Half Day Pigs Turtles Reef and Ship Wreck Snorkeling

Make a morning of Nassau’s best water stops. This private boat trip packs shipwreck and reef snorkeling, swimming pigs, green turtles, a beach break, drinks, and a short harbor tour into roughly four hours. I like the private group format, which lets up to six people share the boat rather than joining a large outing. I also like the useful mix of food, soft drinks, water, alcohol, and snorkel gear included in the price.

The main consideration is timing. You may spend only a short while at each stop, and feeding the pigs costs an extra $20 per person. The sea also controls the schedule, so poor weather can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

Quick points to know

• Private boat for up to six: The $700 rate covers the whole group, making the price more reasonable when six people share it.
• Three kinds of water time: You get shipwreck snorkeling, reef snorkeling, and a swim with green turtles.
• Pig feeding costs extra: The optional pig feed is $20 per person and is not part of the tour price.
• Captain Martin gets strong praise: Guests describe him as safe, friendly, accommodating, and ready to add fun touches such as music, drinks, and fresh-cooked seafood when available.
• Beach time closes the outing: After the water stops, you can swim or relax under a beach tent with chairs.
• Meet at Montagu Beach: The boat leaves from the Fort Montague area at 8:00 a.m., with paid pickup available for $15 per person each way.

A private Nassau morning on the water

This tour is built for a small group that wants several classic Bahamian activities in one outing. You meet at Montagu Beach, near Fort Montague, then board a boat for a route around New Providence Island and nearby cays.

The private setup matters. You are not simply one party among many on a large scheduled boat. Your group of up to six shares the activity, which can make the pace feel more personal and gives you a natural setting for a family outing, a group of friends, or a small celebration.

The listed price is $700 per group. If six people join, that works out to about $117 per person before any paid pickup or pig feed. For two people, the price is much harder to justify unless you place a high value on having a private boat. The value improves sharply as your group gets closer to six.

The advertised duration is approximately one to four hours, with the planned outing described as four hours. That is enough time to sample several stops, but not enough for long, unhurried sessions at all of them. Think of it as a fast-moving sampler of Nassau’s nearby waters rather than a full-day island cruise.

Harbor views and a look toward Paradise Island

The morning begins with a short harbor tour while the boat leaves the meeting point. The route passes Paradise Island and includes views of celebrity homes along the way.

This opening gives you a pleasant change of pace before the snorkeling begins. It is also a good time to settle into the boat, listen to the guide, and take photographs. If you enjoy seeing the polished side of Nassau from the water, this part adds context to the day without taking up much of your time.

The tour uses an in-person English-speaking guide. Captain Martin has received especially warm praise for making people feel safe and keeping the mood easygoing. That combination is useful on a trip with several water activities, particularly if your group includes people who are not regular snorkelers.

The exact boat route can depend on sea conditions. The tour requires good weather, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if weather makes the outing unsafe or impractical.

Shipwreck snorkeling comes first

The first water stop is a shipwreck. A wreck gives snorkeling a different feel from a plain stretch of reef because the boat, structure, and surrounding water create a clear point of interest.

You receive snorkeling equipment as part of the price. That saves you from packing a mask, snorkel, and related gear, although you may still prefer to bring your own equipment if you have a favorite fit. Towels are not included, so pack one.

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable getting into the water, swimming or floating with snorkeling gear, and getting back onto the boat. The supplied information does not specify the wreck’s depth, the time spent there, or the exact style of boat ladder, so it is sensible to ask the operator if anyone in your party has mobility or swimming concerns.

The wreck is followed by reef snorkeling near Rose Island. That second stop gives you a useful contrast. Instead of focusing on a single man-made structure, you can look around a natural reef area and see what the water conditions offer that day.

Reef snorkeling near Rose Island

Rose Island brings the tour into the clear coastal waters that make this part of the Bahamas so popular. The reef stop is not presented as a technical snorkel session. It is a straightforward chance to use the provided gear, see marine life, and enjoy the water close to Nassau.

Keep your expectations sensible. Reef conditions and visibility change with weather, wind, and water movement. The trip includes a shipwreck and a reef, but it does not promise a particular species count or guarantee a certain level of visibility.

The biggest strength here is variety. You are not spending the full morning at one site and hoping it matches your interests. You get a wreck, a reef, turtles, and a beach. That makes the tour a good fit for someone who wants a broad taste of the area in limited vacation time.

The tradeoff is that variety usually means less time at each site. If your main goal is serious underwater photography or extended reef exploration, a dedicated snorkeling trip may suit you better. If you want a lively morning with several memorable stops, this format makes more sense.

A photo stop near Gilligan’s Island

After the snorkeling stops, the boat passes the famous Gilligan’s Island for photographs. This is a short sightseeing moment rather than a full stop with a detailed island visit.

It works well as a break between water activities. You can stay aboard, take pictures, and enjoy the view before heading toward Green Cay. The stop also adds a bit of pop-culture interest to the route, though the supplied details do not promise time ashore or an organized tour of the island.

If photographs matter to you, keep your phone or camera ready. The timing may be brief, and the boat will continue to the next stop. A waterproof phone pouch would be a practical item to bring, although it is not listed as part of the equipment.

Swimming with green turtles at Green Cay

Green Cay is the turtle stop, and it is one of the most distinctive parts of the outing. You can swim near friendly green turtles in their natural water setting.

