Nassau: Rose Island Swimming Pigs & Turtles Snorkeling Tour

Planning a day of fun in the Bahamas? This Rose Island Swimming Pigs & Turtles Snorkeling Tour offers an engaging mix of wildlife encounters, scenic island hopping, and vibrant underwater life—all within a comfortable 3.5 hours. It’s a popular choice for travelers looking for a blend of playful animal interactions and snorkeling without spending an entire day on the water.

What we love about this tour is its balanced itinerary—you get to meet the famously friendly pigs, see turtles in their natural habitat, explore three different islands, and enjoy complimentary drinks all in a manageable timeframe. Plus, the guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and attentiveness, making the trip feel more personal than some larger, commercial excursions.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency; like most boat trips, poor weather can lead to cancellations or changes in the schedule. It’s also important to note that this tour suits travelers in good health who are comfortable on boats and in the water, as it involves snorkeling and wildlife encounters in open water. If you’re after a lively, wildlife-rich adventure, this tour could be a perfect fit, especially for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to experience the Bahamas’ iconic highlights.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Swim with friendly pigs and see turtles in their natural environment.
• Vibrant Reef: Snorkel amidst coral and colorful fish in clear, inviting waters.
• Island Hopping: Discover three stunning islands, including Sandy Cay, known for its connection to Gilligan’s Island.
• Expert Guides: Enjoy personable, knowledgeable guides who make the trip smooth and informative.
• Comfort & Convenience: Custom 35′ Donzi boat with onboard restroom and included soft drinks and beer.
• Flexibility & Value: Book now, pay later, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point & Arrival

Your adventure begins at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, conveniently located next to the Margaritaville Restaurant. The check-in process is straightforward, and the guides wear recognizable white shirts marked Secret Cays. The short walk from the ferry terminal sets a relaxed tone for the day’s activities.

The First Stop: Green Cay & Turtle Viewing

The trip kicks off with a 35-minute stop at Green Cay, renowned for its sanctuary of majestic turtles. Here, you can expect to see these gentle creatures in their natural environment, often swimming close enough for great photo opportunities. A common theme in reviews is the delight of watching turtles in a calm, natural setting—no tanks, just wildlife in the open water.

While the trip notes that turtle sightings may vary, many visitors recount seeing turtles during their time there. One reviewer highlighted the informative guides who share facts about marine life, making the experience both fun and educational.

Rose Island & the Swimming Pigs

After Green Cay, the boat heads to Rose Island, where the highlight for many is the chance to interact with swimming pigs. These pigs are trained to be friendly and enjoy the water, making for some memorable moments. Reviewers repeatedly mention feeding the pigs, holding baby pigs, and taking plenty of photos. For example, one guest strongly recommends booking this trip, calling it “unforgettable” and noting that they got to hold a pig and feed them.

The pigs aren’t just a photoshoot—they actively engage with visitors, often approaching for food or a playful dip. The experience is very controlled and safe, with staff ensuring everyone interacts comfortably. Some reviews mention the pigs can be crowded at peak times, but guides seem well-equipped to manage the group.

Snorkeling & Marine Life

Following the pig encounter, the tour moves to a beautiful coral reef, where snorkeling gear is provided. Expect to see colorful aquatic life swirling around coral formations. Many guests rave about the vibrant underwater scenes, describing fish in bright hues and coral that creates a wonderland beneath the waves.

One reviewer noted that, although turtle sightings during snorkeling may be hit or miss, the reef itself offers plenty of sea life to enjoy. The guides are praised for being attentive and informative, helping even novice snorkelers feel comfortable exploring.

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Island Sightseeing & Sand Beaches

The tour includes a hop-on hop-off stop on Rose Island, giving guests a chance to relax on the beautiful sandy beaches or explore further. Sandy Cay, one of the stops, has a fun connection as it was featured in the trailer for Gilligan’s Island—a fun tidbit that adds to its charm.

