5 Best Tours to Visit Rose Island, Bahamas
If you’re looking for a fantastic day trip from Nassau, look no further than Rose Island Bahamas. This small, private island is home to some of the most unique inhabitants in the Bahamas: swimming pigs!
If you want to experience these adorable creatures up close and personal, or just relax in a peaceful paradise, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Rose Island.
The Bahamas is one of our favorite places to visit. We love the soft white sand, the turquoise-blue water, the delicious fruity drinks, and the fresh fish meals. While we spend most of our Bahamaian vacations in busy locations like Nassau, Rose Island is a great day trip especially if you are looking to ditch the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
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Where is Rose Island, Bahamas?
Rose Island Bahamas is a hidden gem nestled approximately 8 miles to the east of the vibrant coast of Nassau. It boasts a serene and picturesque landscape, surrounded by the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
With its compact size measuring just 11 miles long and a mere 1/4 mile wide at its widest point, Rose Island offers an intimate and exclusive experience for visitors seeking tranquility and escape from the bustling city life.
Whether you are a tourist or a local, this idyllic haven is the perfect destination for a blissful day trip, where you can indulge in the beauty of nature, soak up the sun on pristine sandy beaches, or explore the abundant marine life through snorkeling and diving adventures.
How to get to Rose Island from Nassau?
- Boat Charters and Tours: The most common and scenic way to reach Rose Island is by boat. Numerous tour operators in Nassau offer day trips to Rose Island, which often include activities like snorkeling, beach picnics, and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
These tours vary in length and can range from a few hours to a full day. Private boat charters are also available for those seeking a more personalized experience. These charters offer flexibility in terms of schedule and itinerary, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. - Water Taxis: Water taxis are a more budget-friendly option compared to private charters. They operate regular services between Nassau and nearby islands, including Rose Island. This option is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills approach to island hopping.
However, water taxis might have more limited schedules and fixed drop-off points, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
To get from Nassau to Rose Island, you’ll catch the water taxi at Paradise Island (home to Atlantis). - Private Yachts and Sailing: For a luxurious experience, renting a private yacht or a sailboat, there is no better option than booking a full or half-day tour to Rose Island on a private yacht.
This allows for a customized journey, where you can soak in the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea at your leisure.
This option is perfect for those who want to combine the trip to Rose Island with a broader exploration of the surrounding waters and islands.
Do you need an excursion to Rose Island?
The best way to experience Rose Island is by purchasing an excursion. There are many to choose from depending on what your interests are. We will share some of the most popular options to help you narrow it down and pick the perfect day on Rose Island.
1. Sandy Toes Full Day Excursion To Rose Island
Visit the stunning Rose Island on this half-day cruise from Nassau. Once you arrive, spend your time as you please; lounge on the beach, socialize with fellow travelers, or explore the island’s turquoise waters.
Before you enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch, explore the island on foot or spend some time kayaking or playing beach volleyball.
“BEST MONEY SPENT- By far the best money spent on our trip to The Bahamas. The entire experience, from the boat ride to the pig interactions, to the food, was seamless and off the charts fun” – Allison
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2. Swimming Pigs And Turtles
On this half-day tour, you will get to go snorkeling with sea turtles, fish, coral reefs, and a shipwreck. After snorkeling, you’ll head to Rose Island to meet the pigs. You’ll also have access to a beach bar, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.
Amazing Bahama Excursion! Great excursion! Pigs were so cute! Saw a bunch of turtles. And the beaches were beautiful and clean. Staff was super friendly, helpful and fun to be around.” – Jennifer
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✅ Click Here to Book Pig and Turtle Excursion for Rose Island
3. Swim with Da Pigs Rose Island + Atv Island Tour Bundle
Combine sightseeing and adventure. You’ll explore the most popular places in Nassau including Queens Staircase and John Watlins Distillery.
Then, you will hop on a catamaran to Rose Island to swim with the pigs. You’ll also have access to a beach bar.
“SO FUN! THE BEST EXPERIENCE! My friends and I had a blast on pig beach. The water is crystal clear and the pigs are so cute and friendly! The ATV tour was so much fun. We are so glad we did this excursion.”- Kelsea
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4. Four Hour Motorboat Tour to Rose Island Beach
This is a four-hour snorkel and swim tour, where you will go from Paradise Island to Rose Island and the surrounding waters.
“Fun, informative captain and guide. Great snorkeling locations and plenty of rum punch to go around! Highlight of our trip.” – Dalia
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5. Morning Pig Encounter
This Tour is 4 hours. You’ll have time to swim with the pigs, as well as enjoy the beach at your leisure. There are beach games, and opportunities to purchase snacks and drinks.
“Most memorable experience in the Bahamas! The pigs were friendly and the beach was absolutely gorgeous”.- Louissa
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Rose Island Beaches
First Beach
If you’re looking for an idyllic beach escape, look no further than First Beach on Rose Island. This lovely white-sand beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The beautiful coral reefs just offshore make for ideal snorkeling conditions, and the sandy bottom makes it easy to explore colorful fish and marine life.
First Beach is also a great place to relax and take in the stunning natural beauty of Rose Island. With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, First Beach is a perfect place to spend a day in paradise.
Footprints Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded beach to relax and soak up the sun, Footprints Beach is the perfect destination. This beautiful beach is located on the eastern side of Rose Island.
Footprints Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, and its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and lounging. The atmosphere is chill and welcoming. So if you’re looking for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of Nassau, Footprints Beach is the perfect place to go.
There is a bar and grill here, so you’ll have access to food and drinks during your afternoon at Footprints Beach.
MacTaggart’s Beach
MacTaggart’s Beach is a hidden gem on Rose Island. This secluded beach is perfect for those looking for a quiet getaway.
Navigating a boat through the coral reefs here can be tricky, so it’s best to come with a tour or a captain who is familiar with the area.
With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, MacTaggart’s Beach is a perfect place to spend a day in paradise.
Sandy Toes Beach
Sandy Toes Beach is a great place to relax and take in the stunning natural beauty of Rose Island. Sandy Toes Beach is a stunning place to relax for the day, with its gentle white sand and tranquil blue waters. The hammock grove on the hilltop is an ideal spot to relax.
Sandy Toes Beach’s bar and grill serves hundreds of local boaters every Sunday. Sandy Toes is the perfect place to relax without feeling isolated from the world.
How long is the boat ride from Nassau to Rose Island?
It takes about 25 minutes by boat to get to Rose Island from Nassau.
Can you stay on Rose Island Bahamas?
You can stay overnight on Rose Island at Sandy Toes Retreat, or in a cottage at Barefoot Beach. Lodging is limited and pricey, however, the feeling of having an island mostly to yourself may be worth the splurge.
There are a lot of options for accommodations on nearby New Providence Island, or Paradise Island.
➡️ Click Here To Book Bahamas Accommodations
Are there swimming pigs on Rose Island?
There sure are! While the “original” famous swimming pigs reside on the island of Exuma, there are also pigs on Rose Island. The Rose Island pigs are not wild pigs, they are pets and are more gentle and predictable than those of Exuma.
Rose Island Sharks
Are there sharks around Rose Island? Yes, of course, there are. The waters around the Bahamas in general have a very high population of sharks. In fact, Bimini Bahamas is where the leading shark research in the world is headquartered, and where I was fortunate enough to swim with Caribbean Reef Sharks.
There have been two recent shark attacks near Rose Island. One attack was in 2019 and one in 2022 and both were fatal. While this may sound scary, shark attacks are very rare. Sharks do not seek out humans as a food source.
Rose Island Bahamas Snorkeling
Due to a coral reef offshore, and the incredibly clear Bahamian waters, there are excellent opportunities for snorkeling around Rose Island.
You should also read: Bahamas All Inclusive Resort Day Passes
Is Rose Island Worth Visiting?
Rose Island is definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded beach to relax and soak up the sun. The atmosphere is chill and welcoming, and the beaches are absolutely gorgeous with gentle white sand and tranquil blue waters. If you’re looking for a day of relaxation in paradise, Rose Island is the perfect destination.
