Exuma looks postcard-perfect, but this powerboat day makes it feel real fast. I love the sheer variety packed into one long day, especially Pig Beach with the swimming pigs and the close-up nurse sharks stop. You’ll also get real island time, not just a drive-by.

One caution: the ride is fast and can be bouncy, and you’ll spend a good chunk of the day on the water. If you’re not a fan of choppy seas or sun without much shade, plan accordingly.

Key moments that make this tour worth it

• A small max group (16 people) means you’re not just another face in a crowd at each stop.
• Rock iguanas at Allen’s Cay: you’re there in their natural habitat, with time to feed/observe.
• Nurse sharks from the dock: you’re close enough for real photos, and many people end up touching/holding.
• Pig Beach paddling time: you can get alongside the pigs in shallow water, but they can be bold.
• Sandbar relaxation in Exuma Cays: a true slow-down moment after the high-speed hops.
• Staniel Cay Yacht Club lunch included: a proper break with drinks and snacks already built in.

A fast Exuma day that actually gives you stops worth caring about

This is the kind of tour where you see a lot, but in a smart way. Instead of spending your day on slow boat rides, the day is built around powerboat transit so you can hit multiple cays in one shot and still have meaningful time at each place.

What you’re really paying for is not just the animals. It’s the routing: iguanas, sharks, pigs, a sandbar, a famous wreck sighting, and lunch at a real restaurant. For first-timers to Exuma (or anyone short on days), it’s one of the most efficient ways to stack experiences.

Price and what you get for $439 per person

At $439 per person, this isn’t a budget excursion. The value is in the mix: you’re not buying one attraction. You’re buying several “main event” moments, plus lunch, bottled water, beer, and snacks during the day.

It also helps that the group size is kept to a maximum of 16. That tends to translate into more time at the dock, more order at the pig beach, and less chaos at photo moments.

Where you start: Paradise Island, 8:30 a.m., and a long day on the water

The tour begins at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal / Paradise Beach Dr, with a start time of 8:30 a.m. It ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not scrambling to get a ride back later.

Plan for a full-day feel. The schedule includes multiple stops plus long stretches of high-speed travel, so you’re not just “out for a quick look.” Bring sun protection and something warm enough if the wind gets cool out there.

Stop 1: Allen’s Cay rock iguanas and a rare chance to watch wildlife doing its thing

Allen’s Cay is the rock iguana stop, and the best part is that it’s not staged like a theme-park encounter. You’re observing iguanas in their natural setting, and the tour includes time to get up close (including the chance to feed them).

Why this matters: iguanas are fascinating, but they’re usually hard to spot on your own around Exuma. A guided visit helps you find them quickly and understand what you’re looking at—especially if you’re the type who would otherwise miss the little details.

Stop 2: Compass Cay nurse sharks from the dock

At Compass Cay, you see nurse sharks from the dock. This is one of the stops that people talk about with big energy because it’s not just “look from a distance.” The tour setup is built so you can get close enough for clear photos, and many participants end up touching/holding the sharks while they’re hanging around.

A practical note: docks and saltwater are slick. Wear footwear you don’t mind getting wet, and keep your grip steady when you’re near the waterline.

Stop 3: Big Major Cay (Pig Beach) and what swimming with pigs is really like

Pig Beach at Big Major Cay is the main headline—and it lives up to its reputation, with one big reality check. The pigs can be huge, and they’re not shy about investigating. Some pigs can be nippy, so keep your hands where you can control them, and don’t count on the “cute and tiny” version of pig encounters.

You’ll typically find that your time is a mix of:

• paddling alongside the pigs,
• getting photos up close,
• and dealing with pig-scented island reality like mud and mess (yes, pig poop happens).

My best advice: treat this like wildlife, not a petting zoo. Stay calm, follow the crew instructions, and enjoy the weirdness of it all from a safe spot.

Stop 4: Staniel Cay Yacht Club lunch, drinks, and a real break

Staniel Cay is where you slow down for lunch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Lunch is included, and you also get beer, bottled water, and snacks during the day.

What I like about this stop is that it’s not another “grab-and-go” moment. You get an actual restaurant setting, and that helps you recharge before the sandbar and sightseeing stretches.

Food quality seems to vary a bit by person. A lot of people rate it highly, while a few say it’s good but not the best part of the day. Either way, you’re going to be hungry after the morning travel, and having lunch handled is a big value.

