How long is the ride from Nassau to Exuma?

The Exuma Cays are made up of approximately 350 islands and cays, and this tour visits some of the most popular sites within the cays. The first stop is Allen's Cay, where guests can see the iguanas. The ride time is approximately one hour to this stop.

How much is the Exuma swimming pigs tour?

The Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs tour is $438.90 per person for guests ages 7 and older, and $328.90 per person for children ages 2 to 6.

Where does the Exuma tour depart from?

The Exuma tour departs from the Carnivale Bahamas restaurant on Paradise Island, Bahamas with Born Free Charters.

Is this tour good for families?

Yes. Born Free Charters offers family-friendly boating adventures with professional local crews and safety-focused service. Children under two are not permitted.

What makes Born Free Charters different from other Exuma tour companies?

Born Free Charters has been operating in Nassau since 1978 and is known for clean, well-maintained boats, experienced local crews, and a strong focus on safety and guest service.

Speed boats at a beach in Exuma with people swimming.

EXUMA ISLAND HOPPING AND SWIMMING PIGS TOUR

Tour Highlights

Visit the Bahamian Rock Iguanas at Allen's Cay
Swim with the nurse sharks at Compass Cay
Swim with the famous swimming pigs at Big Major's Cay
Snorkel Pablo Escobar's sunken drug plane
Bahamian-style buffet lunch at a local restaurant
Relax on one of Exuma's beautiful beaches or sandbar

What's Included

Bahamian-style buffet lunch at a local restaurant
Local beer, soda and water
Snorkel gear
Landing fees
Food for the animals

Important Tour Details

This is a shared tour and can have up to 25 guests
The tour is not suitable for women who are pregnant at any stage
The tour is not wheelchair accessible and does require the ability to climb a vertical ladder
Not recommended for anyone with chronic neck or back issues
Children under the age of two are not permitted
Guests should bring and are responsible for applying sunscreen as needed due to extended sun exposure
There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Any changes or cancellations must be made prior to avoid penalties
Transportation to the check in location is not included

Tour Pricing

ADULTS : $438.90

CHILD 2-6YRS : $328.90

*Inclusive of 10% VAT

*Does not include crew gratuity

Tour Schedule & Departure Time

Check In : 8:00 AM

Departure: 8:30 AM

Return: 4:30 PM / 5:00 PM

Meeting Location

Check-in is at the Born Free Charters booth at the former Carnivale Bahamas location on Paradise Island, Nassau. Our booth is located near the restaurant's main entrance. Please arrive by 8:00 AM for check-in before the 8:30 AM departure.Transportation to the meeting location is not included.

Exuma Swimming Pigs Tour Itinerary

Leave Nassau behind for a full day of island hopping through the beautiful Exuma Cays. Departing from Paradise Island, this fast-paced adventure takes you by speedboat across crystal-clear Bahamian waters to experience some of Exuma's most famous wildlife, beaches and hidden gems.

Your first adventure begins at Allen's Cay, home to the endangered Bahamian rock iguanas. Step ashore to meet these fascinating native reptiles before continuing deeper into the Exuma Cays.

Next, visit Compass Cay, where you'll have the opportunity to get into the water with the island's famous nurse sharks. From there, it's on to Big Major Cay for one of the day's most anticipated experiences—meeting and swimming with the world-famous Exuma pigs.

We'll stop for a Bahamian-style buffet lunch at a local restaurant, giving you time to refuel before continuing your island-hopping adventure.

The day also includes a chance to snorkel at a sunken plane wreck, now surrounded by marine life beneath Exuma's clear blue water. Masks and snorkels are provided, and guests who prefer not to snorkel are welcome to remain onboard.

Before heading back to Nassau, we'll make time for one more taste of Exuma relaxing on a beautiful beach or sandbar, with the exact location selected based on the day's conditions.

After approximately eight hours exploring the Exuma Cays, we'll cruise back to Paradise Island with a full day of unforgettable Bahamian experiences behind us.

Please note: Our captains may adjust the order of stops or substitute locations based on weather, tides, sea conditions, accessibility or other operational considerations. Wildlife is free-roaming and sightings or interactions cannot be guaranteed. Snorkeling activities are always subject to safe sea and visibility conditions.

