Private Rose Island, Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling and Turtles

This private Nassau boat trip lets you shape the day around the water instead of following a fixed group schedule. You can snorkel, look for sea turtles at Green Cay, stretch out on Rose Island, and add a swimming-pig stop. Captains including Ramsey, Dillon, Lawren, and McKinney are praised for adjusting the pace and working well with families.

I like the private boat and the freedom to skip a stop you do not want. I also like that snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, snacks, and rum punch are included. The main catch is cost: the $925 group price is substantial, and pig admission plus optional transfers can add a lot.

Key points to know before you book

• A private four-hour boat: Your group gets the boat to itself, with no strangers setting the pace.
• Rose Island and Green Cay: Expect white sand, clear water, snorkeling, and a chance to see sea turtles.
• Swimming pigs cost extra: The pig stop is optional and has a separate per-person fee.
• Captains shape the route: Ramsey, Dillon, Lawren, and McKinney are frequently named as friendly, flexible guides.
• Transfers may raise the final bill: Private pickup and return can be arranged, but taxi service is also possible.
• The group-size details need clarification: The price is listed for up to eight, while other information says six and the overview says ten.

A private Nassau boat day with room to change plans

The best reason to book this excursion is control. On a large boat trip, you usually follow the clock, wait for other people, and accept whatever stops the operator has chosen. Here, your captain can spend more time snorkeling if the reef is good, move on if the children are tired, or skip the pigs entirely.

That flexibility matters during a short Nassau visit. A four-hour outing is long enough to reach several islands and water sites, but short enough to fit into a cruise-port day. It also works well for families who want a private setting, couples who prefer a quieter boat, or small groups that want to play their own music and relax between stops.

The captains receive the strongest praise. Captain Ramsey is repeatedly described as calm, personable, and good with families. Captain Dillon is noted for explaining the area and helping children feel comfortable. Captain Lawren is praised for spotting turtles and sharing local information, while Captain McKinney is frequently singled out for patience and flexibility.

Do not expect a polished resort excursion with every detail fixed in advance. This is a practical local boat outing, and the experience can depend on weather, sea conditions, boat availability, and how clearly pickup arrangements are explained. One group reported a late captain and another described a boat change, although the operator disputed some details. I would confirm the meeting point, transfer price, boat type, and group limit before the day begins.

Leaving Nassau for Rose Island

The boat departs from the Nassau area, with the Nassau cruise terminal listed as the main starting point. If you are staying at Atlantis or another nearby property, ask about transportation early. Private round-trip transfers are available, but they are not included in the advertised boat price.

This extra transfer can be useful if you want someone to handle the trip to the dock, especially on a day when several cruise ships are in port. It can also be expensive. One family paid $135 for a private round trip, while another used a taxi from Atlantis for about $29. The exact amount can depend on your pickup location and the arrangement you choose.

Once aboard, the boat ride is part of the attraction. Captains point out islands and parts of New Providence, and some provide background about the Bahamas as you travel. Snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, ice, and rum punch are supplied. Older children and adults can enjoy the rum punch, while families can stick with soda and water.

Several groups appreciated being able to play their own music through a boat speaker. That small feature changes the feel of the trip. You can make it a lively family outing, a relaxed friends’ day, or a quiet ride with the sound of the water.

Rose Island’s soft sand and open water

Rose Island is the stop that gives the trip its classic Bahamian setting. Expect bright water, pale sand, and a quieter feel than a busy public beach. Some groups found themselves with a nearly empty stretch of shore, which made it easy to let children play, swim, or simply sit in the shallows.

The island is not a developed attraction with a long list of facilities. One area includes an abandoned house in poor condition, and the scenery is more about sand and sea than buildings or organized entertainment. That is a plus if you want a simple beach stop, but a drawback if you expect changing rooms, restaurants, or a fully managed beach club.

I would treat this as your best pause in the itinerary. After snorkeling or looking for turtles, Rose Island gives you time to slow down. Ask your captain how much time you can spend there, since the exact balance between beach time and other stops depends on your group.

The water is also a good reason to bring sun protection and a dry bag. The tour supplies drinks and equipment, but the information does not promise towels, meals, lockers, or changing facilities. If you want a proper picnic, you can bring your own food.

Snorkeling over reefs and schools of fish

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from packing or renting the basics. The quality of the snorkeling will depend on weather and the chosen site, but the trip can reach clear-water areas with plenty of fish. One group described a reef as a wall of fish, while another praised a less crowded site compared with a large boat excursion.

That comparison is important. A private boat can reach a snorkeling location without bringing a large crowd, and your group does not have to wait for dozens of people to climb in or out. If one member of your party is a strong swimmer and another is cautious, the captain can usually give you more space to proceed at your own speed.

This is not a guaranteed marine-life show. Rough water, wind, clouds, or poor visibility can reduce the quality of the stop. One group found the snorkeling good but had the weather turn later in the trip. Another chose to spend extra time snorkeling after skipping the pig stop.

Tell the captain what matters most to you before leaving. If snorkeling is your priority, say so clearly. If you have young children or weak swimmers, ask about the conditions at the planned site. The equipment is included, but the tour information does not specify the exact gear sizes or whether flotation devices are available, so those are sensible questions to ask.

Green Cay and the search for sea turtles

Swimming with sea turtles at Green Cay is one of the main draws. Captains know areas where turtles may surface, and some have worked hard to position the boat so everyone can see them. When conditions cooperate, this can be the most memorable part of the morning.

