Nassau: Rose 3-Island Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch

If you’re heading to Nassau and looking for a well-rounded day of adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences, the Rose Island tour offers a compelling package. This four-hour excursion takes you to three different islands, with highlights like snorkeling coral reefs, swimming with pigs and turtles, and lounging on quiet beaches. It’s a chance to enjoy the Bahamas beyond the usual cruise ship port, blending natural beauty with some fun wildlife encounters.

What we love about this tour is the way it combines scenic boat rides with up-close animal interactions—feeding pigs, snorkeling with turtles, and exploring underwater coral gardens. Plus, the included lunch and unlimited drinks mean you can focus on the fun without worrying about extra costs. However, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or non-swimmers, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable in the water and eager for some active exploration.

A possible consideration is the group size and timing. While most reviews praise the guides and overall experience, some travelers might prefer a more private or leisurely pace. Nonetheless, if you’re after a lively, diverse adventure that mixes wildlife, scenery, and culture, this tour hits many of those marks.

This tour is perfect for families with kids, adventure seekers, and couples alike who want to make the most of their Nassau visit. It offers a nice balance of activity, relaxation, and a taste of Bahamian hospitality.

Key Points

• Variety of Experiences: Combines island hopping, snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and beach lounging.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Highly praised for their friendliness and local insights.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes lunch, drinks, snacks, and amenities like Wi-Fi and photography.
• Ideal Duration: Four hours makes it a manageable yet comprehensive trip.
• Wildlife Highlights: Swim with turtles, feed and see pigs, and explore vibrant coral reefs.
• Convenient Pick-up Options: Multiple locations near Nassau, Paradise Island, and Cable Beach.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Heart of the Tour: A Deep Dive

Starting from Nassau’s Woodes Rodgers Walk, the tour kicks off with a scenic boat ride. Most guests mention how much they enjoy the crisp, clear waters and the chance to see Nassau from the water, which offers a different perspective than city streets or beaches. The boat ride alone is a highlight—it’s quick enough to be exciting but long enough to soak in the views.

First stop: Atlantis Tunnel and Athol Island. The Atlantis tunnel is a real treat—cruising through waterfalls and seeing the underwater world from inside the boat builds anticipation for the snorkeling later. Athol Island, often praised for its beautiful scenery and clear waters, provides a chance to swim and take photos in a lush, tropical setting. Reviewers consistently mention how helpful and friendly the guides are, ensuring everyone feels comfortable, especially during water activities.

Next, Green Cay offers a chance to snorkel amid coral reefs and tropical marine life. Many guests rave about swimming alongside sea turtles—a memorable highlight that adds a special touch to your trip. The experience is described as “unforgettable” and “majestic,” with snorkel gear provided, making it accessible for most skill levels.

Then comes the main event on Rose Island. Here, the swimming pigs steal the show, with visitors getting up close and even holding tiny piglets — a rare interaction that many reviews describe as “fun,” “adorable,” and “a bit messy.” Expect pigs to leave their mark in the water, but guides are quick to clean up. If you’re concerned about hygiene, it’s worth knowing that the pigs do poo in the water, but keepers do their best to keep things tidy.

Beach time on Rose Island offers a tranquil escape. The beaches are praised for their soft sand and quiet atmosphere—perfect for sunbathing or simply soaking in the island vibe. Plenty of lounge chairs and beach games are available, and your guides encourage relaxing at your own pace.

Lunch and drinks are served on the return journey, with generous offerings including local beer, rum punch, soft drinks, and snacks. Reviewers mention the quality of the food as being surprisingly good, especially considering it’s included in the tour cost. The convenience of having food and beverages without extra charges is a real plus, especially on a day packed with activity.

Throughout the tour, Wi-Fi and professional photography are available, allowing you to stay connected and capture your best moments without stress. Many reviews highlight how helpful the guides are—not only with logistics but also with sharing local insights and ensuring everyone feels included, regardless of age or water confidence.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour is thoughtfully structured to maximize sightseeing while providing enough downtime for relaxation. You start at Woodes Rodgers Walk, from where most boats depart. The 30-minute trip to Atlantis is a scenic, gentle introduction, setting the tone for the day. Passing by the famous Atlantis Hotel and its waterfalls, you get a glimpse of Nassau’s luxurious side.

