Private Boat Swim and Snorkel Adventure to Rose Island

Rose Island is the star here, but the real pleasure is having a private boat and the freedom to shape the day. You can snorkel coral reefs, look for turtles, lounge on a quiet beach, or turn the trip into a small floating party. I especially like the private group format and the included drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and onboard restroom.

I also like the crew’s willingness to adjust the order of stops when weather turns wet. One thing to watch is communication about group size and children’s equipment. The boat is listed for up to 12 people, so confirm your headcount carefully, especially if you are bringing an infant.

Key points to know before booking

• Rose Island is the main setting: Expect clear water, beach time, and a choice of active or relaxed stops.
• Your group gets a private boat: The price is $1,670 for up to 12 people, not per person.
• The four-hour plan is flexible: You can focus on snorkeling, turtles, beaches, bars, or a mix of several stops.
• Crew members Gee and Higs received special praise: Their friendly approach and ability to adjust plans helped make one outing memorable.
• Snorkeling equipment and refreshments are included: Bottled water, soda, snacks, and alcohol are available on board.
• Pig encounters cost extra: Swimming with pigs is offered as an option, but it is not included in the quoted price.

Rose Island gives the trip its character

From New Providence, your private boat heads toward the island areas east of Nassau, with Rose Island as the main stop. The scenery is the classic Bahamian mix of open water, pale beaches, and small islands that feel far removed from the busier parts of Nassau.

The experience is not built around a fixed, minute-by-minute sightseeing script. Instead, you have a menu of possible stops. You might spend much of the four hours in the water, or use the boat mainly as a comfortable ride between beaches, reefs, and shoreline bars.

Rose Island works well because it can suit several moods at once. One person can snorkel while another enjoys the beach. A group of friends can bring a festive spirit, while a family can keep the pace gentle and focus on swimming and snacks.

The main limitation is time. Four hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you allow for the boat ride, getting in and out of the water, and moving between stops. If you want several island visits plus snorkeling, turtles, a bar, and a pig encounter, the longer eight-hour rental may make more sense.

What the 32-foot and 40-foot boats mean for you

Delfincharters offers the outing on either a 32-foot or 40-foot private boat. The exact boat matters because a private charter feels different from a standard shared excursion. You are not waiting for another party to finish snorkeling or trying to match the pace of strangers.

For a group of up to 12, the boat becomes your base for the day. You can sit together, keep your belongings nearby, and talk with the crew about how to use the available time. An onboard restroom is a practical plus, especially for families and groups planning to stay out on the water for several hours.

The boat also carries snorkeling equipment and life jackets for adults and children. Still, I would give the operator your exact number before the trip. One outing included six adults, six children, and an infant, and the crew allowed the extra infant even though the stated limit was 12 people. That was a generous solution, but you should not assume every over-capacity request will be accepted.

The boats are described as luxurious, but the most useful feature is flexibility rather than decoration. This is a platform for swimming, snorkeling, sun, and social time. If you want a guided historical tour of Nassau, this is not the right product. If you want several hours on the water with your own group, it is a better match.

Choosing between snorkeling, turtles, and beach time

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book. Coral reefs give you a chance to see the underwater side of the Bahamas without arranging separate equipment or finding a rental shop. Gear is included, so you can treat snorkeling as part of the outing rather than an extra expense.

The water conditions will affect how much you see. A rainy or unsettled start can change the order of the stops, and the captain may choose comfort and safety over a rigid plan. That is a sensible approach, but it means you should arrive ready for the day to shift.

Swimming with turtles is another optional focus. The experience description presents turtles as one of the main natural attractions, but it does not promise a guaranteed sighting. Think of it as a chance to look for them in suitable water, not a scheduled animal encounter with a fixed result.

The crew can also take you to a private beach. This is a good choice if your group includes people who are not strong swimmers or simply want a break from the water. A beach stop gives you room to stretch out, take in the view, and enjoy the quieter side of the island.

Swimming with pigs is not included in the base cost. Ask about the added price and timing before you book if pigs are the main reason you are interested. Otherwise, you could find that your four-hour schedule leaves less time for the activities included in the charter.

Around Athol Island, Green Cay, and Gilligan’s Island

The route can include more than Rose Island. Athol Island, Green Cay, and the location known as Gilligan’s Island are listed as possible destinations, giving the captain several ways to shape the day around weather and your priorities.

That variety is useful. If one stop is not ideal for swimming conditions, the group may have other options. It also lets you choose between a day centered on natural scenery and one with more social stops.

Do not treat every named island as a guaranteed, full-length stop. The outing is flexible, and the description presents these places as destinations you can visit as part of a customized plan. With only four hours, you may see several locations briefly or spend most of the trip at one or two.

I would tell the crew your top two priorities at the beginning. For example, say you want snorkeling and beach time more than a bar visit. If your group has children, mention that early as well. A rainy start once led the crew to change the order of activities, and the revised plan kept the group comfortable while still allowing time for Rose Island and snorkeling.

Floating bars and Footprints beach bar

If your group wants a social afternoon, you can ask to visit a floating bar or Footprints beach bar on Rose Island. These stops change the feel of the experience from a nature outing into a more festive boat day.

Footprints beach bar admission is not included. You should budget for that separately and confirm the current admission details before setting out. Lunch is also not included, so a bar stop should not be confused with a full meal plan.

Alcohol is available on the boat, along with soda, bottled water, and snacks. That covers light refreshments and makes the charter easier to enjoy without arranging every drink in advance. Still, bring a clear plan for lunch if your group expects to eat during the four-hour rental.

The best approach is to decide what kind of day you want. A beach bar and floating bar fit a celebration. Snorkeling, turtles, and a private beach fit a quieter family outing. You can mix both, but trying to do everything may make each stop feel rushed.

The crew and the value of a private charter

The strongest praise has gone to the crew’s attitude and flexibility. Gee and Higs were singled out as especially helpful, with a warm welcome and extra effort to make the outing work for the group. The crew also handled a drizzly beginning by shifting the activity order instead of forcing everyone into an uncomfortable schedule.

That matters on a boat trip. Weather, water conditions, and group energy can change during the day. A crew that listens and adjusts is more valuable than a rigid plan, particularly when children are involved.

The listed price is $1,670 per group of up to 12. That works out to about $139 per person if you fill all 12 places, before any extra costs such as lunch, pig encounters, or Footprints beach bar admission. For a smaller group, the per-person price rises quickly.

At the same time, a private charter gives you control that a shared tour does not. You are paying for the boat, crew, equipment, refreshments, and the ability to build the day around your own party. For a large family or group of friends, that can be good value. For two or three people, a shared excursion may cost less, if one is available for your dates.

The four-hour rental is the shorter option. An eight-hour rental is also offered, which may be worth comparing if your group wants several stops. The longer option should give you more breathing room, but you should confirm its current price and what is included before booking.

Meeting point, timing, and practical details

The boat can be found at Senor Frogs, according to the trip information and one account of the arrival process. Give yourself enough time to locate the meeting point and be ready for boarding. The experience does not include private transportation, so you are responsible for getting to the departure area.

A mobile ticket makes the booking simple. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, which is useful if you are fitting this around a cruise or a hotel stay. The outing is booked an average of 44 days ahead, so popular dates may reward early planning.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, but the exact transport details are not provided, so check the route from your hotel or ship before the day of departure.

Pack for a wet boat outing. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. The boat has drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and a restroom, but lunch is not supplied. If you need a particular food or have a child with special needs, ask the operator before setting out.

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, cancellations and changes are not accepted and the payment is not refunded.

Who will enjoy this Rose Island outing most?

I would recommend it most to a group that values privacy and choice. Families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and small celebrations can all use the boat in different ways. The private setup also helps when your party includes strong swimmers, cautious swimmers, and people who mainly want to sit on the beach.

It is a particularly good fit if you want a combination of swimming and social time. The crew can help you make the most of a short rental, and the included refreshments and equipment reduce the number of extras you need to arrange.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a guaranteed pig encounter, a full lunch, or a carefully timed island-hopping schedule. Pigs and bar admission cost extra, lunch is not included, and the four-hour plan may feel tight if you want every listed option.

The high rating of 4.9 from 24 ratings and a 100 percent recommendation mark suggest a strong overall experience, but the practical details still matter. Confirm the boat size, group count, child equipment, preferred stops, and extra admission costs before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this Rose Island charter if you have a full group, want a private boat, and like choosing your own pace. The best value comes when you fill much of the 12-person capacity and make good use of the included snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and flexible route.

For a smaller party, compare the total against shared boat tours. For a family, ask about children’s life jackets and the headcount in advance. For a celebration, consider the eight-hour option if four hours will not cover your must-see stops.

The biggest strength is simple: you get Rose Island and the surrounding water on your own terms, with a crew that can adjust when conditions change. The main caution is just as clear: extras cost more, and a short rental cannot comfortably include everything.

FAQ

How long is the private Rose Island boat trip?

The standard rental lasts approximately four hours. An eight-hour rental is also available as a longer option.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private excursion allows up to 12 people per group.

What islands and locations can the boat visit?

Possible destinations include Rose Island, Athol Island, Green Cay, and Gilligan’s Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the experience.

Are food and drinks provided?

Snacks, soda, bottled water, and alcohol are included. Lunch is not included.

Is swimming with pigs included?

No. Swimming with pigs is an optional activity and is not included in the quoted price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.