Private Rose Island, Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling and Turtles

A private boat makes Nassau feel much bigger. This four-hour charter lets you shape the outing around your group, with Rose Island beaches, reef snorkeling, Green Cay sea turtles, and optional swimming pigs. I especially like the freedom to skip a stop, stay longer at the beach, and avoid sharing a boat with strangers. The included gear, water, sodas, snacks, and rum punch also make the day easy.

The two big considerations are extra costs and changing sea conditions. Swimming pigs cost extra, and private transfers can add more than $100. Turtle sightings and snorkeling depend on wind and water conditions, while the advertised group limit is not fully consistent, so confirm the maximum party size before paying.

The best parts of this four-hour Nassau boat trip

• A truly private outing: Only your group joins the boat, so you are not held to another party’s pace.
• Captain-led flexibility: Captains such as Ramsey, Dillon, McKinney, and Lawren have adjusted routes for families, skipped pig stops, and added more beach or snorkeling time.
• Three very different water stops: Rose Island offers sand and clear water, Green Cay is used for turtle swims, and nearby reefs provide snorkeling.
• Swimming pigs are optional: You can add the pig stop, or use the time for more snorkeling and beach time.
• Simple refreshments included: Bottled water, sodas, ice, snacks, and rum punch are provided.
• Private pickup is available, but costs extra: This is useful from a cruise port or hotel, yet you should ask for the exact price before booking.

What you are really buying for $925

The listed price is $925 per group, not per person. That can be fair for a private boat if you have a larger party and care about having the day to yourselves. Split among six people, the base price is about $154 per person. Split among eight, it comes to roughly $116 each, before any transfer or pig fees.

That comparison matters. A large group excursion may cost less, but you will usually follow a fixed schedule and share every stop. Here, your captain can spend more time with children on a beach, look longer for turtles, or skip swimming pigs entirely. Several families found that freedom more valuable than a lower-cost group trip.

The pricing needs careful checking, though. The main details describe a group of up to eight, while another part says up to six. Ask the operator to confirm the permitted party size and final total in writing. The pig admission is not included, and private transportation is listed as included in the tour package, yet separate comments describe an optional private round-trip transfer costing more than $100. The safest approach is to ask exactly what transportation means for your hotel or cruise arrival point.

The pig fee can also change the value. One party reported paying $30 per person for pig food and then facing requests for tips at the pig stop. That may be acceptable if holding baby pigs is high on your list, but it is not a minor add-on for a family of six.

Starting from Nassau and getting to the water

The tour begins at the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal area, with pickup offered. You can also arrange your own taxi. Some cruise passengers paid for a private transfer from the port or Atlantis, while others took a taxi and reported paying $29 from Atlantis to the dock.

The private transfer may be worth the cost if you want someone coordinating the ride, especially on a day when several cruise ships are in port. One family appreciated having the same driver take them in both directions. Another family felt the charge was high for a short ride. I would not assume the transfer is required. Ask whether you can meet at the dock, how much a taxi should cost, and whether the quoted transfer is one-way or round-trip.

Timing matters more than it first appears. An early start can help you reach the pig stop before larger boat groups arrive. One party arrived before a group of about 65 people and had the beach and pigs largely to themselves for a short time. If swimming pigs are your priority, request the earliest practical departure and confirm that the route will go there first.

Communication has not been perfect for every group. One party was worried when the captain arrived late without notice. That did not ruin the day, but it is a good reason to confirm the meeting point, pickup time, and captain’s contact number before you leave your hotel or ship.

Rose Island: powdery sand and room to breathe

Rose Island is the relaxed heart of the outing. The beach stops described by families feature very white sand, clear water, and little crowding. Some groups had a quiet cove almost to themselves, which made this far more pleasant than a packed resort beach.

You may spend time swimming, wading, snorkeling near shore, or simply sitting in the sand. Families with young children especially liked having space for kids to play without being rushed to the next scheduled activity. One group skipped the pigs and used the extra time for Rose Island and snorkeling instead.

The island is not presented as a developed attraction with a long list of facilities. One stop includes an abandoned house in poor repair, and some outings also passed a ruined house with peacocks nearby. Those details add a slightly odd, local character, but you should not expect shops, changing rooms, or a polished beach club.

This stop works best if your idea of a good afternoon is simple: clear water, soft sand, a boat nearby, and time to stop checking the clock. Bring sun protection and anything you need for comfort, since the included snacks and drinks are useful but not a full picnic. You may bring your own picnic if you want a proper meal.

Green Cay and the search for sea turtles

The turtle stop takes place around Green Cay. The captain looks for native sea turtles, and several families had close sightings, including children swimming near one. Other groups saw two or three turtles, while some could not find any because of wind or water conditions.

That uncertainty is important. The trip gives you a chance to see turtles, not a guarantee. A good captain can spot where turtles surface and maneuver the boat carefully, but wildlife follows its own schedule. One captain spent extra time trying to locate them, while another changed the plan when the conditions were not suitable.

This stop is most rewarding for confident swimmers and people comfortable snorkeling in open water. If you have children, discuss their swimming ability with the captain at the beginning. The tour is private, so your captain can work around a cautious child better than a large group boat can.

Bring realistic expectations. The turtles are a highlight when they appear, but the day should still feel worthwhile if the search comes up short. Rose Island and the reef snorkeling provide useful backup activities, and the route can be adjusted.

Snorkeling gear and what the reef stop offers

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing or renting masks and fins. The reef sites can be full of fish. One group described a spot as a wall of fish, and another found the snorkeling better than a large-boat excursion because the water was less crowded.

