Drive Your Own Speedboat in Nassau: Pigs, Snorkelling and What You Really Steer
6 min read
Self-drive speedboat trips are the only way to get to the pigs and back with your own hands on the wheel. Read the small print, though: on the most popular one you take the helm “some of the way”, not the whole way.
For most people the answer is the self-drive speedboat ride with the pig encounter: 4.4 stars from 122 reviews, two hours, a 2-person speedboat, pigs and snorkelling included. Prefer a reef to pigs? The mini speedboat and snorkelling adventure is 1.5 hours and cheaper. Not fussed about driving at all? The three-hour express pig trip is €35.99 less and has more than twice the reviews.
Four options, compared
| Option | Duration | Price | Rating | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini speedboat and snorkelling | 1.5 hours | €79.84 per person | 3.9 (21 reviews) | A short drive and a reef stop |
| Self-drive speedboat with pigs | 2 hours | €136.09 per person | 4.4 (122 reviews) | Couples who want to steer and meet the pigs |
| Express pig trip, 2 islands | 3 hours | €57.34 per person | 4.1 (270 reviews) | Pigs without driving, for less |
| Speedboat and guided ATV with lunch | 4 hours | €249.49 per person | 3.7 (12 reviews) | A driving-themed half day |
Who holds the wheel
The speedboat and pig encounter (Cruising Adventures) is a 2-seater, a small group of at most 10, and the description says you have “the opportunity to take the wheel some of the way”. The destination is Athol Island: you feed and swim with the pigs, snorkel, and return by speedboat. The inclusions list a banana boat ride, but one reviewer says “the banana boat part was skipped”, although “the boat ride/driving was a very fun”. Ask the operator what the day includes before you count on it. The meeting point is at Arawak Cay Drive, and the activity takes place rain or shine.
The mini speedboat adventure (the same operator) puts you in sole charge of a 2-seater across Nassau’s clear water after a short safety briefing, then you anchor at a snorkelling spot. Fuel and boat insurance are listed, along with snorkel gear, life jackets and bottled water. The guide speaks English, Spanish and French. Only 21 reviews and a 3.9, so expect a smaller, rougher product than the pig trip.
The speedboat and ATV day (Triple D’s ATV Rentals) lets you drive a quad and a boat, or ride as a passenger in both. Lunch and a shuttle pickup are included. The description mentions a speedboat in one place and a jet ski in another, so ask which one you will get. Must be 18 or older to drive or operate machines, and bring a driver’s licence. Twelve reviews, and a 3.7.
What the express trip gives up
The express pig trip has you at the pig beach on Athol Island in about 25 minutes by the operator’s own account, for less money and with a much larger crowd of reviews. What you give up is the steering. If the pigs are the point and the driving is a bonus, the cheaper trip is the sensible one; if you want a story about driving a boat to a pig beach, the speedboat is it.
Who should not book
- The speedboat and pig encounter states on its booking page that it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions.
- The ATV and speedboat day states on its booking page that it is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 3.
- Neither boat listing mentions a driving licence or a minimum age for the person at the helm; the ATV day does (18 and a licence). Ask the operator who may drive before you book.
If you are weighing the safety of a first-time boat drive, ask the operator what the briefing covers; we cannot tell you what happens at sea. Read the snorkelling guide if the reef stop is new to you.
Our recommendation
For most people: the self-drive speedboat with the pig encounter, €136.09, 4.4 stars from 122 reviews — two hours, pigs, snorkelling gear, and your hands on the wheel for part of the way.
Check prices and availability for the self-drive speedboat with pigs
If you do not need to steer: the express pig trip, €57.34, 4.1 stars from 270 reviews. Not worth it unless you specifically want the quad as well: the speedboat and ATV day, with only 12 reviews and a 3.7.
See dates for the express pig trip
More options: the 43 swimming pig trips from €45.36.
