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

Sun, sea, and a private boat make a strong combination. This four-hour Rose Island trip gives you room to shape the day around snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and beach time, rather than following a rigid group schedule. I like the included gear, drinks, and snack, along with the chance to see sea turtles around Green Cay. The main consideration is weather: wind can make the water rough and muddy, and it may limit which beaches or reefs you can visit.

Captain Frenchie receives especially warm praise for his patience, good humor, and care with children. I also like that the boat carries fishing rods, bait, tackle, and even an electric reel option. The extra $35 per person for the pig swim is worth understanding before you go, since seeing the pigs and feeding them are treated as separate choices.

The Rose Island experience at a glance

• A genuinely private outing: The $850 price covers your group of up to eight people, so you are not sharing the boat with strangers.
• A fast, open 28-foot boat: Twin 250-horsepower motors make it possible to cover Paradise Island, Green Cay, and Rose Island in one half-day outing.
• Sea turtles are a major draw: Snorkeling around Green Cay can include turtle sightings, along with many reef fish.
• Fishing is built into the plan: Rods, bait, tackle, and an electric reel are provided, giving children and first-time anglers a chance to take part.
• The pig swim costs extra: Swimming with the pigs is optional and costs $35 per person.
• Weather matters: Wind may create rough water, reduce visibility, and force the captain to change the stops.

Why a private boat changes the day

The biggest advantage here is control. You pay $850 for the boat, not per person, with room for up to eight people. A full group brings the cost to $106.25 per person. For four people, it becomes $212.50 each, so this trip makes the most financial sense for a family or group of friends who can fill much of the boat.

You can decide how much time to spend snorkeling, fishing, swimming, or sitting on the beach. The captain and crew have been praised for adjusting the outing around what the group wants, including spending more time with turtles or ending with fishing for children who prefer a rod to a mask.

That flexibility is useful in the Bahamas, where conditions can change quickly. If the water is clear and calm, you may want to stay longer over the reef. If the wind picks up, the captain can work around it as much as local conditions allow. One important caution: the boat is open, so the ride can feel exposed to sun, spray, and wind.

Leaving New Providence Island by open boat

The boat is a 28-foot open-hull vessel with twin 250-horsepower engines. That gives the trip a lively feel and allows the crew to visit several areas during a four-hour window. You will pass Paradise Island, with its famous resorts and grand waterfront homes, including the area often called Billionaires Row.

The route also includes a look toward the island associated with the 1960s television show Gilligan’s Island. It is a fun pop-culture detail rather than a full attraction, but it adds character to the ride and gives you something to watch for as you head toward the reefs.

The open design means you should think practically. Bring sun protection and clothing that can handle spray. Alcohol is not included, and the supplied refreshments are simple: water, soft drinks, and a snack such as granola bars or chips. This is enough to keep you going for four hours, but it is not a substitute for lunch.

Green Cay snorkeling and turtle sightings

The snorkeling stop around Green Cay is the heart of the trip for many people. The crew provides masks and snorkels, and you may see reef fish and sea turtles in the surrounding waters. Several families describe seeing large numbers of fish and swimming near turtles, making this a strong choice if wildlife matters more to you than simply riding around the islands.

I like the fact that snorkeling is not an add-on requiring you to bring your own equipment. That keeps the packing list short and helps children join in without a large pile of gear. The crew has also received praise for helping young swimmers and making children feel included.

Still, keep your expectations tied to the weather. Wind can stir the bottom and make the water murky. It can also make a small snorkeling site feel crowded or uncomfortable. On calm days, the water may look clear and the fish easy to spot. On rough days, the captain may need to shorten or shift this part of the trip.

The presence of turtles is never something that can be guaranteed. What you can count on is the chance to snorkel in an area known for turtle sightings, with the captain choosing a suitable location based on conditions.

Rose Island beaches and the pace of the afternoon

Rose Island provides the slower section of the tour. After time on the water, you can step onto a white sand beach, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit and enjoy the view. This pause matters because four hours of boat activity can feel busy, especially for children.

You may also find places on Rose Island where lunch, drinks, or beach activities are available. The supplied tour details do not include lunch, so plan for the possibility of buying food separately. One experience included lunch, drinks, swimming, and more beach time, while another group enjoyed a beach bar and volleyball.

The beach stop is also the part most affected by wind and local conditions. One group found that the water was too rough to reach a calm beach and that the pig area was too busy to use. The captain explained that strong winds had limited the available options. That is a fair reminder that the advertised route is not a promise that every stop will look perfect on the day.

Swimming with pigs, and the extra charge

Swimming with pigs is optional and costs $35 per person. The boat can take you to the pig area, but paying for the activity may involve a local operator and feeding experience on the island. Make sure you understand the arrangement before leaving the boat.

