Powerboat and Snorkel Experience with Swimming Pigs and Turtles

The star of this three-island outing is the mix: you snorkel a reef, meet swimming pigs, look for turtles at Green Cay, and get time on sandy beaches. It packs a lot into 3.5 hours without turning the day into a long open-water cruise.

I like the small custom Donzi boat, which can cover ground quickly and carries a restroom inside the center console. I also like the easy extras: snorkeling gear, bottled water, and soft drinks are included, so you can focus on the sea rather than buying supplies at every stop.

The main consideration is comfort on a small powerboat. The ride can be lively, and the schedule depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings. One account also describes a banana boat incident, so ask the crew about safety equipment before taking part in any optional water activity.

Key points at a glance

• Three distinct stops: Snorkel near Rose Island, meet the swimming pigs, and look for turtles at Green Cay.
• Small, fast boat: The 35-foot Donzi carries a maximum of 14 guests, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large sightseeing vessel.
• A useful onboard restroom: The facility inside the center console is a real comfort on a half-day boat trip.
• Sandy Cay adds a beach break: You get time to relax or play on the sand, at a place featured in a Gilligan’s Island trailer.
• Good value at $145: Gear, captain, guide, water, soda, and the powerboat ride are included, but lunch is not.
• Bring your bearings: Meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal and look for Secret Cays among the boats near the Margaritaville restaurant.

What this Bahamas boat trip is really like

Secret Cays keeps the plan simple: board at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, head out by powerboat, and spend the morning or afternoon moving between sea life and sand. The total time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is long enough for several stops but short enough to fit around other plans in Nassau.

The experience works best if you want variety. You are not signing up for a full-day beach outing or a long, technical snorkeling session. Instead, you get several appealing snapshots of the waters around New Providence Island.

The boat is a custom 35-foot Donzi Marine center console. That matters because the boat is small enough to feel personal, yet substantial enough to include a restroom and carry snorkeling equipment. The maximum group size is listed as 14, although some booking information gives a maximum of 15. I would plan on a group of up to 14.

The captain and guide handle the route and activities. Captain J is named in one of the trip accounts, along with a second crew member, and the crew is described as patient, friendly, and attentive. Music is also part of the ride, which gives the trip a casual day-on-the-water feel rather than a formal lecture.

Starting at Paradise Island Ferry Terminal

Your meeting point is the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Drive. This is a practical location, but it may take a moment to find the correct boat. The area has several boats and operators near the Margaritaville restaurant, and Secret Cays’ boat may show the company name only once.

I would arrive early and look specifically for Secret Cays rather than assuming the first boat is yours. Keep your mobile ticket ready, since confirmation is provided at booking and the ticket is mobile.

The meeting point is also useful for anyone staying near Paradise Island or using public transport. The activity ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from the final stop.

Before boarding, confirm the plan with the crew. Ask about the order of stops, the current sea conditions, and any optional activity such as a banana boat ride. That quick check can prevent confusion later, especially if you have children, weak swimmers, or anyone who is not comfortable in choppy water.

Snorkeling near Rose Island

The first major water activity takes place near Rose Island, where you use the supplied snorkeling equipment to see reef life. The appeal here is access. You do not need to rent gear separately or bring your own mask and fins unless you prefer your personal equipment.

The reef is described as full of aquatic life, but conditions at sea always affect visibility. Clear, calm water can make this the most visually rewarding section of the trip. Wind or waves may make the water less comfortable, and the exact reef conditions can change from day to day.

I like the way this stop gives you time in the water before the beach and animal encounters. It makes the outing feel like more than a sightseeing cruise. You get to take part rather than simply look over the side of the boat.

That said, this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling trip. If your main goal is a long session at several reefs, you may want a tour built around snorkeling alone. Here, the reef is one part of a wider route that also includes pigs, turtles, and sand.

Use the crew’s instructions, stay aware of the boat, and do not assume that a calm surface means no current. The provided equipment makes the stop convenient, but you remain responsible for choosing how far and how long you swim.

Meeting the swimming pigs

The swimming pigs are the most playful stop on the route. You can meet, feed, and interact with them, making this the part most likely to appeal to families and anyone looking for a memorable photo opportunity.

This encounter is different from the reef stop because it is social rather than observational. Instead of searching underwater for fish, you are close to animals that are accustomed to visitors. Follow the captain’s instructions about feeding and keeping your hands safe.

The pigs are a strong reason to choose this trip over a basic snorkeling cruise. They add a light, unusual moment to a morning that could otherwise be mostly swimming and sun. You also avoid spending the whole excursion on one type of activity.

The tradeoff is that animal encounters are not fully predictable. The setting and timing can affect how active the pigs are, and the stop may feel more crowded if several boats are in the same area. The small group size helps, but it does not guarantee a private encounter.

If you are booking for children, explain that the pigs are still animals, not tame pets. Keep food controlled, listen to the crew, and leave room for other people at the stop. A little patience usually makes the interaction safer and more enjoyable.

Green Cay and the turtle sanctuary

Green Cay brings a quieter wildlife stop. The turtle sanctuary is the place to watch for sea turtles in their natural setting, and this is likely to be the most rewarding section for anyone who prefers calm observation over active play.

You might see several turtles, and one account describes a turtle with a remora attached. That kind of detail shows why it pays to slow down and watch carefully. Turtles may surface, rest, or pass below the boat without putting on a show.