Your experience will depend on weather, visibility, and the chosen site. The captain may shift locations if wind affects the water. One outing became partly a scenic boat ride around Nassau and New Providence after the weather turned, while other groups enjoyed long swims over a reef.

I like the private format here. You do not have to wait for a boatload of strangers to enter or leave the water, and you may be able to spend more time snorkeling if your group enjoys it. If your party would rather float at a beach than inspect coral and fish, the captain can usually shape the route around that preference.

The tour provides gear, but the information does not promise prescription masks, children’s sizes, or specialized equipment. If anyone in your party needs a particular fit, ask ahead. You should also be ready for a boat ride between stops, since this is a water-based outing rather than a series of nearby beach walks.

Swimming pigs: fun, optional, and not the famous Exuma island

The swimming pig stop is optional and costs extra. The nearby pig experience is not the famous Big Major Cay in the Exumas. That island is more than 90 miles away, so this excursion uses pigs on a closer island to keep the half-day schedule practical.

That distinction should be clear before you book. You are paying for a convenient Nassau-area version, not a full Exumas expedition. The stop can include feeding, holding, and photographing pigs, including piglets. Children often love this part, and several families considered it a major success.

The setting may not match your mental picture of pigs swimming freely on an empty island. One disappointed group found the pigs raised in pens and felt the setup was more tourist-oriented than expected. Food fees and tip requests can also add to the cost.

I would add the stop if your children are excited about pigs or if the experience is a must-do for your group. I would skip it if you have done a similar activity before, dislike animal attractions, or would rather use the time for a secluded beach and more snorkeling. The private format makes that choice painless.

Captains who shape the day

The strongest part of the outing is the captain. Ramsey, Dillon Ramsey, McKinney, and Lawren receive repeated praise for being friendly, patient, and flexible. They have helped families plan around young children, adjusted the route, shared local information, and taken photos without trying to sell an upgrade.

Captain McKinney received particular praise from families with children. He adjusted one trip when a child did not want to swim with pigs, giving the group more time with turtles and at a quiet beach. Captain Dillon was praised for smooth boat handling, helpful conversation, and giving families room to choose the day’s rhythm.

Captain Lawren also received strong marks for finding turtles, explaining the islands, and waiting with a group until its return driver arrived. These details matter because a private charter is only as good as the person steering it. You are not buying a self-guided boat rental. The captain’s judgment affects comfort, timing, safety, and what you actually see.

There was one boat-related complaint involving an alarm and a change of boat. The operator disputed the account, so I would not treat it as typical. Still, it is sensible to confirm the vessel and ask what happens if weather or mechanical problems affect the route.

Food, drinks, music, and the feel onboard

Water, sodas, ice, snacks, and rum punch are included. The refreshments are enough to keep you going through a four-hour outing, but they are not a full lunch. Bring your own picnic if you want something more substantial.

The relaxed tone is part of the appeal. Some boats have a speaker so you can play your own music, and families enjoyed cruising between stops with drinks and snacks on hand. That makes the trip feel more like a private day out with a local captain than a formal sightseeing program.

Alcohol is included through rum punch, so use ordinary judgment in the sun and on the water. If your group includes children, ask what soft drinks and snacks are available if anyone has allergies or dietary needs. The supplied details do not list specific brands or food options.

Weather, comfort, and who will enjoy it most

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Wind can also change the route during an otherwise successful outing, especially for turtles and snorkeling.

I would book this for families, couples traveling with friends, cruise passengers with a solid four-hour window, and anyone who values privacy. It works particularly well for mixed groups because you can combine a beach, snorkeling, wildlife, and a relaxed boat ride rather than committing to one activity.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed turtle sighting, want the authentic Exumas pig island, or dislike paying add-on fees. It may also be poor value for a very small party that does not care about privacy. The base price makes more sense when divided among six or eight people.

Service animals are allowed, the activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The information does not provide detailed accessibility notes for the boat, so ask directly if anyone has mobility needs.

Cancellation and practical planning

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Before booking, confirm these points:

• The exact maximum group size, since the details cite both six and eight people.
• The total price with pig admission.
• The transfer cost from your hotel or cruise terminal.
• The dock location and meeting time.
• The captain assigned to your group.
• Whether your preferred stops can fit into four hours.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a waterproof way to carry valuables. A picnic is allowed, but the boat already provides drinks and snacks. If swimming pigs are optional for you, say so early. That lets the captain use the time where your group will get the most enjoyment.

Should you book this private Rose Island tour?

I would book it if privacy, flexibility, and a mix of activities matter more to you than the lowest possible price. The best outings combine a fish-filled reef, a quiet Rose Island beach, a turtle search, and a captain who adjusts the day around your family. That is a strong package for a half-day in Nassau.

I would not book without clarifying the transfer and pig charges. I would also avoid treating the turtle or pig stops as guaranteed, polished attractions. The real value is the private boat and the ability to change plans. If you share the cost with a larger group and want a relaxed day on the water, this is a good choice. If you mainly want the famous Exuma pigs, save your money for an excursion that actually goes there.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour start?

The listed starting point is the Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal area. Pickup is offered, and the operator can provide private transportation.

How many people can join the boat?

The price is listed for a group of up to eight, but another section states a maximum of six. Confirm the exact limit with the operator before booking.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity, so only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are drinks and snacks provided?

Yes. Bottled water, sodas, ice, snacks, and rum punch are included.

Does the tour include swimming pigs?

Swimming pigs can be added, but the per-person fee is not included in the base price. You can also skip this stop.

Is this the famous pig island in the Exumas?

No. The closer pig stop is used to keep the trip within a half-day. The famous Big Major Cay in the Exumas is more than 90 miles away.

Can I bring food?

Yes. You can bring your own picnic if you want a larger meal than the provided snacks.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.