$499
Per Person
$499
Per Person
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Bahamas Air Tours5 Stars - Based on User Reviews
Nassau to Exuma Day Trip
Discover the beauty of Staniel Cay on this Bahamas Day Trip to the famous Swimming Pigs from Nassau by Plane
Nassau to Exuma Day Trip highlights:
Swimming Pigs
Swim with the famous Exuma Pigs at Pig Beach
Exotic Wildlife
Visit the Bahamas Rock Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
Thunderball Grotto
Snorkel into the James Bond Thunderball Grotto Cave
Swim with Sharks
Swimming with nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
Sand Bars
Discover the amazing Exuma Sand Bars at Pipe Cay
Flights Included
Fly from Nassau to Staniel Cay by Airline or Private Flight
Welcome to one of the most beautiful places on Earth; Staniel Cay and the Exuma Cays
Fly from Nassau to Staniel Cay for the ultimate Bahamas Day Trip to the Exuma Cays. Currently, visiting Staniel Cay and the swimming pigs is one of the most sought after excursions in the world. Flying is by far the most convenient way to enjoy a Day Trip to Staniel Cay and the swimming pigs, not only will you get stunning views of the islands from above, but you’ll avoid the uncomfortable 2 hour boat ride from Nassau that all the other tour operators offer! Not only that but by flying to Staniel Cay you’ll have more time to do the full boat tour of Staniel Cay (see our map at the end), whereas the boat tours from Nassau only visit the Swimming Pigs and Sharks, they miss out the stunning Sand Bars, Thunderball Grotto, sunken plane wreck and Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay! This is the tour you don’t want to miss out on!
Flights from Nassau to Staniel Cay
On the flight down from Nassau to Staniel Cay you’ll fly along the string of islands known as the Exuma Cays, with truly breathtaking views from the aircraft, where every seat is a window seat! You’ll even fly past Johnny Depp’s private island! Flights are included in the total tour price.
The Nassau to Exuma day trip includes Flights. Depending on the day of the week you will be booked on either a Charter Flight on Weekdays (From the Private Terminal “Jet Aviation” at Nassau Airport) or Scheduled Airline flights on Saturdays (from the main Airport Terminal).
The flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay takes approximately 30 minutes.
Staniel Cay Tour by Boat
On arrival at Staniel Cay Airport, you will be transferred to the dock. Your expert local tour guide will take you on a guided tour of Staniel Cay and the Exuma Cays. The size of boat used for this tour will vary depending on group size, but generally the boat will take upto maximum of 10-12 guests (depending on boat size). The boat tour lasts approximately 4 hours. Because of the time spent outdoors in the sun and on the water we advise all customers to wear appropriate clothing and bring sun protection. There is a stop for lunch (additional cost) at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
The Famous Bahamas Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach
Pigs can Swim? Welcome to Pig Beach on Big Major Cay, home to the famous swimming Exuma pigs of the Bahamas. You’ll have the opportunity to go swimming with the pigs! We provide food for feeding these Swimming Pigs, but follow directions from you Guide. Pigs can bite!
There are a number of interesting stories of how these pigs got here at Pig Beach. Some say they were shipwrecked and swam ashore or that sailors brought them here then left and never returned for them. But the real reason is that the villagers of Staniel Cay put them there to avoid smelling out the village. Unlike some operators, we ensure that the welfare of the pigs are looked after by our local partners. For example ensuring they have a supply of fresh water.
Snorkelling into the James Bond Thunderball Grotto
Welcome to the exotic world of James Bond. You can snorkel into the Thunderball Grotto, a cave, made famous as a filming location in the James Bond film Thunderball. We provide all snorkel equipment including vests. Its a short swim (approximately 50m) to reach inside the Thunderball Grotto. You will need to be proficient at swimming and snorkelling to take part in this activity. Very restrictive tide levels and weather conditions can affect this activity so you may be given another snorkelling activity as a substitute.
