Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

The best part of this Nassau outing is simple: you drive the speedboat yourself. Instead of sitting behind a captain for the whole ride, you take the wheel for part of the journey to Anthol Island, then spend time feeding pigs and swimming in clear Bahamian water.

I like the small-group setup, limited to 10 people, and the chance to reach the pig beach before the larger boats arrive. I also like the price, $120 per person, which is notably lower than some cruise-ship pig excursions. The main consideration is transport: the meeting point can vary, and getting there or back may require a taxi.

Key points to know before booking

• Drive a two-person speedboat: You can take the wheel under guide supervision, with room for two people in each boat.
• Reach Anthol Island by water: The island stop includes a beach area, pig encounter, snorkeling, and a Bahamian setting away from Nassau.
• Aim for the 10 a.m. departure: Early departures can mean quieter time with the pigs before larger boats arrive.
• Expect to get wet: Bring a waterproof phone pouch or bag for valuables, since spray and swimming are part of the day.
• Check your return plan: Transportation is not consistently included, though guides have sometimes helped with cruise-ship drop-offs.
• Allow for weather changes: The activity runs rain or shine, and strong wind can alter the boat portion.

Driving your own boat from Nassau

Many Nassau water excursions give you a seat, a life jacket, and a view of the captain’s back. This one gives you a small steering wheel. Each boat carries two people, and the guide leads the group across the water toward Anthol Island.

That makes the ride more than simple transportation. You feel the boat respond as it crosses the waves, and you get the pleasure of learning the controls without needing to operate a large vessel. A guide remains nearby, so you are not left to figure everything out alone. If you feel uneasy, a guide can take over, as happened for one family member who was not comfortable driving.

The boats are small, which is part of the fun and part of the tradeoff. You get a lively ride and a more direct sense of the water, but spray is likely. Put phones, cameras, wallets, and other valuables in a waterproof case before leaving the dock. A regular bag is not enough protection if the ride gets wet.

The route can include views of waterfront homes, yachts, and the Atlantis area. Some departures have also passed through or near Atlantis canals and waterfalls on the return. These sights add interest, though the exact route may depend on weather, water conditions, and the guide.

The trip is listed as two hours in total, so do not expect a full-day island outing. The boat ride, beach stop, pig encounter, snorkeling, and return all fit into a compact schedule. That works well for a cruise port day, but you will want to stay aware of the clock.

Arriving at the pig beach

Anthol Island is the centerpiece of the excursion. After the boat ride, you reach a small beach area where the pigs come down toward the water. The setting is informal and natural rather than polished like a large resort attraction.

The pigs are fed on the beach, and you can take photographs, stand in the shallows, and swim near them. The water has been described as clean and very clear, which makes the stop appealing even when the animals are resting on shore.

You should treat the pigs as animals, not as oversized photo props. Some are small and cute, while others are large and can be pushy when food appears. Keep your hands clear of their mouths, listen to the guide, and avoid assuming that every pig wants to be touched.

The food provided for the pigs has included pieces of melon. Drinks and snacks may be available on the island, but the activity does not list refreshments among the included items. Bring your own water unless you have confirmed what will be sold at your departure.

The beach can feel especially pleasant on an early departure. Several bookings reached the island before larger boats, with roughly 30 to 45 minutes of quieter time. That matters here. The encounter is more relaxed when you are not trying to photograph the pigs around a crowd of people.

The pig stop is not only about feeding. It gives you time to swim, sit on the beach, and enjoy the island surroundings. Wild peacocks and sea turtles have also been seen during some visits, though these sightings are not guaranteed and should not be treated as part of the formal itinerary.

Snorkeling and time in the water

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the schedule allows time to look beneath the surface after the pig encounter. The clear water makes this a useful addition to the excursion, especially if you want more than a short animal photo stop.

The snorkeling portion is not described as a separate reef tour, so keep your expectations measured. This is a combined boat, beach, pig, and water activity, not a specialist snorkeling trip. You may see sea life, but the main draw is the island and the pigs.

Sea turtles and an eagle ray have been spotted during the swimming portion on some departures. Those sightings show what can turn up in the water, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Bring a waterproof camera if you want pictures, and remember that a phone case should be secured before you board.

The included banana boat ride adds another water activity to the package. The exact timing is not set out, so ask the guide when it will happen and how it fits with the snorkeling and pig stop.

Why the small group matters

The activity is limited to 10 participants. That is a useful number for a trip built around small boats and a shared beach. You are less likely to feel like part of a large, moving crowd, and the guide can keep a closer eye on the boats.

A small group also helps with driving. You can get instructions, ask questions, and switch drivers without the confusion of a big convoy. Guides have been described as attentive, friendly, and willing to adjust the pace when conditions allow.

The staff connected with different departures have included Kelly, King, Serena, and Andy. Kelly has helped participants with boat arrangements and driving, while King has been praised for greeting people personally and helping them settle in before departure. Serena and Andy have also been singled out for making a weather-disrupted day work well.

That last point matters. The experience is active, but it is not supposed to feel like a race. If you want a frantic, high-speed thrill ride from start to finish, this may seem too gentle. If you like having some control while still knowing a guide is close by, the format is a good fit.

Timing your visit for fewer crowds

If you have a choice, the 10 a.m. slot deserves serious consideration. Early departures have reached the pig beach just as the animals were coming out and the food was being prepared. In some cases, the group had the beach largely to itself for around half an hour or longer.