Many travelers love the relaxing time on the beach, whether it’s sunbathing, playing in the sand, or just enjoying the stunning views. The beaches are described as pristine, making them perfect for unwinding after the more active parts of the trip.

The Guided Tour & Marine Life Viewing

The final segment involves a 35-minute guided tour around Rose Island, focusing on marine life viewing. Guides point out various species and share insights that enrich your understanding of the local ecosystem. Several reviews emphasize how knowledgeable and attentive the guides are, making the experience both fun and informative.

Return & Overall Experience

The trip wraps up back at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, with many guests feeling they got excellent value. The small group size (max 15 travelers) helps keep things intimate, and the onboard restroom adds comfort during the cruise.

Soft drinks, beers, and water are included, which helps keep everyone refreshed after a busy morning of wildlife and water activities. While some reviews mention choppy waters—a common issue in open water, especially with strong currents—they also say the crew was quick to adapt and prioritize safety.

The personalized approach of the guides and the variety of experiences packed into just a few hours stand out. Unlike larger, more commercial options, this tour feels like a genuine way to connect with the Bahamas’ iconic wildlife and islands. The opportunity to swim with pigs and see turtles in natural settings is a rare combo, especially in a half-day format.

The boat itself, a custom 35′ Donzi Marine center console, offers a comfortable ride with a dedicated restroom onboard—a thoughtful touch for comfort. Plus, the availability of drinks makes for a relaxing atmosphere on the water.

Price & Value

Considering the quality of wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and island stops, this tour offers solid value for money. The reviews highlight the attention to safety and comfort, and many mention the guides’ friendliness and knowledge as major perks. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, which many travelers appreciate.

Timing & Practical Tips

Starting times vary, so check availability early. The 3.5-hour duration makes it ideal for travelers who want a packed, fun experience without missing other parts of their day. Remember to bring swimwear and a towel, and wear reef shoes if you prefer, as you’ll be in and out of water frequently.

Weather can impact the trip—if conditions are poor, the tour might cancel or change. Flexibility is appreciated, and the full refund policy if canceled 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits families with children over 2, couples, and solo travelers eager for a wildlife-rich adventure. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting photo opportunities with pigs and turtles, as well as snorkeling in clear waters. Keep in mind that people with mobility issues or pregnant women might find the water activities challenging, and the boat ride can be bumpy if seas are rough.

The Nassau Rose Island Swimming Pigs & Turtles Snorkeling Tour offers a lively, well-rounded taste of the Bahamas’ iconic attractions. It’s a carefully curated experience that balances wildlife encounters, scenic island visits, and underwater exploration without feeling rushed or overly commercial.

You’ll love the personalized guides and the chance to interact with animals that have become symbolic of the islands. The snorkeling reveals vibrant marine life in accessible, shallow reefs, and the beaches provide perfect spots to unwind and soak in the scenery.

If you’re searching for a fun, authentic, and memorable day in the Bahamas—especially if you’re traveling with family or looking for a unique wildlife experience—this tour deserves serious consideration.

Is transportation included to the starting point?
Yes, the tour begins at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, which is easy to access, and check-in is straightforward.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear and a towel. Reef shoes are optional but helpful if you prefer extra grip on rocky or sandy areas.

How long is the entire tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including multiple activities like wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and island stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 2 years old can participate. However, small children or those with mobility issues might find some activities challenging.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation on a custom boat, guided commentary, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, beer, and water.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are the pigs trained?
Yes, the pigs are trained to be friendly and are used to interacting with visitors, making for safe and delightful encounters.

Will I see turtles during snorkeling?
Sightings of turtles during snorkeling can vary, but the tour specifically includes viewing at Green Cay, where turtles are often seen.

This trip offers a lively, wildlife-filled peek into the Bahamas, perfect for travelers who want a little adventure, a lot of fun, and some great photo moments. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, an underwater enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable day on the water, this tour balances all those elements with a personal touch.

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