HALF DAY ADVENTURE WITH SWIMMING PIGS, SNORKELING, AND SIGHTSEEING AT ROSE ISLAND
HOT NEW TOUR
Tour Highlights
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Swim with and feed the swimming pigs at Rose Island
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See Gilligan's Island / Sandy Cay, one of Nassau's most photographed cays
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Snorkel at a coral reef teeming with fish
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Spot wild green turtles from the boat at Green Cay
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Enjoy lunch at a local beach bar
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Cruise through Nassau's harbour
What's Included
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Lunch at a beach bar
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Local beer, soft drinks and bottled water
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Snorkel gear
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Landing fees
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Food for the animals
Important Tour Details
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This is a shared tour and can have up to 25 guests
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The tour is not suitable for women who are pregnant at any stage
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The tour is not wheelchair accessible and does require the ability to climb a vertical ladder
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Not recommended for anyone with chronic neck or back issues
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Children under the age of two are not permitted
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Guests should bring and are responsible for applying sunscreen as needed due to extended sun exposure
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A 48-hour cancellation policy applies. Cancellations or changes made within 48 hours of departure are subject to the full tour charge
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Transportation to the check in location is not included
Tour Pricing
ADULTS : $279
CHILD 2-6YRS : $229
*Inclusive of 10% VAT
*Does not include crew gratuity
Tour Schedule & Departure Times
MORNING TOUR
Check In : 8:00 AM
Departure: 8:30 AM Return: 12:30 PM
AFTERNOON TOUR
Check In:1:00 PM
Departure: 1:30 PM
Return: 5:30 PM
Meeting Location
Check-in is at the Born Free Charters booth at the former Carnivale Bahamas location on Paradise Island, Nassau. Our booth is located near the restaurant's main entrance. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure for check-in. Transportation to the meeting location is not included.
Rose Island Tour Itinerary
Set out from Paradise Island, Nassau for a half-day adventure exploring some of the beautiful islands, reefs and wildlife just off the coast of New Providence. With swimming pigs, snorkeling, wild green turtles and lunch on Rose Island, this four-hour experience packs plenty of adventure into a half day on the water.
We'll stop at a shallow reef for approximately 30–35 minutes of snorkeling, where you can explore beneath the clear Bahamian water and look for colorful tropical fish and marine life. Masks and snorkels are provided, and guests who prefer not to snorkel are welcome to remain onboard.
Along the way, we'll cruise past Sandy Cay, also known as Gilligan's Island, for a photo opportunity. This tiny picturesque island was featured in the opening sequence of the classic television show Gilligan's Island.
We'll also visit the waters around Green Cay, home to wild green turtles. We'll spend approximately 10–15 minutes looking for turtles from the boat as they swim freely in their natural environment.
One of the highlights of the day is our stop at Rose Island to meet the swimming pigs. You'll have approximately 25–30 minutes to interact with and feed the pigs while enjoying the island's beautiful surroundings.
We'll also stop at a beach bar on Rose Island for lunch, with approximately one hour and 15 minutes to eat, relax and enjoy the island atmosphere before continuing our journey back toward Nassau.
As we return to Paradise Island, take in views of Nassau Harbour and the surrounding islands, completing a fun-filled half-day on the water.
Please note: Our captains may adjust the order of stops or substitute locations based on weather, sea conditions, accessibility or other operational considerations. Wildlife is free-roaming, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Snorkeling activities are always subject to safe sea and visibility conditions.
Boat Used for the Rose Island Tour
The boat used most often for this tour is our 45' Don Smith Habanero. Custom seating provides a comfortable ride to Rose Island for up to 22 guests, with most rows seating three guests.
Habanero is equipped with two bathrooms located toward the bow. Guests enter and exit the water at beach and snorkeling stops using ladders attached to the dive platform at the stern.
Boat assignments are based on availability and operational requirements and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Rose Island from Nassau?
Rose Island is located just a short boat ride from Nassau, making this a great option for guests who want to experience the beautiful waters and wildlife of the Bahamas without committing to a full-day excursion. Travel time between stops varies depending on the day's itinerary and sea conditions.
Is the Rose Island Swimming Pigs tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, this half-day tour can be a great option for cruise ship passengers when their ship's schedule allows enough time. We offer both morning and afternoon departures, giving many visitors more flexibility than a full-day tour. Guests should carefully compare their ship's arrival and departure times with the tour schedule and allow sufficient time for transportation between the Nassau cruise port and our Paradise Island meeting location. Guests are responsible for returning to their ship on time.
Can I choose a morning or afternoon Rose Island tour?
Yes. Our morning tour checks in at 8:00 AM, departs at approximately 8:30 AM and returns around 12:30 PM. Our afternoon tour departs at approximately 1:30 PM and returns around 5:30 PM. Availability varies by date, so we recommend reserving your preferred departure time in advance.
Do I need to know how to swim to join the Rose Island tour?
No. You do not need to know how to swim to enjoy the entire tour. Snorkeling is optional, and guests can choose not to participate in any water activity they are uncomfortable with. Life jackets are available onboard.
Can we swim with the turtles at Green Cay?
No. The wild green turtles at Green Cay are viewed from the boat rather than through an in-water interaction. We typically spend about 10–15 minutes in the area looking for turtles in their natural environment. Because they are wild and free-roaming, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
How long do we spend snorkeling?
The reef snorkeling stop is typically about 30–35 minutes. Masks and snorkels are included, and participation is optional. Snorkeling is subject to weather, sea and visibility conditions, and the captain may modify or skip the snorkeling stop if conditions are not considered safe.
How long do we spend with the swimming pigs at Rose Island?
Guests typically spend about 25–30 minutes at the swimming pigs experience on Rose Island. You'll have an opportunity to interact with and feed the pigs while enjoying the beautiful island setting. The pigs are live animals, so interactions can vary.
Is lunch included on the Rose Island tour?
Yes. Lunch at a beach bar on Rose Island is included with the tour. We typically spend approximately one hour and 15 minutes at the beach bar, giving guests time to enjoy lunch and the island surroundings before continuing the tour.
Is the Rose Island tour suitable for children?
Children ages 2 and older are welcome. Because this is a half-day experience close to Nassau, it can be a convenient option for families looking for a shorter boat excursion. Children under 2 are not permitted on this tour.
What should I bring on the Rose Island tour?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and anything else you may want for a half-day on the water. A light jacket is also recommended during the cooler months. Please bring a credit card and matching photo ID as well.
What happens if rain is in the forecast?
A forecast showing rain does not necessarily mean the tour will be cancelled. Our captains consider wind speed, wind direction, sea conditions, thunderstorms and other weather factors when determining whether it is safe to operate. If Born Free Charters cancels the tour because of unsafe weather conditions, guests will be given appropriate rescheduling or refund options.
Can pregnant guests join the Rose Island tour?
No. For safety reasons, our speedboat tours are not suitable for pregnant guests. The tour is also not recommended for guests with chronic neck or back conditions and is not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to use a boat ladder for certain activities.