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Swimming with pigs in Nassau costs $149 per adult for a half day at Rose Island (two travelers). The eight per-person experiences range from $20 to $850, and the private boat is priced per boat at $1,092. For a first visit, choose the half day at Rose Island.
Checked on on the Viator partner API (prices, ratings, availability).
When you search for « swim with pigs Nassau, » the results look alike: a photo of a piglet in the water, a private island, lunch on the sand. To cut through that, I used the Viator check of October 22, 2026 and kept nine experiences that deliver on the promise. Some head out to the swimming pigs, some are private excursions, and some are walking tours for days when you don’t want to get on a boat.
The starting point is simple. Nassau’s pigs don’t all live in the same place. Big Major Cay, in the Exumas, is the uninhabited island everyone knows. Rose Island, 25 to 30 minutes by boat from town, also hosts pigs on some operators’ programs, and it is the shortest trip. For a first try, the Rose Island half day, the first listing on the list, shows 59 open days out of 60 between November 5, 2026 and January 3, 2027.
This guide follows a decision logic. The comparison table gives you the numbers at a glance. The detailed listings below cover who each experience suits, what it includes, where to meet, and what the listing does not specify. Further on, you’ll find logistics from the cruise port, the year-end calendar, budget, and the mistakes that make you miss a boat. Prices are for two adults, shown per person when the listing allows it.
Why Nassau’s pigs draw so many visitors
Nobody knows exactly how the pigs got there, and that uncertainty is part of the appeal. The most common version says sailors left them on a deserted island, planning to come back for them, and never returned. The animals supposedly survived on scraps thrown from passing ships. Other accounts describe a shipwreck from which the pigs swam ashore. No version is established, and the sources disagree, as WorldAtlas and Amusing Planet show.
The most famous site is Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island in the Exumas also called Pig Beach. Estimates of the number of animals vary, from about 20 to 40. Rose Island, closer to Nassau, hosts pigs on some operators’ programs. That’s why the two places blur together in listings. They are nonetheless two different experiences, in distance, price and time at sea.
The debate is real too. In 2019, the Bahamas Humane Society described the spread of attractions as « completely out of control » and called for regulation, inspections and a cap on the number of attractions. Veterinarians found large amounts of sand in the stomachs of dead animals on Big Major Cay, which they attributed to tourists throwing food on the beach. Those criticisms date from 2019. We found no regulatory update for 2026 in the sources we consulted, so we can’t say which framework applies today. What is documented is that operators recommend bringing bread or vegetables and advise against alcohol, and that the press has reported visitors giving beer or rum to the animals, according to the Tampa Bay Times and Islands.
The calendar matters too. The booking window, November 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027, includes Boxing Day, December 26, and New Year’s Day, two key dates for Junkanoo, Nassau’s street festival. Its origins are disputed: some link it to an African prince named John Canoe, others to the 18th century, when enslaved people in the Bahamas got three days off at Christmas. The parade features dancers, colorful costumes, floats and music from drums, cowbells and brass. On those days, leave extra time for trips to the port or the bridge. The historical background is summarized by the Canada Caribbean Institute.
Nassau is also a food city. Conch fritters and locally infused aperitifs turn up in the rum and food tours, as the operators’ listings describe. That’s a good reason to book a walking tour, even if most of your stay is on the water. The city is also largely walkable from the cruise port, in the heart of downtown.
The 9 experiences compared: price, rating and availability
The table uses the Viator check of October 22, 2026, in the same order as the detailed listings below. Prices are for two adults, shown per person. For the private boat tour, there is no per-person price: the column shows the boat rate.
| Experience | Duration | Price per adult (2 travelers) | Rating (reviews) | Free cancellation | Open days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rose Island, pigs and beach club | 4 h | $149 | 4.72 (1,679) | Yes | 59 of 60 |
| 2. Rose Island, full day | 6 h | $258 | 4.74 (1,282) | Yes | 38 of 60 |
| 3. Exumas, scenic flight and small group | 6 h | $850 | 4.83 (580) | Yes | 31 of 60 |
| 4. Private boat tour, islands and turtles | 4 h | Not applicable: $1,092 per boat (up to 12 travelers) | 5.0 (150) | Yes | 60 of 60 |
| 5. Food walking tour | 3 h | $99 | 4.91 (3,276) | Yes | 48 of 60 |
| 6. Rum tasting and food walking tour | 3 h | $98 | 4.93 (1,180) | Yes | 55 of 60 |
| 7. Private pirate jeep | 3 h | $165 | 4.93 (1,596) | Yes | 57 of 60 |
| 8. Quad or scooter with lunch | 3 h | $150 | 4.9 (583) | Yes | 58 of 60 |
| 9. Historical walking tour | 3 h | $20 to $55 | 4.86 (286) | No | 42 of 60 |
Prices and availability from the Viator partner API, checked October 22, 2026, for November 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027; they can change.
