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

Rose Island is the setting for a flexible half-day on the water, with snorkeling, light-tackle fishing, white-sand beaches, sea turtles, and an optional pig encounter all packed into about four hours. The boat also passes Paradise Island and the famous Gilligan’s Island from the 1960s television show.

I like the private-boat format, since your group can shape the outing around swimming, fishing, snorkeling, or beach time instead of following a fixed crowd. I also like that Captain Frenchie and crew members such as Mario and D are repeatedly praised for being attentive with children and patient with nervous swimmers.

The main consideration is weather. Wind can limit which beaches and reefs are practical, and rough water may make snorkeling less clear. Lunch and alcohol are not included, and swimming with the pigs costs an extra $35 per person.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 28-foot boat carries only your group, up to eight people, giving you more say over the pace.
• Snorkeling near Green Cay can include sea turtles, along with plenty of reef fish.
• Fishing gear, bait, rods, and snorkels are provided, so you do not need to bring specialist equipment.
• Rose Island offers white sand and time to relax, with possible lunch and beach activities available to purchase.
• Swimming with the pigs costs $35 per person, in addition to the $850 group price.
• Captain Frenchie is a major part of the experience, especially for families who want a friendly, flexible guide.

A private boat day around New Providence

At $850 per group of up to eight, this is not a cheap quick boat ride. It is a private charter, though, so the price can make sense for a family or group that would otherwise need several individual tickets on a shared excursion.

With eight people, the base cost works out to about $106 per person before any extra charges. With four people, it is about $213 each. The value improves when you want control over the day and do not want to spend your time waiting for strangers, following a rigid schedule, or choosing just one activity.

The boat is a 28-foot open-hull vessel with twin 250-horsepower motors. That gives the crew a fast, direct way to move around the waters near Nassau and the neighboring islands, but the open design also means you should expect sun, wind, and spray. Bring sun protection and wear swim-friendly clothing.

The tour lasts approximately four hours. That is enough time for several short activities, but not enough for every stop to receive a long, relaxed visit. You will get the most from it if you decide in advance what matters most: turtle snorkeling, fishing, beach time, or the pigs.

Passing Paradise Island and Gilligan’s Island

The outing includes views of Paradise Island, one of the most recognizable parts of the Nassau area. You may also pass the place associated with Gilligan’s Island, the television show from the 1960s, as well as homes and resorts along the water.

One especially enjoyable way to use this part of the ride is simply to look outward. The boat offers a different view of New Providence than you get from the road. The shoreline, open water, and private residences become part of the sightseeing, even before the swimming begins.

The route can change with the wind. One outing may reach a calm beach and a clear reef, while another may need to stay in more sheltered water. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not treat every named stop as a guarantee of identical conditions.

Green Cay snorkeling and sea turtles

The snorkeling portion takes place around Green Cay, where the water may be filled with reef fish and sea turtles. This is the strongest reason to book if you care more about marine life than beach lounging.

Snorkels are supplied, along with the chance to use fishing equipment later. The crew can help you get started, and the private setting makes it easier to ask for a slower pace or extra assistance. Families can also benefit from the more personal setup. Captain Frenchie has been praised for helping children feel included, including one young child who was nervous around the water.

You should still keep your expectations sensible. Clear water depends on wind and sea conditions. When the sea is rough, the water can become muddy, and a small snorkeling site may feel crowded if other boats are nearby. This is not a guaranteed aquarium-like view every day.

The turtle sightings are a real attraction, but wild animals do not follow a timetable. You may see several turtles and a wide variety of fish, or conditions may make the encounter less impressive. The tour’s flexibility gives the crew a chance to choose a better spot when possible, but weather remains the deciding factor.

Fishing around Rose Island and Paradise Island

Fishing is not an afterthought here. The charter includes light-tackle fishing around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island, with bait and fishing rods supplied.

The tour also offers fishing poles or an electric reel. That choice may appeal to families with children or anyone who wants to try fishing without bringing equipment from home. If your group has mixed interests, some people can fish while others use the snorkels.

Fishing takes time, so be clear about your priorities before leaving. A four-hour trip cannot provide a long fishing session, an extended beach visit, a full snorkeling outing, and a leisurely lunch without some trade-offs. If fishing is the main goal, tell the captain early and ask how much time can be set aside.

The crew’s involvement is another advantage. Children may need help with bait, rods, and technique, and the crew has been praised for working with them throughout the activity. This is more useful than simply having fishing gear placed on the boat and being left to figure it out.

Rose Island beach time

Rose Island provides the classic postcard portion of the outing: white sand, open water, and time to swim or relax. After the boat activities, a beach stop gives you a chance to slow down and dry off.

The stop is not presented as a full resort day. You can purchase lunch and drinks or take part in other activities on the island. One beach option mentioned in the experience is Footprints Beach Bar, where you may find food, cocktails, volleyball, and room to relax.