The wording matters: this is a search for turtles, not a guaranteed encounter. Some groups saw several turtles up close. Others saw only two or three, and one family could not find any because of wind. The animals are wild, so patience and luck are part of the experience.

I like that the captain can spend time looking rather than moving immediately to the next scheduled stop. Captain Lawren was specifically praised for helping locate turtles, and Captain Dillon’s groups also reported good turtle sightings. Still, do not book this expecting every person in your group to swim directly beside a turtle.

Green Cay can be a strong choice for families because the stop combines wildlife with swimming. Children who are not keen on snorkeling may still enjoy watching turtles surface or playing in the water. Follow the captain’s instructions and avoid touching or chasing the animals.

The swimming-pig stop is optional and not the famous Exuma island

The pigs are an add-on, not part of the base price. You pay a separate per-person fee if you choose to visit, and the amount is not stated in the tour details. Ask for the current cost before you leave, since this charge can change the value of the day for a larger group.

You should also understand which pig experience you are getting. The original famous swimming-pig island is in the Exumas, more than 90 miles away across the sea. This Nassau excursion uses a closer island where pigs have been brought so you can see them without spending most of the day on a long ocean crossing.

That makes practical sense for a four-hour trip, but it may not match your mental picture of remote Exuma pigs. One group felt the setting was tourist-oriented, with pigs kept in pens and an additional charge for feeding them. Other groups loved holding the piglets, feeding the animals, and taking photographs.

My advice is simple: choose this stop for the hands-on animal encounter, not for the idea of reaching the original Pig Beach. Some travelers found the experience excellent, while another group called it disappointing. If your party is divided, skip it and use the time for snorkeling or Rose Island. The captain can adjust the plan.

What the $925 price really buys

The listed price is $925 per group, not per person. That can be fair for a full private boat if you have six to eight people, particularly when you value privacy and flexibility. Split eight ways, the base cost is about $116 per person before any transfers or pig fees. Split among four people, it becomes about $231 per person before extras.

The price includes:

• Private boat transportation
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks and ice
• Snacks
• Rum punch
• A private captain and customized route

It does not include the swimming-pig admission. Private round-trip land transportation is also an optional extra. Those two items are where the final cost can climb quickly.

For a small group, compare this with a standard cruise excursion. A large group outing may cost less, but you will usually trade away the ability to change stops, leave when you want, or avoid crowds. For six or more people, the private price becomes easier to justify. For two people, the cost is harder to defend unless privacy and customization are your top priorities.

I would also clarify the maximum party size. The current price says up to eight people, while other details refer to six people and the overview mentions up to ten. That inconsistency should be resolved in writing before you pay.

Weather, boats, and practical comfort

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the trip runs during changing weather, the captain may need to alter the route or skip the turtle stop.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for a few hours outdoors. You can bring your own picnic if snacks are not enough for your group. The tour does not list a full meal, towels, or other beach supplies.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, and pickup is offered. Ask about access and boarding if anyone in your party has mobility concerns, since the available details do not explain the boat’s boarding setup.

This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. The boat may be moving between several islands, and the water can affect comfort. One captain was praised for giving a smooth ride to a passenger prone to motion sickness, but that cannot be promised in every sea condition.

Who will enjoy this private boat most

I would recommend this trip to:

• Families who want a captain to adjust the schedule
• Friends splitting the private cost across a larger group
• Cruise passengers seeking a four-hour activity
• Snorkelers who prefer smaller sites over crowded boats
• People who want beach time, wildlife, and a boat ride in one outing
• Groups willing to decide in advance whether pigs are worth the extra fee

I would think twice if you want the original Exuma Pig Beach, a guaranteed turtle encounter, a full meal, or a highly polished resort-style operation. The trip is strongest when you treat it as a flexible local boat day, not as a fixed checklist of guaranteed animal sightings.

Should you book the Rose Island boat tour?

Book it if a private boat and a changeable schedule matter more to you than a low price. The combination of Rose Island, reef snorkeling, Green Cay turtles, music, snacks, and optional pigs gives you plenty to work with in four hours.

Before booking, confirm four things: the exact group limit, the dock location, the transfer cost, and the current pig fee. If your group is large enough to share the $925 price, the value is much better. If you are a couple or a very small party, a shared excursion may make more financial sense.

I would skip the pig stop if your priority is snorkeling and beaches, especially if you have already seen pigs elsewhere. I would keep the stop if your children want to feed and hold piglets. With a clear plan and realistic expectations about turtles and weather, this can be one of Nassau’s most flexible ways to spend half a day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the private boat tour last?

The experience lasts about four hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $925 per group. The supplied details give conflicting maximum group sizes, so confirm whether your booking covers six, eight, or ten people.

What stops are included?

The planned experience includes snorkeling and beach time at Rose Island, plus a visit to Green Cay to look for sea turtles. Swimming pigs can be added for an extra fee.

Is swimming with pigs included in the price?

No. The swimming-pig stop is optional and has a separate per-person charge.

What is included on the boat?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, ice, snacks, and rum punch are included. Private boat transportation is also included.

Is hotel or cruise-port pickup available?

Pickup is offered, and private transportation can be arranged. Private round-trip transfers may cost extra, so confirm the price before booking. You can also use a taxi.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. The captain can adjust the route and time spent at stops based on your group’s preferences. You can skip the pigs and spend more time snorkeling or at the beach.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.