The 9 experiences to book in Nassau, from swimming pigs to private islands
1. Rose Island: swim with the pigs and beach club
This is the simplest way into the subject. The outing lasts four hours: about thirty minutes by boat from Nassau Harbour, time on a private beach with the swimming pigs, then a Bahamian lunch with a drink. With 1,679 reviews, it’s the most reviewed pig outing in this check. It stands out for its calendar: 59 open days out of the 60 studied, which gives you flexibility if you arrive over the holidays. The listing highlights the morning departure, and that’s where the catch is: without hotel pickup, you need to be there before 9:45 a.m. Small children stay on an adult’s lap, and the listing advises against the outing for people with heart or circulatory problems. For a first encounter with the pigs, it’s the most sensible starting point.
- 59 open days out of 60 between November 5 and January 3
- Lunch, a drink, life jackets on board
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
2. Rose Island: full day with boat transfer
If you want a real day on the island rather than a half day, this is the listing closest to it. Six hours in total, with a round-trip boat ride, a full Bahamian lunch and a complimentary lemonade during the meal. Standard alcoholic drinks are included, while premium spirits and imported beers are not, according to the listing. The trade-off is strict check-in: it closes 30 minutes before 10 a.m., you need to be at Paradise Island before 9:30 a.m., and there is no hotel pickup. The calendar is also narrower, with 38 open dates out of 60, so check them before you build the rest of your plan around them. The price is the highest of the two Rose Island trips, but it makes sense for a couple who want to enjoy the island without counting the hours.
- Round-trip boat and full Bahamian lunch
- Complimentary lemonade with lunch
- Check-in at Paradise Island before 9:30 a.m.
3. Exumas: scenic flight and small group
This is the only option on the list that takes you to the Exumas, where the pigs of Big Major Cay are. The scenic round-trip flight avoids the long boat crossing, and the group stays small: eight people per boat on average, according to the listing. At $850 per adult for two people, it’s the highest price in the check. This isn’t an afternoon outing; it’s a getaway for a birthday or a special occasion. Hotel pickup is offered for properties on the operator’s list. If your hotel isn’t on it, the meeting point still needs to be confirmed, so ask before you pay. The lunch, in the Lunch Island style, can be adapted, with vegan and gluten-free options on request. Dates are limited: 31 open days out of the 60 studied.
- Round-trip scenic flight to the Exumas
- Eight people per boat on average
- Chips, snacks and a Lunch Island-style meal
4. Private boat trip: islands, snorkeling and turtles
This is the answer to the « private islands » promise in the title, and the only listing priced per boat. Four hours among several islands and cays, with snorkeling and a turtle encounter, snorkeling gear included, plus snacks, water and an unlimited Bahama Mama, according to the listing. For two people, the cost is hard to read because the price isn’t split. It becomes reasonable for a group that shares the boat, up to 12 travelers. The 5.0 rating rests on only 150 reviews: it’s excellent, but the volume is small compared with shared outings. Meeting point options: the dock behind the restaurant on Paradise Island ($6 boarding fee round trip, paid on site), the east side of Nassau facing the pink public restrooms, or a free spot near the cruise port, about ten minutes’ walk from the ship. Don’t compare this rate with the per-person prices of the other listings.
- Boat rate, up to 12 travelers
- Snorkeling, turtle encounter, equipment provided
- Free cancellation according to the check
5. Nassau bites: food walking tour
This is the most reviewed listing on the list, with more than 3,200 reviews and a 4.91 rating. The tour lasts three hours on foot in downtown Nassau, with a local guide, five tastings and a cocktail. Seafood dishes can be swapped for vegetarian ones. Meet in front of the Bahamian Cookin’ restaurant-bar on Parliament Street, between Bay and Shirley Streets, and arrive fifteen minutes early. The tour ends at Pompey Square. It’s the right choice if you don’t want a boat, or if your cruise stop is short and you want something close to the port. The listing says tipping is not included. As for dress, walking tours in Nassau call for covered, modest clothing: no swimsuits or see-through clothing. The price is about a third lower than a Rose Island outing, for a day with no crossing.
