Three islands can feel like a full vacation day. This private powerboat excursion from Nassau keeps things flexible, with time on nearby cays and islands plus the chance to see marine life up close. It is built for small groups—family, friends, and even small celebration crews that want more control over the day than a large group tour.

I especially like that snorkeling equipment is included and you also get swim with turtles as part of the experience. One thing to consider: the day runs on good weather, and the tour can change if conditions are rough.

Key things that make this excursion worth your time

• Private group up to 12: pay per group, not per seat, so it can work out well with friends or family.
• Swim with turtles included: you are not adding a major upgrade to make the day special.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: fewer logistics, more water time.
• Alcoholic beverages plus snacks: you can keep the vibe easy during the ride and between swim stops.
• Pig Island is optional: you choose if you want to add that stop for $25 per person.

A Private Powerboat Hop From Nassau to Island Cays

This trip is simple in the best way. You start on New Providence Island, board a luxurious powerboat, and head out from Nassau harbour. From there, you cruise past well-known spots on the way to nearby private islands and cays, so you get the Bahamas feeling right away—salt air, open water, and quick access to the places where the water looks good.

A big part of the appeal here is the private setup. When you are not sharing the boat with a crowd, the day feels less scheduled and more like it fits your pace. That matters when the best part of the day depends on water conditions and how long you want to stay at each stop.

You also get a crew that is set up for group fun. The tour description calls the vibe “tranquility,” but the practical reality is: you will spend your time where it matters most—on the water—not stuck in long transfers.

Price and value: paying $1,300 per group (up to 12)

The price is $1,300 per group, with a cap of up to 12 people. That is the main value equation.

If you fill the boat with a full group, it can work out around $108 per person. If you bring fewer people, the per-person cost goes up—but you still might find this style of private outing beats piecing together multiple tours or taxi-and-boat plans on your own.

Where the math gets more interesting is what is included. You are getting:

• alcoholic beverages
• snacks and bottled water
• snorkeling equipment
• and major water experiences like swim with turtles and time for coral reef snorkeling

Lunch is not included, but you do have an on-island option to buy it at beach bars at the stops. So the tour is not pretending you can eat for free. It is more like: you pay for the boat and the water time, then you handle food like a local beach day.

One more thing: the listing shows 5+ bookings last month, which usually signals the operator is steady and people actually like the format. That is not a guarantee, but it is a good sign for consistency.

Your 4-hour flow: harbour cruise, island stops, and time in the water

This is a 4-hour excursion (approx.). With a ride like this, the rhythm matters. You are not trying to squeeze in too much. Instead, you get a straightforward arc: boat ride out of Nassau, then multiple stops focused on snorkeling and marine life.

Here is the pacing you should expect in plain terms:

1) Departure from Nassau harbour

You meet at Bahamas Water Toys & Tours, Marina Way, The Bahamas and board the powerboat. Exiting the harbour takes you from city energy into open water mode fast. On the way out, you will visit top attractions along the coast before you reach the nearby private islands and cays.

Why this matters: the cruising portion sets up the rest of the day. You get that Bahamas feel early, and you are already oriented for where you are headed once you stop.

2) Snorkeling time at the coral reef

One of your main stops is for snorkeling coral reefs. The day includes the use of snorkeling equipment, which is a real time-saver. You do not have to hunt for gear at the last minute, or decide if it is worth the rental price.

What to consider: snorkeling quality depends on water conditions. The good news is that you are on a private boat, so the crew can adjust the day within reason.

3) Swim with turtles

The highlight for many groups is the included chance to swim with turtles. This is not framed as an optional add-on. It is part of the core experience, and you will spend time in the water designed for that encounter.

A helpful way to plan your mindset: do not think of it as a photo-only moment. Think of it as a chance to slow down, stay calm, and enjoy watching wildlife in its own environment.

4) Optional Pig Island stop (add-on)

Pig Island is not included automatically. If you want that experience, you can add it for $25 per person.

If your group is into the pig tradition, great—just treat it as an extra decision point that changes the feel and timing of the day. If you care most about water time and snorkeling, you can skip it and keep the focus on reefs and turtles.

Return trip

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point, so you are not coordinating separate transport at the end.

Snorkeling gear plus turtles: the part you’ll remember

The combination here is the real reason people book this. Most half-day tours either focus on snorkeling or on a single standout animal experience. This one combines both, and it does it with snorkeling equipment included.

