Da'PigBeach
Rating
Family of 4
USD 120-200 for a family of 4 depending on the tour operator and whether lunch is included.
Duration
2-3 hours including boat ride
About
Rose Island's swimming pigs have become one of the most photographed animal encounters in the Caribbean, and the boat tours that run from Nassau make the experience accessible to families visiting Paradise Island or downtown Nassau.
The pigs at Rose Island live on a small beach and have learned to swim out to meet arriving boats, drawn by the food tourists bring. Kids can stand in shallow water and feed them by hand, which is equal parts thrilling and hilarious — pigs are surprisingly fast swimmers and surprisingly gentle eaters.
Most Da'PigBeach tours run 2-3 hours round trip and include time on the beach before or after the pig encounter. The boat ride itself is a treat — the waters between Nassau and Rose Island are clear turquoise, and kids often spot fish through the hull. Bring a change of clothes for the kids because everyone ends up wet, and bring waterproof sandals since the beach entry is shallow but sandy.
Toddlers who can be held can participate; the activity is not suitable for infants or kids who are afraid of animals.
Parent Logistics
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning departures (before 11am) catch calmer seas and softer light for photos. Avoid afternoons when wind picks up.
Wait Times
Minimal — tours depart on schedule. Book at least a day in advance.
Nearby Food
Most tours return to Nassau's Paradise Island Ferry Dock area, where you are a short walk from Atlantis resort restaurants and the Atlantis marketplace food court.
Why Kids Love It
Swimming pigs are genuinely magical for kids. The moment those pink snouts appear at the side of the boat and the pigs wade right up to your hands, kids completely light up. It is one of those experiences that every child talks about for years after the trip.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Bring cut fruit or bread to feed the pigs — it makes the encounter much more interactive and the pigs stay closer longer.
- Book the morning tour. Afternoon trips can have rougher water and the pigs are sometimes less active after peak feeding time.
- Confirm the specific beach location before booking — some operators go to Exuma's swimming pigs (a longer trip) while others go to the closer Rose Island pigs.
What to Bring
- Waterproof phone case or action camera — you will want photos and you will get wet
- Change of clothes and water shoes for the kids
- Reef-safe sunscreen applied before departure (required on most eco-conscious tours)
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 120-200 for a family of 4 depending on the tour operator and whether lunch is included.
Most tours run USD 30-50 per person.
Tips to Save
- Book directly through local operators at the Nassau docks rather than through hotel concierges or resort desks, which add a markup.
- Some tours include snorkeling gear — confirm before booking so you do not rent equipment separately.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
