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

A Bahamas half-day that mixes Rose Island pigs with reef snorkeling is already a fun pitch, but what makes this one really practical is the private setup. You get a boat day built around what you want to do: sea turtles, fish, fishing, and then time on white sand.

I especially like the snorkeling and sea turtle time, because the day is guided in a way that keeps you confident in the water. I also like that fishing gear is part of the package, with bait and light tackle so you are not scrambling for extras. One possible drawback: the pig experience has an add-on fee, and rougher wind or water can limit which calmer spots you reach.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• Captain Frenchie keeps the day feeling safe and flexible
• Green Cay area snorkeling with turtle-filled water and reef fish
• Fishing setup included, from rods and bait to light tackle
• Rose Island white sand time, with optional pig swim for an extra $35 per person
• Private boat means you can trade time between snorkeling, swimming, and fishing

A Private Charter That Gets You Off the Usual Nassau Route

This is a true private charter for up to 8 people, so your day is not stuck to a rigid group rhythm. If your crew wants more time in the water, you can usually make that call. If someone needs a slower pace, the boat setup makes it easier to adjust without feeling like you are holding everyone up.

The route also has some personality. You sail past Paradise Island and the famous Gilligan’s Island from the TV show, then continue toward Green Cay, where the water turns into the kind of snorkeling stop people remember. It is a nice mix of sightseeing and actual time doing stuff, not just riding around.

Passing Paradise Island and Green Cay Before You Hit the Water

Your first stretch starts with the boat ride past well-known Nassau sights: Paradise Island and the Gilligan’s Island look from the TV series, plus a stop near Green Cay. After that, the captain brings you to a snorkeling area around a reef and turtle-filled waters.

This is a good moment to get your bearings. Even if you do not snorkel much at home, you are only a short, guided hop into clear water with gear provided. And if you do want to snorkel, you typically will have a chance to see plenty of fish, plus the turtles people come here for.

One practical note: this kind of water time depends on conditions. If winds are up, you may not get the same calm feel you hoped for, and visibility can change. The upside is that a good captain adjusts the plan to keep it safe and worthwhile.

Rose Island White Sand Time, Lunch Choices, and the Pig Swim Reality Check

Rose Island is the main beach reset. Think white sand, open water views, and time to relax after the snorkeling and sailing. The island is also where you can purchase lunch and/or activities, rather than everything being forced into one included meal.

Now for the pig part. Swimming with the pigs is not included in the base price. The add-on fee is $35 per person, and that is the number you should treat as the deciding factor when you plan your day. If your group is split, you can usually decide on the pig swim during your time on the island rather than before you book.

A small caution based on how the pig experience is handled: pig-related feeding can get tricky if people assume it is free. I recommend going into it with clear expectations, including that the swim itself costs extra. If you want that experience, budget for it and move forward without letting misunderstandings steal the fun.

Snorkeling for Reef Fish and Sea Turtles

The best part of this tour is that it is not just one shallow swim and done. You get a real snorkeling stop around a reef near Green Cay, in turtle-filled waters, and that is where the day clicks for many people.

From what I see in the stories, the crew helps make the snorkeling feel easy. Captain Frenchie is repeatedly described as warm and professional, and that matters. When someone is calm, you tend to relax, and relaxed snorkeling is when you actually notice what is around you, not just how cold or crowded it feels.

What to expect underwater, realistically:

• You should expect reef fish and turtle sightings if conditions are good.
• You should expect a guided experience with provided snorkel gear, so you are not hunting for equipment on your own.
• You might find spots can be busy depending on day and water conditions.

If seas are choppy, your captain may choose different areas. That can mean the snorkeling feels murkier or more crowded than you planned, but it is usually the trade-off for safety and access in windy weather.

Fishing Around Rose Island and Paradise Island, Gear Included

This is one of the rare “private charter” days where you are not only watching the water, you are trying to catch fish. Fishing gear is provided, including fishing rods plus bait. The tour info also mentions options like fishing poles or an electric reel, so you can match your style.

The setup matters because it saves time. Instead of spending your first hour figuring out how to rig bait, you can focus on learning the line, casting, and getting a feel for what the captain recommends in the area. Many people end up enjoying the fishing even if they are beginners, because the crew helps throughout the process.

Also, the boat is big enough to handle real fishing. You board a 28-foot open haul vessel with twin 250hp motors. That size helps with stability compared to tiny skiffs, especially when you are moving between reefy areas.

What I like for families is that fishing can be a win even when snorkeling is not perfect. If someone is not feeling the water that day, fishing often keeps the group engaged and happy.

What the Boat, Timing, and Private Group Size Mean for You

The tour runs about 4 hours, which is long enough to do two real activities but short enough that it does not dominate your whole day. That matters in the Bahamas, where you often choose between “big day out” and “I want to still enjoy dinner and the beach later.”

Because it is private, you get a smoother decision-making flow:

• You can spend more time where the action is.
• You can adjust if a child is nervous or tired.
• You can trade snorkeling time for fishing time, without feeling like you missed your slot.

One standout from the stories is how the crew handled a nervous 6-year-old by being flexible and supportive. That kind of attention makes a private charter feel like a hosted day, not a checklist.

Bring your own comfort basics too. This is an open boat, so sun and wind are real factors. If you burn quickly or chill easily, plan accordingly.

Price and Value: How the $850 Fits Up to 8 People

The price is $850 per group, up to 8 people. That is the biggest factor to understand before you book, because the value swings based on your group size.

If you fill all 8 spots, you are effectively spreading the boat cost, which brings the per-person price down dramatically. If you book as a small group, it is still a solid day because you are getting gear, guidance, and a private boat, but the cost per person will feel higher.

What you actually get for the money:

• A private boat experience with a guide/captain managing the route
• Snorkeling equipment, plus snorkels
• Fishing gear and bait
• Soft drinks, water, and a snack

Not included, and important:

• Alcoholic beverages
• $35 per person for swimming with the pigs

This tour can be a great value when you want a day that feels custom. It is less of a bargain if you are paying solo for a boat that still needs to run as a boat.

Practical Tips That Make a Big Difference on Water Days

If you book, plan for weather. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are unsafe, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That is a relief. But in real life, “good weather” can still mean wind, and wind can still make the water rougher than you pictured.

Here is how to set yourself up:

• Bring a rash guard or swim shirt if you burn easily. Open water sun adds up fast.
• Consider water shoes. Reefy areas plus wet sand make foot protection worth it.
• Pack a small towel and a change of clothes. It makes the end of the day feel easier.
• Bring sunscreen and reapply, especially if you snorkel.
• If you want pig swimming, budget the $35 per person ahead of time so it does not feel like a surprise later.

Also, plan for tipping. One review advice was to bring a nice tip, and I agree. This kind of work depends on the captain and crew doing a lot behind the scenes, from reading conditions to helping people in and out of the water.

Should You Book This Rose Island Snorkeling and Pigs Tour?

I would book it if your group wants a private, action-focused Bahamas day and you are excited about mixing snorkeling, turtles, and fishing. It is also a strong choice if you have kids, because the crew is described as patient and able to help nervous swimmers feel safe.

I would think twice if:

• Your group is only interested in calm-beach snorkeling and hates the idea of wind changing the plan.
• Your pig plan depends on it being included. Pig swimming is an add-on at $35 per person, and that can reshape your budget.

If you go in with clear expectations and the right gear, you are likely to end up with a day that feels like it belongs to your group, not to a schedule.

FAQ

How much does the Rose Island private snorkeling and fishing tour cost?

It costs $850.00 per group, up to 8 people.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is approximately 4 hours.

What is included with the snorkeling and fishing?

The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment and fishing gear, including rods and bait, plus snorkels.

Is swimming with the pigs included?

No. Swimming with the pigs costs $35 per person and is listed as not included.

Are soft drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, and a snack are included.

What is not included on the tour?

Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What kind of ticket do I receive?

You receive a mobile ticket.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.