Stop 5: Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park sandbar time

Then comes the payoff for anyone who wants scenery as much as animals: sandbar relaxation in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. This is where the water color turns up the dial, and you get a calmer pace to swim, wander, and just enjoy the shallow beach feeling.

Bring reef-safe habits in mind even if you’re not snorkeling. The sandbar time is also when it’s easier to notice sea life and the way the coastline shapes the water color.

One common complaint is that the sandbar time can feel like it passes quickly. If you love lounging, set expectations: the tour is designed to fit a lot, so enjoy what you get and don’t expect hours and hours to do nothing.

Stop 6: Norman’s Cay sunken plane sighting (quick but memorable)

Norman’s Cay is a short stop focused on a sunken drug plane wreck—the Pablo Escobar story is part of why people come. You get a close look from the water, and the stop is brief enough that it’s more “see it” than “explore it.”

This works well if you’re the type who likes a mixed itinerary: animals in the morning, a famous underwater sight, then back to scenery and sandbar time.

Boat ride reality: bumpy, windy, and built for motion

Let’s talk about the ride, because it’s half the experience whether you love it or hate it. The boat is fast and the water can be choppy and bumpy, depending on the day. Most people still call it worth it, but it can feel intense—especially early in the day when you’re fresh and expecting smooth cruising.

What helps:

• Sunblock. You’ll be in strong sun a lot of the day.
• Warm layer. Wind can be cool even when it’s hot out, and the boat motion makes it feel colder.
• Hydration. Water is included, and you’ll use it.

Good news: there’s a bathroom on the boat, and some stops also have facilities available. That’s not glamour, but it makes a long day easier.

Wildlife etiquette: how to have fun without stressing the animals

This tour puts you close to animals that are wild. Here’s how to keep it respectful and stress-free:

• Don’t chase pigs if they move away; let them come to the moment.
• Keep your distance if a shark is near you but you’re not ready to interact.
• Follow the crew when it comes to touching/holding animals. They know the rhythm of the dock and the timing.

Also, remember pigs are animals with their own opinions. If you go in expecting cuddles, you might end up disappointed—or surprised.

Weather and safety: why cancellations happen and why you should be okay with that

This is a weather-dependent outing. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right approach for a high-speed day out on open water.

If you’re trying to plan the whole Bahamas trip around this, build in a little flexibility. Exuma is gorgeous, but the ocean has its own ideas.

Who this tour is best for

This fits best if you:

• want a big Exuma sampler in one day,
• love close-up wildlife encounters (iguanas, nurse sharks, pigs),
• and don’t mind spending time on a fast-moving boat.

It may be less ideal if you:

• get motion sick easily,
• hate bumpy rides,
• or want a slow, leisurely beach day with minimal boat time.

Also, pregnant travelers aren’t permitted. And you should have a moderate physical fitness level to handle getting on/off at stops comfortably.

Should you book the Aqua Shores Exuma Powerboat tour?

If your goal is to experience Exuma’s signature moments—swimming pigs, nurse sharks, iguanas, sandbar water—you should seriously consider booking. The price is steep, but you’re buying multiple “top sights” plus lunch and drinks, all with a small group and a crew that keeps the day moving.

My call: book it if you can handle a fast, windy, sometimes bouncy boat ride and you’re okay with wildlife encounters that are hands-on in a real way. Pass if you want total calm, lots of shaded downtime, or a gentle pace.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 a.m.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal at Paradise Beach Dr, The Bahamas.

How long is the powerboat tour?

It’s listed as about 8 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

What’s included with the tour price?

Lunch, beer/alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and snacks are included.

What stops are part of the day?

You’ll visit Allen’s Cay for rock iguanas, Compass Cay for nurse sharks, Big Major Cay (Pig Beach) for the swimming pigs, Staniel Cay for lunch, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park for sandbar time, and Norman’s Cay to view a sunken drug plane.

Is Pig Beach time long enough to actually swim or paddle?

You get about 45 minutes at Pig Beach.

Are pregnant travelers allowed?

No. Pregnant travelers are not permitted.

What if the tour can’t run because of weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling isn’t listed as a planned part of the tour stops, which focus on the iguana, nurse shark dock viewing, Pig Beach time, sandbar relaxation, and sightseeing stops.

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