- Five tastings and a cocktail, local guide
- Vegetarian substitutions for seafood
- Tipping not included
6. Rum tasting and food walking tour
If food tours appeal to you but you want rum at the center of the program, this listing is for you. Three hours on foot with five rum tastings, a short lesson on how to taste, and conch fritters, locally infused aperitifs and a rum cake, according to the listing. It also promises a private speakeasy, accessible only with this tour. The price is almost the same as the food tour above, $98 against $99 per adult. The meeting point isn’t specified: confirm it with the operator before you travel, and don’t rely on an address found elsewhere. The five tastings happen within three hours, so eat before you leave and pace yourself if the day continues on foot.
- Five rum tastings and a house cocktail
- Private speakeasy included in the tour
- Meeting point to confirm before you leave
7. Private pirate jeep: five stops and tickets included
A private jeep tour: three hours for five stops, with entrance tickets included. It’s a good compromise for a family or a small group who want to see the city and its surroundings without relying on public transport. The vehicle is air-conditioned, water is provided, and the transport is private, which matters under the midday sun. The listing mentions pirate stories that run through the route without the visit turning into a show. For cruise arrivals, the pickup point is the Blanco by Nature shop, facing the port. For other arrivals, the listing refers you to a confirmation from the supplier. At $165 per adult, the jeep costs more than the walking tour, but the included tickets and the private format change the comparison. It suits travelers who want to see sites without walking between each one.
- Entrance tickets included, air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transport and bottled water
- Pickup point facing the port for cruise passengers
8. Quad or scooter around the island, with lunch
Three hours on a quad or scooter with lunch, to get away from the downtown routes. The listing states that drivers must be at least 25 years old, a condition to check before you book if you’re traveling with younger adults. Round-trip transport leaves only from the cruise terminal: if you’re staying at a hotel, you’ll need to reach the meeting point on your own. That point is at Bowcar Rentals on Sands Road, facing the back entrance of the U.S. Embassy, or at the terminal exit near the Junkanoo Museum, under the bike rental sign. Helmets and gear are provided, along with a professional local guide. It’s the most physical outing on the list, at $150 per adult, a price close to the Rose Island half day for a much more active program. It suits travelers who have already enjoyed the beach and want to move.
- Drivers must be 25 or older, according to the listing title
- Helmet, gear and local guide
- Lunch and Bahamian drinks included
9. Historical walking tour, budget pick
This is the lowest budget on the list: $20 to $55 per person depending on dates and options in the check, for a three-hour walking tour of the historic center, with a guide. The listing includes chocolate samples and drinks. This is the card to take if you want to understand the city before the other outings: its history, architecture and streets. Two points to check. Confirmation is not instant according to the listing, and free cancellation is not offered in this check. The meeting point isn’t indicated: the listing only describes the guide, who wears a blue shirt, blue trousers and carries a black umbrella. Confirm the location before you leave. Tipping is in cash, around $20 per person according to the listing, and dress should stay covered and modest.
- Guide, chocolate and drinks as samples
- Cash tip, about $20 per person
- Confirmation not instant, no free cancellation
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Get a quoteAn alternative for days when you don’t want to cross on the water: three hours, five tastings and a cocktail in downtown Nassau.
Book the food tourPractical tips on the ground
Getting from the cruise port. Taxis wait at the Arrivals Plaza stand, according to the port’s official site. No meter is mentioned, so confirm the fare before you get in. Public minibuses, called jitneys, link the port to downtown. For Paradise Island, you can walk across the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge, take a taxi, or ride the ferry, which leaves the terminal every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to noon (Nassau Cruise Port). For outings that require check-in before 9:30 a.m., leave as early as you can: the first ferry gives you the most margin.
The calendar. The window opens on November 5, still within the official hurricane season, which runs from June to November. The risk stays low on that date. The Rose Island half-day listing includes a weather cancellation policy: it’s a protection, not a guarantee that the outing will happen. December and February are peak season, with mild temperatures around 70 to 73°F (21 to 23°C), little rain and more visitors. The best year-end dates go quickly, so book early (Audley Travel).
Money. The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar at par. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but change is often given in Bahamian dollars. Bring a bank card and some US cash, especially for the cash tips some operators ask for (Must See Spots).
Tipping. Sources differ, so treat these as rough guides. For a group tour, about $5 to $10 per person; for a private tour, about $15 to $30 per person, according to Mighty Travels and She Is Wanderlust. Some restaurants add a 15% gratuity automatically, so check the bill before you leave a tip. Each listing states its own position: the food tour listing says tipping is not included, and the historical walking tour expects about $20 per person in cash.
Animals and good practice. Follow the operator’s instructions around the pigs. If the operator recommends it, bring bread or vegetables, and never offer alcohol or beer. Before you book, ask how the visit is organized and how many boats reach the island each day. A precise answer tells you more than a nice photo.
