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

A private boat carries you from New Providence Island toward Rose Island, with stops for snorkeling, fishing, sea turtles, and beach time. You may also pass Paradise Island, the old Gilligan’s Island filming area, and Green Cay. I like the freedom to shape the outing around your group instead of following a rigid schedule.

I also like that Captain Frenchie and crew members such as Mario and D have earned strong praise for being warm with children and attentive on the water. The main caution is weather: wind can make the sea rough, limit beach choices, and cloud the water at the snorkel site.

Key points at a glance

• Private 28-foot boat: Your group has the vessel to itself, with twin 250-horsepower motors and room for up to eight people.
• Sea turtles and reef fish: Snorkeling around Green Cay and near Rose Island can bring you close to turtles and many fish.
• Fishing is part of the plan: Rods, bait, tackle, and an electric reel are provided for light-tackle fishing.
• Rose Island beach time: You get a white-sand beach stop, with possible time for swimming, relaxing, lunch, or a beach bar.
• Pig swimming costs extra: The pig experience is optional and costs $35 per person.
• Weather matters: Wind may change the route and make the water murky, so keep your expectations flexible.

A private half-day on the water

This four-hour outing works best as a flexible sampler of the waters around Nassau and Rose Island. You are not simply taken from one fixed attraction to another. The crew can spend more time on snorkeling, fishing, swimming, or beach lounging, depending on what your group wants.

That flexibility is a real benefit for families. If your children lose interest in snorkeling but want to fish, you can shift the focus. If the adults want more time in the water, the private setup gives you a better chance to do that than a large shared boat would.

The boat is a 28-foot open-hull vessel with twin 250-horsepower motors. That gives the captain the power to cover several spots during a four-hour trip, although the ride can feel lively when the wind picks up. Bring a light jacket or cover-up if you are sensitive to spray, but do not expect a formal yacht setting. This is an active boat day, not a polished cruise.

Captain Frenchie is the main name attached to this experience, with Mario and D also working as crew members on some departures. Their role is important because this tour depends less on onboard entertainment and more on how well the crew reads the conditions and responds to your group.

Passing Paradise Island and the old TV island

The route can take you past Paradise Island, one of the most recognizable parts of the Nassau area. You may also see the island associated with Gilligan’s Island from the 1960s television show, along with Green Cay.

These sights add interest between water activities. The tour is not marketed as a formal sightseeing cruise, so the emphasis remains on the sea, but the ride gives you a different view of the islands and waterfront homes. One especially appealing part is the chance to see the large residences along what some call billionaires row.

I would treat these views as pleasant extras rather than the main reason to book. The strongest parts of the day are the water stops and the time you control on Rose Island. Still, the boat ride helps connect the experience into a wider look at the islands around Nassau.

Snorkeling around Green Cay

The snorkeling stop is built around reef life and turtle sightings. The waters around Green Cay can offer many fish, and sea turtles are a major draw. Several families specifically enjoyed swimming near turtles, while others described seeing large numbers of fish in clear water.

You receive snorkel gear as part of the price, so you do not need to bring your own equipment unless you prefer a personal mask. The crew can help you get set up, and the private format means you can ask for guidance rather than being lost in a large group.

Still, marine life is never guaranteed. Conditions change with wind, tide, and water movement. One outing had rough seas and a murky, crowded snorkel area, while other trips had excellent visibility and turtle sightings. That contrast is worth keeping in mind. Book this for the chance to see reef life, not for a guaranteed encounter.

If someone in your group is nervous in the water, tell the crew early. Captain Frenchie has been especially praised for helping children feel included, including one six-year-old who was unsure at first. That kind of patience can make a real difference on a boat day.

Fishing with rods, bait, and light tackle

Fishing gives the trip another useful option, especially for families with mixed interests. Rods, bait, and tackle are included, and you can try light-tackle fishing around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island.

You may also have access to an electric reel. That can be useful for someone who is less comfortable handling fishing gear, though the supplied information does not specify the exact fish species or how long the fishing portion lasts.

The best approach is to discuss your priorities before leaving. If fishing is the main reason you booked, say so at the start. If your group wants turtles and snorkeling first, the crew can work around that. Several outings ended with fishing because the children preferred it, which shows how the private format can adapt during the day.

Fishing here is not presented as a full offshore sport-fishing charter. It is a light, accessible activity folded into a half-day island trip. That makes it a good fit for first-time fishers and families, but less suitable if you want a serious fishing expedition with a particular target species.

Rose Island’s white-sand beach

The main land stop is Rose Island, where you can spend time on a pretty white-sand beach. This is the part of the day that slows the pace. After snorkeling or fishing, you can swim, sit on the sand, or simply enjoy the view.

Some outings included time at a beach bar, with lunch, drinks, and even volleyball available as optional beach activities. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so plan to pay separately if you want a meal. Alcohol is also excluded.