This is different from seeing animals in an enclosed attraction. You are entering the turtles’ environment, so conditions and sightings can vary. The tour describes the turtles as friendly, but it does not guarantee a specific number of turtles or a set amount of time in the water.

Your guide’s role matters here. The strongest praise for the crew centers on safety, friendliness, and a willingness to make the day enjoyable. Listen closely to instructions and give the turtles room. A calm approach is better than chasing animals for a close photograph.

For many people, this will be the morning’s highlight. Swimming with turtles feels more personal than simply taking a boat past a scenic view, and it gives the tour a clear point of difference from an ordinary beach cruise.

Optional pig feeding at Rose Island

The pig activity is optional and costs $20 per person. That charge is separate from the $700 private boat price, so confirm how many people want to participate before you go.

Feeding and petting the pigs can be a fun addition, especially for families and anyone who has placed swimming pigs high on a Bahamas wish list. The trip’s strongest praise includes comments about the pigs being sweet and allowing people to feed and pet them.

Still, the pig stop deserves a little practical caution. The activity is not included, and the provided details do not spell out how long you spend with the pigs or exactly where the feeding takes place in the sequence. Ask the crew on the morning of the trip so you know how it fits with the other stops.

You should also follow the guide’s instructions when feeding or touching animals. The fun comes from seeing them up close, not from crowding them. If some members of your group are more interested in turtles and snorkeling, the optional fee lets you avoid paying for an activity they do not want.

Beach chairs, shade, snacks, and drinks

The final stop is a beach where you can swim or relax beneath a beach tent and chairs. This is an important part of the schedule because the morning includes several active water stops. A quiet stretch onshore gives you time to dry off, eat, and enjoy the surroundings.

Snacks, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included. That is a useful convenience on a four-hour boat trip, especially when you are moving between sun, salt water, and physical activity. You can also ask the operator about dietary restrictions before the outing.

Past outings with this company have included good food, music, and drinks made to suit the group. One particularly memorable addition was freshly cooked crawfish after a catch, though you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of this specific half-day schedule. The core inclusions are snacks, nonalcoholic drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol is included, but it is wise to pace yourself. You still need to swim, climb aboard, and stay aware of instructions. The water activities come before the beach break, so saving alcoholic drinks for later may be the smarter choice.

What the $700 price really buys you

At first glance, $700 is a high price for a half-day activity. The calculation changes when you fill the boat. Six people sharing the cost pay about $117 each, before extras. That is competitive for a private outing that includes a guide, boat time, snorkeling equipment, drinks, snacks, several water stops, and beach time.

For a group of four, the cost is $175 per person. For two, it rises to $350 each. I would recommend this most strongly to a group that can use the full capacity.

The private format is the main reason to pay more. You get your own group setting instead of accepting the rhythm of a large shared boat. You also have a varied route that would be difficult to arrange independently in one morning.

Remember the extra charges. Pig feed is $20 per person, and optional pickup or drop-off costs $15 per person each way. Pickup can be requested, but the normal meeting point is Montagu Beach near Fort Montague.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a little of everything: wildlife, snorkeling, a scenic boat ride, a beach, food, and drinks. It suits families with older children, groups of friends, couples traveling with another couple, and cruise or resort visitors who want a private morning close to Nassau.

It is also a good choice for a first visit to the Bahamas. You can sample several signature activities without committing to separate bookings.

I would think twice if you dislike changing activities, need long periods of quiet snorkeling, or are uncomfortable in the water. The trip requires moderate physical fitness, and the schedule is active. Anyone with dietary needs should contact the operator in advance rather than assume every preference will be covered on the boat.

The 8:00 a.m. start is another point to weigh. An early departure leaves room in your afternoon, but you need to reach Montagu Beach on time. If you do not want to arrange your own transport, paid pickup can be requested.

Booking, weather, and cancellation advice

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. It is near public transportation, though the information provided does not give a specific route or fare.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Cutoff times use local Bahamas time.

Weather matters more here than with a land tour. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. The outing also requires a minimum number of participants, and failure to meet that minimum can lead to another date, another activity, or a full refund.

Should you book the Rose Island snorkeling tour?

Book it if your group can share the $700 price and wants a private, busy morning with pigs, turtles, snorkeling, a beach, and refreshments. The best value comes with five or six people, and the private setting gives the captain and crew room to make the day feel personal.

I would not book it solely for one activity. Pig feeding costs extra, turtle sightings depend on conditions, and each stop may be fairly brief. But as a compact Nassau sampler, this tour offers a strong mix of water time and easy fun, with Captain Martin’s friendly, safety-focused style adding to its appeal.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Montagu Beach near Fort Montague in Nassau, The Bahamas.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The tour is described as approximately one to four hours, with the planned itinerary listed as four hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

Up to six people can participate in the private activity.

What snorkeling stops are included?

The route includes snorkeling at a shipwreck and at a reef near Rose Island. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is pig feeding included in the price?

No. Pig feed costs $20 per person and is not included in the tour price.

Are food and drinks provided?

Yes. The tour includes snacks, soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

The normal meeting point is Montagu Beach. Pickup and drop-off can be requested for $15 per person each way.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you can be offered another date, another activity, or a full refund.