Exotic Wildlife: Bahamas Rock Iguanas
We visit Bitter Guana Cay, home to the endangered species of Bahamas Rock Iguanas. When you first step foot on the beach during your Bahamas Day Trip, you will feel as if you’ve travelled back in time to the prehistoric era. Dozens of large Bahamian Rock Iguanas emerge from the vegetation at the top of the beach. The early inhabitants of the Bahamas saw the Iguanas as a source of food, and almost hunted them to extinction. Fortunately, they are now protected by the Wild Animals (Protection) Act, allowing them to thrive in this marvellous habitat.
Swim with Sharks at Compass Cay
We take you to Compass Cay, the most northerly point on our boat excursion. At Compass Cay you have the opportunity to swim with Sharks. The type of shark here is the nurse shark, which are for the most part harmless to humans.
Sunken Plane Wreck
We stop at the intriguing underwater wreck of a plane. The plane was used in drug trafficking and ditched here in the 1970’s. This is a short sightseeing stop only. We do not guarantee snorkeling at the Plane Wreck. We can offer extended tour options for guests wishing to spend longer here snorkeling.
Exuma Cays Sand Bars
These stunning sand bars with very shallow waters are a unique feature of the Exuma Cays. Enjoy time exploring this paradise of white sand bars and turquoise blue water around the Pike Cay Sand Bars located close to Compass Cay. (see Staniel Cay Tour Map below)
Staniel Cay Day Trip: Lunch at the Yacht Club
We will visit the beaches around Staniel Cay and visit the Staniel Cay Yacht Club for lunch (to see the Lunch menu at the Yacht Club click here), set alongside the Staniel Cay Marina which is home to luxury super yachts. The Yacht club has a lively bar and full service restaurant. Be sure to visit the Staniel Cay Yacht Club gift shop!
*Please note for Tours in October, the Yacht Club is Shut all month. You can have Lunch at the local fish fry restaurant instead.
Turtles at Farmers Cay: Extended Tour Option* for our Private Tours only
Visit the Turtles at Farmers Cay on our Extended Private Tour option! With our private tour option, our guide will take you on an extended tour to Farmers Cay where you can visit and swim with the Turtles. You can also taste the locally caught and freshly prepared conch dishes. Farmers Cay is a 30 minute boat ride south of Staniel Cay, on the way you will pass more spectacular scenery and private islands. Turtles are available as and add-on to our private charter tour option. Please enquire for pricing.
Return Flights back to Nassau from Staniel Cay
At the end of the Boat Excursion, in the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Staniel Cay Airport. From here you will fly back to Nassau. For the scheduled airline flight option, check-in is at approximately 3:30 PM and the flight departs Staniel Cay at approximately 4:55 PM, returning you to Nassau International Airport at approximately 5:30 PM.
Nassau to Exuma Day Trip: Tour Map of Staniel Cay
How to Book this Tour
Please complete your reservation on our Live Booking Calendar here for the regular tour, or for any Private Tour Requests please contact us here.
Pricing
Prices are Per Person, fully inclusive of scheduled flights, entrance fees, transfers at Staniel Cay, taxes and boat excursion. See list below for what’s not included.
Adults: $499pp, VIP Upgrade +$100pp
Children: $250 per child under age 6 (Ages 2-5), VIP Upgrade +$50pp
Infants: FREE, if under age 2 (Ages 0-1), and can fly on a parents lap go free. VIP Upgrade is FREE.
VIP Tour Upgrade: We now offer a paid upgrade to our VIP tour package which includes hotel transfers in Nassau, a set lunch* and fruit punch served in a souvenir cup during the boat tour. (*Set lunch is one food item off the SCYC lunch menu and a soft drink).
Private Boat Upgrade: We offer Private Boat upgrades for an extra fee. Enjoy our group day trips but from the comfort of your own private boat. Have the added benefit of choosing where and for how long you want to spend at each tour attraction. Contact us for private pricing and availability. Private Boat upgraded tours are available 7 days per week.
