Rose Island Bahamas offers a fantastic mix of water-based fun, natural beauty, and quirky encounters that make it a perfect day-trip destination. With crystal-clear waters, lively coral reefs, and playful animals like swimming pigs and sea turtles, it’s easy to see why these tours stand out. We especially like the Pig Beach and snorkeling tour for its lively mix of wildlife, beach time, and relaxed boat ride—it’s a great way to experience a bit of everything in just four hours. Whether you’re into underwater adventures or lounging on the sands, Rose Island’s tours provide authentic, memorable moments you won’t forget.
If you’re planning your trip, knowing your options helps—from the intimate, guided Nassau snorkeling and swimming pigs tour to the full-day party aboard a catamaran, there’s a tour to fit varied interests and schedules. Below, we’ll dive into each of these top-rated experiences to help you decide which is best suited for your kind of island adventure.
1. Rose Island: Pig Beach, Snorkeling, Sea Turtles, Beach
At number 1, this tour combines the best of what Rose Island has to offer—snorkeling, wildlife, and beach relaxation—all within a comfortable four-hour trip. You begin with a speedy boat ride from New Providence, making stops on the way, including exploring Gilligan’s Island, a perfect spot for photos and relaxed lounging. The snorkeling component is a highlight, with coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, making it ideal for underwater photography or just marveling at the marine life.
What really makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to sit with sea turtles in their natural habitat and then splash around in the clear turquoise waters of Rose Island’s beaches. The boat ride itself is fun, with music, drinks, and light snacks creating a lively vibe. Tour guides are attentive and knowledgeable about the local environment, making sure everyone gets the most out of their time in the water and on land.
Bottom line: If your goal is to enjoy a well-rounded, active day with wildlife encounters and scenic beaches, this tour is a top choice. It’s also perfect for families or first-timers wanting a taste of Bahamas’ aquatic life and laid-back island atmosphere.
2. Nassau: Snorkeling, Swimming Pigs, Turtles & Beach Bar
Ranking high with a 5/5 rating and operated from Nassau, this tour offers a comprehensive half-day adventure that’s ideal for travelers wanting to pack in several iconic Bahamas experiences. Starting at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, you’ll cruise to Rose Island for snorkeling, then enjoy a local bar lunch before visiting Pig Beach to swim with the famous pigs.
What makes this experience unique is the small-group setting, ensuring more personalized service, and the broad itinerary that includes Green Cay Marine Life viewing—a bonus for wildlife enthusiasts. The boat is well-maintained, and the tour guide is engaging, sharing insights about each stop. The inclusion of snorkeling, pig swimming, and marine viewing in one trip means you get a full taste of what makes the Bahamas special, all in just four hours.
The only caveat is the tour is best suited for those comfortable with boat rides and active water activities. The lunch at a beach bar adds a casual, local vibe, perfect for relaxing after some underwater exploration.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers looking for an all-in-one Bahamas experience, with the chance to swim pigs, snorkel, and enjoy a scenic cruise, making it a great value for the variety packed into four hours.
3. Paradise Found In Hog Haven: Ultimate Beach Escape
This tour offers four hours of fun, relaxation, and adventure on Rose Island with a focus on active beach pursuits. The trip includes swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even inflatable toys among vibrant marine life. The highlight is meeting the famous swimming pigs—a photo opportunity that’s hard to beat—plus enjoying the rustic beach bar with tasty food, drinks, and lively tunes.
What sets this trip apart is the variety of activities—from water sports to simply lounging on the beach under shaded cabanas or hammocks. The transportation is scenic, with a 30-minute ferry ride each way, adding to the sense of escaping into a tropical haven. The tour is rated 3.1/5 based on reviews, suggesting some room for improvement, but the core experience of meeting the pigs and enjoying water activities makes it worth considering.
This tour is perfect if you want a full, active day with plenty of opportunities to relax or play. It’s best suited for travelers eager to try different water sports and meet the island’s most adorable pigs.
Bottom line: A flexible, activity-rich option for those who want variety and a laid-back beach vibe, though some reviews note the rustic setup may not appeal to everyone.
4. Nassau: Full-Day Party Catamaran with Private Beach & Lunch
For those seeking a longer, more indulgent day on the water, this full-day party offers six hours of fun aboard a powered catamaran, complete with snorkeling, swimming pigs, and a private beach. With a lively atmosphere, it’s ideal for families or groups looking to combine adventure with socializing. The journey includes snorkeling, swimming with pigs, and lunch on a secluded cay, plus time to relax on the private beach.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of water activities and a dedicated beach experience, with complimentary rum punch to toast the day. The focus on fun and comfort makes it a great choice for travelers who want a more social, party vibe and aren’t worried about a packed schedule.
Because it’s a private beach, you’ll have space to unwind, sip drinks, and enjoy the scenery without crowds. The tour is best suited for those with some energy to spend a full day on the water, and who value a lively, social atmosphere over a more secluded experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for groups and families wanting a lively day with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim, and relax with good food and drinks.
5. Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Snorkel and Lunch by Speed Boat
This speedboat tour covers four hours of fast-paced exploration, perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time in Rose Island. Starting from Carnivale Bahamas, the itinerary packs in snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and feeding the swimming pigs at Rose Island, along with stops at Green Cay and Sandy Cay.
The highlight here is the speedboat ride, which whisks you quickly between stops and provides a sense of adventure. You’ll get to spot green turtles from the boat and enjoy a hearty lunch at a beachside bar. The tour is known for excellent customer service and an all-inclusive experience, making it suitable for travelers who want a busy, active day.
Some reviews note the itinerary involves a lot of boat time, which might be tiring for some, but most appreciate the efficiency and variety. It’s a good choice if you want to see maximum wildlife and landmarks in just four hours.
Bottom line: Best suited for energetic travelers who want a fast-paced, wildlife-focused trip with plenty of swimming and sightseeing.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and what you most want to experience. If you love underwater wildlife and relaxed beach time, the Pig Beach and snorkeling tour is a great pick. For a more comprehensive Bahamas adventure with a lively vibe, the full-day catamaran offers more time and social fun.
For active types eager for variety, the Paradise Found tour combines water sports and meeting pigs, while the speedboat provides a quick, wildlife-packed trip. Budget-conscious travelers should also think about how much time they want to dedicate—some tours are half-day, others full-day.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on these popular excursions.
In summary, Rose Island Bahamas offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes—from wildlife lovers to water sport enthusiasts. The top-rated options provide a mix of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and relaxing beach time, ensuring you’ll find something that fits your style. For a relaxed, wildlife-focused experience, the first tour hits all the highlights. If you want a lively, social day with lots of swimming and drinks, the full-day catamaran is excellent. And if you’re pressed for time but want maximum wildlife and sightseeing, the speedboat tour delivers.
Wherever your interests lie, booking early and choosing the right tour will ensure you make the most of your time on this beautiful island. Happy exploring!