Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs

REVIEW · NEW PROVIDENCE ISLAND

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs

  • 4.523 reviews
  • From $130.00
Book on Viator →

Operated by Cruising Adventures · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (23)Price from$130.00Operated byCruising AdventuresBook viaViator

Speedboat control is the whole point here. You start at the private dock near the Atlantis Bridge in Nassau and you’ll drive the speedboat yourself, which turns this from a sit-and-ride tour into something you actually steer. Then you land on a private island for pigs up close, including feeding and photos—yes, even baby pigs.

The big thing I like: the crew is ready to coach you through the driving (and if things feel a bit wild at first, you’re not left hanging). The other standout is the pig island time: the island stays clean, the water looks clear, and the pigs can be very friendly. One consideration: if wind is up, the boat can feel challenging at the start, and the pigs may not be in the mood to swim when they’ve had enough food.

You’re on the water for about 2 hours total (approx.), with a maximum group size of 20. And this runs with an easy mobile ticket and straightforward back-and-forth from the same meeting point—so you’re not wasting your day on complicated logistics.

Key Points You’ll Care About

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Key Points You’ll Care About

  • You take the wheel: 18+ can drive, and no boating experience or license is required.
  • Small group, private dock: capped at 20 travelers, which keeps things from feeling chaotic.
  • Guide-led island views: you’ll follow an expert guide for the best sights around the island.
  • Pig island isn’t just photo ops: feeding and interaction are part of the experience.
  • Expect wind to matter: if conditions are blustery, driving takes extra focus.

Malcolm’s Park Dock and Atlantis-Bridge Start: What the Day Feels Like

This tour begins at Malcom’s Park Atlantis Bridge in Nassau, and it ends right back where you started. That’s a real value point on an island where travel time can quietly eat your day. You get a private-dock start, then you’re out on the water with a guide rather than waiting around for other groups.

Check-in is described as easy, and the crew comes off professional and welcoming. That matters more than people think. When you’re about to drive a speedboat for the first time, you want clear, calm instructions—especially if wind or waves are moving things around.

You also get a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling paper in the heat and salt air. Since this is near public transportation, you’re not locked into one taxi-style routine to reach the start.

Finally, keep your timing expectations realistic. The tour is about 2 hours in total, which is perfect if you want a hit of adrenaline and a memorable island stop without turning the day into a full-day marathon.

Driving Your Own Speedboat (No License Needed, 18+ Can Drive)

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Driving Your Own Speedboat (No License Needed, 18+ Can Drive)
Here’s the core thrill: you ride as captain. Persons over 18 can drive the speedboat, and you don’t need a boating license or prior experience. That’s a big deal for Nassau, because it lowers the barrier to a day on the water—you’re not “limited to boat people.”

The coaching style is the key: the crew is patient and gives quick, clear instructions before you head out. One review praised how the team stayed on top of things even when they had trouble getting it right at first. That’s exactly what you want to hear when you’re trying a new activity.

Now, the honest consideration: early driving can feel hard. One reviewer noted high wind made driving more challenging, but they still managed to get to see the pigs. In practice, that means you should keep your brain switched on, stay relaxed, and take the guidance seriously—because speed and wind turn small mistakes into big corrections.

A smart mindset: focus on control first, speed second. If you’re new, let the captain guidance teach you the basics—how to handle turns, how to keep steady, and how to match your pace to the group.

Following an Expert Guide for Nassau Island Views

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Following an Expert Guide for Nassau Island Views
You don’t just race around on your own. The boat ride is guide-led, and you’ll follow them to see the best views around the island. That gives you two benefits:

First, you’re not guessing where to point the bow for photos. Second, it keeps the experience from turning into random driving.

Because you’re on a speedboat, you’ll feel that adrenaline—fast movement, wind on your face, and that sense of being part of the action. But the guide element also adds structure. You’re not building the route in your head while trying to drive.

The day also has a “this is a real Nassau activity” feel to it. It runs from a private dock and heads out with purpose, not a vague sightseeing loop. That structure is one reason the experience tends to land as a must-do for people who want more than a generic beach stop.

Snorkel Time and Water Comfort: What to Plan For

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Snorkel Time and Water Comfort: What to Plan For
This is described as a speedboat and snorkel guided tour, paired with swimming with the pigs. That combination is fun, but it does mean you should think about water comfort before you go.

I’d plan for two types of water time:

  • Snorkel time as part of the guided tour experience
  • Swim time connected to the pig island stop

Here’s what you should know from the experience details: the pigs may not always be enthusiastic about getting into the water. One review noted the pigs didn’t want to go in once the food was gone. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it does change what “swim with the pigs” means in real life. Sometimes you’re more likely to be in the water near them than having them chase you into deep water.

