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

Rose Island: Private Snorkeling, Fishing, and Swimming with Pigs offers a chance to spend about four hours exploring the turquoise waters and sandy beaches of New Providence Island, Bahamas. For $850 per group (up to 8 people), you’ll enjoy a personalized day with your own crew, led by guides like Frenchie, who earn high praise for their professionalism and friendliness. The tour includes stops at Gilligans Island, famous from the TV show, and the pristine Rose Island, with opportunities to snorkel around vibrant reefs, fish in healthy waters, and even swim with friendly sea turtles and pigs.

What we love most about this tour is its flexibility—you can choose how long to snorkel, fish, or relax—plus the intimate setting of a private boat that keeps the experience tailored to your group. The professional guides make all the difference, creating a sense of safety and fun, whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a family with young kids.

A potential consideration is the price, which is on the higher side for a half-day, but when you factor in personalized service, all gear included, and multiple stops, it offers a good value for a memorable Bahamas adventure. This trip suits travelers looking for an authentic, flexible experience that mixes wildlife encounters, water sports, and scenic cruising, especially if you prefer avoiding large crowds and enjoy having a private guide.

Key Points

• Private experience: Your group alone, with a personal guide, for a tailored day.
• Diverse activities: Snorkeling, fishing, swimming with turtles, and pig-wading.
• All-inclusive gear: Snorkels, bait, fishing rods, water, and snacks are provided.
• Flexible itinerary: Choose how long to snorkel, fish, or relax at each stop.
• High-rated guides: Frenchie and team are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.
• Good value for a personalized adventure in the Bahamas.

Exploring the Details of Rose Island Private Tour

This tour strikes a balance between adventure and relaxation, making it suitable whether you’re craving active water sports, wildlife encounters, or just lounging on white sand beaches. It’s designed for groups of up to 8, making it more intimate than larger cruise-style trips, which we often find more rewarding. The four-hour length provides enough time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed, and the mobile ticket format means you can plan with ease.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Gilligans Island and Green Cay
Your journey begins with a cruise past Paradise Island and Green Cay, both picturesque spots that set the scene for a day on the water. The highlight here is snorkeling around a vibrant reef, filled with all sorts of marine life. The waters are described as crystal-clear, making it perfect for spotting colorful fish and maybe even the odd sea turtle. The reviews emphasize how smooth and well-organized the experience is, with guides like Frenchie making everyone feel comfortable, whether they’re seasoned snorkelers or first-timers.

“Our tour was incredible from start to finish,” one reviewer shares, praising the professional and warm demeanor of Frenchie. The inclusion of soft drinks, water, and a snack (typically granola bars or chips) adds a relaxed vibe, allowing you to stay refreshed without extra expense.

Stop 2: Rose Island’s White Sand Beaches
Next, your boat heads to Rose Island itself, a slice of paradise with soft sand and calm waters. Here, you can sunbathe, swim, or explore at your leisure. The reviews often mention how relaxing this part of the trip is, with many guests appreciating the chance to simply unwind on the beautiful sands or take gentle dips in the water.

The Fishing Experience

The second part of the tour involves fishing around Rose Island and Paradise Island reefs. The boat is a 28-foot open haul vessel with twin 250hp motors, ensuring a smooth ride across the waters. Bait and tackle are provided, and you can even try your hand at light-tackle fishing, which is a fun way to connect with the local marine environment. Many reviews highlight how the guides are patient and helpful, making even novice anglers feel confident.

“Frenchie was terrific. Accommodating, knowledgeable, and fun,” notes one guest, reflecting how well the team manages to blend instruction with entertainment.

Wildlife Encounters and Unique Experiences

Perhaps the most talked-about aspect is the ability to swim with sea turtles and interact with the swimming pigs. The latter costs an additional $35 per person, and reviews note the pigs are friendly, though the experience is sometimes busy or affected by weather conditions. Some guests mention that rough seas can muddy snorkel sites or limit stops, but guides like Frenchie adapt well—“We never were able to go to a calm beach, but the guides tried their best given the weather,” one reviewer explains.

The sea turtles are a standout; many visitors describe swimming alongside them as breathtaking. The water’s clarity and the health of the reef make for excellent viewing, and guides often go the extra mile to help guests get close safely.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Personalized Service: Unlike large group excursions, this private tour offers a tailored experience, letting you decide how long to snorkel or fish at each stop.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Frenchie and team are repeatedly praised for their professionalism, safety-consciousness, and genuine friendliness. They seem to love sharing their knowledge of the waters and marine life.
• Flexibility and Control: Guests can choose activities, enjoy snacks, and spend as much time as they like, which makes for a more relaxed, satisfying day.
• High-Quality Equipment: All snorkeling gear, fishing rods, and bait are provided, removing the hassle of bringing your own or renting separately.

Value for Money

While $850 for a four-hour private boat might seem steep initially, reviews suggest it’s a fair price for a tailored, all-inclusive experience. When you consider no crowds, the chance to swim with turtles and pigs, plus the luxury of a private guide, many travelers feel they’re getting good value for a personalized, memorable day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re craving a flexible, intimate adventure in the Bahamas. It suits families, couples, or small groups wanting to decide how much snorkeling, fishing, or lounging they do. It’s also ideal for those who prioritize personalized service and authentic wildlife encounters over busy, crowded boat trips. From first-time snorkelers to seasoned anglers, most travelers find Frenchie’s team accommodating and friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing.

What’s included?
All gear for snorkeling and fishing (including bait and tackle), soft drinks, water, and a snack are provided. You can also choose to swim with the pigs for an additional $35 per person.

Can I customize my activities?
Absolutely. The tour is private, so you can decide how much time to spend swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or relaxing on the beach.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and guides are praised for being attentive to kids’ needs, especially when helping nervous swimmers or young children.

What about the pigs?
Swimming with pigs costs $35 per person. The pigs are friendly, but the experience can be busy or affected by weather, which might limit stops.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellations more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, alcohol is not included, so plan to bring your own if desired.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from New Providence Island, and most travelers find the location accessible, with options for public transportation.

Is this a shared or private experience?
It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates, ensuring a more relaxed and tailored experience.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour books about 30 days ahead, so planning early is recommended.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking a personalized, flexible, and wildlife-rich adventure in the Bahamas, this private tour offers a compelling mix of snorkeling, fishing, and beach leisure. Guides like Frenchie receive high praise for their professionalism and enthusiasm, making the day both safe and fun. The chance to swim with sea turtles, snorkel vibrant reefs, and visit the famous Gilligans Island adds a special touch that larger, less personalized excursions often lack.

While the price is higher than some group tours, the value for a customized experience—plus all gear, snacks, and the opportunity to control your schedule—makes this a worthwhile choice for those wanting an authentic Bahamas water adventure. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour offers the chance for unique wildlife encounters and scenic views you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

To sum it up, if you’re after a private, adaptable, and wildlife-focused Bahamas water trip, this tour hits the right notes. It’s best suited for travelers who value personal service, flexibility, and the thrill of swimming with turtles and pigs in crystal-clear waters. For those who want to avoid crowded boat trips and enjoy a day tailored to their interests, this is an excellent pick.