Imagine gliding across crystal-clear waters, the warm Bahamian sun on your skin, as you venture out to explore the stunning Exuma Cays. This island-hopping tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the famous swimming pigs of Big Majors Cay, where you’ll have the chance to feed and swim alongside these charismatic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t end there – snorkeling with nurse sharks, encountering rare Bahamian rock iguanas, and savoring a delicious local lunch all await, providing a glimpse into the Bahamas’ natural wonders. Get ready to learn about a world of island magic and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Points
- A day-long adventure exploring multiple islands in the Exuma Cays, including the famous swimming pigs of Big Majors Cay.
- Snorkeling with nurse sharks at Compass Cay and observing rare Bahamian rock iguanas at Allen Cay.
- Enjoy a delicious local lunch on Great Exuma during the tour.
- Transportation by speedy powerboat from Paradise Island, with convenient pickup and drop-off at the same terminal.
- Includes snacks, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, and all required fees, catering to a maximum of 25 travelers for personalized attention.
Tour Overview
This guided tour from Paradise Island whisks travelers onboard a speedy powerboat to the stunning Exuma Cays, where they’ll explore multiple islands in a single adventure.
The expertly-led excursion includes a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on Great Exuma, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the islands.
Along the way, they’ll encounter the famed swimming pigs of Big Majors Cay, swim alongside nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and visit Allen Cay to see rare Bahamian rock iguanas.
Snorkeling around a wreck rumored to have been Pablo Escobar’s plane at Normans Cay adds a thrilling touch to this unforgettable island-hopping experience.
Key Highlights
The tour’s key highlights begin with the chance to see the famed swimming pigs of Big Majors Cay, where visitors can observe these unique creatures as they splash and frolic in the crystal-clear waters.
Next, the tour takes guests to Compass Cay, where they can swim alongside gentle nurse sharks, an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
The journey also includes a visit to Allen Cay, home to the rare Bahamian rock iguanas, providing a glimpse into the diverse wildlife of the Exuma Cays.
The final highlight is the opportunity to snorkel around a sunken wreck rumored to have been Pablo Escobar’s plane at Normans Cay, adding a touch of mystery and adventure to the tour.
Inclusions
The tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the overall experience, such as snacks and light refreshments served onboard the boat.
Plus, travelers can enjoy local Bahamian beer (for those 18 and older) as well as bottled water.
The use of snorkeling equipment is also provided, allowing guests to comfortably explore the marine life.
For added convenience, the boat is equipped with a restroom, and all required landing and facility fees are covered as part of the tour package.
These inclusions ensure that participants can fully enjoy the Exuma Island hopping adventure without having to worry about additional expenses or logistics.
Meeting and Pickup
Checking in for the tour commences at 8 AM at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, where participants gather before embarking on their Exuma Island hopping adventure.
The tour guide ensures a smooth start, greeting everyone and providing final instructions. Excitement builds as the group boards the speedy powerboat, eager to explore the stunning Exuma Cays.
With the meeting point conveniently located, travelers can easily access the departure point and begin their day of island-hopping without any logistical hiccups.
At the end of the tour, the boat returns to the same terminal, allowing participants to seamlessly transition back to their Nassau accommodations or continue their Bahamian exploration.
The efficient pickup and drop-off process ensures a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Additional Information
Owing to the active nature of the tour, the experience isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. Participants should maintain a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the island hopping and swimming activities.
Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must be seated on laps during the boat ride.
With a maximum of 25 travelers per group, the intimate tour ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.
While the tour isn’t suitable for everyone, those with the right level of fitness and health can look forward to an unforgettable day exploring the Exuma Cays, swimming with nurse sharks, and encountering the famous Bahamian rock iguanas.
Exploring Big Majors Cay
After exploring the diverse landscapes and marine life across the Exuma Cays, the tour makes its way to the highlight of the day – Big Majors Cay, home to the world-famous swimming pigs.
As the boat nears the island, the playful pigs can be seen frolicking in the crystal-clear waters, eager to greet the visitors. Guests can’t help but be captivated by the pigs’ endearing personalities as they swim up to the boat, eagerly awaiting treats.
The opportunity to interact with these unique animals is truly unforgettable, with highlights including:
- Feeding the pigs by hand from the boat
- Wading into the shallows to swim alongside the pigs
- Snapping photos and videos of the pigs’ playful antics
- Observing the pigs’ social dynamics and curious nature
- Marveling at the pigs’ impressive swimming skills
Snorkeling at Compass Cay
From Majors Cay, the tour continues to Compass Cay, where snorkelers can enjoy a captivating underwater world.
Beneath the crystalline waters, a vibrant coral reef provides shelter for a diverse array of marine life, including the iconic nurse sharks that have made this cay a must-see destination.
As visitors don their snorkel gear and glide through the warm, turquoise waters, they’ll be greeted by the graceful movements of the nurse sharks, which are known for their gentle nature.
The opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a rare glimpse into the Bahamas’ rich marine ecosystem.
Visiting Allen Cay
The tour then proceeds to Allen Cay, where visitors have the chance to observe the rare Bahamian rock iguanas that call this island home. These fascinating creatures, endemic to the Bahamas, bask on the sun-kissed shores, their vibrant colors and prehistoric features captivating onlookers.
As the group approaches, they’ll be struck by the iguanas’ curious nature, often approaching visitors with an air of gentle inquisitiveness.
Some key highlights of the Allen Cay stop include:
- Spotting the iguanas’ distinct spiny backs and crested heads
- Watching the iguanas scurry across the rocky terrain
- Learning about the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species
- Snapping photos to capture the iguanas’ unique beauty
- Exploring the island’s serene beaches and coastal landscapes
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Island Stop?
The tour spends varying amounts of time at each island stop, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the unique experiences. Time is allocated to explore the highlights at each destination, from swimming with nurse sharks to admiring the iconic Bahamian rock iguanas.
Are There Any Opportunities for Wildlife Spotting Besides the Pigs and Iguanas?
Along with the famed swimming pigs and rare iguanas, travelers can spot a variety of seabirds, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles during the island-hopping tour. The diverse Bahamian wildlife offers ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Alcoholic Beverages Provided?
The tour provides local beer for guests 18 and older, though there’s no stated limit on the number of alcoholic drinks allowed. Moderation is encouraged to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment throughout the day’s activities.
Can Guests Bring Their Own Snacks and Beverages?
Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own snacks and beverages on the tour, as the tour provider includes light snacks, bottled water, and local beer for guests’ enjoyment. This helps ensure a smooth and catered experience.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a stated minimum age requirement, but it’s not recommended for infants. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and won’t be able to consume the included alcoholic beverages.
Recap
This Exuma island-hopping adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the Bahamas’ natural beauty.
From swimming with the famed pigs of Big Majors Cay to snorkeling with nurse sharks and encountering rare iguanas, this tour provides a uniquely intimate experience with the islands’ captivating wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Capped off with a delicious local lunch, this exhilarating day promises to leave a lasting impression on any visitor to the Exumas.