The Athol Island stop offers snorkeling and a guided tour. Many travelers appreciate this as an authentic encounter with unspoiled nature, with the guides pointing out various fish and coral formations. The Green Cay stop is more focused on underwater discovery, with snorkel gear provided and the chance to swim with sea turtles and tropical fish.

The main highlight is Rose Island, which is described as secluded and beautiful. The island itself is small but packed with beachside activities and wildlife encounters. The boat ride back is smooth, and the local drinks keep spirits high during the trip.

What You Can Expect in Practice

Most guests find the group size manageable, often describing the tours as intimate enough to feel personalized. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge, patience, and friendliness. You’ll likely find your-self smiling at the pigs, marveling at the underwater life, or lounging under the sun with a cold drink in hand.

Price-wise, starting at around $199 per person, the value hinges on the variety of activities included. The all-day experience with wildlife, snorkeling, scenic stops, and a hearty lunch makes it competitive with other Bahamas excursions.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen—the sun is strong, and you’ll want to protect your skin.
• A camera or waterproof phone case is essential for photos during snorkeling and animal encounters.
• Cash may be needed for extras or tips, although most drinks and snacks are included.
• Check your pickup location in advance—options include Senor Frogs, Jimmy’s Buffet Ferry Docks, or arrangements at Rosewood or Breezes Beach.
• Be prepared for some messiness with the pigs but enjoy the unique photo ops and fun interactions.
• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or non-swimmers—please consider your comfort levels.

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What Reviewers Are Saying

Multiple reviewers highlight the guides’ helpfulness and local knowledge. One said, “Terek spent extra time talking about local life and culture, which was really cool.” Others loved the variety of stops, describing the experience as “stunning” and “worth every penny.” The snorkeling with turtles is consistently praised as “majestic,” and the pig encounter is often described as “fun” and “adorable,” with some mentioning the pigs are quite lively and get a little messy.

Several guests have emphasized the well-organized logistics and friendly atmosphere, making the trip ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers. The lunch was also a pleasant surprise for many, with positive comments on its quality and the friendly service.

The Sum Up

This Nassau-based tour offers a compact, diverse experience packed into just four hours. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see multiple islands, snorkel, and meet wildlife without spending a full day on the water. The all-inclusive approach—including lunch, drinks, Wi-Fi, and professional guides—adds to the overall value, making it a practical choice for most visitors.

If your goal is a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Bahamian moments, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for adventure-loving families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those who want to see the Bahamas’ unique side without overcommitting time or money.

While it’s not for everyone—non-swimmers or pregnant travelers should consider alternatives—the tour’s friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and fun animal encounters make it an experience many will cherish. Whether it’s swimming with turtles, feeding pigs, or simply basking on a quiet beach, this trip offers memories that can last long after you leave Nassau.

FAQs

Is transportation included from Nassau?
Yes, the tour includes roundtrip boat transportation from specific pickup points near Nassau, such as Senor Frogs, Jimmy’s Buffet Ferry Docks, or arrangements at Rosewood or Breezes Beach, depending on your hotel location.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around four hours, making it a manageable and fun half-day activity.

Can I snorkel at all the stops?
Yes, snorkeling is available at Green Cay and surrounding coral reefs. You’ll see sea turtles, fish, and vibrant coral formations during these stops.

What animals will I see or interact with?
You can swim with sea turtles, feed and interact with swimming pigs, and see turtles and fish during snorkeling.

Is food and drinks included?
Yes, the tour provides a delicious lunch, along with unlimited drinks including local beer, rum punch, soft drinks, and water.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While many reviews include families, it’s best for children who are comfortable in the water and can handle active outdoor activities. Non-swimmers or pregnant women should avoid participation.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and some cash for additional purchases. Water, soft drinks, and snacks are provided.

This tour offers a lively, authentic taste of the Bahamas, blending wildlife, scenery, and culture into an enjoyable four-hour package. Whether you’re into snorkeling, animal encounters, or simply relaxing on a quiet beach, it’s a day designed to create lasting Caribbean memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby