Board a short boat from Nassau to Rose Island for a half-day of swimming with the famous pigs, snorkeling coral flats, and lounging under cabanas. This easy, family-friendly trip mixes playful wildlife encounters with clear-water beach time.
Board a short boat from Nassau to Rose Island for a half-day of swimming with the famous pigs, snorkeling coral flats, and lounging under cabanas. This easy, family-friendly trip mixes playful wildlife encounters with clear-water beach time.
The boat eases away from Nassau Harbor and the skyline of Paradise Island shrinks into a ribbon of roofs and palms. Within 25–30 minutes the water brightens to rioting turquoise and a low, sandy silhouette appears: Rose Island. The shoreline is a stage—pigs paddle in shallow water, kayaks rock gently, and a rustic beach bar hums soft island music.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by TD Travel Group · Nassau, New Providence
The boat eases away from Nassau Harbor and the skyline of Paradise Island shrinks into a ribbon of roofs and palms. Within 25–30 minutes the water brightens to rioting turquoise and a low, sandy silhouette appears: Rose Island. The shoreline is a stage—pigs paddle in shallow water, kayaks rock gently, and a rustic beach bar hums soft island music.
Rose Island sits on the eastern edge of New Providence’s shallow bank. Geologically it’s a low carbonate cay shaped by wind and wave, its beaches built from broken coral and shell. Historically the islet hosted small private cottages and passed through colonial trading lanes; today its claim to fame is the free-roaming pigs that have become part of Bahamian coastal culture and the snorkeling flats that fringe the cay.
Expect short, family-friendly encounters: swim with inquisitive pigs that will bob and nose around you, then stretch out under a cabana. Snorkelers can explore nearby coral heads rich with parrotfish, sergeant majors, and occasional green turtles. Kayaks and inflatables make the lagoon easy to explore; a shallow reef protects calmer waters for less confident swimmers.
Practical notes: boats operate morning and midday departures; bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and water shoes for coral and shells. The experience is low-effort but sun exposure is high—hydrate and rotate shade breaks. Respect wildlife: do not feed pigs processed food, keep a safe distance from nesting shorebirds, and follow crew instructions for swimming safety. A relaxed half-day that blends novelty and marine time, ideal for day-trippers based in Nassau.
easy.
4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to swim short distances and board small boats
The typical boat crossing takes about 25–30 minutes depending on sea conditions and the departure point.
Yes—this is family-friendly; infants should sit on laps during the ride and children should be supervised in water at all times.
Crew members usually manage feeding; guests should not feed pigs processed food and should follow crew guidance to ensure animal welfare.
Basic snorkel gear is usually provided; check the tour details for inclusions and bring your own mask if you prefer a custom fit.
Rose Island is a low carbonate cay off New Providence once dotted with private cottages and visited by local boaters; its modern draw combines informal wildlife encounters with coastal leisure.
Visitors should use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid feeding wildlife human food, and pack out trash to protect the fragile beach and reef systems.
TD Travel Group operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The boat eases away from Nassau Harbor and the skyline of Paradise Island shrinks into a ribbon of roofs and palms. Within 25–30 minutes the water brightens to rioting turquoise and a low, sandy silhouette appears: Rose Island. The shoreline is a stage—pigs paddle in shallow water, kayaks rock gently, and a rustic beach bar hums soft island music.
The boat eases away from Nassau Harbor and the skyline of Paradise Island shrinks into a ribbon of roofs and palms. Within 25–30 minutes the water brightens to rioting turquoise and a low, sandy silhouette appears: Rose Island. The shoreline is a stage—pigs paddle in shallow water, kayaks rock gently, and a rustic beach bar hums soft island music.
Rose Island sits on the eastern edge of New Providence’s shallow bank. Geologically it’s a low carbonate cay shaped by wind and wave, its beaches built from broken coral and shell. Historically the islet hosted small private cottages and passed through colonial trading lanes; today its claim to fame is the free-roaming pigs that have become part of Bahamian coastal culture and the snorkeling flats that fringe the cay.
Expect short, family-friendly encounters: swim with inquisitive pigs that will bob and nose around you, then stretch out under a cabana. Snorkelers can explore nearby coral heads rich with parrotfish, sergeant majors, and occasional green turtles. Kayaks and inflatables make the lagoon easy to explore; a shallow reef protects calmer waters for less confident swimmers.
Practical notes: boats operate morning and midday departures; bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and water shoes for coral and shells. The experience is low-effort but sun exposure is high—hydrate and rotate shade breaks. Respect wildlife: do not feed pigs processed food, keep a safe distance from nesting shorebirds, and follow crew instructions for swimming safety. A relaxed half-day that blends novelty and marine time, ideal for day-trippers based in Nassau.