Later arrivals can overlap with larger boats and more people around the pigs. That does not remove the fun, but it changes the mood. Your photographs may take longer, and the beach will feel less like a quiet island stop.

The early option is also sensible for cruise passengers because it leaves more of the day available afterward. Still, do not book so tightly that a delayed ship disembarkation puts the whole outing at risk. One group arrived late after leaving a cruise ship and was accommodated, but you should not assume every delay can be absorbed.

The activity runs rain or shine. Strong wind has caused one departure to change plans, with a ferry ride used to reach the pig area and a self-drive boat session arranged later in the harbor. This shows that the operator may try to preserve the main parts of the experience, but you should accept that the open-water route can change.

Getting to the meeting point

The meeting point depends on the option booked. It is important to check your confirmation carefully rather than assuming that the activity leaves directly from the cruise port.

Some people have walked from the port in about 25 minutes. That walk can be hot, and one description notes that part of the route passes through an area that feels run down. A taxi is the easier choice if you have children, beach gear, limited time, or simply do not want to start the day sweaty.

Transportation back is the weak point in the practical setup. The basic experience includes the speedboat ride and island activities, not standard transport to your hotel or ship. A taxi driver’s phone number can be useful if you arrange a ride to the meeting point.

In some cases, the guide has dropped participants near a Disney cruise ship. That is a welcome courtesy, but it should be treated as an occasional accommodation, not a guaranteed inclusion. Confirm your return plan before setting out, especially if your ship has a firm all-aboard time.

Is $120 a good value?

At $120 per person, this is a strong price for a two-hour outing that combines several activities. You are paying for a self-drive boat ride, a pig encounter, snorkeling equipment, a banana boat ride, and access to a beach area.

The key value comes from the boat. Many pig excursions charge for transport to the island but keep you as a passenger. Here, the ride itself is one of the main attractions. For couples, families, and friends who want a little control and excitement, that makes the price easier to justify.

The value is also stronger when compared with more expensive cruise-ship excursions. One hotel-based alternative was quoted at $250 per person, making this activity considerably less costly. You will need to arrange your own local transport, and snacks or drinks may cost extra, so include those items in your budget.

The two-hour duration keeps the price from being a bargain for someone seeking a full island day. You get a concentrated experience, not hours to explore the island at your own pace. I see it as good value for a short port stop, particularly when the self-drive element matters to you.

Who should choose this outing?

I would suggest this trip to adults, older children, and families who want several activities packed into a short window. Children aged 6, 9, and 15 have taken part with their family, but the speedboats and water conditions mean parents should judge each child’s comfort carefully.

It suits people who like active sightseeing, simple beach time, and animal encounters. It is also a good choice for anyone who has already seen Nassau’s main sights and wants to spend the morning on the water.

You should think twice if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition, since the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable in those cases. You should also reconsider it if you dislike boat spray, cannot swim comfortably, or want a very predictable schedule.

This is not a luxury beach club visit. The island setting is attractive, but the experience is built around movement, water, animals, and a compact schedule. The guides can help, yet you still need to be ready to board small boats and take part.

Practical tips for a smoother morning

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a waterproof phone case. The boat ride can be wet, and the pig stop includes swimming, so dry clothing for afterward is sensible.

Carry drinking water and some cash for possible island snacks or drinks. The package includes equipment and activities, but refreshments are not listed as included.

If you are traveling from a cruise ship, build in extra time for getting off the ship, finding a taxi, and returning to port. A 25-minute walk may be possible, but the heat and route make a taxi more practical for most people.

Ask which meeting point applies to your booking, who will handle the boat briefing, and how the return transfer will work. Guides may be able to help, but it is better to know your plan before the boat leaves.

English, French, and Spanish are offered. The group size is limited to 10, which should make it easier to communicate with the guide and get help during the driving portion.

Should you book the Nassau speedboat and pigs experience?

Book it if you want the self-drive boat ride as much as the pigs. That is the feature that separates this trip from a standard ferry excursion. The early morning departure offers the best chance of a quieter beach, and the small group adds a personal feel.

I would skip it if you need included transportation, guaranteed calm water, or a long, slow beach day. For everyone else, $120 buys a lively Nassau outing with several distinct parts: driving, island time, pigs, snorkeling, and a banana boat ride. Check the meeting point, protect your phone, plan your return, and choose the earliest time you can manage.

FAQ

How long does the Nassau speedboat and pig encounter last?

The activity lasts two hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $120 per person.

Can I drive the speedboat myself?

Yes. You take the wheel of a two-person speedboat for part of the trip, with the guide nearby. A guide can drive if you are not comfortable.

Where does the speedboat go?

The boats travel through the waters around New Providence to Anthol Island, where you visit the pig beach.

Are snorkeling equipment and the banana boat ride included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a banana boat ride are included.

Is transportation from the cruise port included?

Transportation details depend on the option booked. Some participants have walked or taken a taxi to the meeting point, and return transport is not consistently included.

What languages are available?

The activity offers live guides in English, French, and Spanish.

What happens if the weather is windy or rainy?

The activity operates rain or shine. Strong wind can change the boat plan, and an alternative ferry ride has been used in place of the open-water trip in at least one situation.

Who should not take this activity?

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions.