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

The best part of this Rose Island trip is that your group controls the pace. You can spend more time snorkeling with turtles, try light-tackle fishing, swim, or simply settle onto a white-sand beach. Captain Frenchie and crew members such as Mario and D are warm, attentive, and especially good with children.

I like the private 28-foot boat, which carries up to eight people, and the fact that fishing gear, bait, snorkels, water, soft drinks, and a snack are included. The main caution is the weather: wind can make the water rough and muddy, and the four-hour schedule may not allow every activity to receive equal time.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to eight people: You pay $850 per group, not per person, so the value improves with a fuller group.
• Turtle snorkeling near Green Cay: The route includes reef snorkeling in waters known for sea turtles and many fish.
• Rose Island beach time: You get time on a pretty white-sand beach, with lunch and other activities available to purchase.
• Fishing is included: Rods, bait, tackle, and even an electric reel option are provided.
• Pig swimming costs extra: The optional activity is $35 per person and is separate from simply visiting the island area.
• Weather matters: Strong wind may limit the route, reduce water clarity, and make the ride less comfortable.

A private Nassau boat day with room to choose

This is not a rigid sightseeing cruise where everyone follows the same clock. Triple D’s Aqua Adventures offers a private half-day on the water, giving your group a chance to shape the outing around your interests.

The advertised price is $850 for up to eight people. For two people, that is a steep $425 each. For a family of four, it works out to $212.50 per person, and for eight people, the cost drops to $106.25 per person. That makes this much easier to justify for a family group or several friends sharing one boat.

The four-hour length is enough for a taste of several Bahamian activities, but it is not a full-day charter. You will need to make choices. If fishing matters most, tell the crew early. If your children are eager to see turtles or swim with pigs, leave enough time for those stops.

A private boat also gives you something a standard group outing cannot: flexibility. You are not waiting for a large crowd to finish snorkeling or fishing. The crew can focus on your group, and the captain can adjust the plan when conditions allow.

From Paradise Island to Green Cay

The boat route begins with views of Paradise Island, a well-known part of the Nassau area, before passing the place associated with the 1960s television show Gilligan’s Island. These sights add interest to the ride and give you something to look for between water activities.

The key stop is Green Cay, where you can snorkel around a reef and in waters where sea turtles are often seen. The trip includes snorkels and related equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The crew also provides soft drinks, water, and a small snack such as granola bars or chips.

The turtle encounter is one of the strongest reasons to book this outing. You may see sea turtles along with a wide range of fish, and several bookings have included time swimming near them. The fish and turtle sightings are not a guaranteed performance, of course. They depend on conditions, timing, and the animals themselves.

Water clarity also depends on the weather. Wind can stir up the sea and make a normally clear snorkeling area murky. One trip had to use less sheltered spots because of strong wind, which reduced the quality of the beach and snorkeling stops. That is an important point for anyone booking this mainly for underwater viewing.

Rose Island beach time and the pig option

After the water activities, the boat heads to Rose Island. The island offers the classic Bahamian setting many people hope to see: soft white sand, clear water, and a slower pace after the boat ride.

You can use this time to swim, sunbathe, or relax on the beach. Lunch is not included, but food and drinks can be purchased on the island. One beach stop has a bar and volleyball, according to the experience details, giving you the option of a more social break rather than a quiet beach visit.

Swimming with pigs is available for an additional $35 per person. That fee is separate from the $850 private charter price, so make sure everyone in your group understands the cost before arriving at the pig stop.

There is also an important distinction between seeing the pigs and paying to take part in the feeding activity. You may encounter staff offering food for the pigs, and the paid option covers participation with that food and the organized activity. Ask the captain to explain exactly what is included before you step ashore.

The pig stop may not suit every group. One outing skipped it because the area was busy and the sea conditions were rough. If your main goal is a calm beach or quiet swimming, make that clear when discussing the plan with the captain.

Fishing around Rose Island and Paradise Island

Fishing is not just an optional afterthought here. The charter includes fishing rods, bait, tackle, and an option to use an electric reel. The trip focuses on light-tackle fishing around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island.

This works well for families because children can take part without needing to bring equipment. The crew can help with the rods and tackle, and several outings have ended with fishing because it was the activity the children enjoyed most.

You should think of this as a hands-on fishing session rather than a specialized offshore fishing expedition. The supplied information describes reef fishing with light tackle, not a search for large game fish. That makes it approachable for beginners and families, while serious anglers may want to ask the operator about likely catches and the amount of fishing time available.

The fishing option is also useful when one person in your group wants a break from snorkeling. Since the boat is private, the captain can divide the time more naturally between fishing, swimming, and beach activities.

The boat, crew, and family appeal

The vessel is a 28-foot open-hull boat with twin 250-horsepower motors. It is built for moving quickly between the islands and reefs, rather than providing a shaded luxury cabin. You should expect an open-air ride with exposure to sun, spray, and wind.

Captain Frenchie is the main name associated with the experience. Mario and D have also served as crew members. The strongest praise centers on the crew’s friendly manner, attention to safety, and willingness to help each person enjoy the day in a different way.

That family focus matters. One child who felt nervous was given time near the captain’s chair and made to feel included. The crew has also helped children with fishing and checked on them during the water activities. If you are booking with young children, this personal attention may be more valuable than a polished, formal presentation.

The boat is private, but it is not a private yacht with a full meal service or alcohol included. Water, soft drinks, and a snack are provided. Alcoholic drinks are not included, and lunch must be purchased separately.

Bring sun protection and anything your group needs for four hours outdoors. The supplied details do not list a full meal, so do not assume the snack will replace lunch, especially if you are traveling with hungry children.

What the weather can change

The Bahamas is known for clear water, but no boat outing can guarantee calm seas. Wind affects nearly every part of this experience: the comfort of the ride, the choice of snorkeling site, the visibility underwater, and the ability to reach a quiet beach.

The operator may limit the route when conditions are poor. That is the safe choice, but it can change your day. A planned beach stop may be less sheltered than expected, and muddy water can make snorkeling less impressive.

I would book this trip when your schedule has some flexibility. The experience requires good weather, and if the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The weather policy protects you, but it also means the trip is not ideal for someone who has only one narrow window and absolutely needs a specific activity.

Even in windy weather, the crew may work hard to keep the day enjoyable. Still, it is wise to set realistic expectations. The private format gives you more control, not control over the sea.

Who will get the best value

This outing suits a family or friend group that wants several activities in one short charter. You can combine snorkeling, fishing, beach time, turtle watching, and an optional pig experience without booking separate excursions.

It is especially good for:

• Families with children who want a flexible day
• Groups of four to eight sharing the charter cost
• First-time snorkelers who want equipment supplied
• People who like mixing active time with beach time
• Visitors who prefer a private boat over a large shared cruise

It may be less suitable for a couple on a tight budget, especially if you are paying the full $850 yourselves. It may also disappoint anyone looking for a guaranteed calm beach, a full lunch, alcohol, or a long, dedicated fishing charter.

The tour is listed as suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile, which keeps the practical side simple.

Price, timing, and cancellation

At $850 per group, the cost makes the most sense when shared by several people. The included gear adds value because you do not need to rent snorkeling equipment or bring fishing tackle and bait separately.

The price does not include alcoholic drinks, lunch, or the $35-per-person pig activity. Add those costs before comparing this charter with another boat trip. A group that wants only a beach visit may not use enough of the included fishing and snorkeling equipment to justify the rate.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable. Cutoff times use local time, so check the booking details carefully if your plans change.

Should you book the Rose Island charter?

Book this trip if you want a private, flexible water day and your group is large enough to share the cost. The combination of turtle snorkeling, light fishing, Rose Island beach time, and optional pigs gives you more variety than a single-purpose excursion.

I would be most comfortable recommending it to families and groups who value a helpful captain more than a polished resort-style setup. Captain Frenchie, Mario, and D have earned strong praise for making children feel comfortable and adapting the outing to the group.

Think twice if the pig swim is your only reason for booking. It costs extra, may be busy, and can be affected by weather. Also think twice if you need perfectly clear water or a guaranteed quiet beach.

For the right group, this is a practical way to see several sides of the Nassau area in four hours. Bring sun protection, budget for lunch if you want it, clarify the pig fee, and tell the crew which activity matters most before the boat leaves.

FAQ

How long is the Rose Island private boat tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The $850 price covers a private group of up to eight people.

What activities are included?

You can snorkel, swim, spend time on the beach, and fish with the provided equipment. Water, soft drinks, and a snack are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the outing.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and tackle are provided. An electric reel may also be available.

Does the tour include swimming with pigs?

Swimming with pigs is an optional activity and costs $35 per person. It is not included in the $850 charter price.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be purchased on Rose Island, but it is not included in the tour price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.