Full Day All Inclusive Sail & Snorkel with Turtles in Rose Island

A Day in the Bahamas: Sailing, Snorkeling, and Turtle Watching at Rose Island

If you’re dreaming of a full day on the water in the Bahamas, this Full Day All Inclusive Sail & Snorkel with Turtles in Rose Island offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and good food. For $193.05 per person, you get roughly eight hours of sailing from Paradise Island, snorkeling off Rose Island, viewing turtles off Green Cay, and unwinding on an uninhabited beach that looks like a postcard. Guided by The Flying Cloud, this tour promises a memorable day, especially if you enjoy a lively boat atmosphere with all-you-can-drink bar and a hearty BBQ lunch.

What we love about this trip is the combination of beautiful scenery and inclusive amenities that make for a hassle-free experience. The buffet lunch of BBQ chicken and ribs paired with salad, rice, bread, and fruit means you won’t go hungry or thirsty. And the chance to see sea turtles in their natural habitat—though not swimming with them—adds a special touch to the day. However, one potential concern is the cancellation policy—a single review notes a last-minute cancellation without notice, which is something to keep in mind if planning for a specific day.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a guided, all-in-one boat experience with a focus on comfort and convenience. If you’re looking for a quick, fun day on the water with a bit of snorkeling and wildlife viewing, this could be a good fit. But if you’re seeking a more intimate or flexible experience, or if last-minute cancellations are a worry, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Bar with unlimited drinks and a hearty BBQ lunch.
• Scenic Stops: Snorkeling off Rose Island, viewing sea turtles at Green Cay, and relaxing on an uninhabited beach.
• Duration & Logistics: About 8 hours from pickup to return, with a 10:00 am start.
• Group Size & Booking: Up to 50 travelers, booked typically 53 days in advance.
• Potential Drawback: One review mentions a last-minute cancellation, so flexibility may be limited.
• Ideal For: Travelers seeking a hassle-free, guided water day with wildlife and beach time.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Start and Meeting Points
The tour kicks off at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal at 10:00 am, a convenient spot for most visitors staying on Paradise Island or Nassau. The pickup option simplifies logistics, and since the tour ends back at the same meeting point, you can plan your day with ease. The tour is designed to fit comfortably into an 8-hour window, accounting for travel time.

The Itinerary Breakdown
The day is structured around three main stops, each offering distinct experiences. The boat departs Paradise Island, heading toward Rose Island, where you’ll snorkel in clear, inviting waters. We loved the idea of snorkeling off Rose Island—it’s reputed to be some of the best in the Bahamas, with plentiful marine life and calm conditions.

Next, the boat cruises to Green Cay, a nearby island off Rose Island, renowned for turtle spotting. Here, the focus is on viewing sea turtles, not swimming with them, which is an important distinction. According to reviews, this adds a special flavor to the day, especially if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. Be prepared for some gentle wildlife watching in a natural setting.

Finally, you’ll spend some time on an uninhabited beach—a perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, or take photos of the stunning shoreline. This unspoiled stretch of sand is what many travelers find most appealing, with turquoise waters lapping at your feet and no crowds.

Snorkeling & Marine Life
The snorkeling anticipated at Rose Island is described as “some of the best,” with clear waters and vibrant reefs. We loved the idea of exploring coral formations and spotting tropical fish, which are common in these waters. However, keep in mind that the tour’s focus is mostly on viewing turtles at Green Cay rather than swimming alongside them. If underwater exploration is your priority, this tour’s snorkeling might meet your expectations, but it may not satisfy those seeking extensive reef diving.

Food & Drinks
The included buffet lunch is a significant highlight—barbecue chicken and ribs with salad, rice, bread, and fruit. This hearty meal offers good value, especially after a morning of water activities. The all-you-can-drink bar ensures you stay refreshed, which is especially appealing in the Bahamas’ warm climate. The relaxed, social vibe on the boat is enhanced by this inclusive setup.

Group Size & Atmosphere
With a maximum of 50 travelers, the group is moderate—small enough to feel personalized but large enough for a lively boat environment. Many appreciate the camaraderie that develops on such trips, especially with the open bar and shared meals.

Potential Drawbacks & Considerations
One review mentions a cancellation the morning of the tour—about an hour before departure—without prior warning. This highlights the importance of confirming your booking and perhaps having a backup plan. The policy states cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, but last-minute cancellations can happen, possibly due to weather or operational issues.

Another point to consider is the cost. While the tour is all-inclusive, some travelers might find the price on the higher side compared to smaller or more flexible options. But remember, you’re paying for convenience, transportation, food, drinks, and guided wildlife viewing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a guided, inclusive day on the water with minimal hassle. If you enjoy a social atmosphere, hearty meals, and the chance to see turtles and snorkel in warm, clear waters, this tour can provide a memorable experience. It’s particularly good for those who prioritize comfort and convenience over a more secluded or customizable adventure.

However, if you’re concerned about potential cancellations or prefer a more flexible, intimate setting, you might want to explore other options or confirm your booking well in advance. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see a variety of highlights in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation from Paradise Island, snorkeling off Rose Island, viewing sea turtles at Green Cay, a hearty BBQ buffet lunch, and an all-you-can-drink bar. It also covers admission to the stops and snorkeling gear.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the meeting point later in the afternoon.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
The highlights are snorkeling at Rose Island, viewing sea turtles at Green Cay, and relaxing on an uninhabited beach that looks untouched.

Can I swim with the turtles?
No, the tour is designed for turtle viewing from the boat, not swimming with them. You can expect to see turtles in their natural habitat, but not interact closely in the water.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most travelers can participate, and the calm waters at Rose Island make snorkeling accessible. However, always check with the provider if you have very young children or non-swimmers.

What are the cancellation policies?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations, like one reviewer experienced, may happen with little notice, so plan accordingly.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it possible to book this tour last-minute?
While most travelers book about 53 days in advance, last-minute bookings might be possible if availability exists, but confirm early to avoid disappointment.

To sum it up, this Full Day All Inclusive Sail & Snorkel with Turtles offers a lively, comfort-focused way to experience some of the Bahamas’ best sights in one day. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy social, guided water adventures with good food and wildlife viewing. Be mindful of the cancellation policy and keep your plans flexible if you’re relying on this tour for your Bahamas itinerary. For anyone seeking a collective, all-in-one day on the water, it could be just the ticket—and a fun one at that.