The beach stop can be a highlight, but it is not fully predictable. Wind direction may prevent the boat from reaching a calm beach, and conditions can change during the day. One trip had rough water and no quiet beach stop, while other groups enjoyed abandoned beaches and a comfortable break on shore.

This is a good reason to avoid promising children one exact beach scene. Think of Rose Island as your chance for beach time if conditions allow, not as a guaranteed private beach visit.

Swimming with pigs for an extra $35

Swimming with pigs is available as an add-on for $35 per person. It is not included in the $850 private charter price, and you can choose to skip it.

The extra charge is important to understand before you arrive. The pig stop may involve workers offering food to feed the pigs, and the paid participation is separate from simply being taken near the area. Ask the captain to explain exactly what the $35 covers before committing, especially if some members of your group want the activity and others do not.

The pig stop can also be affected by crowding and weather. One group chose not to stop because the area was busy, while others included pig swimming as one part of a larger day that also covered turtles, fishing, and beaches.

I see the pigs as an optional bonus, not the central value of this tour. If pigs are your only goal, a dedicated pig excursion may be a clearer choice. If you want a private boat, snorkeling, fishing, and Rose Island, the add-on gives you another choice without forcing everyone to participate.

What the $850 price really buys

The advertised price is $850 per group of up to eight people. At full capacity, that works out to about $106 per person. With four people, the cost rises to $212.50 each, so the value depends heavily on the size of your group.

For eight people, a private boat can be a strong deal because the cost is spread across the group and you get the freedom to set the pace. You are paying for the boat, crew, equipment, and private use rather than a seat on a fixed shared excursion.

For a couple or a small family, the price is harder to justify unless privacy is a top priority. The included water, soft drinks, and a snack help, but they do not replace lunch. You also need to budget for the optional $35-per-person pig experience, beach purchases, and any tip you wish to give the crew.

Fishing gear and snorkel equipment are included, which saves you from renting those items separately. The private arrangement also matters if your group includes young children, beginners, or people who want different activities. You can change plans more easily than you could on a large group boat.

What is included, and what you should bring

The tour includes bottled water, soft drinks, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips. It also includes snorkel equipment, fishing rods, bait, and tackle.

That snack is useful, but do not mistake it for lunch. Bring or buy a proper meal if your group needs one during the four-hour outing. Alcohol is not included.

I would bring:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Towel and sun protection
• Cash or another way to pay for lunch, drinks, beach activities, or pig swimming
• A waterproof case for your phone
• Any personal snorkel gear you prefer

The booking uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation. Most people can take part, though the open boat and changing sea conditions may not suit everyone equally.

Wind, water conditions, and realistic expectations

Weather is the biggest variable here. The trip requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Even when the trip runs, wind can affect the route. Strong wind may make the ride rough, prevent a calm beach stop, or stir up the water and reduce visibility. The crew may need to choose a different snorkel location or shorten one activity to keep the day workable.

That is not a flaw unique to this operator. It is part of booking a small boat in open island waters. Still, you should know what you are buying. If you need a guaranteed calm beach and clear snorkeling, this is not a sure thing.

The good news is that the private format gives the captain more room to respond to your group. The crew has been praised for staying attentive and helping families enjoy the day even in windy conditions. Just keep your plans loose.

The best match for this Rose Island trip

I would consider this tour for a family or friend group that wants several activities in one outing. It suits people who enjoy choosing between snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and beach time rather than committing to one narrow theme.

It is especially useful for groups with children. Kids can try snorkeling, sit near the captain, fish with help, or simply swim and play on the beach. The crew has received strong praise for making younger children feel involved.

It also suits a group that values privacy. You do not need to spend the day with strangers, and you can adjust the pace around your own energy and interests.

I would be more cautious if you have very specific expectations. This is not the best fit if your sole aim is a guaranteed pig encounter, serious fishing, a quiet luxury yacht, or a fixed itinerary with no weather-related changes. The tour works best when you see it as a flexible island day.

Should you book it?

Book this private Rose Island trip if you have a group of several people and want one boat day that combines snorkeling, sea turtles, fishing, and beach time. The strongest reasons are the private setup, the flexible schedule, included equipment, and the personal attention from Captain Frenchie and his crew.

Before paying, make sure everyone understands the extra $35 pig fee, the fact that lunch is separate, and the possibility of rough water. If your group can handle those limits, this offers a lively and varied way to see the islands around Nassau without being locked into one 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 price covers a private group of up to eight people.

What activities are available during the tour?

You can snorkel, swim, relax on Rose Island, and try light-tackle fishing. The route may also pass Paradise Island, Green Cay, and the island associated with Gilligan’s Island.

Are snorkeling equipment and fishing gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, and tackle are included. An electric reel may also be available.

Is swimming with pigs included in the price?

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

Are food and drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips are included. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the tour is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.