Nassau: Rose Island Swimming Pigs & Turtles Snorkeling Tour

Swimming pigs are only the headline here. This three-and-a-half-hour boat trip from Paradise Island also takes you to Green Cay for turtle watching, Rose Island for reef snorkeling, and Sandy Cay, the little island seen in the Gilligan’s Island trailer. It packs a lot into one morning or afternoon.

I like the small-group setup, with a maximum of 15 people, and the mix of animals, beaches, and open-water scenery. I also like the practical touches: a restroom aboard the 35-foot boat, snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, and beer are included. The main caution is rough water. One group found the ride hard on the body, and strong currents or shark sightings can change the snorkeling plan.

Quick takeaways

• Three island stops: Green Cay, Rose Island, and Sandy Cay give the trip more range than a simple pig encounter.
• Swimming pigs with beach time: You get time to feed and photograph the pigs, then swim or relax on the sand.
• Green Cay turtle stop: The crew looks for turtles in their natural setting, though sightings are not guaranteed.
• Small custom boat: The 35-foot Donzi carries no more than 15 people and has a restroom inside the center console.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, and beer are available during the outing.
• Weather matters: Wind, waves, currents, and marine conditions can affect speed, snorkeling, and animal sightings.

The trip starts at Paradise Island

You check in at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, beside Margaritaville Restaurant. Look for a guide in a white shirt marked Secret Cays. Cruise-port pickup can be arranged by request, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The boat is a custom 35-foot Donzi Marine center console. That matters because this is a powerboat outing, not a slow harbor cruise. You will cover open water between the islands, with spray, wind, and waves part of the ride. The center console includes a dedicated restroom, a useful feature on a trip that lasts 210 minutes.

The boat holds no more than 15 people. That is small enough to keep the outing personal without making it private. It also gives the crew a better chance to help with masks, fins, children, beach gear, and getting in and out of the water.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. You will want to wear sunscreen, though the supplied information does not specify whether sunscreen is provided. Lunch is not included, so eat before departure or plan another meal afterward.

Green Cay and the search for turtles

Green Cay is the first major stop, with about 35 minutes set aside for sightseeing and marine-life viewing. The purpose is simple: look for sea turtles in their natural habitat.

This part is best approached with reasonable expectations. Turtles are wild animals, not a timed show. One outing found several turtles, while another group saw none because conditions were less helpful. A recent shark sighting also caused one group to skip turtle snorkeling. The crew may adjust the plan for safety.

That uncertainty is part of the value, but it is also the chief limitation. If seeing a turtle is the single reason you are booking, no operator can promise the result. You are paying for the chance to visit the area and for the crew’s local judgment, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

Green Cay also helps break up the outing. Instead of rushing straight to the pigs, you get an early look at Bahamian marine life and a chance to settle into the boat. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search distract you from enjoying the water and the islands around you.

Rose Island brings the main action

The boat then reaches Rose Island for swimming and snorkeling, with roughly 50 minutes devoted to time in the water. This is the most active part of the trip.

The reef is described as full of colorful aquatic life. You receive snorkeling equipment, though you can use your own gear if you prefer. Conditions make a real difference here. Calm water can make the reef easy and pleasant to explore, while wind and current can turn the same stop into hard work.

One group chose to skip snorkeling because the current was strong and spent extra time on the beach instead. That is a sensible choice, not a failure. You should be comfortable deciding how much water activity suits you on the day. The crew can provide gear, but you remain responsible for judging your own ability and comfort.

The snorkeling stop is valuable because it adds something beyond the novelty of the pigs. You get a look at reef life in its own setting, rather than spending the entire tour on a beach. Still, do not expect a full-day scuba-style session. With the whole trip lasting three and a half hours and several stops included, the water time is focused and limited.

Swimming pigs on Rose Island

The pig encounter is the crowd-pleaser, especially for families. The crew provides food to help bring the pigs toward the water, and time is set aside for feeding, photographs, and interaction. A baby pig was available to hold on at least one outing.

The pigs have been described as trained and less aggressive than animals encountered on another pig excursion. That does not mean you should assume they are tame pets. Follow the crew’s instructions, keep food under control, and give the animals room when needed.

The setup is more enjoyable because you are not forced to spend every minute in the water. You can interact with the pigs, swim, or lie on the beach. That flexibility helps families and mixed groups, since not everyone wants the same activity at the same time.

There is one practical catch: the beach can get crowded. One group found the pig area busy, which can make photos and personal space harder to manage. The experience remains fun, but it is not a private island encounter.

Sandy Cay and the Gilligan’s Island connection

Another stop takes you to Sandy Cay, a small sandy island featured in the trailer for Gilligan’s Island. The appeal is not a major attraction or a long guided tour. It is the setting itself: low sand, clear water, and a simple island break where you can walk, swim, or relax.