Because the tour is short, do not expect unlimited time on the sand. If your group wants lunch, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and a long beach break, you will need to choose what gets the most attention. The private format helps, but it cannot add extra hours to the afternoon.

Beach conditions can also shift with the weather. Strong winds may make it difficult to reach a calm beach, and one outing had to skip a preferred pig stop because the island was busy. That is an important limitation for anyone booking mainly for a quiet beach scene.

The optional swimming-pigs stop

Swimming with the pigs is available for an extra $35 per person. This fee is not included in the $850 charter price, and the distinction matters because the pig stop can involve additional food or participation charges on the island.

You may still visit the area without taking part in the activity, depending on the day’s arrangements. Ask the crew to explain exactly what the $35 covers before you arrive. One poor experience arose from confusion over the extra charge and food offered by workers on the island, so clear communication is worth a minute of your time.

The pigs are a fun add-on if your group specifically wants that experience. They are not the main strength of this charter, though. The best parts of the outing are the private boat, the crew’s flexibility, turtle snorkeling, fishing, and the Rose Island setting.

If your budget is tight, skip the pigs and use the time for swimming or the beach. Several groups chose not to add the pig activity and still had a full day with snorkeling, turtles, beaches, and fishing.

How the crew shapes the experience

Captain Frenchie is the central figure in the experience. The strongest praise focuses on his warm manner, attention to safety, and willingness to adjust the day to suit the group.

Crew members Mario and D have also been praised for helping with activities and keeping children involved. That matters on a private charter because the crew’s attitude affects nearly every part of the trip. A patient captain can make the difference between a child who sits on the boat and one who tries snorkeling or fishing.

The crew has also handled difficult weather with care. Wind may force a change of route, but the captain can still try to make the day worthwhile by shifting the balance between fishing, snorkeling, and beach time.

You should tell the crew what your group wants at the start. If one person wants turtles, another wants fishing, and the children want pigs, the captain needs that information to plan the order of stops.

What is included, and what you should bring

The charter includes water, soft drinks, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips. That is enough to keep you going during four active hours, but it is not a substitute for lunch.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. Lunch and other island activities are also extra. Bring money for those purchases, along with the $35 per person pig fee if you plan to participate.

Snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, and tackle are supplied. You can still bring your own mask if you prefer a personal fit, but the provided equipment covers the basic needs stated for the tour.

I would bring:

• Reef-safe sun protection
• A hat and sunglasses with a secure strap
• A towel and a dry change of clothes
• Water-resistant storage for phones and wallets
• Cash or a payment method for lunch, drinks, and optional activities

These are practical choices for any open boat, especially when the wind picks up.

Who will get the most from this charter?

This tour suits families, couples, and small groups who want several choices in one outing. It is particularly useful for groups with mixed interests because not everyone has to snorkel or fish at the same time.

Families with children may appreciate the private setting and the crew’s patience. A child who feels unsure about the water can stay close to the captain, try a shorter swim, or switch to fishing. The private boat also avoids the pressure of keeping up with a large group.

It is a good choice for confident swimmers who want turtle snorkeling and reef fish, as well as for beginners who want equipment and crew support. Still, the tour is not described as a formal swimming lesson, so anyone who is uncomfortable in open water should discuss that with the crew.

You may want another type of outing if your top priority is a guaranteed calm beach, a long lunch, or a full day at one location. Wind and sea conditions can alter the route, and four hours passes quickly when several activities are competing for time.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the tour accepts mobile tickets. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people. The tour is private, with only your group participating, and it can accommodate up to eight people.

Book at least several weeks ahead if your schedule is fixed. The experience is booked about 30 days in advance on average, which suggests that popular dates may not remain open until the last minute.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. Since the tour depends on good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions comes with the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book Rose Island with Triple D’s?

Book it if you want a private, flexible water day and your group can agree on a few priorities. The strongest combination is turtle snorkeling, a little fishing, and time on Rose Island, with the pigs added only if that activity matters to you.

The $850 price is easiest to justify with six to eight people. With a smaller group, compare the cost with shared boat trips, but remember that a shared tour will not offer the same control over timing or activities.

I would be cautious if you need guaranteed calm water or a long, quiet beach stop. Weather can change the plan, and the optional pig activity requires careful attention to the extra fee.

For a family or small group that values personal service, Captain Frenchie’s flexible approach, and a mix of sea life, fishing, and beach time, this is a strong Nassau choice. Just confirm the pig charges, set realistic expectations about wind, and tell the crew what you most want to do before the boat leaves.

FAQ

How much does the private Rose Island tour cost?

The tour costs $850 per group for up to eight people. Swimming with the pigs costs an additional $35 per person.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The price covers a group of up to eight people.

Are snorkeling equipment and fishing gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, bait, and tackle are provided.

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.

Can I swim with the pigs?

Yes, swimming with the pigs is an optional activity. It costs $35 per person.

Will I see sea turtles?

The route includes snorkeling around Green Cay in turtle-filled waters, but sightings can vary with conditions.

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.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.