Exotic half day private charters to Rose Island, Pigs and Turtles

A half-day private charter to Rose Island is interesting because it turns the usual Nassau day trip into your own small world on the water. You get a private captain run by Ripple Water Adventures And Charters, and you’ll also get that quick, scenic harbor tour first, with big Bahamian views and photo stops along the way.

Two things I especially like here: you get snorkeling equipment included, and Rose Island can deliver real moments with turtles and the famous pig swim. One possible drawback to plan for up front is that swimming with the pigs costs an additional $40 at the location.

Key Points I’d Highlight Before You Go

• Private charter for your group (priced for up to 9, with comfortable seating for 8)
• Rose Island snorkeling time with equipment included
• Pigs and turtles are the headline, with turtles mentioned as part of the experience
• Snacks, bottled water, and unlimited Bahama Mamas are included for the ride and downtime
• Guides like Antoine and Chris make it feel personal, not scripted
• 4 hours is tight but doable for families who want highlights without the whole day gone

From Bayshore Marina to Your Own Captain-Led Start

Your day begins on New Providence Island in Nassau. You meet at Bay Street near Elizabeth on Bay (the listing gives the point as Elizabeth on Bay3MH6+6QX), then you’re escorted to where the boat is docked at Bayshore Marina, The Waterfront, 64 East Bay Street.

This first leg matters more than it sounds. You’re not jumping straight into the main activity. You’ll tour through the harbor as you relax and get oriented. Expect to pass sights like luxury celebrity homes, major hotel frontages, and an oceanside golf course view. It’s the kind of quick tour that helps you understand the geography of Nassau without a lecture.

It’s also private. This is not a shared boat situation where you’re negotiating space, music, and timing with strangers. Your group is the only group onboard.

Rose Island Time: Snorkeling, Beach Breaks, and the Pig Swim Add-On

Rose Island is the main event, and you’ll build your time around water and shoreline. When you arrive, you’ll have time to swim and snorkel, and the plan includes the chance to see sea turtles. If you want the classic Bahamas combo, this is where it happens.

The snorkel gear is included, so you do not need to hunt down rental equipment ahead of time. You’ll also have bottled water and snacks along the way, which is a nice safety net when the day runs on island time.

Food is where you need to think for yourself. Lunch is not included, but you can enjoy a beachside restaurant during the time at Rose Island. Plan to either buy something there or bring your own approach. Also note that admission tickets are not included, so if anything specific is ticketed on the island, you’ll pay that separately.

Now for the money detail that affects the day. Swimming with pigs costs an additional $40 at the location. So yes, pigs are part of the experience, but budget for that add-on when you’re planning your total trip cost.

Snorkeling with Gear Included, plus Turtle Spotting Tips That Actually Help

This charter gives you snorkeling equipment, and that alone is a big practical win. It means you can show up, get the gear, and spend your energy on the water instead of logistics.

Sea turtles are part of the promise here. That doesn’t mean you should expect a guaranteed animal encounter every single second, but it does mean the experience is built around that possibility during the snorkel time. Your best strategy is simple: stay calm, don’t rush the water, and give yourself time to scan what’s going on around you.

Also, since pigs and turtles are both part of the narrative, you’ll want to pace your energy. Do the snorkeling first if you tend to get more focused when you’re fresh. If you’d rather do pigs first, that’s fine too. The key is to treat this as a short, high-moment day where you get the most from whatever window you’re given.

The Pigs Moment: What to Expect and How to Budget for It

Swimming with pigs is the signature draw for many people, and your charter includes the opportunity. The big detail is cost. The pig swim is an additional $40 at the location, so it’s not baked into the starting price.

I like that it’s explicit. That means you can decide what you want your day to include without surprise charges. If you’re traveling as a family, it’s also easier to set expectations for kids who might be counting on pigs, versus adults who might prefer snorkeling time only.

If you’re the group decision-maker, here’s how I’d plan the call: decide early if everyone is doing pigs. If not, you can still enjoy the rest of Rose Island with swimming and snorkeling time, plus the beach break.

