Speedboat day in the Exumas is pure energy. This outing strings together Allen’s Cay iguanas, nurse sharks, and Pig Beach in one long (about 8 hours) day, so you get more variety than most half-day plans.

I especially like two things. First, the round-trip powerboat transit cuts down the “getting there” part, letting you spend more time at each island stop. Second, you get lunch and drinks included at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, which is a real sit-down break in the middle of the day.

One big consideration: the Pig Beach portion is not a gentle petting zoo. The pigs can be huge and pushy, and you need to stay alert around them.

Key highlights to plan for

• Allen’s Cay rock iguanas are a natural-habitat stop, with about an hour on site and feeding/photo time
• Compass Cay nurse sharks are seen from the dock, with close, memorable views and photos
• Pig Beach (Big Major Cay) includes real water contact and paddling, but the pigs are bold
• Staniel Cay Yacht Club lunch plus beer, bottled water, and snacks keeps the day from feeling like a nonstop boat ride
• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park sandbar gives you a full hour to slow down and walk around

A fast Exuma day built around animals, sandbars, and big blue water

If you’re short on time in the Bahamas, this is the kind of day that helps you see the Exumas’ “greatest hits” without juggling multiple trips. You start from Paradise Island, head out across the Exuma area by powerboat, and return to the same meeting point after a full day that’s mostly motion and wildlife stops.

The animal lineup is a big reason people love it. You’re looking for rock iguanas at Allen’s Cay, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and the famed swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. Then you add the sandbar time in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, plus a quick look at the sunken plane near Norman’s Cay. It’s a lot to cram into one day, but the pacing works because the boat is the “connector” that keeps you from spending hours traveling between far-flung spots.

The price is $439 per person. It sounds steep until you look at what’s included: lunch, beer, bottled water, and snacks, plus admission/tickets that are either free or included across several stops. You’re also paying for the efficiency of a small group max (up to 16) and the powerboat access that lets you hit multiple islands in a single outing.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring for an 8-hour powerboat day

The tour runs about 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am. You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr, and it ends back at that same meeting point.

This is not a “sit still and admire the view” kind of day. You’ll spend meaningful chunks on the boat, and you’ll also be moving between stops, getting in and out near docks, and spending time on sandbars and shore areas. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness, so think about your comfort with short climbs, water entry, and being on your feet for photo and animal time.

What I’d pack, based on how people describe the ride:

• Sun protection (you’ll get a lot of direct exposure)
• A warm layer or light jacket for the wind during faster stretches (people specifically note it can feel chilly)
• Motion-sickness help if you’re sensitive. Some feedback describes the ride as choppy and bumpy, and speed matters on this kind of route
• If you plan to be in the water, bring gear that won’t annoy you when the day gets messy (salt spray, sand, and pig-related chaos are real possibilities)

You also get a bathroom on the boat, and some stops have facilities available. That’s a comfort detail that matters on a long day.

Allen’s Cay rock iguanas: natural habitat and photo time

The day kicks off with a stop at Allen’s Cay in the Exuma Cays, where you can watch Bahamian rock iguanas. The stop is about 1 hour, and admission is free.

This is the kind of wildlife interaction that feels more like observing than “performing.” The iguanas are in their natural space, and you’ll often get the chance to feed them and get close for photos. The key is to stay calm and avoid sudden moves. When you’re trying to photograph fast animals, it’s tempting to lean in, but you’ll have a better time if you keep your distance and let the crew guide the safest way to approach.

I like iguana stops on tours because they’re different from the usual beach-only Bahamas visit. You’re getting a sense of local wildlife and island life, not just postcard scenery.

Compass Cay nurse sharks: dock views that feel close-up

Next comes Compass Cay for nurse sharks. Plan for about 30 minutes. The idea is simple: you view the sharks from the dock and you get close enough for the kind of photos that make people do double takes later.

One reason this stop earns big praise is that it’s not vague. You’re not just hearing about sharks. You’re watching them swim around while you’re positioned nearby. In multiple accounts, people describe the thrill of getting hands-on contact, including holding and petting sharks. That’s not something you should take lightly, though. It only feels good when it’s handled carefully, with clear crew instructions and time to do it safely.

If you’re the kind of person who likes animals but hates chaos, this is also a nice middle ground. The sharks are fascinating, and the dock setting keeps things more controlled than a free-for-all beach crowd.

Pig Beach at Big Major Cay: swimming with famed swimming pigs

The headline stop is Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach. You get about 45 minutes there, and it’s a chance to get up close with the swimming pigs. Paddle alongside them and spend time in the water.

Now for the truth that’s worth thinking about before you book: the pigs are not little cartoon characters that behave like toys. People describe them as huge and sometimes aggressive, including incidents where pigs nipped. Pig poop is also part of the real-life equation once you’re on land, in water, and around the animals.

So how do you make this stop fun instead of stressful?

• Go in with expectations: this is animal behavior, not a staged show
• Keep your balance and move slowly around the shore and shallows
• Pay attention to what the crew tells you about safe interaction
• If you don’t like the idea of close contact, you can still enjoy the scenery and the spectacle, just keep a respectful distance rather than trying to force a photo

Yes, baby pigs are cute. But even those moments happen in a place where adult pigs are active and confident. Treat it like you’re visiting a living ecosystem, not a theme park.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club lunch stop: a needed break that most people enjoy

Between the wildlife stops, the tour slows down at Staniel Cay for lunch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. The stop is about 1 hour.

