The wind and the throttle are the star. This Nassau excursion blends self-drive speedboating with a classic swimming pigs encounter on Anthol Island.

I like that you’re not just a passenger—you can actually grab the wheel for part of the ride and steer your way out over the waves. I also love the pacing: a short trip out, time on the beach to feed and swim, then back for snorkeling and a fun add-on.

One consideration: the pigs can be pushy, and you’ll also be out in the elements since it runs rain or shine.

Key things that make this one worth your time

• You drive the 2-person speedboat (with guidance): you get hands-on control, and the experience stays small (up to 10 people).
• Early pig-beach access is a real advantage: people rave about quieter beach time when the schedule lines up right.
• Feeding the ocean pigs is hands-on: melon is mentioned as the food, and it gives you great photo moments.
• Snorkeling gear is included: if conditions cooperate, you may see sea life like sea turtles and eagle rays.
• There’s more water fun than just the swim: a banana boat ride is included along with beach time.
• You get a fast route and sometimes a smart weather plan: in windier conditions, the team may adjust how you reach the pigs.

Taking the Helm: Nassau’s Self-Drive Speedboat Fun

This trip starts with a simple promise: you’ll leave Nassau on a speedboat that’s built for real excitement, not just a scenic cruise. You’ll be in a 2-person boat, and you can take the wheel for part of the journey. That alone changes the whole feel of the outing. Instead of asking where to sit, you’re actively steering through the water.

The experience is run as a small group (max 10 participants), and that matters more than it sounds. Fewer people usually means less waiting around, more time at the beach, and a better shot at getting help quickly if you feel unsure. In a few accounts, guides like Kelly and King are described as attentive and good at keeping things organized, which is exactly what you want before you’re driving.

You’ll also want to mentally prep for getting wet. Even when you’re not splashed directly, there’s spray and salt air in your face once you’re moving. Bring a waterproof pouch for your phone/camera if you have one. One booking notes a boat motor shutoff issue once, but the overall vibe stayed positive—still, it’s a reminder that this is an adventure at sea, not a museum tour with perfect conditions.

One practical heads-up: meeting point can vary based on what option you book. If you’re on a cruise, plan for a bit of walking. Some reports say it’s easy to reach on foot from the port, while others call out a longer walk that can feel hot or rough in parts. If you’re short on time or traveling with kids, a quick taxi can be worth it before you even start.

The Short Ocean Ride to Anthol Island (and Why the Views Matter)

The speedboat run heads toward Anthol Island in New Providence. The ride itself isn’t just a transfer—it’s part of the entertainment. People consistently highlight the moment you hit open water and feel the wind, then swap control to take the wheel. You’re not stuck watching other boats; you’re doing the navigating.

You’ll also get passing views of the Nassau area’s famous waterfront sights. Several accounts mention seeing Atlantis—including the brightly colored buildings and the area around Atlantis canals/water features—from the water. That’s a nice bonus because it’s the one place where the speedboat format actually pays off. From shore, it can feel far away; from the sea, it’s right there.

Timing is where the route turns into a value play. The overall experience is 2 hours, so it doesn’t devour your day. You’re not spending half a day trapped on a bus just to reach a beach. You make it to the pig area quickly, get real beach time, then head back without dragging your feet.

One weather reality: it’s rain or shine. One booking even describes a situation where wind kept the speedboats from making the full open-ocean route, and the team adjusted with a ferry-style alternative to still reach the pigs. In other words, if conditions get tricky, you may see a plan B rather than a total cancellation.

Anthol Island Pig Beach: Feeding and Swimming With Ocean Pigs

Now for the part everyone books for: the swimming pigs encounter on the beach area of Anthol Island. This is not a distant photo stop. You arrive, feed the pigs, and then you get time in the water near where they hang out.

Feeding is where the experience becomes real. Multiple notes say the pigs are fed using melon, and that it’s a hands-on interaction with lots of photo opportunities. Expect the animals to come close. In a few accounts, people also warn that some pigs can be a little aggressive—meaning they’ll move quickly toward food and may bump you. Also, yes, some pigs are described as huge. So keep your balance, stay calm, and don’t act surprised when they treat your hands like a snack counter.

Swimming is the iconic element, and it’s one of those rare “Bahamas bucket list” moments that feels both whimsical and strangely serene once you’re in the water. Descriptions include clean, clear water, plus chances to spot sea life while you swim or snorkel—like sea turtles and even eagle rays mentioned by some people. You won’t control the wildlife, but clear water improves your odds.

The beach time itself is another big reason this tour gets high marks. Reports mention a quiet window when the group is early—sometimes with the beach feeling close to yours alone for a good chunk of time before larger boats arrive. That’s the difference between a “check it off” stop and a real experience where you can linger for photos and relax without feeling rushed.

One more tip: bring your best “don’t drop my stuff” setup. Pigs, waves, and beach sand are a combo that can test even careful people. Waterproof your phone and keep valuables limited. If you think you’re being paranoid, you’re not.

Snorkeling Time and the Included Banana Boat Ride

After the pig beach, the schedule includes snorkeling equipment. This is a major practical inclusion because you don’t have to hunt for gear on your own. You’ll get the basics provided, then you’re set to explore what’s under the surface around the island area.

