Rose Island: Private Snorkeling, Fishing, and Swimming with Pigs

The best part of this private Nassau boat trip is the freedom to shape the day. Captain Frenchie and crew members such as Mario and D help you spend more time snorkeling, fishing, swimming with turtles, or sitting on Rose Island’s beach, depending on what your group wants. I especially like the private boat for up to eight people and the fact that fishing gear, bait, snorkels, drinks, and a snack are included.

The main drawback is the weather. Wind can make the water rough, limit which beach you can visit, and stir up the water at the snorkel site. Swimming with the pigs is also an optional $35 per person, so check that extra charge before you arrive.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 28-foot boat keeps the day personal: Your group is the only group on the tour, with room for up to eight people.
• Captain Frenchie gets strong praise for his care: He has been especially attentive with children and nervous swimmers.
• Snorkeling may include sea turtles and plenty of fish: Green Cay and the waters around Rose Island are the main draw.
• Fishing is part of the plan, not just a backup: Rods, bait, and even an electric reel option are supplied.
• The $850 price works best for a full group: Split among eight people, it becomes a much better value than booking for only two or three.
• Pigs cost extra: Swimming with the pigs is not included in the charter price and costs $35 per person.

Why this private Rose Island charter works well

A four-hour private boat trip is a good middle ground in the Bahamas. You get more time on the water than a quick harbor cruise, but you are not committing to a full-day charter. Since only your group participates, the pace can fit your family or friends instead of an organized schedule built for strangers.

The boat is a 28-foot open-hull vessel with twin 250-horsepower motors. That gives the crew a fast, capable boat for moving between New Providence, Paradise Island, Green Cay, and Rose Island. It also means you should expect an open-air ride with little shelter from sun, wind, or spray. Bring sun protection and secure anything that could blow away.

The crew is a big part of the experience. Captain Frenchie is repeatedly singled out for being warm, careful, and flexible. He has helped children who were nervous around the water, including one six-year-old who was allowed to sit near the captain’s chair and feel included. That sort of attention matters more than a polished speech when you are handling young swimmers or a mixed group with different comfort levels.

The private format also lets you choose your priorities. One family spent time snorkeling and swimming with turtles, then finished with fishing because that was what the children wanted. Another group focused on beaches, fish, turtles, and pigs. If you want a fixed sequence with every stop guaranteed, this may feel loose. If you want a captain who adjusts the day, it is a strong fit.

Leaving New Providence and passing Paradise Island

The route begins around New Providence, with views toward Paradise Island and its large homes. The ride itself is part of the pleasure, especially when the water is calm and visibility is good. Some groups have enjoyed seeing the impressive houses along the area sometimes called Billionaires Row.

The tour also passes the location associated with Gilligan’s Island from the 1960s television show. This is a fun bit of pop-culture scenery, though you should think of it as something you pass rather than a full attraction with exhibits or a formal stop.

The route can change with the weather. Wind direction and water conditions determine where the captain can take you safely. This is important in the Bahamas, where a sunny sky does not always mean calm water. One outing had to avoid a calm beach because of strong wind, and the snorkel water became cloudy. The crew still worked hard to make the trip enjoyable, but nature had the final say.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the open boat and weather seriously. The tour is better suited to people who are comfortable with a moving boat and changing conditions. Families can still enjoy it, but young children should be watched closely around the boat and in the water.

Green Cay snorkeling and sea turtles

Snorkeling near Green Cay is one of the central experiences. The water is usually presented as clear, with fish around the reef and a good chance of seeing sea turtles. Several outings included close turtle sightings, and some people were able to swim alongside them.

You receive snorkeling equipment as part of the tour, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. Still, if you already own gear that fits you well, bringing it may make you more comfortable. The included equipment is a practical convenience, especially for a family packing light.

The quality of the snorkeling depends on the day. In calm conditions, you may see hundreds of fish and turtles in strikingly clear water. In windy conditions, the same area can become murky and crowded. That is not a flaw unique to this boat. It is simply one reason to keep expectations flexible.

I like that snorkeling is not treated as an all-or-nothing activity. You can swim for a while, take a break, and move on to fishing or the beach. That makes the trip easier for families with mixed interests. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while cautious swimmers can stay near the boat or choose a shorter session.

The crew’s role is especially useful here. They help children get comfortable, point out fish and turtles, and keep an eye on the group. You should still be responsible for your own safety, but the personal attention can make a big difference for first-time snorkelers.

Fishing around Rose Island and Paradise Island

Fishing gives this tour a second focus beyond swimming. The charter includes fishing rods, bait, and the option of using a regular fishing pole or an electric reel. The plan is light-tackle fishing around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island.

This is a useful feature if not everyone in your group wants to snorkel. Children often enjoy fishing because it gives them a clear activity and a chance to work with the crew. One family ended the trip with fishing at the children’s request, and the crew helped them throughout.

You should see fishing as a hands-on reef experience, not as a specialized offshore fishing expedition. The supplied information does not promise a particular species or catch. The value is in trying the activity in beautiful surroundings, learning from the crew, and giving your group another way to enjoy the water.