This distinction caused confusion for at least one group. They expected to see the pigs without paying for food or participation, while the captain said the $35 cost had been explained before arrival. The practical lesson is simple: ask exactly what the extra fee covers. Does it include entry, food for the pigs, or active participation? Clarify this before you step ashore.

The pig stop is not the strongest reason to book this trip. It can be a fun extra, especially for children, but it may be busy and the number of pigs can vary. Several groups chose not to pay for the pig swim and still had an excellent day snorkeling, fishing, and visiting beaches.

Fishing around Rose Island and Paradise Island

Fishing is included, not merely offered as a vague possibility. The crew provides rods, bait, and tackle for light-tackle fishing around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island. An electric reel is also available as an option.

This is a particularly good feature for families. One group finished the tour with fishing because the children wanted it, and the crew helped them throughout. You do not need to be an experienced angler to take part. The crew can guide you through the basics, though the catch will depend on conditions, timing, and luck.

Fishing also gives you a useful way to fill time if snorkeling is not appealing to everyone. One person can fish while another swims or rests on the boat, although the captain will determine what is practical and safe at each location.

The fishing is light tackle, so this is not a serious offshore fishing charter. Think of it as a relaxed reef activity that adds variety to a beach and snorkeling trip.

Captain Frenchie and the crew

Captain Frenchie is the name most closely linked with this experience. His strengths are warmth, flexibility, and attention to safety. Families especially appreciated the way he treated children, including one six-year-old who was nervous at first and was allowed to sit near the captain’s chair and feel involved.

Other crew members, including Mario and D, have also been praised for helping with snorkeling, fishing, and family needs. The best accounts describe a crew that lets you choose how to use your time without leaving you to manage the equipment alone.

That personal service is important on a private boat. You are paying for more than transportation to Rose Island. You are paying for a captain who can adjust the plan, point out useful areas, help children in the water, and keep the group moving safely.

The tone is informal rather than luxury-hotel polished. That suits the open boat and flexible schedule. If you want a formal cruise with a fixed menu and carefully staged entertainment, this is not that kind of outing.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The $850 group price includes:

• Private boat service for up to eight people
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing rods
• Bait and tackle
• The option to use an electric reel
• Water and soft drinks
• A snack such as granola bars or chips

It does not include alcohol, lunch, or the $35 per person pig swim. Beach activities and food purchased on Rose Island also cost extra.

The value depends heavily on group size. Eight people sharing the boat receive a strong private-charter value, especially when you compare it with booking separate snorkeling, fishing, and beach activities. A smaller group pays more per person, but gains privacy and the ability to decide how the half-day unfolds.

I would not book this expecting a fully catered excursion. Bring your own plan for lunch, and budget for optional purchases on Rose Island. The included snack is helpful, but the tour is built around activities, not meals.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip for families, couples traveling with friends, and groups that want several activities in one outing. It works especially well when people in the same group have different interests. One person can snorkel, another can fish, and another can relax on the beach.

Children appear to do well with this setup because the crew takes time to involve them. Fishing can provide a welcome break from the water, and the boat’s private format avoids the pressure of keeping up with a large group.

This is also a good fit if you want sea turtles and reef fish but do not want a full-day charter. Four hours is long enough to see several places without taking over your entire day.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike sun and spray, or need a guaranteed calm beach. The open boat and weather-dependent stops are part of the deal. Strong wind can change the route and reduce snorkeling visibility.

Booking advice and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience is available as a mobile ticket. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

I would also contact Triple D’s Aqua Adventures before departure to confirm the meeting details, the expected beach stops, and the exact pig-swim arrangement. That short conversation can prevent the only serious point of confusion in an otherwise easygoing day.

My verdict on Rose Island by private boat

This is a strong choice if you want a personal, active half-day on the water rather than a single-purpose snorkel trip. The best features are the private boat, flexible schedule, included fishing gear, and the real possibility of seeing sea turtles and large schools of fish.

The weak points are just as clear: the price is high for a small group, food is limited, the pig swim costs extra, and wind can change the route. I would book it for a group of six to eight people who value privacy and want to mix snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and beach time. If you mainly want a calm beach or a guaranteed pig encounter, choose a tour built around that one activity instead.

FAQ

How much does the private Rose Island tour cost?

The tour costs $850 per group for up to eight people. The cost is shared by the group rather than charged separately to each person.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately four hours.

What locations are included?

The route can include Paradise Island, the area associated with Gilligan’s Island, Green Cay for snorkeling, and Rose Island for beach time and other activities.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is fishing included?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and tackle are provided. You can also have the option of using an electric reel.

Are food and drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips are included. Alcoholic beverages and lunch are not included.

How much does swimming with the pigs cost?

Swimming with the pigs costs $35 per person. It is optional.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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