Snorkeling can be the moment where the whole excursion shifts from playful to genuinely nature-focused. A couple of accounts mention seeing sea life like sea turtles and eagle rays, which suggests the water can be good when conditions cooperate. Don’t expect a guaranteed animal parade. Still, since the gear is included, it’s a smart add without extra cost.

Then there’s the banana boat ride. It’s listed as included, and that matters if you’re traveling with teens or people who want something a bit more active after the pigs. It’s also a nice contrast: one moment you’re calm in shallow water or floating for a look under the surface, and the next you’re bouncing across the water on a raft-style ride.

One benefit of this “multiple activities” structure: even if you’re not the biggest snorkeler, you still have three separate highlights—speedboat driving, pigs, and the water-ride portion. That redundancy is what keeps the overall value strong.

Price and Value: Is $120 a Smart Spend?

At $120 per person for a roughly 2-hour experience, this is priced as a mid-range excursion that competes well when you compare what other Nassau activities often cost. The value angle isn’t only that it’s cheaper than some alternatives (a few accounts even contrast it with more expensive pig tours or other high-priced options). The real value is that you’re paying for multiple activities in a tight timeframe: speedboat thrill, pig feeding and swimming, snorkeling gear, plus a banana boat ride.

Here’s how I’d think about it if I were planning your day:

• If you want one signature Nassau thing (the pigs) plus water time and a fun ride, this bundle style usually beats paying separately for each piece.
• If you’re only interested in the pigs and nothing else, the price might feel steep compared to simpler pig-only experiences. But the snorkeling + banana boat add-on is what justifies it for most people.
• If your group wants variety, this is strong. It gives different kinds of fun: active driving, animal interaction, and a water-gear activity.

Also, the tour tends to keep groups small. That helps your “time per person” inside the experience. When you’re paying, you want your minutes to matter—and high ratings track to exactly that: more time at the beach, less time stuck waiting.

Timing Your Slot: Early Access Makes a Difference

If you can choose a departure time, you’ll probably do best with an earlier slot. Multiple accounts praise early timing because it reduces crowds at the pig beach. When you arrive as the day is just starting, pigs are coming out, food is being prepped, and you’re not squeezed into a line of people fighting for the same photo angle.

That affects the entire tone of the excursion. Early means calmer water sessions, better photo chances, and more space to feed and observe without constant movement around you. One review even describes a super-quiet experience where they were the only guests for a period, which is exactly what people hope for when they book something like this.

If you go later, you can still have fun—this is still a big attraction—but you might feel a bit more pressure to move quickly so the next group can cycle in.

And even with perfect timing, remember the outing is outdoors. If wind or sea conditions shift, the crew may adjust logistics (like using a ferry alternative) so you still get the core experience. That adaptability is worth something on a day when the weather decides to be moody.

Safety, Comfort, and Who This Tour Fits Best

This activity has some clear limits. It’s not suitable for pregnant women and for people with pre-existing medical conditions. That’s important. Speedboats add motion, splash risk, and the kind of physical unpredictability you can’t “tour” away.

You should also plan for physical comfort and basic readiness:

• Expect spray and wet gear situations.
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you have it (sand + splash = slippery combos).
• Secure your phone/camera in a waterproof case.
• Keep an eye on the pigs if you’re near them, especially if they act pushy at feeding time.

One safety note that’s easy to overlook: the pigs are animals with their own energy. They’re used to people around food, so they may rush or bump into you. Treat it like a close encounter, not like a petting zoo. Stay steady, keep your space, and let the interaction be what it is.

Finally, bring patience about transport if you’re on a cruise. Some accounts mention being dropped off right near the cruise ship, which is great. Others note that getting back took more effort than expected. So if you want the smoothest day, ask the crew or confirm in advance how return drop-off works for your specific sailing schedule.

Should You Book This Nassau Speedboat and Pig Swim?

Book it if you want a high-action, hands-on Nassau day. You’re getting the speedboat thrill with a real chance to drive, plus a pig beach encounter and snorkeling with included gear. At $120 for a 2-hour plan, it’s usually a good value for people who want more than one highlight and don’t want to spend the entire day traveling.

Skip it (or pick something gentler) if you’re uncomfortable with motion on the water, can’t handle time outside in rain or shine, or fall into the health categories the tour flags. And if you’re nervous around animal interaction that can get close and a bit pushy, mentally prepare for that feeding moment.

If you do book, choose an earlier time when possible, waterproof your valuables, and treat the pigs with calm respect. Then you’ll get the best of what this excursion is really about: speed, sea, and a moment with ocean pigs you won’t forget.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat and pig swimming experience?

The duration is 2 hours.

Do I ride in the speedboat with someone driving, or can I actually steer it?

It’s a self-drive experience in a 2-person speedboat, with the chance to take the wheel for part of the way.

What’s included with the tour?

The experience includes the speedboat ride, pig swimming encounter, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, and beach area.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It runs rain or shine.

Is there a group limit?

Yes. It’s a small group, limited to 10 participants.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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