Private Day Trips
Available 7 days per week.
Private Day Trip: Enjoy the stunning Exumas with our Private Day Trip that includes private flights, private boat tour and private Nassau hotel transfer service.
Extended Private Day Trip: extends the tour by 2 hours and can include a visit to the swimming with Turtles. Please contact us for private day trips pricing and availability.
Important Notes
Please note this tour is not operated by Bahamas Air Tours, but local Bahamas operators. Each participant must complete a signed waiver before commencing the tour. The tour operator will send these electronically along with your tour confirmation email.
For the group tour option, we need a minimum of 48 hours notice (2 days before) to take your booking and get it reserved with the issue of tickets. Confirmation of your booking and place on the tour is only made after both payment and issue of tickets. Submitting the booking enquiry form on the website does not confirm your booking.
We encourage customers to book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. Last minute booking requests during peak season (March & April) can be hard to fulfil.
We can’t guarantee all stops on the tour itinerary due to weather, sea conditions and progress of the group along the tour route.
Weather: Tours operate Rain or Shine. We only have to cancel tours ahead of time during exceptional weather (tropical storms). Weather in the Bahamas is generally scattered clouds with isolated but fast moving thunderstorms. It is likely you will encounter a rain shower during your tour. For our full terms, conditions and cancellation policy see our Booking Terms.
Day Trip Itinerary Timings for Group Tour only*: Timings vary according to the day of the week.
*Timings are all approximate to give an example of the format of the day trip. Timings will vary due to flight schedules, air traffic control delays, weather conditions and progress of the tour group along the tour route.
Along the boat tour guests will enjoy stops at each attraction for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The Plane Wreck is sightseeing only for around 5 minutes.
Weekdays (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays)
8:00 AM: Check-in at Jet Aviation private terminal at Nassau Airport. Please arrive by 8am.
Note: You will be travelling on a Private Airline, there is no tour representative at Nassau airport.
8:30 AM: Scheduled Airline Flight Departs to Staniel Cay
Note: You will be greeted by your Tour Guide on arrival at Staniel Cay.
9:15 AM: Arrival at Staniel Cay & Transfer to Boat Tour. Boat Tour approximately 4 hours.
1:15 PM: Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
2:30 PM: Transfer to Staniel Cay Airport
2:45 PM: Flight Departs Staniel Cay
3:30 PM: Arrival back in Nassau Airport
Saturdays (Unavailable in 2020, Saturday Tours recommence in 2021)
7:00 AM: Check-in at Nassau Airport, International Terminal. Please arrive by 7am.
Note: You will be travelling on a Scheduled Airline, there is no tour representative at Nassau airport.
8:00 AM: Scheduled Airline Flight Departs to Staniel Cay
Note: You will be greeted by your Tour Guide on arrival at Staniel Cay.
9:00 AM: Arrival at Staniel Cay & Transfer to Boat Tour. Boat Tour approximately 4 hours.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
3:15 PM: Transfer to Staniel Cay Airport for check-in
5:00 PM: Flight Departs Staniel Cay. An early check-in is required since flights may depart upto 30 mins early.
5:45 PM: Arrival back in Nassau Airport
What to Bring
If your tour is scheduled to fly by scheduled airline option you can check-in a bag weighing upto 44lbs with maximum dimensions 24″ x 16″. If you take just carry-on bags you must adhere to the 100ml liquids restriction (ie for sun cream etc). Make sure you pack:
- Photo ID (Government ID is Required for check-in)
- Money for tips ($US accepted in the Bahamas), the Yacht Club accepts credit cards for Lunch
- Cameras
- Battery pack phone charger if you take photos on your phone
- Sun protection; shirt, hat and sun cream
- Swim shorts
- A change of dry clothes.
- Snacks, if you have any specific dietary needs
Cruise Ship Guests on a Nassau Stopover
If you are a cruise ship guest with a scheduled stopover in Nassau, we can accommodate you on a Private Tour by Private Plane, please contact us for availability and pricing. However it is not possible to accommodate you on the “Group Tour by Scheduled Airline option” because there is not enough time for you to do this tour, unless you have an extended stop over. Airline check-in is by 08:00AM and you will return to the airport at 05:00PM approximately (weather can delay timings).
Day Trip to Staniel Cay from Florida
We also have the same itinerary Day Trip available which departs from Florida (Fort Lauderdale / Miami), so you can join us for a Staniel Cay Day Trip before or after your cruise! The tour departs from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport which is 30 Minutes from Port Everglades or 1 hour from Port Miami.
Learn More
Discover more about Staniel Cay and the Exumas in our informative destination guides or Download our FREE Bahamas Guidebook!
- DepartureWeekdays: Jet Aviation Private Terminal at Nassau Airport. Saturdays only: Domestic Departures Terminal A at Nassau Airport.
- Departure TimeWeekdays: Please arrive by 08:00 AM for check-in, flight departs promptly at 08:30 AM. Saturdays only: Please arrive by 07:00 AM for check-in, flight departs promptly at 08:00 AM.
- Return TimeWeekdays 3:15PM. Saturdays 5:45PM.
- IncludedFlights by Private AirlineBoat ExcursionLocal GuideSnorkel EquipmentTowelsBottled WaterFees & Taxes
- Not IncludedTransfers in NassauLunchGratuity
August 6, 2018 at 11:37 am
Our powerboat tour from Nassau was cancelled because of high winds, so that is when I found the Bahamas Air Tour to Staniel Cay. It exceeded all our expectations, really enjoyed the swimming with sharks!
August 15, 2018 at 9:25 am
We really enjoyed your tour especially the Iguana beach that we had all to ourselves! Captain Dave is great, very friendly and personable. My daughter wanted picture perfect photos and he was able to get the pigs in shot! Everything went very smoothly and we really want to come back to Exuma and stay longer.
September 27, 2018 at 2:41 pm
My group of 10 had an awesome time! The flight was a little scary for some because they don’t like big planes, let alone small planes. The boat and guide was great and informative and funny. The pigs and iguana parts we loved, and the sandy beach island was perfect.
October 18, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Did this trip last week and all I can say is BRILLIANT.
From the flight to and from Nassau, the captain, the people – just amazing.
Thank you 🙂
October 26, 2018 at 2:52 pm
This one day trip was fabulous! Perfect weather, seas and Capt Dave. Highly recommend the small group and the flight over the long boat ride, worth the extra money! I plan on doing this again but I wouldn’t do the extra sea turtle experience – 40 extra minutes there and back to Farmers Cay. Best pictures and memories!
14 Reviews
Our kids really wanted to visit the swimming pigs so we tried to book a boat tour from Nassau but there were none available. That’s when we found your tour by plane and really liked the idea of flying versus the long boat ride. We were thrilled that we could go by plane! Captain Dave made the boat tour so memorable, all the little extras and expert knowledge and local stories. Everything was well explained and how to interact safely with the swimming pigs. It felt great not being rushed or having time constraints. We couldn’t visit the Thunderball Grotto because of the tide conditions, but overall this was a 5-star experience, it went smoothly and we got really great photos and experiences together as a family. Your company was very quick to respond to us, we never heard back from the other company we enquired with! We have recommended to all our friends and family and mentioned that you can do this day trip from Miami as well!!
All the boat tours were cancelled that week so that is when my sister found your tour online. We had an excellent trip, Captain Dave was excellent and he looked after us all really well. We only had 6 on our boat tour. The Sharks at Compass Cay were crowded and the platform is very small, they need a bigger dock! Dave is very knowledgeable, knows all the pigs names and showed us how to pick up the baby pigs which I didn’t see other tours doing. He was very accommodating to our need.