Top Excursions in the Bahamas Nassau (Swimming Pigs, ATVs & Island Tours)

Location: Nassau, Bahamas

If you’re planning a trip and wondering which of the many Bahamas excursions are actually worth your time and money, I’ve got you.

We stayed at Baha Mar and loved every second of the pools, beaches, and restaurants. But as amazing as the resort was, some of our favorite memories came from leaving it.

Here are the three best excursions in the Bahamas Nassau, including the one I would book again in a heartbeat.

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Top Excursions in the Bahamas Nassau:

1. Exuma Full-Day Swimming Pigs Powerboat Adventure

Operator: Discover Bahamas
Cost: Approximately $429 per adult, $379 per child
Duration: 8 hours (including the 1.5-hour boat ride each way to the Exumas)

If you’re looking for the best of all Bahamas excursions, this is it. Yes, it is expensive. But I can promise you that it is 100% worth it.

This was hands-down the best thing we did in the Bahamas.

The boat leaves directly from the dock at Baha Mar, which makes it incredibly easy if you’re staying at the Grand Hyatt, Rosewood, or SLS. No transportation logistics. No stress.

What You’ll Experience on the Salt Shaker

We originally booked this tour for the famous swimming pigs… but the pigs ended up being just one small part of the adventure.

Here’s what made this one of the most unforgettable Bahamas excursions — and easily one of the top excursions in the Bahamas Nassau:

Feeding rock iguanas at Allen’s Cay
Visiting Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane (legend has it it went down after being overloaded with $100 billion worth of drugs)
Swimming with friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay
Cruising past private islands owned by celebrities like Johnny Depp and Louis Vuitton
Relaxing on a secluded private island beach in the Exumas

And then… the pigs.

As we approached the island, the pigs swam out to circle our boat like great white sharks. We had to throw food just to distract them long enough to get off the boat. It was wild and chaotic, but we had lots of laughs.

While the kids were entertained by the piglets, I was entertained by the giant male pig knocking over anyone with food in their hands. The whole interaction only lasted about 20 minutes, but that was enough.

Beyond the pigs, this tour gives you a true sense of the beauty of the Exumas… the unreal turquoise water, untouched islands, and the kind of scenery that doesn’t even look real. The boat was fast and comfortable and the crew made sure everyone was having a good time.

If you only book one excursion, make it this one. It’s truly one of the most iconic excursions in the Bahamas Nassau for a reason.

2. A&A ATV Scooter Tour

Operator: A&A ATV Scooter Rentals & Tours
Cost: Approximately $250–$300 per vehicle (varies by group size)
Duration: About 4 hours

This was recommended to us by our taxi driver because my husband really wanted to do an ATV tour.

Some companies will rent ATVs to you without a guide, but she recommend against that. You won’t know where to go, and navigating Nassau on your own can be confusing.

Instead, George and Shari from A&A met us right in our hotel lobby with a UTV that fit up to six people.

My husband drove (while slightly panicking because they drive on the opposite side of the road from us). But they made it really easy and safe.

Here’s how it worked: Shari led the way on her ATV, we followed behind in our UTV, and George brought up the rear on his scooter. At rotaries, he would ride ahead and actually stop traffic for us so we could safely pass through. We felt like we were in a presidential motorcade. It was such a fun and surprisingly smooth way to navigate Nassau.

We also had walkie talkies so she could tell us about the important sights we were passing and we could ask her questions. The kids thought it was the best.

Stops Along the Way

This is one of the most culturally immersive excursions in the Bahamas Nassau for families. Along the way, we explored a bat cave and visited the historic Queen’s Staircase.

We stopped at a chocolate factory and watch cigars being rolled. Our tour guides had us sample local foods and drinks, and they even took the kids to their favorite ice cream shop. It was four hours of exploring beyond the resort walls, and it gave our kids a genuine look at Nassau life.

3. Pirate Jeep Tour

Operator: Pirate Jeep Tours Nassau
Cost: Approximately $139 per adult, $109 per child
Duration: Approximately 2.5–3 hours

If you’d rather sit back and be escorted around the island, this is a great option.

We actually wanted to do this one, but it was completely sold out during our stay, which tells you something.

The Pirate Jeep Tour visits many of the same major highlights as the ATV tour, but you ride comfortably in an open-air jeep with a guide who shares local history and stories along the way.

If driving yourself feels intimidating, this is one of the most popular Bahamas excursions for good reason.

Why You Should Leave the Resort

I know. The beach chairs are calling. The pools are perfect. The frozen drinks are flowing.

But here’s the thing: it’s not real life.

Don’t get me wrong, Baha Mar is incredible. We loved it. But some of our favorite memories from the entire trip came from stepping outside the gates.

It was important to us to show our kids the culture of the place we were visiting. The food, the people, the history, the neighborhoods, that’s what makes travel meaningful.

And if safety is a concern, we never once felt unsafe on any of these Bahamas excursions. Nassau felt welcoming, vibrant, and full of life.