Nassau to Exuma: Your Island-Hopping Route

The Exuma Cays are made up of 350 islands and cays which is half of all the islands and cays in The Bahamas.

Our Exuma Island Hopping tour covers approximately 178 miles of ocean, beautiful endless beaches, and shallow and clear blue water during the journey. The most amazing places in Exuma may not be close but they sure are not to be missed.

This map is to assist in visualizing the journey of this tour, pointing out the stops that you will make along the way.

The most northern stop is Allen's Cay where the iguanas call home and the most southern stop is Black Point which is where the restaurant is located for lunch.

Boats Used for the Exuma Tour

The boats that are used most often for this tour is our 41 foot Bahama named 'Jalapeno' and our 43 foot Performance named 'Caribbean Queen'.

Custom seating on both boats allow for a comfortable ride over to Exuma for up to 19 or 24 guests depending on the boat you are assigned to. Both boats are outfitted with a spacious bathroom.

Embarking and disembarking for all beach and snorkel stops on the tour is done at the bow of the boat by using a heavy duty ladder.

Boat assignments are subject to change based on availability, maintenance and operational requirements.

View Our Fleet

JALAPENO

CARIBBEAN QUEEN

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat ride from Nassau to Exuma?

The boat ride from Paradise Island, Nassau to the Exuma Cays is approximately one hour. Travel time can vary slightly depending on weather and sea conditions.

Is the Exuma Swimming Pigs tour suitable for cruise ship passengers visiting Nassau?

Yes, cruise ship passengers can join our Exuma Swimming Pigs tour when their ship's schedule allows enough time. Check-in is at 8:00 AM on Paradise Island, with departure at approximately 8:30 AM and return time typically between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Because this is a full-day excursion traveling from Nassau to Exuma, we recommend carefully comparing your ship's arrival and departure times with the tour schedule before booking. Guests are responsible for arranging transportation between the Nassau cruise port and our Paradise Island meeting location and for allowing sufficient time to return to their ship.

What should I bring on the Exuma Swimming Pigs tour?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and anything else you may want for a full day on the water. A light jacket is also recommended during the cooler months. Please bring a credit card and matching photo ID as well.

Do I need to know how to swim to join the Exuma tour?

No. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the entire tour. Some activities involve entering the water, including snorkeling at the sunken plane, but guests can choose not to participate in any water activity they are uncomfortable with. Life jackets are available onboard.

Is the Exuma Swimming Pigs tour suitable for children?

Children ages 2 and older are welcome. Because this is a full-day speedboat excursion with approximately one hour of travel each way between Nassau and Exuma, parents should consider whether their child will be comfortable spending an extended day on the water. Children under 2 are not permitted on this tour.

What happens if rain is in the forecast?

A forecast showing rain does not necessarily mean the tour will be cancelled. Our captains consider wind speed, wind direction, sea conditions, thunderstorms and other weather factors when determining whether it is safe to travel to Exuma. If Born Free Charters cancels the tour because of unsafe weather conditions, guests will be given appropriate rescheduling or refund options.

What happens if I get seasick?

The ride from Nassau to Exuma includes travel across open water, so guests who are prone to motion sickness should consider taking their preferred motion-sickness medication before departure, following the medication's directions. Sea conditions vary from day to day, and our captains will always operate with guest safety in mind.

What animals will we see on the Exuma tour?

The itinerary normally includes the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Bahamian rock iguanas at Allen's Cay and nurse sharks at Compass Cay. These are free-roaming animals, so wildlife sightings and interactions can never be guaranteed.

Is snorkeling included on the Exuma tour?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included, and the itinerary normally includes snorkeling at the sunken Pablo Escobar plane. Snorkeling is subject to weather, sea and visibility conditions, and the captain may modify or skip a snorkeling stop if conditions are not considered safe.

What is included with the Exuma Island Hopping tour?

Your tour includes a Bahamian-style buffet lunch, bottled water and assorted onboard beverages, snorkel equipment, landing fees and food for the animal encounters. Alcoholic beverages are available for guests ages 18 and older.

Can pregnant guests join the Exuma tour?

No. For safety reasons, our offshore speedboat tours are not suitable for pregnant guests. The tour is also not recommended for guests with chronic neck or back conditions and is not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to use a vertical boat ladder for certain stops.