So, aim for a flexible attitude. If you love snorkeling, treat that as its own payoff. If you’re mostly there for the pig interaction, think of the water as part of the setting—not a guarantee of constant pig-in-the-water action.

What to bring (practical, not fancy):

  • Swimwear you don’t mind getting salt-slick
  • Something to rinse off later (even a simple bottle helps)
  • Water shoes if you’re sensitive to rough footing
  • A dry bag or waterproof pouch for phone and wallet

Even if the experience provides guidance, you’ll enjoy the day more when your personal setup is ready.

Pig Island Highlights: Feeding, Photos, and Baby Pig Moments

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Pig Island Highlights: Feeding, Photos, and Baby Pig Moments
The private island portion is the reason many people book this in the first place. You’ll interact with the pigs, feed them, and take pictures. It’s not just a quick look from the shoreline; it’s the hands-on, up-close kind of time.

The pig island experience is also described as clean, and the water is clear. That matters for photos, but it also matters for comfort. Clean spaces feel safer and easier to move around in, especially when you’re doing something hands-on like feeding.

Baby pigs are a big part of why this hits emotionally. One review called it the best part of the trip and specifically mentioned the baby pig energy. If you enjoy animals, you’re going to notice the mix of curiosity and playfulness right away.

One more helpful reality check: pigs are animals with their own agenda. If food is gone, they might not linger in the water. That’s not a failure of the tour—it’s just how animal behavior works. Your best approach is to time your photos and your feeding calmly, then enjoy watching them react without forcing the moment.

Price and Value: Is $130 Worth a 2-Hour Speedboat Day?

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Price and Value: Is $130 Worth a 2-Hour Speedboat Day?
At $130 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it also isn’t overpriced in the way “tourist pig photos” can be, because you’re paying for multiple things at once.

Here’s what’s bundled into that price:

  • A self-drive speedboat experience (with coaching)
  • A guide who leads the ride for island views
  • Snorkel time as part of the overall tour concept
  • Private island interaction with pigs, including feeding and photos
  • A small cap (max 20 travelers), which helps keep the experience personal rather than rushed

The value improves if you’re the type of traveler who hates sitting in the back seat. Driving the boat is the difference-maker. It gives you a sense of participation, not just sightseeing.

Also, the start point is very central (Malcom’s Park Atlantis Bridge), which reduces wasted time. If you’re fitting Nassau into a tight schedule, this kind of tight, focused outing often feels worth the price.

I’ll add one practical note: because this requires good weather, your day depends on Mother Nature. The provider offers a different date or a full refund if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, which reduces risk on your end.

Who Should Book This Speedboat and Pig Swim—and Who Might Not

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Who Should Book This Speedboat and Pig Swim—and Who Might Not
This tour makes the most sense for you if:

  • You want a hands-on Nassau activity where you drive, not just ride
  • You’re comfortable with basic water time like snorkel
  • You enjoy animal interaction and aren’t expecting a strict, choreographed animal show
  • You want a compact outing (about 2 hours) that still feels like an event

It’s less ideal if:

  • You get overwhelmed by driving in wind or choppy conditions
  • You expect the pigs to reliably swim on cue the whole time
  • You’d rather have a calmer, purely scenic boat ride with no “learning curve” component

Age-wise, the minimum is 5 years old, and driving is for those 18 and older. So families can attend, but the captain role is limited to adults or older teens.

If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this can still work well because only some people will drive, and the rest can focus on the ride and pig interaction.

Should You Book This Tour?

Self Drive Speedboat and Swim with the Pigs - Should You Book This Tour?
I think you should book it if you want Nassau to feel fun, fast, and interactive. The self-drive setup is the main win, and the pig island time gives you a memorable payoff beyond a quick photo. Add guide-led views and a small group cap, and it becomes a strong mix of adrenaline and “wow, we really did that.”

Skip it if you’re highly risk-averse about wind and water movement, or if you want a guaranteed long pig-in-water swim. The experience is built around interaction and guidance, not a controlled animal show.

If your priority is a short, high-energy day with real participation, this is a solid pick for $130.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat and pig swim tour start and end?

The tour starts at Malcom’s Park Atlantis Bridge in Nassau, The Bahamas, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need a boating license or experience to drive?

No. The tour notes that no boating license or boating experience is needed.

Who can drive the speedboat?

Persons over the age of 18 and older can drive the speedboat.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 5 years and older.

How long is the tour, and what’s the group size?

The duration is about 2 hours, and the maximum group size is 20 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Scroll to Top