Coral reef snorkeling that stays practical

Coral reefs sound big and dramatic, but the practical experience is: you want clear instructions, gear that works, and a short enough swim so you do not burn your energy before the good part.

Since the snorkeling gear is included, you can show up ready. That lowers the friction for families too. Kids and non-swimmers can still enjoy time on the boat and observe, while the snorkelers use the provided gear.

Turtle swim experience built into the ticket

The turtle swim being included is a big deal for value. You are not paying extra for the signature moment. In a half-day window, that matters because it keeps your budget tight and your itinerary simple.

The guide name Tiggey shows up in the best review feedback, with praise for taking groups to the three key experiences: snorkeling, pigs, and the turtle swim. Even if your visit runs with a different crew member, that kind of note usually points to consistent guidance.

If you are the planner in your group, aim for calm expectations. You will get a memorable wildlife encounter, but your best results come from following the crew’s pace and respecting the water conditions.

Pig Island as an optional add-on: choose your vibe

Pig Island is one of those destinations people either love instantly or treat as a quick extra. Here, the good move is that it is not required.

You can add it for $25 per person. That means your group decides based on energy levels and what you want most from the day. Since the tour is only about 4 hours, every added stop can shift the balance.

My practical advice: if your group is mostly there for wildlife and snorkeling, you may want to keep pig time optional. If your group is into the novelty and wants a total “Bahamas day” story for everyone, adding it can be worth it.

Drinks, snacks, and the reality of lunch

This is a “boat day” tour, not a “sit-down meal” day. The essentials are covered:

• alcoholic beverages
• snacks
• bottled water

That means you can keep morale up during the ride and between swim sessions. It is also one less thing you have to manage before you head out.

Lunch: not included, but you can buy it

Lunch is not included, but the tour notes that lunch can be purchased at beach bars on the private islands. That is a practical setup. You get options without paying for an extra package that you might not even like.

What I like about this approach: you can choose what fits your appetite. Some people want something quick after snorkeling. Others want a full meal. Buying on-site keeps the day comfortable.

Meeting point and getting there with minimal stress

You start at Bahamas Water Toys & Tours, Marina Way, The Bahamas. The tour also notes it is near public transportation, which helps if you do not want to rely on taxis for every step.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket. That is one less paper thing to deal with, and it makes last-day changes easier if your plans shift.

In short: it is designed for convenience at the very start, which matters more than people think when you are juggling families, swim timing, and changing weather.

Who this excursion fits best on New Providence

This is built for small groups who want a more personal outing. The tour description highlights:

• family or friends groups
• bachelor or bachelorette small groups
• any group that wants a private, luxurious feel

In real-world terms, it fits best if you want:

• multiple water experiences in a half-day
• included gear so you do not waste time planning rentals
• a group setup that stays calm and controllable

It also says most travelers can participate, which suggests the format is not aimed only at expert swimmers. Still, if your group includes non-swimmers, plan on them spending time enjoying the boat and the scenery while others snorkel.

The only real limiting factor is weather. The tour requires good weather, and if it gets canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book 3 Islands Private Group Excursion?

If you are traveling to New Providence and you want a half-day that focuses on what most people come for—snorkeling and a turtle swim—this is a strong pick. I would book it if your group can fill enough of the group cap to make the per-person math feel fair and if you want a private boat instead of a crowded schedule.

I would pause and rethink if your group is very sensitive to schedule changes. Because the tour depends on good weather, you need a plan B day mindset. Also decide upfront whether Pig Island is worth the extra $25 per person for your crew—because adding it can change how the time feels.

If you want a smooth, water-first experience with minimal extra costs once you are on the boat, this one makes sense.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the 3 Islands Private Group Excursion?

The tour is about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Bahamas Water Toys & Tours, Marina Way, The Bahamas and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can be in the private group?

It is private for your group, with pricing set for up to 12 people.

What is included in the price?

Alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled water, and use of snorkeling equipment are included. Swim with turtles and snorkeling coral reefs are included at no extra cost.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be purchased at beach bars on the private islands.

Can I add Pig Island?

Pig Island stops are not included, but they can be added for $25 per person if you want to interact with the pigs.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

Does the tour use a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour features a mobile ticket.

What happens if the tour is canceled?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.