Dress. For walking tours in town, dress covered and modestly: no swimsuits, short shorts or see-through clothing. For boat trips, bring a swimsuit and a towel for the return, and a waterproof bag for your phone.
Mistakes to avoid.
- Comparing the private boat rate with the per-person prices of the other listings. These are not the same figures.
- Arriving just on time for a morning outing. Check-in for the full-day Rose Island trip closes 30 minutes before 10 a.m., and the departure point depends on the option you chose.
- Booking without confirming the meeting point. For the rum tour, the historical walk and the Exumas trip without hotel pickup, the listing gives no precise address.
- Forgetting that some listings don’t offer free cancellation. The historical walking tour is one of them in this check.
Which experience for which traveler?
- Couple, half a day: the four-hour outing to Rose Island, or the rum walking tour for a calmer afternoon.
- Family: the private pirate jeep, which includes entrance tickets, or the historical walking tour if the budget is tight.
- Small budget: the historical walking tour, from $20 per person, or the food walking tour at $99.
- First time in Nassau: the food walking tour, with no boat, to discover downtown before heading out on the water.
- Special occasion: the Exumas trip, or the private boat for a group of up to twelve travelers.
Frequently asked questions
Which tour is the best rated in Nassau?
Among the nine listings, the private boat tour scores 5.0, but on only 150 reviews. The food walking tour, Bites of Nassau, has the most reviews, more than 3,200, with a 4.91 rating. If you want a strong rating backed by a large number of reviews, it’s the safest choice on the list.
How much does swimming with the pigs cost in Nassau?
For two adults, the half-day trip to Rose Island costs $298 in total on the October 22, 2026 check, or $149 per person. The full day from Paradise Island is $258 per person. The Exumas trip, with a scenic flight, is $850 per person. Prices vary by date, so check the rate on the day you book. See the table.
Should I book early for the end of the year?
Yes, especially around December 26 and January 1, two Junkanoo dates. On the check, the Rose Island half day, open 59 days out of 60, remains the most flexible. The Rose Island full day and the Exumas trip have fewer open dates, 38 and 31 out of 60, so check the calendar before you set your plan.
Are the pigs in Nassau well treated?
The question is debated. In 2019, the Bahamas Humane Society called for regulation of the attractions, inspections and a cap on the number of visits. We found no regulatory update for 2026 in the sources we consulted, so we can’t say which framework is in force today. Choose an operator that explains its rules, follow its instructions, and don’t give alcohol to the animals.
Where is the meeting point for Rose Island?
For the half day, the listing gives Nassau Harbour, with hotel pickup depending on the option you choose. Without pickup, be there before 9:45 a.m. For the full day, check-in is at Paradise Island before 9:30 a.m., and there is no hotel transport. Half-day details.
What’s the difference between Rose Island and the Exumas?
Rose Island is a small island 25 to 30 minutes by boat from Nassau, where some operators offer swimming with the pigs. The Exumas lie several dozen miles to the south, and their best-known site is Big Major Cay. You get there by scenic flight or long crossing. For a half day, Rose Island is enough; for a more memorable outing, the Exumas are the most expensive option on the list.
Sources
- Nassau Paradise Island, official page for the Rose Island excursion, accessed October 22, 2026
- Nassau Cruise Port, transportation and parking, accessed October 22, 2026
- Nassau Paradise Island, best time to visit the Bahamas, accessed October 22, 2026
- Nassau Paradise Island, five things to know about Junkanoo, accessed October 22, 2026
- Canada Caribbean Institute, history of Junkanoo, accessed October 22, 2026
- WorldAtlas, Big Major Cay, accessed October 22, 2026
- Amusing Planet, the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, accessed October 22, 2026
- Tampa Bay Times, swimming pig attractions (2019 article), accessed October 22, 2026
- Islands, why to think twice before booking a swimming pig tour, accessed October 22, 2026
- Caribbean Journal, the swimming pigs of the Exumas, accessed October 22, 2026
- Frommer’s, planning a trip to New Providence, accessed October 22, 2026
- Audley Travel, best time to visit the Bahamas, accessed October 22, 2026
- Must See Spots, Bahamian currency and exchange, accessed October 22, 2026
- Mighty Travels, tipping in the Bahamas (2025), accessed October 22, 2026
- She Is Wanderlust, tipping in the Bahamas, accessed October 22, 2026
Prices, ratings and availability come from the Viator partner API, checked October 22, 2026; each operator’s listing sets the final terms.
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