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

The best Bahamas days happen offshore. This private Rose Island trip combines snorkeling with sea turtles and fishing with a white-sand beach stop, all aboard a boat reserved for your group. I especially like the freedom to choose how long you spend in the water, and the personal attention from Captain Frenchie and crew members such as Mario and D. The main concern is weather: strong wind can make the sea rough, muddy the water, and limit which beaches or reefs you can reach.

For a private group of up to eight, the $850 price can be fair, especially if everyone wants a mix of swimming, fishing, and sightseeing. Lunch, alcohol, and the pig-swimming activity cost extra, so your final bill can rise. Still, the included snorkel gear, fishing equipment, soft drinks, water, and snack make this a useful half-day outing for families and small groups.

Key points to know before you book

• Sea turtles are a major highlight: The boat heads toward Green Cay, where you may snorkel around reefs and turtle-filled waters.
• Your group controls the pace: You can spend more time fishing, swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing rather than following a rigid shared-boat schedule.
• Rose Island brings the beach time: Expect white sand and a chance to buy lunch or add activities.
• Fishing gear is included: Rods, bait, tackle, and even an electric reel option are provided.
• Pig swimming costs $35 per person: Seeing the pigs and taking part in the activity are treated as separate things, so confirm exactly what is included before you arrive.
• Wind can change the day: Rough water may reduce visibility and limit access to calm beaches.

A private boat day from Nassau

Triple D’s Aqua Adventures runs this four-hour private outing from New Providence Island. You get a 28-foot open-haul boat with twin 250-horsepower motors, and only your own group takes part. That matters more than it might sound. On a shared excursion, you often spend precious beach time waiting for people who want a different sort of day. Here, your group can lean toward fishing, snorkeling, swimming, or simply sitting on the beach.

The boat passes Paradise Island, with its large homes and resort shoreline, and the famous Gilligan’s Island associated with the 1960s television show. These sights add some fun context to the ride, but the real value comes once you reach the water around Green Cay and Rose Island.

Captain Frenchie is the name most closely tied to this experience. The strongest praise centers on his friendly manner, attention to safety, and willingness to adjust the day for families. Mario and D are also mentioned as helpful crew members. If you have children or someone nervous about getting into the water, that personal attention can make a big difference.

The boat is open, so you are out in the sun and exposed to wind and spray. Bring sun protection and wear clothing that can handle getting wet. The information provided does not specify hotel pickup, a marina address, or a restroom on board, so confirm those practical details before booking.

Green Cay snorkeling and the search for sea turtles

The first main water stop is around Green Cay. You receive snorkeling equipment, and the crew takes you to reef areas where you can see fish and, when conditions cooperate, sea turtles. This is the strongest part of the trip for anyone who wants to spend time in the water rather than just cruise past islands.

The water is described as clear, and several outings have produced large numbers of fish and close looks at turtles. You might see turtles swimming nearby, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Wind and sea conditions matter. One outing became less satisfying when rough weather stirred up the water and made a smaller snorkeling site murky and crowded.

That is an important point. The tour offers access to good snorkeling areas, but it cannot control the weather or the animals. On calm days, this can be the visual centerpiece of your half-day. On windy days, visibility may drop and the captain may need to change the route.

I like that snorkeling is not an add-on you have to rent after boarding. The equipment is supplied, and the captain and crew can help children and less confident swimmers. Still, you should tell the crew early if your group wants snorkeling to be the main event. A private charter gives you flexibility, but the available time is still only about four hours.

Rose Island beaches and a slower pace

After the water time, the boat heads to Rose Island. The island offers white sand and a break from the boat. You can swim, sunbathe, or buy lunch and drinks at the beach. One account describes a stop with food, cocktails, and volleyball at Footprints Beach Bar, but the provided details do not promise that every trip includes the same venue or meal arrangement.

Rose Island is where the tour shifts from active to easygoing. I would plan to use this stop as your chance to dry off, eat something, and enjoy the shoreline rather than expecting a long island tour. The stated duration is approximately four hours, and that time must cover the boat ride, snorkeling, fishing, and beach stop.

The beach experience is not guaranteed to look the same every day. Wind can make it difficult to reach a calm beach, and one outing had to skip a preferred stop because of conditions. That is not a flaw unique to this tour. Small islands and shallow coastal waters are very weather-sensitive. Still, you should book this with the right expectation: Rose Island is a pleasant stop when conditions cooperate, not a guaranteed private beach day.

Fishing around Rose Island and Paradise Island

Fishing is another included option, making this tour a good fit for a group with mixed interests. You can practice light-tackle fishing around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island. Fishing rods, bait, and tackle are provided, and the tour also offers fishing poles or an electric reel.

