Five islands, one wild Exuma day. I love the speedboat pace that keeps you moving and the mix of iconic wildlife plus snorkeling that turns a simple day trip into a highlight reel. The one potential drawback is that this is a shared, tightly timed schedule, so the final beach moments may feel shorter than you’d like.

You’ll start on Paradise Island, hop aboard a high speed power boat, and spend the day in the Exuma Cays with a live English guide. Expect up to 24 people, included snacks and drinks, and snorkel gear on board, but also note that transportation to the check-in spot is not included and the tour is not suitable for cruise ship guests or several mobility or health situations.

Key things to know before you go

• Allen’s Cay rock iguanas: see a species found nowhere else in the world, except a few tiny islands in Exuma.
• Nurse sharks at Compass Cay: a guided swim under the docks where these sharks are used to people.
• Big Major’s Cay swimming pigs: feed and swim, then take photos while the pigs do their thing.
• Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane snorkel: a plane wreck you can swim over in shallow, clear water conditions.
• A final beach or sandbar stop: relaxation time is built in, but it’s part of the tight all-day flow.

A speedboat checklist for Exuma Cays in one day

This tour is built for people who want a lot of Exuma in a single day, without wasting hours staring at the water. You’ll bounce between islands, snorkel for real, and still get a proper lunch plus time to relax.

Think of it as a day with three modes: quick transit, short but meaningful wildlife or snorkeling time, then a meal and a last hit of beach time. If you like a slow sunset walk, this probably is not that day. If you want action, sea life, and iconic moments in the same 8 hours, it fits.

And yes, the highlight is exactly what it sounds like: iguanas, nurse sharks, and swimming pigs. You also get that famous plane wreck snorkel, which is a great change of pace from the usual reef routine.

From Carnivale Bahamas to Allen’s Cay, iguanas and quick island rules

You meet at Carnivale Bahamas on Paradise Island, at the Born Free Charters desk. From there, you’ll board a high speed power boat heading southeast for just over an hour.

Your first meaningful stop is Allen’s Cay. This tiny island is home to Bahamian Rock Iguanas, a species found nowhere else on Earth except three small islands in Exuma. The payoff here is seeing animals that feel genuinely local and restricted, not “we bring you to a zoo on the water.”

You’ll have about 25 minutes for wildlife viewing. That’s not long, but it is enough time to get oriented, take photos, and actually watch their behavior without rushing the whole thing. You’ll also appreciate the timing. By the time you reach the next stops, you’re energized, not drained.

Practical note: you’ll want to pack sunscreen and keep your towel accessible. You’ll be in and out of the water more than once.

Compass Cay nurse sharks under the docks

Next you ride south through the Exuma Cays to Compass Cay. This is where the tour shifts from land wildlife to marine life, and it does it in a very direct way.

At Compass Cay Marina, you get a nurse shark swim. These sharks are not shy, and they gather under the docks area where thousands of visitors have found them over the years. That means you can focus on the experience rather than worrying about whether you’ll ever see anything.

You’ll get about 35 minutes for marine life viewing. In a packed day, that is a solid chunk, because a shark swim takes both attention and breathing room. If you’re the kind of person who likes to watch, not just “go once and leave,” this stop plays well.

One consideration: because this is an included activity within a shared tour, you may feel a bit of flow and crowd energy around the docks. I’d treat the experience like a moment, not a private encounter.

Big Major’s Cay swimming pigs, feeding tips, and photo moments

Big Major’s Cay is the stop everyone talks about, and it lives up to the hype. These swimming pigs are famous worldwide, boosted by TV and social media. But the best part is still simple: they are here, they swim, and they interact with visitors.

You’ll spend about 40 minutes at Pig Beach for swimming and wildlife viewing. You can feed the pigs and get into the water with them, which is exactly what you came for.

Here’s how to make this stop work for you:

• Bring your phone ready, but keep your hands steady. You’ll be moving and the pigs are fast on the water.
• Watch the staff and follow their guidance on feeding. It keeps things safer for the animals and for you.
• Spend time both in the water and on the edge. Photos from shore are easier, while swimming is the best for the full moment.

You’ll also be grateful for the time window. It gives you enough to get comfortable, swim a bit, and still enjoy the beach energy without feeling like you’re waiting for the next bus.

The vibe here can be chaotic in a fun way. Expect smiles, splashes, and lots of people holding cameras. If you hate crowds, this might stress you out. If you’re fine with a shared experience that’s built for fun, you’ll probably love it.

Lunch stop and refuel plan

After the pigs, you get a quick ride to lunch. The tour includes a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, plus cold drinks. On the drink side, it includes local beer, sodas, and bottled water. You’ll also have light snacks along the way.

This is more valuable than it sounds, because you’re not just eating, you’re resetting. After pig play and water time, food helps you power through the plane snorkel and the final swim or beach stop later.

You’ll have about 1 hour for lunch. That is enough to eat without feeling rushed, and it gives you a break from the sun. Aim to dry off a bit and reapply sunscreen if you need it. Small actions here make the rest of the day more comfortable.

Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane snorkel, what you should expect

Then comes one of the most memorable snorkeling stops: Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane. This plane wreck is known for its connection to Norman’s Cay in the late 1970s, when it was used as a base involving refueling flights, and the crash left a wreck underwater in this area off Norman’s Cay.

You’ll snorkel for about 30 minutes. That time limit matters. You’ll want to be ready the moment you’re in the water, because the day keeps moving. Snorkel gear is included, so you don’t have to spend your trip packing equipment.

What I like about this stop is the variety. You go from wildlife encounters to a man-made structure underwater. It’s a different look, and it gives your brain a new kind of “wow” moment.

If you’re a strong swimmer, you may want a bit more time here. If you’re less comfortable in open water, 30 minutes is a reasonable window. Either way, this is the kind of stop that feels like a story, not just a reef.

Final beach or sandbar time, and how to make it count

Your last stop is either a beautiful beach or a sandbar for swimming and sunbathing. You’ll get about 30 minutes for this portion.

This is the part where the tour pacing comes into play. Several people feel the stops are well planned, but the beach time can be the one place you might want longer, or a more isolated setting. If you love beach lounging, treat this stop like a photo and swim session, not a full beach day.

To make the most of the time you have:

• Put on sunscreen before you arrive. Waiting later costs you sun minutes.
• Choose your spot quickly when you get there, so you’re not wasting time walking and second guessing.
• If you care about photos, get your shots early. The light changes, and pigs or sharks are not what you’ll be chasing at this point.

Even with the limited duration, this final water time is a nice finish. It turns the day from activity mode into a calm end.

Price and value, is $489 worth it

The price is $489 per person for an 8-hour day. It’s not a budget outing, so you want to know what you’re buying, beyond the headline animals.

Here’s the value breakdown based on what’s included:

• Buffet lunch
• Local beer, sodas, and bottled water
• Light snacks
• Snorkel gear
• Landing fees
• Food for the pigs

When you add up those items, you’re not paying separately for meals, drinks, and core snorkel equipment. You’re also paying for the logistics of getting to multiple islands via high speed boat, plus the guided animal-focused stops.

The main factor that can swing value either way is transportation to the check-in location. That’s not included. If you already plan to be at Paradise Island, the day feels smoother. If you have to get across town, factor that time and cost in.

Also consider the shared format. A shared tour is how they can fit this many stops into one day at this price. It does mean you are in a group and must follow the schedule, including short stop durations.

If you want a single destination all day, this is probably the wrong style. If you want the best chance at hitting multiple Exuma icons in one go, it’s strong value.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit for:

• People who like active days and short, well-timed stops
• Snorkelers who want a plane wreck in addition to typical sea life
• Anyone who wants swimming pigs plus nurse sharks without planning and booking separate excursions

It’s less ideal if:

• You want long beach lounging or a slow pace
• You dislike shared group energy around popular wildlife locations
• You have back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, or you use a wheelchair
• You are pregnant, since the tour is not suitable for pregnant women
• You are traveling with a cruise ship, because cruise ship guests are not included
• You need strollers, baby carriages, or electric wheelchairs, since they are not allowed

If you’re deciding for a child, the tour is not suitable for children under 2 years. For families with toddlers or infants, you’ll want a different style of Exuma outing.

Small practical tips that make a big difference

Bring a towel and sunscreen. That part sounds basic, but in a day with multiple water moments, it matters.

Wear swimwear you can keep on or quickly change into. You’ll be in and out of the water more than once, and you do not want to spend time fiddling with gear.

Plan for sun and salt. Even if the stops are timed, you still need to reapply if the day is hot and breezy.

Also, keep an eye on timing and be ready when your group is called back to the boat. The best part of this tour is the pacing, and it only works if everyone moves on schedule. The captain can change the order of stops, so stay flexible.

Finally, consider gratuity. Crew gratuity is not included, and it is left to your discretion.

Should you book Discover Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs Tour?

If you want one day in Exuma that packs in Allen’s Cay iguanas, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, swimming pigs at Big Major’s Cay, the Pablo Escobar plane wreck snorkel, and a final beach or sandbar, this tour is a strong choice. The format is efficient, and the included food, drinks, and snorkel gear make it feel less like you’re paying for “nickel and diming” moments.

I’d skip it if you need long, quiet beach time or if your health and mobility situation falls into the tour’s not suitable list. Also, if you prefer to avoid crowds, the pig beach and shark stop will feel busy.

For the right traveler, this is the kind of outing where you go home with multiple story-worthy memories, not just one.

FAQ

How long is the Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs tour?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Carnivale Bahamas on Paradise Island at the Born Free Charters desk.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkel gear is included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. The tour includes local beer, sodas, bottled water, and light snacks.

What stops are included during the day?

You visit multiple Exuma Cays stops, including Allen’s Cay for wildlife viewing, Compass Cay for a nurse shark swim, Big Major’s Cay for swimming pigs, a plane wreck snorkeling stop (Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane), and a final beach or sandbar swimming and relaxing stop. The order of stops can change.

Is gratuity included in the price?

No. Crew gratuity is not included and is left to your discretion.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship guests or people with mobility limitations?

No. Cruise ship guests are not suitable, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and some other health situations including heart problems.