Rose Island in the Bahamas is a fantastic spot for boat tours—imagine crystal-clear waters, lively marine life, and opportunities to swim with pigs or enjoy a private beach. What stands out here is the variety: whether you want a laid-back day on a private cay or an action-packed speedboat adventure, Rose Island offers something for every taste. A couple of experiences catch our eye: the Full-Day Party Catamaran with a private beach, and the Swimming Pigs, Snorkel, and Lunch, which blends wildlife encounters with snorkeling and sightseeing. Both tours promise fun, but they do differ in length, activities, and vibe, making it easy to pick one that fits your style.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find on this list: From full-day lively catamaran cruises with Bahamian lunch and beach fun to shorter speedboat trips that combine wildlife, snorkeling, and sightseeing—each offers a different way to experience Rose Island’s waters. Now, let’s look at each tour in detail to see what makes them special.
1. Nassau: Full-Day Party Catamaran with Private Beach & Lunch
For about 6 hours, this full-day party catamaran offers a lively and relaxing way to spend your day on the water. The journey starts on a powered catamaran, which is perfect for enjoying the Bahamas’ warm breezes and scenic views. The tour includes exciting activities like snorkeling and swimming at a private beach on an exclusive cay—an ideal spot to stretch out and soak up the sun. One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to swim with friendly pigs, a unique Bahamian experience that turns a simple swim into a memorable adventure.
Food is a big part of this tour, with a delicious Bahamian lunch served onboard, complemented by a signature complimentary rum punch—a hit for those wanting to unwind with a drink in hand. Plus, the tour offers various beach activities that make it perfect for families or groups seeking a fun-filled day. The reviews generally reflect high satisfaction for its lively atmosphere and excellent value, especially considering all activities are included.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a full day of fun, good food, and socializing on the water, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for groups looking for a party vibe combined with relaxing beach time.
2. Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Snorkel and Lunch by Speed Boat
This 4-hour speedboat tour packs a punch with its variety of wildlife encounters and scenic stops. It starts from Carnivale Bahamas on Paradise Island, where you’ll hop onto a speedy vessel for a quick 15-minute ride to Rose Island. The itinerary includes snorkeling at a coral reef teeming with colorful fish, a perfect escape for those keen to see marine life up close.
One of the main draws is swimming and feeding the famous swimming pigs at Rose Island—an experience that’s both charming and amusing. But this tour doesn’t just focus on pigs; it also offers wildlife viewing at Green Cay, where you might spot green turtles from the boat, and a quick stop at Sandy Cay (Gilligan’s Island) for photos. The tour includes a lunch at a fun beach bar, making the most of the Bahamas’ casual vibe.
Reviewers highlight the exceptional customer service and the value of seeing multiple sights in just a few hours. The itinerary’s speed makes it ideal for travelers short on time but eager to enjoy a variety of activities. The multiple stops, wildlife, and snorkeling combine for a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want wildlife, snorkeling, and sightseeing all in one quick trip. It’s especially good if you want to maximize your time and see a range of the area’s natural beauty.
How to Choose
When selecting your boat tour in Rose Island Bahamas, consider your priorities: Do you want to relax all day on a large catamaran with food and drinks? Or are you more interested in a quick, wildlife-focused adventure? For longer, lively days with plenty of beach time, the Full-Day Party Catamaran is the way to go. If your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of the Bahamas’ marine life and pigs, then the Speedboat Tour offers excellent value and variety.
Think about your travel companions: Families with kids might prefer the more relaxed, inclusive atmosphere of the catamaran, while adventurous couples or groups who love wildlife and snorkeling will likely enjoy the speedboat’s energetic pace. Also, check the reviews and consider your budget—both tours are priced competitively given their experiences.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak season. For the best experience, plan your tour when the weather is calm, typically from late fall to early spring.
Final Thoughts
Rose Island Bahamas offers a range of boat excursions that showcase the best of the region’s waters, wildlife, and beaches. For a lively, full-day experience with a party atmosphere, the Full-Day Party Catamaran is hard to beat. If you’re after a shorter, wildlife-packed adventure with snorkeling and sightseeing, the Swimming Pigs, Snorkel, and Lunch by Speed Boat makes a perfect choice.
No matter which tour you pick, early booking and good planning will ensure you get the most out of your time in this beautiful part of the Bahamas. Each option promises a memorable day on the water—just choose the one that fits your pace and interests best.