This arrangement works well for families. One particularly useful detail is that children have been able to finish the day fishing after swimming and snorkeling, with the crew helping them use the equipment. If some people in your group are not keen on snorkeling, fishing gives them a real activity rather than a long wait on the boat.

The tour does not promise a particular catch, species, or fishing success. Think of it as a chance to try light tackle in attractive coastal waters, not a dedicated deep-sea fishing charter. If catching fish is your top priority, ask the operator how much of the four-hour schedule can be devoted to fishing.

The private format makes fishing more practical than it would be on a crowded boat. You can tell the captain that you want to spend more time trying your luck, though the final plan will depend on weather and sea conditions.

Swimming with pigs, and the extra charge

Swimming with pigs on Rose Island is optional and costs $35 per person. The activity is not included in the $850 charter price. The basic stop may let you see the pigs, while feeding or participating in the organized pig experience may involve the extra fee. Because this point has caused confusion, ask the operator to explain the charge before the boat arrives.

That advice is especially important for families. A child may hear about swimming with pigs and assume it is part of the private charter. It is better to decide in advance who wants to take part and what the $35 covers. The operator has indicated that the price is discussed before arrival, but you should still confirm it when booking.

The pigs are only one option on the island. You can skip the activity and spend your time swimming, sunbathing, eating, or snorkeling instead. Several groups have chosen not to participate and still had a full day, particularly when the turtle snorkeling and fishing went well.

I would not book this tour solely for the pigs. The stronger reasons are the private boat, the flexible schedule, the reefs, and the chance to see turtles. Treat the pigs as an optional extra, not the heart of the excursion.

What is included, and what you should bring

The tour includes water, soft drinks, and a simple snack such as granola bars or chips. Snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, and tackle are supplied. Those inclusions keep you from having to rent basic gear and help the $850 group price make more sense.

Lunch is not included. You can purchase food at Rose Island, and alcohol is also excluded. If your group wants a proper meal or drinks at the beach, budget for those separately.

I would bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• A towel and a change of clothes
• Waterproof protection for phones and cameras
• Extra snacks if children need more than granola bars or chips
• Cash or a payment method for lunch, drinks, tips, and the pig activity

Tips are not listed as included. Several comments specifically encourage bringing a good tip for the captain and crew, particularly when they spend extra time helping children or adapting the route.

Weather is the biggest variable

This is a four-hour outdoor boat trip, so weather can shape the entire experience. Strong wind may produce choppy water, reduce snorkeling visibility, and prevent the boat from reaching a calm beach. One captain explained that wind forced the crew to limit the available areas and caused muddy water.

That honesty is worth keeping in mind when you decide how to judge the tour. On a calm day, you can get clear water, fish, turtles, fishing, and a beautiful beach in one compact outing. On a rough day, the captain may work hard to keep the group comfortable, but the scenery and snorkeling will not be at their best.

The operator requires good weather for the trip to run. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Who gets the best value from the $850 price

The $850 rate is for the entire group, up to eight people, not per person. That makes the math much better for a full group. Split eight ways, the base price is $106.25 per person before food, tips, or pig swimming. A smaller group pays more per person, but you still receive a private boat and a schedule built around your own interests.

I see the best value for:

• Families who want several activities in one outing
• Small groups that dislike crowded shared boats
• People who want both fishing and snorkeling
• Visitors who value personal help from the captain
• Groups with different energy levels and interests

It is less ideal if you want a long, quiet beach stay, guaranteed calm water, or a dedicated fishing charter. The four-hour schedule moves quickly, and the route can change with wind.

The strongest part of the value is the flexibility. You are not paying only for transportation to Rose Island. You are paying for a private captain, onboard fishing and snorkeling gear, refreshments, and the ability to shape the day. That is useful when one person wants turtles, another wants fishing, and someone else simply wants a beach.

My verdict on Triple D’s Aqua Adventures

I would book this tour for a family or small group that wants an active half-day on the water. The mix of turtle snorkeling, fishing, Rose Island, and optional pig swimming gives you several ways to enjoy the time, and the captain’s personal attention is a real strength.

I would set expectations carefully. The water may be rough, the snorkeling may be less clear than hoped, and the beach stop may change. Ask about the pig fee, lunch arrangements, departure details, and the expected route before you go.

Book it if private space, flexible timing, and a mix of activities matter most. Skip it if you need a guaranteed calm-water beach day or want to spend the entire excursion on one specific activity.

FAQ

How long is the Rose Island private boat tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The tour is private for your group, with up to eight people included in the group price.

How much does the private tour cost?

The listed price is $850 per group of up to eight people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided at no additional charge.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and tackle are provided. Fishing poles or an electric reel may also be available.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes water, soft drinks, and a simple snack such as granola bars or chips.

Is swimming with the pigs included?

No. Swimming with the pigs costs an additional $35 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be purchased at Rose Island, but it is not included in the tour price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.