This is one of the parts that makes the whole day feel more worth it. You’re not just eating a snack on the boat. You’re getting a real restaurant-style lunch, and you also get drinks as part of your tour includes (beer is included, along with water and snacks). In feedback, people call out the lunch spot as unexpectedly good.

Another detail I like: this stop is also a chance to reset your body. After time in sun, wind, and water, you’ll appreciate sitting down, getting your bearings, and eating something that isn’t just grab-and-go.

If you have shellfish allergies, be sure to mention that. One account notes that shellfish wasn’t part of the lunch ordering for their group due to allergies, so it sounds like the crew factors these restrictions in.

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park sandbar time: when the day finally slows

One hour is set aside for relaxation at the sandbar in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This is an included stop, and it’s often described as stunning.

This is where you swap “animal encounter adrenaline” for “walk, float, and look at water colors.” You can stroll around, enjoy the shallow area, and spend time taking in the scenery. People also mention shell hunting and sand dollars at this stop, which turns sandbar time into something more than just lying there.

A common complaint is that they wished for more time on the sandbar. That’s not surprising, because once you hit that calm water, you want to linger. Still, even at 1 hour, it’s a strong payoff, especially when the earlier stops have you moving nonstop.

Norman’s Cay and the sunken plane: a quick sight with a big storyline

Near Norman’s Cay, you get a short stop (about 15 minutes) to view the sunken plane tied to the Pablo Escobar story. This portion is quick, and it’s mainly about getting a look and taking photos.

This is a different kind of stop. You’re not swimming or paddling. You’re scanning the water for the wreck, learning the story through your surroundings, and ticking off a place that many people only associate with one famous name.

Even as a brief moment, it adds variety to the day so it doesn’t become just animals and beaches. It also gives you something to talk about later besides pig photos.

So, is it rough? Boat comfort, wind, and real-world pace

Expect the boat ride to be the most intense part of the day for some people. Several accounts describe it as choppy and bumpy, and one person called it brutal. That said, others mention the seats are comfortable.

The key is to match your expectations to the ride. You’re on a fast powerboat. You can feel speed. You can feel wind. You can feel waves. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring help. If you’re fine with boats, this can be part of the fun because you’re moving quickly between island worlds.

Also note the time split. A big chunk of the day is motoring, especially at the start and return. If you’re hoping for a calm, slow island day, this plan might feel like too much boat time. If you want variety and you don’t mind wind, it hits the spot.

Value check: why $439 can feel fair on this kind of route

Let’s talk value in plain terms. Paying $439 for a day can be hard to swallow until you account for what you’re getting:

• Multiple major Exuma stops, including three iconic animal experiences (iguanas, nurse sharks, pigs)
• A sandbar hour in a protected area
• Lunch at a specific venue on Staniel Cay, not just a box meal
• Drinks included, including beer, plus water and snacks
• A small-group cap of 16 people, which matters for time at each stop

The tour also saves you time compared to piecing together separate boat trips or arranging individual island visits. You’re buying one structured day that strings together places most people would take multiple trips to reach.

That said, the value depends on your priorities. If you don’t care about the animal encounters, or if you hate bumpy speedboat rides, this price may feel too high for what you personally get.

Who should book this Exuma powerboat tour with Pig Beach

I think this tour is a strong fit if:

• You want a single-day Exuma sampler, not a slow, one-island-only trip
• You’re excited about nurse sharks and getting close during the dock stop
• You can handle pigs being bold and a little chaotic
• You like active days and don’t mind spending real time on the water

I’d be cautious if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion or rough water
• You want a serene beach day with minimal animal contact
• You need access for pregnancy. Pregnant people are not permitted on this tour.

One more tip: pay attention to timing at each stop. This kind of tour works because the schedule is tight, and water-based departures happen quickly.

Should you book it, or look for another option?

Book it if you want the Exumas in one day and your must-do list includes pig swimming and shark contact. The animal variety, plus the included lunch and drinks, makes it feel like a complete day rather than a collection of short, disconnected moments.

Skip it if your ideal Bahamas day is mostly lounging, minimal boat time, and calm wildlife interactions. The route is active, the pigs are genuinely pushy, and the boat ride can feel rough.

If you’re on the fence, think like this: Are you excited enough about iguanas, nurse sharks, and Pig Beach to handle wind, schedule pressure, and the fact that you’re sharing space with big animals? If yes, this tour is a good bet.

FAQ

How long is the Exuma Powerboat Tour with Swimming Pigs?

The tour runs about 8 hours.

What is included in the $439 price?

Lunch is included, along with alcoholic beverages (beer), bottled water, and snacks. Stops also include free admission tickets where noted, and Pig Beach and the sandbar stop are included.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal (Paradise Beach Dr) and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are on the tour at most?

The tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers.

Is swimming with the pigs part of this experience?

Yes. Pig Beach is listed as a stop where you can visit the swimming pigs, and you have time on-site to get up close with them.

Is this tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund. There is also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.