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

A private boat carries you from New Providence past Paradise Island and the famous Gilligan’s Island filming area toward Green Cay and Rose Island. The best part is the freedom to shape the four-hour outing around your group: snorkel with sea turtles, fish a reef, stretch out on a white-sand beach, or add the swimming pigs stop.

I like the small private group, limited to eight people, and I like having both snorkeling gear and fishing equipment included. Captain Frenchie, along with crew members such as Mario and D, is praised for keeping children involved and adjusting the outing to suit the group.

The main caution is the weather. Wind can make the sea rough, turn clear water cloudy, and limit which beach or reef you can reach. Also, swimming with the pigs costs an extra $35 per person, and lunch and alcohol are not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Private 28-foot boat: Your group has the vessel to itself, with twin 250-horsepower motors.
• Sea turtles and reef snorkeling: Green Cay offers a chance to see fish and turtles in clear water when conditions cooperate.
• Rose Island beach time: Expect white sand, swimming, sunbathing, and optional food or activities.
• Fishing is included: Rods, bait, tackle, and the option of an electric reel are provided.
• Pig swimming costs extra: The advertised price is $35 per person, separate from the tour.
• Flexible four-hour plan: You can spend more time fishing, snorkeling, or relaxing, depending on the day and sea conditions.

Why this private Nassau boat trip works so well

This outing is less like a fixed sightseeing cruise and more like hiring a boat for your own half-day plan. That matters in the Bahamas, where one person may want to fish, another may want to snorkel, and someone else may be happiest on a quiet beach.

The boat holds up to eight people, so the $850 group price can be reasonable for a full family or friend group. Split among eight, it comes to $106.25 per person before any tip or add-on costs. A smaller group pays more per person, but you gain privacy and control over the pace.

I especially like the mix of activities. You are not locked into four hours of one thing. The crew provides snorkels and fishing equipment, while soft drinks, water, and a small snack are included. The snacks are simple, such as granola bars or chips, so bring a proper meal if your group needs one.

Leaving New Providence past Paradise Island

The route begins around New Providence, with views of Paradise Island and the water around Nassau. The boat also passes the famous Gilligan’s Island area, connected to the 1960s television show.

This early part of the trip is more about the setting than a formal attraction. You will see the islands from the water and get a look at the expensive homes around what one guest called billionaires row. It is a pleasant way to start, but the real action comes when the boat reaches the reefs and beaches.

The vessel is a 28-foot open-hull boat with twin 250-horsepower motors. That gives the captain plenty of power for moving between New Providence, Green Cay, Rose Island, and nearby fishing areas. At the same time, an open boat gives you less protection from sun, wind, and spray. Bring sun protection and clothing that can handle a wet ride.

Green Cay snorkeling with fish and turtles

Green Cay is the main water stop. Here, you can put on the provided snorkel equipment and explore around a reef where fish and sea turtles may be found.

The conditions make a big difference. On a calm day, the water can be clear enough to see many fish and swim near turtles. Several people described seeing large numbers of fish and spending time in the water with sea turtles. Dolphins have also been spotted during the ride, though that is an extra bit of luck rather than a promised part of the tour.

Wind can change this experience quickly. Rough water may make snorkeling tiring, and stirred-up sand can reduce visibility. One outing had to use a smaller, murkier snorkel area because of wind and water conditions. The captain explained that the weather also limited access to calmer beaches.

That is worth keeping in mind if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. The tour includes the equipment and takes you to good areas, but no boat operator can guarantee clear water, calm seas, turtles, or dolphins on a particular day.

For families, the private format is useful. Captain Frenchie has been praised for helping nervous children, including a six-year-old, and for making sure kids can take part in fishing and snorkeling at their own comfort level. A private boat also lets your group pause or change plans more easily than a large shared excursion.

Rose Island and the white-sand beach

After the reef stop, the boat heads to Rose Island. The beach is the main reason to come ashore: white sand, warm water, and room to swim or sit in the sun.

This is where the pace slows down. You can use the stop to dry off after snorkeling, take a swim, or simply enjoy the beach. Some outings include time for lunch, drinks, beach swimming, and even volleyball at a beach bar. Food and drinks at the island are not part of the $850 tour price, so bring money or confirm the available options with the operator before departure.

Rose Island is also connected with the optional pig-swimming activity. The advertised extra charge is $35 per person. The basic boat trip can include a stop to see the pigs, but feeding and participating in the organized pig experience may carry that separate fee.

This distinction matters. Make sure everyone in your group understands what is included and what is not before you arrive. A past disagreement centered on guests believing the pig activity was included, while the operator said the $35 charge had been explained in advance. Clear communication at booking can prevent a sour ending to an otherwise good day.

Fishing around Rose Island and Paradise Island

Fishing is not just a backup activity here. The trip includes light-tackle fishing around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island, with rods, bait, and tackle supplied.

You can also choose between regular fishing poles and an electric reel. That gives families and mixed-age groups another way to take part. Children may enjoy this part as much as snorkeling, especially because the crew can help them handle the equipment.

The fishing is reef fishing rather than a dedicated offshore sport-fishing charter. If you want a serious trophy-fish trip, this is probably not the right product. If you want to give fishing a try during a scenic private boat outing, it is a useful inclusion and adds variety to the day.

Because the tour is private, you can spend more or less time fishing based on your group’s interest. Several people praised the crew for letting them decide how to divide their time among fishing, snorkeling, turtle watching, and beach stops.

What Captain Frenchie and the crew add

The captain is a major part of the experience. Captain Frenchie is repeatedly described as warm, attentive, and flexible, with crew members including Mario and D also receiving praise.

That matters on a private charter. You are not paying only for a boat moving from one point to another. You are paying for a captain who can read the conditions, find suitable water, help with equipment, and keep the day moving without making it feel rushed.

The crew also seems especially attentive to families. Children have been helped with fishing, reassured in the water, and included in the boat experience. One child was even allowed to sit near the captain’s chair for a special moment. You should still supervise children closely, but the private setup gives the crew more opportunity to notice what each person needs.

The crew’s flexibility has limits. They cannot control wind, water clarity, or the availability of every beach stop. A good captain may change the route for safety, which can mean giving up a planned calm beach or using a less ideal snorkeling location.

Price, group size, and what you really get

The price is $850 per group of up to eight people. That is a large upfront cost, but the math changes if you fill the boat. Eight people pay $106.25 each, while four people pay $212.50 each.

For a full group, the price offers solid value because it includes a private boat, captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, tackle, water, soft drinks, and a snack. You also get several activities in one half-day outing rather than paying separately for a boat ride, a snorkel trip, and a fishing session.

The value is weaker for a small group that mainly wants one short swim. In that case, compare the price with shared boat tours. The private option makes the most sense when you value privacy, have children or mixed interests, or want control over the timing.

Remember to budget for the $35-per-person pig activity if that is important to you. Alcohol is not included, and lunch is not included in the listed package. Tips are also not part of the price, and several comments suggest bringing money for a gratuity if the crew takes good care of your group.

Practical details that affect your day

The tour lasts about four hours, so it works well as a half-day activity. It gives you time on the water without taking the entire day away from Nassau or Paradise Island plans.

The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed, and the departure area is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should consider your group’s comfort with boat travel, swimming, snorkeling, and climbing on and off the vessel.

Wear a swimsuit and bring sun protection. A towel, dry clothes, and a waterproof case for phones are sensible choices, though only the listed inclusions are guaranteed. Since the boat is open, expect sun and wind rather than an enclosed cabin.

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose 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.

Who should book this Rose Island tour?

I would choose this tour for a family or friend group that wants several choices in one outing. It suits people who want to snorkel, fish, swim, see turtles, and spend time on a beach without joining a large shared boat.

It is also a good match for families with different energy levels. One person can fish while another snorkels, and the group can spend more time at the activity everyone enjoys most. The crew’s reported care with children is another reason families may prefer this format.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is guaranteed calm water, perfect visibility, or a quiet empty beach. The Bahamas are sunny, but wind still matters. Conditions can force route changes, make the sea rough, and reduce the quality of snorkeling.

Should you book it?

Book this private Rose Island trip if you value flexibility and personal attention more than a fixed, low-cost itinerary. The combination of sea turtles, reef snorkeling, fishing, white-sand beach time, and optional pigs gives you plenty to do in four hours.

Before paying, confirm the pig activity fee, ask how the group will handle lunch, and make sure everyone understands the weather policy. If your group can fill most of the eight seats, the $850 price makes better sense. If you want a simple beach transfer or a dedicated fishing charter, choose a more focused trip instead.

FAQ

How long is the Rose Island private boat tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private boat is available for a group of up to eight people.

What activities are included?

The tour includes snorkeling, beach time, and the option to fish with provided rods, bait, and tackle. Fishing poles or an electric reel may be available.

Are snorkeling equipment and fishing gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, and tackle are provided.

Are food and drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips are included. Alcoholic beverages and lunch are not included.

Does the tour include swimming with pigs?

Swimming with the pigs is an optional activity that costs $35 per person. The regular tour can include a stop connected with the pigs, but the organized activity and feeding may require the extra payment.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.