Harbor Views and Celebrity-Home Scenery, without the Full-Day Hassle

The harbor portion is short, but it sets the tone. You’ll see Nassau’s mix of big resort presence and private waterfront properties as you cruise. That’s useful because it changes how your mind maps the area. After this, Rose Island feels less like an abstract dot on a map and more like a real escape.

Another value point is time. The whole charter runs about 4 hours. That’s long enough for a proper island stop and water time, but short enough that it won’t swallow your schedule. If you have limited vacation days, or you’re traveling with kids who get cranky when plans drag, the half-day format is a plus.

What’s Included for the Ride: Snacks, Water, and Unlimited Bahama Mamas

One reason this charter can feel like a treat instead of a chore is what’s included on board. You get bottled water and snacks. You also get alcoholic beverages, listed as unlimited Bahama Mamas.

That’s great, with one practical caveat. Unlimited drinks means you should pace yourself. Keep one eye on your own energy level so you still enjoy the water time. Also, if you’re traveling with family, agree upfront who is drinking and who is steering the group experience.

For non-alcohol logistics, the charter has what you need for comfort: comfortable seating for the group onboard. It’s private and family-friendly in tone, even if you’re not booking specifically as a family.

Price and Value: $1,020 Per Group, up to 9, in a 4-Hour Package

The price is $1,020 per group for up to 9 people. That is not cheap on a per-person basis if you travel with just a couple. But if you’re splitting it among a small group, it can start looking like good value because you’re paying for the boat, the captain, the island time structure, and the included snorkeling gear and refreshments.

Here’s the math I’d use to sanity-check the value: at the top end of 9 people, the base price works out to a bit over $110 per person for the charter portion. Then there’s the pig swim add-on of $40 at the location if your group includes that.

Booking demand is another value clue. This experience is typically booked about 17 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling during a busy stretch, that’s your hint to lock it in sooner rather than later.

Logistics That Matter: Mobile Ticket, Private Group, and Returning to the Same Spot

This is a private tour or activity, meaning your group participates only with no other groups mixed in. That matters because it makes timing feel smoother. You’re not waiting on other parties to show up.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, so you can store it on your phone. Confirmation is received at booking time. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you do not need to plan extra transport to get back to your original starting area.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, so the experience is generally set up for a wide range of people, though you should always consider your own comfort in open water and snorkeling.

Weather, Timing, and How to Keep the Day from Getting Messy

This experience runs on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That flexibility is important for a short trip, because it reduces the risk of losing your whole island day.

Because the experience is around 4 hours, timing is everything. You’ll want to build in some buffer with your other plans that day. Also, remember there’s an add-on pig cost at the island, and lunch is not included. If you want a smooth day, decide in advance how you’ll handle food so nobody is scrambling after the water fun.

If you’re a planner type, check the forecast the day before and again the morning of. When weather matters, being alert early is better than being surprised later.

Should You Book This Rose Island Charter?

I’d book this if you want a private half-day with real variety: harbor sights, Rose Island water time, included snorkeling gear, and the chance to see turtles, plus the pig swim option if your group is ready for it. The included snacks, bottled water, and unlimited Bahama Mamas also make it feel like you’re getting taken care of, not just transported.

I’d think twice if pigs are the main reason you’re going, because the pig swim is an additional $40 at the location. And if your travel style demands a guaranteed, no-questions-asked itinerary with no weather sensitivity, this kind of charter is still going to be at the mercy of conditions.

If you can align your group size, budget the pig add-on, and keep your schedule flexible, this charter can deliver a very memorable Bahamas day in a short window.

FAQ

Where does the excursion start?

You meet at Elizabeth on Bay (Bay St, Nassau, The Bahamas). From there, you’re escorted to where the boat is docked at Bayshore Marina, The Waterfront, 64 East Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

How long is the private charter?

It’s about 4 hours.

What is the price for the charter?

The price is $1,020 per group, up to 9 people.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks, and unlimited Bahama Mama alcoholic beverages.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is swimming with pigs included?

Swimming with pigs is available, but it costs an additional $40 at the location.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission ticket is not included.

What ticket do I use?

You’ll use a mobile ticket.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.