$499
Per Person
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 either Scheduled Airline flights or private Charter Flights (as requested and at additional cost). Scheduled Airline flights depart from the Nassau International Airport Terminal and Private Air Charter flights depart from the Private Terminal (normally confirmed by the Charter Operator upon booking).
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.
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 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. [As of 04/20/2019 we are no longer offering the Turtles add-on]
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 make an enquiry using our booking form in the sidebar or 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.
Private Tour Pricing: with private flights contact us for group pricing and availability.
Children Pricing: $250 per child under age 6. Infants under age 2, and can fly on a parents lap go free.
Important Notes
Please note this tour is not operated by Bahamas Air Tours, but local Bahamas operators. Customers will be booking direct with local operators. For the group tour option, we need a minimum of 48 hours notice (2 days before) to take your booking and get it confirmed with the issue of tickets. Confirmation of your booking and place on the tour is only made after both payment and issue of flight 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.
Day Trip Itinerary Timings*
7:00 AM: Nassau Airport check-in (Flight schedules may vary, refer to your itinerary confirmation email). You should ensure you arrive to be checked in no later than 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 (Timing varies according to progress of the tour). Free time to visit the marina, beach or village in Staniel Cay.
3:30 PM: Transfer to Staniel Cay Airport for check-in
5:00 PM: Flight Departs Staniel Cay
5:30 PM: Arrival back in Nassau
*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.
What to Bring
If you choose the 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 (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 07:00AM 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!
- DepartureNassau Lynden Pindling International Airport; Domestic Departures Terminal A
- Departure TimePlease arrive by 07:00 AM for check-in, flight departs promptly at 08:00 AM.
- Return TimeApproximately 5:00 PM
- IncludedFlights by Scheduled 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!
11 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.