Nassau: Self-Drive Speedboat Ride and Pig Swimming Encounter

The boat ride is half the adventure. This two-hour outing from Nassau combines a self-drive speedboat with time on Anthol Island, where you can feed and swim with pigs, snorkel, and relax on a small beach. I especially like the freedom of taking the wheel and the small-group format, limited to 10 people. Early departures can also give you quiet time with the pigs before larger boats arrive.

The price is $120 per person, which is strong value beside other Nassau pig excursions, especially since the speedboat ride, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, pig encounter, and beach area are included. The main point to consider is transportation: the meeting point can vary, and some cruise passengers found the walk from the port hot and longer than expected. Taxis make things easier.

Key points at a glance

• You drive a two-person speedboat: Guides remain nearby, but you get the thrill of handling the boat for part of the journey.
• Early times are worth considering: The 10 a.m. departure has brought some groups to the pig beach before the larger boats arrived.
• Anthol Island adds more than a photo stop: You get beach time, swimming, pig feeding, snorkeling, and a Bahamian island setting.
• The group stays small: With no more than 10 participants, the outing can feel more personal than a large cruise excursion.
• Conditions can change the plan: Windy weather has sometimes meant traveling by ferry to the pigs, with self-drive boats used later in the harbor.
• Plan your ride back: The meeting point is not always at the cruise port, and return transportation may not be included.

Why the speedboat makes this Nassau trip different

Many Nassau excursions take you to the water as a passenger. This one gives you a small boat and lets you take the helm for part of the route. That simple change makes the journey feel like an activity, not just transport to a beach.

The boats hold two people, so you can share the driving with a partner, friend, or family member. You may not want to drive the whole way, and you do not have to. Guides stay attentive and can take over if you feel unsure. One family found that useful when a less confident driver preferred to let a guide handle the boat.

The ride takes you through the waters around New Providence toward Anthol Island. You may see attractive waterfront homes, yachts, and views connected with Atlantis along the way. One route included a look at the Atlantis waterfalls and canals on the return to Nassau, though the exact route can depend on conditions and the guide.

Expect to get wet. The boats are small, and open water means spray is part of the deal. Put phones, wallets, cruise cards, and cameras in a waterproof case or bag. That is not just a nice precaution. One participant specifically found that personal items needed protection from the water.

Reaching the meeting point from the cruise port

The meeting point varies with the option you book, so check the exact instructions before leaving your ship or hotel. From the cruise port, the location has been described as walkable, with one direct walk taking about 25 minutes. That sounds simple, but Nassau heat can make a short walk feel much longer.

Some cruise passengers reported walking from the port through an area they found less polished. Others took a taxi from the port to the meeting point and found it quick and easy. I would budget for a taxi, particularly if you have children, beach gear, or a tight return schedule.

Return transport deserves equal attention. The excursion price does not clearly promise transport back to your hotel or ship. One group had difficulty finding a ride after the activity, while another guide dropped participants near their Disney cruise ship. Treat that drop-off as a possible courtesy, not a guaranteed part of the package.

If you take a taxi, keep the driver’s number if possible. That gives you a practical backup after the boat ride. The activity lasts two hours, but your full outing takes longer once you add taxis, check-in, and time getting back to the port.

Taking the wheel across Nassau’s open water

After meeting the crew and completing the required arrangements, you are paired in a two-person boat. The guides provide direction and remain close enough to help. The experience is not a free-for-all race. You drive under the tour team’s supervision and follow their route.

That balance works well for first-time boat drivers. You get the fun of steering through the waves without being left to figure everything out alone. Families can split across several boats, and couples get a private little cockpit for the ride.

The boat ride is short enough that the outing does not become tiring, but long enough to feel like a real sea trip. You get wind, spray, views of the coast, and the pleasing sense that you are moving under your own power. Several people rated the self-drive portion as the best part of the day.

There is one practical warning. A small boat is exciting because it responds quickly, but that also means you should listen carefully to the guide. Strong wind can affect the route. On one occasion, the conditions were too rough for the boats to travel out to the pig beach. The operator arranged a ferry ride instead, then allowed the group to use the self-drive boats in the harbor later.

That kind of backup plan is important in the Bahamas. The activity runs rain or shine, but rain or wind can change what you do and where you do it. If your main goal is driving out to the island, understand that weather can interfere.

Meeting the pigs on Anthol Island

The arrival at Anthol Island shifts the mood from speed to slow island time. You reach a small beach area, then spend time feeding and swimming with the pigs. The water is clear, and the beach setting gives you room for photos, wading, and a break from the boat.

The pigs are the stars, but they are still animals with appetites. Some can be surprisingly large, and they may push forward when food appears. Follow the guide’s instructions and keep your fingers clear when feeding. Parents should stay close to young children, especially around the bigger pigs.

The food offered has included melon. You get time to feed the animals, pose for photos, and enter the water with them. A morning group had around 45 minutes at the beach, which was enough time for feeding, pictures, and swimming without feeling rushed.

Timing changes the character of the stop. The early morning departure is the best choice if you want fewer people in your photographs and more room around the pigs. Several groups arrived before the larger boats and had the beach largely to themselves for roughly 30 to 45 minutes.

Later departures may still be enjoyable, but you should expect a busier beach once other operators arrive. If quiet time matters to you, choose the earliest available slot rather than treating the time as a minor detail.

The animal encounter also has a pleasingly simple quality. You are not just looking at pigs from a boat. You can stand in shallow water, feed them, and see how they behave in their island home. At the same time, this is not a carefully staged wildlife expedition. It is a popular attraction, and the pigs gather because food is available.

Snorkeling, turtles, and time in the water

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the schedule allows time to explore beneath the surface. The exact snorkeling location and length are not specified, so think of it as an added water activity rather than a full reef tour.

The clear water can make this part worthwhile even if snorkeling is not your main reason for booking. One family saw sea turtles and an eagle ray while swimming after feeding the pigs. Other natural sightings are possible, but they are never guaranteed.

You may also encounter wild peacocks on the island. That is an unexpected extra and adds to the sense that the stop is more than a single animal photo opportunity. Still, the main focus remains the pigs, beach, and water.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but bring anything personal that helps you feel comfortable in the water. The supplied information does not specify the exact equipment sizes or whether additional personal gear is available. A waterproof phone case remains useful for both the snorkeling stop and the pig beach.

A banana boat ride is also listed among the included activities. Since the available details do not explain when it operates or how long it lasts, ask the crew about the day’s schedule if that feature is important to you.

The trip back through Nassau’s harbor

The return ride brings back the speed and spray. Depending on the route and conditions, you may pass waterfront homes, yachts, and parts of the Atlantis complex. One outing included a stop to see the foundations at Atlantis and watch a fisherman open conchs.

Those details give the ride a local, unscripted feel. You are not only moving from the island back to Nassau. You may also get quick glimpses of the city’s coastal life and expensive waterfront side.

The guides seem to shape the pace. Some groups were allowed to stay longer at the island and enjoy extra quiet time with the pigs. Others received help with timing when they were delayed getting off a cruise ship. The operator has also accommodated earlier departures when possible.

That flexibility can be valuable on a port day, but it should not be confused with a guarantee. Tell the provider your ship schedule when booking and allow a generous buffer before all-aboard time.

Guides and the small-group advantage

The group limit is 10 people, which is a major reason this outing feels more personal than a large boat trip. A small group makes it easier to ask for help, take turns driving, and get individual attention around the animals.

Several guides have been praised by name, including Kelly, King, Serena, and Andy. Kelly helped one family with the boats, while King was described as welcoming and professional during the start of the outing. Serena and Andy were singled out for making one weather-adjusted trip memorable.

The guides also handle the parts that can make a self-drive activity feel stressful. They help with the boat setup, monitor the route, respond if a motor has trouble, and adjust plans when the weather changes. One boat did experience an engine that kept shutting down, although the overall outing was still considered enjoyable.

