If you only have a morning, this is the trip that ticks the most boxes. Run by the local outfit Delfincharters and sold on Tiqets, the Bahamas Boat Adventure leaves from Woodes Rodgers Walk, the waterfront promenade beside the cruise port, at 10:00, and spends three hours in the cays and shallows off New Providence. You swim with friendly pigs on a nearby island beach, look for sea turtles grazing in the sea grass, and snorkel over coral where parrotfish, sergeant majors and blue tangs dart between the heads. Unusually for a short tour, the price includes water, soft drinks, snacks, alcoholic drinks and all landing and facility fees, so there are few surprises on the day. It works especially well for cruise passengers, because the meeting point is a few minutes’ walk from the ships and the timing leaves plenty of margin before all-aboard. It is a short, fun, social outing rather than a deep-water expedition.
How it works: meet on Woodes Rodgers Walk in downtown Nassau before the 10:00 departure; the tour lasts about three hours and you show the ticket on your phone. Included are water, soft drinks, snacks, alcohol, and the landing and facility fees for the islands you visit. Lunch, private transport and tips are not included. You can cancel or reschedule for free up to 24 hours before the start and receive a full refund.
What to expect: the boat runs out of the harbour and along the coast to the nearby cays. At the pig beach the animals splash out to meet the boat, then the crew looks for sea turtles, which surface to breathe in the shallow sea grass beds, before the snorkel stop over reef. Snorkel time is relaxed, in clear water that is often shallow enough to stand nearby, so it suits beginners. The listing does not name the exact islands, which vary with weather and sea conditions.
Making the most of it: wear swimwear and bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a light cover-up for the ride back. Give the turtles space and never touch or chase them. Eat a good breakfast first, since only snacks are provided, and plan lunch at the waterfront or the Fish Fry afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A three-hour boat trip from downtown Nassau with a swimming pig beach, a turtle stop and a reef snorkel, drinks and snacks included.
Best time
The 10:00 departure on a calm day, when the shallows are clear and turtles are easiest to spot.
How long
About three hours on the water, back downtown in time for lunch.
Tips
Eat breakfast first, wear swimwear under your clothes and give the turtles plenty of space.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Cruise passengers and short-stay visitors who want pigs, turtles and a snorkel in one morning.
- Families
- Good for confident young swimmers, with shallow water and a short ride.
- Couples
- A light, fun morning that leaves the afternoon free for the beach.
- Pair with
- Lunch at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry, a short taxi ride west along the waterfront.
- Time needed
- Three hours.
Good questions
Where does the tour start?+
It meets on Woodes Rodgers Walk in downtown Nassau, close to the cruise port. The boat leaves at 10:00.
What is included?+
Water, soft drinks, snacks, alcohol and all landing and facility fees are included. Lunch, private transport and tips are not.
Which islands does it visit?+
The listing does not name specific islands, and stops depend on weather and sea conditions. You visit a pig beach, a turtle area and a reef near New Providence.
Is it good for beginners?+
Yes, the snorkel stop is in calm, clear water and the crew helps first-timers. You should still be comfortable swimming in the sea.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule for free up to 24 hours before the start. Later changes are not refunded.