The crew can help you spot them, but the encounter remains dependent on nature. You should not expect a guaranteed number of turtles or a close approach every time. The value is in visiting an area known for turtles and having a guide who knows where to look.

This stop also balances the energy of the pigs. After feeding animals and moving between islands, watching turtles gives you a chance to settle down. I would bring polarized sunglasses if you have them, though the tour only promises snorkeling equipment, water, and soda.

Sandy Cay and the beach pause

Sandy Cay adds time on land, or at least time away from active swimming. You can relax on the beach or play in the sand, and the location appeared in a trailer for Gilligan’s Island. That bit of screen history is a fun detail, but the real draw is the simple setting: sand, water, and a break from the boat.

The stop gives you room to choose your own pace. You can walk, sit, take photos, or let children play. It is a useful pause in a busy itinerary, especially if you do not want to snorkel continuously.

Do not expect a full beach-club setup. Lunch is not included, and the available information does not promise chairs, umbrellas, changing rooms, or beach service. Treat Sandy Cay as a natural beach stop and bring only what you can manage easily.

The crew provides bottled water and soft drinks, but lunch is your responsibility. Since the full outing lasts only about three and a half hours, many people may be comfortable eating before or after. If you need a meal at a set time, plan around the tour rather than counting on food during it.

The boat, group size, and comfort

The 35-foot Donzi is central to the experience. A powerboat lets the crew cover the route efficiently, so you can see more than one island and still have time for snorkeling and wildlife stops.

The smaller format also helps the social side of the trip. You are not spread across a large deck or separated from the guide by a crowd. The crew can give direct instructions, help with equipment, and keep an eye on the group.

The downside is space. A small boat gives you less room to move around than a larger catamaran, and the ride may feel bouncy in rougher conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual precautions and choosing a calmer weather window.

The onboard restroom is a practical advantage. It sits inside the center console, so you have a facility during the outing rather than needing to wait for the next island. It is not a substitute for a full boat cabin, but it makes the half-day route more comfortable.

Water and soda are included. Those small provisions matter in the Bahamian sun, especially when you are swimming and sitting on a boat for several hours. Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and any personal items you need, but do not expect lunch to be supplied.

Safety and weather matter here

This trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of bookings is not reached, with the choice of another date, another experience, or a full refund.

That policy is fair for a marine activity, but it can affect a tightly planned holiday. Avoid scheduling the tour on the final possible day of your stay if seeing the pigs, turtles, and reef is a top priority.

The provided information says most people can participate, but it does not give a detailed accessibility statement. You should contact Secret Cays if you have mobility concerns, medical needs, or questions about boarding and swimming.

One account describes being flipped from a banana boat and feeling frightened, especially because a passenger was not a strong swimmer. A banana boat is not listed among the core inclusions, so do not assume it is part of every departure. If it is offered, ask for a life jacket before boarding and be clear about your swimming ability.

Is $145 a fair price?

At $145 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time on the water in Nassau. The price becomes easier to justify because it combines several paid-style activities in one outing: a powerboat ride, reef snorkeling, swimming pigs, turtle viewing, a beach stop, captain and guide service, snorkeling equipment, water, and soda.

You also save time by not arranging separate transport to different islands or booking an additional turtle or pig encounter. The 3.5-hour length is useful if you want to keep part of the day open for Nassau or Paradise Island.

The value is weaker if you only want one activity. A dedicated snorkeling trip may give you more time in the water, while a beach transfer may cost less if you do not care about pigs or turtles. Think of this as a variety package, not a single-purpose excursion.

The small boat is another part of the value. You are paying for access to a limited-size group rather than a large vessel. The maximum of 14 people should make the experience more direct, although the exact group size depends on the departure.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want several classic Bahamas experiences in one manageable trip. It suits you if you like moving between activities and do not want to spend the whole day on a single beach.

It is also a good fit for people who enjoy wildlife but do not need a guaranteed close encounter. The pigs and turtles are the highlights, while the reef and Sandy Cay keep the day from feeling repetitive.

You may want another option if you dislike small boats, get seasick easily, need a long snorkeling session, or require a fully detailed accessibility plan. The same applies if you want lunch included or prefer a slow, quiet beach day.

Book at least a little ahead if possible. The experience is booked an average of 19 days in advance, which suggests that popular departure dates can fill before your holiday begins. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Secret Cays powerboat tour?

Book it if you want a compact Bahamas sampler with reef snorkeling, swimming pigs, turtles, and a sandy island stop. The combination is the real selling point, and the small boat, onboard restroom, included gear, and friendly crew make the price easier to accept.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day, a long technical snorkeling session, or a large stable boat. Also ask about any banana boat activity and life jackets before taking part.

For most people with about half a day free, this is a well-balanced way to get on the water from Paradise Island. Bring sun protection, arrive early to find the Secret Cays boat, and keep your expectations flexible because sea conditions guide the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Drive in The Bahamas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The powerboat and snorkel experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $145 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the powerboat ride, captain and guide, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes snorkeling near Rose Island, a swimming pig encounter, turtle viewing at Green Cay, and time at sandy beaches including Sandy Cay.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour information gives a maximum of 14 travelers in one place and 15 in another. Plan for a small group of up to 14 people.

Is the tour available with a mobile ticket?

Yes. The experience offers a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.