigs, the kayaks, the paddleboards, and the music, though adults remain responsible for keeping an eye on them.

It also suits wildlife lovers who understand that animals set the schedule. You may see turtles close to the boat, follow them near the reef, and watch stingrays pass through the area. You may also need a second attempt or a little patience.

You might want another option if you want a quiet sailing trip, a private boat, a full lunch, or advanced snorkeling. This tour has a social party-boat flavor, and the music and group activity are central to the mood.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and weather or minimum participation can affect departure.

Should you book the Delfin Charters tour?

Book it if you want a short, active Nassau excursion with a strong mix of wildlife and fun. The combination of sea turtles at Green Cay and swimming pigs at Rose Island is unusual, and the included gear, snacks, soft drinks, and water keep the day simple.

I would book with three checks in mind: confirm the pickup time, prepare for a potentially full boat, and budget for lunch if snacks will not be enough. If those points suit you, $140 is a reasonable price for a three-hour package that covers boat transport, snorkeling, island time, and the pig encounter.

The pigs will probably be your most memorable moment, but Green Cay gives the trip more substance than a quick animal photo stop. For a family-friendly half-day near Nassau, this is a lively and practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the Nassau swimming pigs and turtle tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. The Green Cay stop and Rose Island stop are each scheduled for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the remaining time used for boat travel and the activity setup.

What animals might I see?

At Green Cay, you may see sea turtles, fish, coral, and occasional stingrays. At Rose Island, you can feed and pet swimming pigs, and you might have the chance to hold a piglet.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided, along with a short safety briefing.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water, snacks, soda, soft drinks, and several juices are included. Alcoholic beverages are available on the boat. Lunch is not included, but you can bring lunch or buy it at the Rose Island beach bar.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Kayaks and paddleboards are available for use on Rose Island. Beach volleyball is also available there.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may result in a new date or full refund.