The flexibility is a real advantage. You might snorkel first, fish later, and then spend the final part of the trip on the sand. Or you can give fishing more time if that is what your group enjoys. On a private charter, the captain can respond to your interests instead of moving a large party along.

Rose Island beaches and the optional pig stop

Rose Island provides the beach portion of the outing. Expect white sand, clear water, and time to swim or sunbathe. This is the moment to slow down after the boat ride and snorkeling.

You may also have the chance to buy lunch, drinks, or other activities on the island. One popular stop mentioned by visitors is Footprints Beach Bar, with food, cocktails, and volleyball. These purchases are not part of the $850 charter price, so bring a payment method and plan for extra costs if you want a meal or bar stop.

Swimming with pigs is optional and costs $35 per person. This fee is separate from the private boat price and does not appear to include the full charter, drinks, or beach time. Ask the crew to explain exactly what the pig stop includes before you agree to it.

The pig stop can also be busy. One outing skipped it because the area had too many people and moved on to other parts of the trip. Another person felt uncomfortable when workers offered food to feed the pigs and said the extra fee had not been clear enough. The operator later stated that the $35 charge was explained before arrival.

My advice is simple: confirm the pig fee and participation details before the boat leaves. You can still visit Rose Island without paying for the pig activity. Several people chose to skip the pigs and had a full day of snorkeling, turtles, fishing, and beaches.

What is included, and what you should bring

The charter includes water, soft drinks, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips. It also includes snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, and the option of an electric reel.

That is enough for a four-hour outing, but it is not a full meal. If you expect to be hungry after swimming and fishing, bring additional food or plan to buy lunch on Rose Island. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

For a comfortable day, I would bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• A swimsuit and a change of clothes
• A towel
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• Extra snacks if you need more than a light bite
• Money or a payment method for lunch, drinks, and the $35 pig activity
• A waterproof case for phones and valuables

The boat is open, so your belongings may get wet from spray even when the weather is fine. Keep valuables in a sealed bag rather than loose on a seat.

Is $850 a fair price for four hours?

The price is $850 per group, with up to eight people. For a full group, that works out to about $106.25 per person before tips and optional purchases. For four people, it becomes $212.50 each. For two people, it is a costly half-day.

That makes the tour best suited to a family group, two couples, or a larger party that can share the cost. A private boat offers more control than a shared excursion, and the price includes several useful extras: crew, boat, fishing equipment, bait, snorkel gear, soft drinks, water, and a snack.

The strongest value comes from flexibility. You are not paying only for a ride to one beach. You are paying for a captain who can combine snorkeling, turtles, fishing, sightseeing, and beach time in one trip. If your group wants different things, the private setup may save you from booking separate activities.

The value is weaker for a small party that mainly wants to lie on a beach. In that case, a shared boat or beach day could cost less. You should also budget for lunch, alcohol if desired, the optional pig activity, and a tip for the crew. One person specifically advised bringing a good tip, which makes sense when the captain is helping children, adjusting the route, and handling several activities.

Weather, timing, and practical details

The experience lasts about four hours and is booked with a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at booking. The charter is private, so only your own group participates.

The tour requires suitable weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can take another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Service animals are allowed, and the experience is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the open boat, swimming, snorkeling, and changing sea conditions mean you should consider your group’s comfort and ability before booking.

Since the trip is weather-sensitive, avoid planning a major nonrefundable activity immediately afterward. Strong wind can affect the route and the clarity of the water even when the tour still operates.

Who should book this Rose Island tour?

I would choose this charter for families who want several activities in one outing. It is also a good choice for friends who cannot agree on one water activity, since snorkeling, fishing, swimming, beaches, and sightseeing can all fit into the same four hours.

It suits you if you value a personal captain and the freedom to change the pace. Captain Frenchie and his crew have shown particular care with children and nervous swimmers, which is a useful advantage for family groups.

I would think twice if you want a guaranteed calm beach, perfectly clear water, or a formal schedule with every stop fixed. Wind may force changes, and the pig stop can be busy. I would also skip it if your group is too small to share the $850 cost comfortably.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you have four to eight people, want a private boat, and like the idea of mixing snorkeling with fishing and beach time. The best version of the trip includes fish, sea turtles, a white-sand stop on Rose Island, and a captain who adjusts the outing to your group.

Before booking, confirm the swimming-with-pigs charge, decide how much time you want for fishing, and plan for lunch separately. If the forecast looks windy, understand that the route and water clarity may change. With those limits in mind, Triple D’s Aqua Adventures offers a flexible and personal way to spend a half-day around Nassau.

FAQ

How much does the private Rose Island tour cost?

The tour costs $850 per group for up to eight people. Swimming with the pigs costs an additional $35 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

What activities are included?

You can snorkel, swim, fish, and spend time on Rose Island’s white-sand beach. The route can also pass Paradise Island, Gilligan’s Island, and Green Cay.

Are snorkeling and fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, and the option of an electric reel are provided.

Are food and drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and lunch may be purchased separately on Rose Island.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.