Rose Island is the easy answer to the most common Nassau question: can I see the swimming pigs without spending a whole day and a small fortune on the Exuma trip? This long, thin island lies just east of Paradise Island, a short boat ride from the harbour, and it and the cays around it have the same powdery sand and glassy turquoise shallows as the far-flung Out Islands, with a fraction of the travel time. The Tiqets tour we link is run by JNC Tours as a four-hour, three-island trip for no more than ten people, with a live English-speaking guide. Rose Island admission, water and drinks, and snorkel equipment are included, and you can add a swim with the pigs on Green Cay for a small extra fee. It is a relaxed, sociable morning on the water, ideal for families with younger children, cruise passengers with limited time, and anyone who gets seasick on longer crossings.
How it works: meet the captain at the security booth at Bayshore Marina, 64 East Bay Street, for a 9:00 start. The tour lasts about four hours and is guided live in English, with a maximum of ten guests on board. Included are admission to Rose Island, water and other drinks, and snorkel gear. Swimming with the pigs is an add-on at around forty dollars per person, paid separately. You can cancel or reschedule until midnight on the day before your trip.
What to expect: after a short run along the harbour past Paradise Island, the boat heads out to the cays east of New Providence. Expect a snorkel stop over shallow reef or sea grass where fish, rays and sometimes turtles appear, beach time on Rose Island with its calm, clear water, and the optional pig encounter, where the animals wade out to greet you in the shallows. The description also mentions a meal at a local restaurant, but lunch is not listed as included, so carry some cash.
Making the most of it: wear swimwear under your clothes, pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a towel, and keep phones in a waterproof pouch. Small boats feel every wave, so sit near the back if you are prone to seasickness. Treat the pigs gently: keep food low and fingers flat.
What to expect
The experience
A four-hour small-group boat tour to Rose Island and nearby cays with snorkeling, beach time and an optional swim with pigs.
Best time
A calm morning departure, when the water is clearest and the beach is quiet before the afternoon boats arrive.
How long
About four hours, starting at 9:00 from Bayshore Marina on East Bay Street.
Tips
Bring cash for the pig add-on and lunch, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch for the snorkel stop.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want swimming pigs and island beaches without the long, costly ride to the Exumas.
- Families
- A great fit, with short boat rides, calm shallows and a small group that suits younger children.
- Couples
- A pretty morning on the water, then back in Nassau in time for a long lunch downtown.
- Pair with
- The Bites of Nassau food tour in the afternoon, which starts a short walk from Bayshore Marina.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Are the swimming pigs included?+
No, swimming with the pigs on Green Cay is an optional add-on for about forty dollars. Island admission, drinks and snorkel gear are included.
Where do I meet the boat?+
Meet the captain at the security booth at Bayshore Marina, 64 East Bay Street, in Nassau. The tour starts at 9:00.
How big is the group?+
The tour takes a maximum of ten guests with a live English-speaking guide. That keeps the boat sociable and the snorkel stop easy to manage.
Is lunch included?+
Lunch is not listed as included, although the route may stop near a local restaurant. Bring some cash for food and tips.
Can I change my booking?+
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule until midnight on the day before the tour. Check the refund terms on the ticket page when you book.