Exuma Ferry Guide 2025: Swimming Pigs, Tours & Island Paradise

Hey there! I'm Sarah Chen

Nassau tour guide • 8 years showing off Exuma • Swimming pig whisperer

Let me spill the tea about getting to Exuma - it ain't as straightforward as hopping on a ferry like you might think! After guiding hundreds of tourists to those famous swimming pigs, I've seen every possible way to reach this slice of paradise. Whether you're a budget backpacker willing to rough it on a mail boat or ready to splurge on a speedboat tour, I've got you covered. Trust me, those crystal-clear waters and adorable pigs are worth every bit of the journey!

Your Options for Reaching Exuma Paradise

From overnight adventures to speedy day trips

Traditional Mail Boats

Budget Adventure Option

MV Grand Master & Captain C

Departs: Potter's Cay, Nassau

Duration: 10-14 hours overnight

Schedule: Tuesday departures mainly

Basic bunks (if you're lucky!)

One-way from

$40-45

Day Trip Speedboat Tours

Best Overall Experience

High-speed powerboats

Departs: Nassau/Paradise Island

Duration: 8-10 hour day trip

Includes: Swimming pigs visit

Lunch & drinks included

Per person from

$220-350

Fly & Tour Combo

Fastest & Most Comfortable

Small plane to Staniel Cay

Departs: Nassau Airport

Flight: 30-40 minutes

Includes: Local boat tour

Best for: Limited time

Full package from

$450-600

What You'll Experience in Exuma

The highlights that make every trip unforgettable

Swimming Pigs

The stars of Big Major Cay! These friendly piggies swim right up to your boat. Pro tip: hold food high or they'll mob you!

Nurse Sharks

At Compass Cay, swim with gentle nurse sharks. They're like underwater puppies - totally safe and absolutely incredible!

Iguana Feeding

Allen's Cay is home to endangered rock iguanas. They'll eat grapes right from your hand - prehistoric and awesome!

Pristine Beaches

365 islands means 365 beaches! From secluded sandbars to Instagram-famous spots, each one's more gorgeous than the last.

Thunderball Grotto

Snorkel where James Bond filmed! This underwater cave system is magical at low tide when sunlight filters through.

Starfish Point

Crystal-clear shallows filled with massive starfish. Remember: look but don't touch - they need to stay underwater!

Sarah's Insider Tips for Exuma Success

Secrets I've learned from 8 years of island hopping

Budget Smart

Mail boats are cheap but exhausting. Day tours cost more but include everything - lunch, drinks, all stops. Do the math: separate flights + local boat tours often cost MORE than all-inclusive speedboat tours!

Best Times to Visit

November to May is prime time - perfect weather, calm seas. Avoid cruise ship days (Tuesday/Thursday) for less crowded pig beaches. Early morning tours beat the crowds to all the best spots!

Pack Like a Pro

Waterproof phone case is ESSENTIAL. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (they check!), underwater camera, dry bag, and cash for tips. Leave the fancy jewelry at home - salt water ruins everything!

Pig Etiquette

Those pigs are FAST swimmers and food-motivated! Hold food high, feed from the boat first, then wade in slowly. They can be pushy - kids should stay close to adults. Best photos: early morning when they're hungry!

Seasickness Prevention

Those speedboats FLY over waves! Take Dramamine the night before AND morning of. Sit in the middle-back of boat, eyes on horizon. Skip the heavy breakfast - trust me on this one!

Photo Secrets

Best swimming pig shots: squat low in shallow water. For sharks: underwater camera on video mode. Thunderball Grotto: go at low tide for that magical light. Your guide knows all the best angles!

Real Talk About Mail Boats

Look, I gotta be straight with you - mail boats are an ADVENTURE, not a cruise. You're looking at 12-14 hours overnight on a working freight boat. No restaurant, basic facilities, sleeping on deck if bunks are full. It's authentic island life for sure, but after seeing tourists arrive exhausted and miss half their Exuma time recovering... I usually recommend the speedboat tours. Same price range when you factor in accommodations and local transport!

Trusted Tour Operators I Recommend

These crews know their stuff and treat the animals right

Exuma Water Sports

Top-Rated Local Company

5-star reviews on TripAdvisor

Multiple tour options daily

Great for families

Based in Great Exuma

Full day from

$290

Pieces of 8 Tours

Premium Nassau Tours

Luxury 38' Fountain boats

Onboard bathrooms

Premium service

Paradise Island pickup

All-inclusive from

$350

Coastline Adventures

Best Value Option

Competitive pricing

Free hotel pickup

Small group tours

All major stops included

Day tours from

$250

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