The stop usually functions as a change of pace. After the boat ride and animal encounters, you get time to enjoy the beach without a strict activity agenda. This is where you should slow down, take photos, and let the scenery do the work.

The tour describes Sandy Cay as a sightseeing and beach stop, so do not expect shops, facilities, or a developed resort setting. That is part of its charm, but it also means you should bring the basics you need on the boat and pay attention to the crew’s instructions about where to walk and swim.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is a major part of this outing. Captain Jay is named in several accounts, and Jim has also been identified as part of the crew on one trip. The strongest praise centers on their friendly manner, clear communication, and willingness to help people in the water and on the boat.

One family noted that the crew watched over a passenger three weeks after total hip replacement. That does not make the tour suitable for every mobility level, but it shows the sort of personal care the crew may offer when someone needs extra attention.

Another family with children aged 5 and 2 said the crew was accommodating. The official information says children under 2 are not suitable, so families with very young children should confirm the age rule before booking. A child who has just turned 2 may be accepted, but that should not be assumed.

The small company feel is useful. You are not one face in a large crowd, and the crew can adjust the balance between pigs, snorkeling, beach time, and sightseeing when conditions allow. That said, the captain’s handling of the boat matters greatly, and one group felt the ride was too fast over waves. If you are sensitive to bouncing or motion, speak up early and hold onto your belongings.

The boat ride and sea conditions

This is a powerboat tour, so the ride is part of the experience. You will move quickly between islands, but speed can also mean a rougher trip when the sea is windy.

A group reported being bounced out of their seats and losing glasses over their faces when the boat crossed waves at speed. That is a serious enough concern to take seriously, even though other outings went smoothly. Keep sunglasses secure, use the available handholds, and tell the captain if the ride is uncomfortable.

Weather can also affect the itinerary. Wind may require minor changes, and rough water can reduce the quality of snorkeling or make a beach stop more appealing. If conditions are poor enough to cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The tour requires a minimum number of people to operate. If that number is not met, you are offered another date or activity, or a refund. These policies reduce your financial risk, but they do not remove the need to leave room in your schedule for weather changes.

Is the $127 price fair?

At $127 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours in Nassau. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a powerboat ride, captain and guide, snorkeling equipment, reef snorkeling, three island areas, the turtle search, swimming pigs, beach time, water, soft drinks, and beer.

You are also paying for a small boat rather than a large group operation. A maximum of 15 people can make the day feel more personal and gives you a better chance to get help from the crew. Lunch is not included, so add the cost of a meal before or after the trip.

For someone who wants only beach time, the price may feel high. You can find simpler beach outings that involve less moving around. But if you want pigs, turtles, reef water, and several islands in one compact trip, the price is reasonable for the amount of equipment, boat time, and guiding involved.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors with limited time in Nassau, cruise passengers who want a half-day outing, and families who want several activities without arranging separate bookings. It is less appealing if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, or prefer a slow and quiet day.

Who should book this tour?

I would point this trip toward active families, couples, cruise passengers, and small groups who want a lively introduction to the islands. The mix of pigs, turtles, reef life, and beaches keeps the day moving, and you do not need to organize several separate excursions.

It can also work well for people who do not want a large tour boat. The 15-person maximum and friendly crew create a more personal setting. Children under 2 are not suitable, and the experience is not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.

You should be comfortable boarding a powerboat and getting in and out of the water. If you have a recent injury, limited balance, or strong sensitivity to waves, ask specific questions before paying. The crew may help, but the tour still involves open water, beaches, and a moving boat.

What to know before you reserve

The tour is offered in English and lasts 210 minutes. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Pickup at the cruise port is available by request at 1-242-825-5799 or 1-242-535-8241. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Pack your phone in a waterproof case if you want photos near the pigs or in the water, and secure glasses before the boat gets moving. Drinks are supplied, but food is not.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want several Bahamian experiences in one small-group outing and you are happy to let weather and wildlife shape the exact day. The pigs are the star, but the turtles, reef, Sandy Cay beach, and Green Cay stop give the trip more substance than a single animal visit.

Skip it if you need a calm boat ride, guaranteed turtle sightings, or a fully accessible activity. For everyone else, $127 buys a well-packed half-day with a helpful crew, included gear and drinks, and a good chance to see a lively side of the islands beyond Nassau’s main shore.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, where Margaritaville Restaurant is located. The guide wears a white shirt with Secret Cays printed on it.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 210 minutes, or three and a half hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the powerboat ride, captain and guide, snorkeling equipment, reef snorkeling, visits to Green Cay, Rose Island, and Sandy Cay, the swimming pig experience, soft drinks, and bottled water. Beer is also available.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. The crew looks for turtles at Green Cay, but sightings depend on marine conditions and the animals’ presence. Snorkeling or turtle viewing may also change because of safety concerns, currents, wind, or shark sightings.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 2 are not considered suitable for this activity. The supplied information does not give a broader age limit, so confirm the age of younger children before booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can select another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.