That mechanical issue is worth keeping in proportion. Small boats and saltwater are not a perfect combination, and no motorized excursion is free of risk. The important question is how the crew responds. The available experience suggests that guides stay involved rather than sending you off alone.

Is $120 a good value in Nassau?

At $120 per person, this is one of the stronger-value ways to combine several Nassau activities in a short period. You receive the speedboat ride, pig encounter, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, and beach access. The small group also adds value, since you are not packed into a large excursion boat.

The price looks especially good for cruise passengers comparing it with ship-sold pig tours or hotel quotes. One person was quoted $250 per person elsewhere before finding this outing. That does not mean every competing option costs that much, but it shows how quickly Nassau animal excursions can become expensive.

Your value depends on what you want most. If you mainly want a long, quiet beach day, two hours may feel brief. If you want a compact burst of boat driving, animal interaction, swimming, and snorkeling, the schedule makes good use of your time.

Add possible taxi costs when comparing the total. Drinks and snacks may be available on the island, but they are not listed as included, so bring money if you want to buy something there. You should also carry water, as one family sensibly did.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants an active port-day excursion instead of a passive boat ride. The two-person boats make it especially appealing for partners or family members who want to share the driving.

It suits you best if you are comfortable with wind, spray, sun, and a little uncertainty. The activity takes place rain or shine, and weather can alter the route. Pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions should not book it.

Young children can enjoy the pigs and beach, but parents should think carefully about the speedboat portion, wet conditions, and large animals competing for food. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, so confirm age requirements before booking a child.

This is also a good pick for a first visit to Nassau when you want several classic island pleasures in one outing. You get water, beach, pigs, a look at the coast, and a little adventure without committing to a full-day tour.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Choose the earliest time available if you want a calmer pig beach and better photo opportunities. The 10 a.m. slot has been particularly effective for arriving before larger operators.

Wear clothes that can get wet and protect your belongings in a waterproof bag or case. The boat spray is part of the activity, not an unusual mishap.

Arrange your transportation plan before the tour begins. Since the meeting point varies and return transport is not clearly included, know how you will get back to the cruise port or hotel.

Keep the schedule flexible if you are traveling during windy or rainy weather. The operator may substitute a ferry for the open-water trip and offer self-drive boats in the harbor instead.

Finally, listen closely when feeding the pigs. They are cute, but some are large and eager. A little caution lets you enjoy the encounter without turning your photo session into a wrestling match.

Should you book the self-drive pig encounter?

You should book this tour if the idea of driving a small speedboat is as appealing as meeting the pigs. That is the real strength of the outing. The animals provide the memorable photos, but the boat ride gives the day its character.

At $120, the combination is hard to dismiss, especially with a small group and snorkeling included. Book an early time, plan your taxis, protect your phone, and accept that wind may change the route. Skip it if you need a fully sheltered, highly predictable excursion or a long beach day.

For an active Nassau visit with a little independence and plenty of water time, this is a smart choice.

FAQ

How long is the Nassau speedboat and pig encounter?

The activity lasts two hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $120 per person.

Can I drive the speedboat myself?

Yes. You can take the wheel of a two-person speedboat for part of the trip, with the guides nearby to assist.

Where does the tour go?

The speedboat travels through the waters around New Providence to Anthol Island, where you can visit the pig beach, swim, snorkel, and relax.

Are snorkeling equipment and a beach area included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and access to a beach area are included.

Is a banana boat ride included?

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

What happens if the weather is too windy?

The activity operates rain or shine, but strong wind can change the plan. One adjusted trip used a ferry to reach the pigs and provided self-drive boats in the harbor afterward.

Is transportation from the cruise port included?

The meeting point may vary by booking option, and transportation is not clearly included as a standard feature. The meeting point has been described as walkable from the cruise port, but a taxi may be more comfortable, and you should plan your return ride separately.