Snorkel, fish, pigs, all on one boat. I love the private charter setup, where you can actually steer your day toward what your group wants. I also love the chance to see sea turtles in the water right around the reefs.

The one thing to keep in mind is that your day is weather-dependent. If winds kick up, you may not get the calmest water for perfect snorkeling, and the water can look a bit murkier.

This is a half-day that moves fast: boat time, reef time, then beach time at Rose Island. Soft drinks, water, and a snack are included, and if you want the pig experience, budget extra since it costs $35 per person.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Private boat for up to 8 people, so you’re not squeezed into a crowd schedule.
• Snorkel stops around reef and turtle waters with snorkeling gear provided.
• Light-tackle fishing with bait and gear included, plus snorkel gear if you want to switch modes.
• Rose Island white sand beach time, with lunch and activities available for purchase.
• Optional swimming with pigs for $35 per person, so you can decide on the spot.

What this Rose Island private charter really feels like

This is the kind of trip you book when you want the Bahamas to feel personal, not packaged. You’re on a private boat out of New Providence Island with a planned route that includes Paradise Island’s famous stretch, the area around Green Cay, and then the Rose Island stop that most people come for.

The best part for me is the mix. You’re not stuck doing one activity for four hours straight. You can snorkel, then shift to fishing, then float off the day on Rose Island’s beach. That flexibility matters because not everyone in your group likes the same pace.

Also, the crew matters. Captain Frenchie and his team (including Mario) are repeatedly described as friendly, attentive, and focused on making sure everyone feels comfortable. For a private water day, that kind of care is worth real money.

The boat day flow: from Paradise Island to Rose Island

Your day runs about 4 hours total, which is a sweet spot for families and for people who want the fun without losing the whole day to the ocean.

You’ll start with a cruise that sets the tone. The route runs past Paradise Island, plus the famous Gilligan’s Island look you’ll recognize from the classic TV era. You also pass Green Cay, where the next chapter is snorkeling.

If you’re someone who likes visual “wow” moments before you even swim, this is a good start. You’re out on the water early, you get the Bahamian coastline vibe, and then you transition into the reef portion.

Stop 1: Reef snorkeling and turtle-filled waters

At Green Cay, the plan is to snorkel around a vibrant reef area and in turtle-filled waters. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you’re not hunting for masks and fins on vacation.

What I’d take from this part is the practical value: you get a real reef experience with a guide steering you toward likely spots instead of just getting dropped in open water and hoping for the best.

Soft drinks, water, and a snack are included on the water. In plain terms, this helps keep energy up, especially if you’re with kids. One detail I like is that the snack is simple and easy to manage, like granola bars or chips, plus soda and water.

Possible drawback: the quality of the water can shift with wind. If the sea gets rough, snorkeling conditions may not be as clear as you imagined. That’s not a failure of the crew; it’s an ocean fact.

Stop 2: Fishing time with bait, gear, and light tackle

After the Rose Island beach portion, the plan shifts into fishing practice around the reefs near Rose Island and Paradise Island.

This isn’t just “here’s a rod.” Fishing gear is included, and so is bait. You’ll also have snorkeling equipment available if you want to switch back to swimming. The gear setup is described as light-tackle fishing, with the option to use either fishing poles or an electric reel.

The boat itself is part of the confidence factor: it’s described as a 28-foot open-haul vessel with twin 250hp motors. Open boat time can feel exciting, and with the engine power mentioned, you can reasonably expect the crew to handle the transit and positioning.

If your group is more “shore-to-sea” than “sunbathing,” this second phase gives you a different kind of fun. It’s also a good way to keep kids engaged, especially if someone in your party wants action instead of just floating.

Rose Island: where the beach time and pigs option take over

Rose Island is the payoff stop. You get white sand beach time and a chance to slow down after the water movement.

This part is built for choice. You can relax, swim in the shallows, and hang out. You can also buy lunch and/or activities once you’re there. That matters because many people want a snack or a real meal without turning it into a long hunt.

The pigs: optional, extra cost, and worth clarifying

Swimming with the pigs costs $35 per person, and it is not included in the base tour price. If you want to do it, plan for that added cost ahead of time so nobody gets surprised.

One caution from real-world experience is communication around pig feeding. A couple of people flagged a mismatch between what they expected and what was asked of them on the island. So here’s my practical advice: before you step off the boat, confirm the rules and the price for any pig-related participation with the crew on the spot.

My take: The pig portion can be a memorable highlight, but it’s also the one part where expectations need to be managed. If you’re sensitive to how the interaction is run, or if you’re traveling with younger kids who get anxious around busy areas, you can skip it and still have a great Rose Island beach day.

Snorkeling and sea turtles: what to expect in plain language

Snorkeling here is the headline for a reason. The route is designed around reef areas and turtle-friendly waters, and the gear is included.

What you should expect:

• You’ll be suited with snorkeling equipment on the boat.
• You’ll spend time in water where you have a genuine chance of seeing sea turtles.
• You’re not doing it alone. The crew is there to help you get set, stay oriented, and find spots.

If you’ve snorkeled in other places, you already know this: visibility can vary day to day. Winds can rough things up and make the water look less clear. Still, even in less-than-perfect conditions, reef areas can be full of life, and many people come away focused on fish and turtle sightings.

One more detail that’s actually useful: if your group wants to move between snorkeling and fishing, this tour is set up for that. Snorkel gear availability during fishing time means you don’t have to choose one activity forever.

Fishing that doesn’t feel like homework

The fishing side is built around light tackle and local reef areas. That’s good for most people because it doesn’t require deep experience.

You’ll get:

• Fishing gear included
• Bait and tackle provided
• The chance to use either fishing poles or an electric reel

The value here is time and simplicity. You don’t need to bring gear or figure out what to use. You just show up, and the crew helps you practice on the water.

Also, fishing pairs nicely with mixed groups. If you have one person who wants turtles and another who wants fish, you’re not stuck splitting off at separate locations. The tour format keeps everyone together, while still letting each person chase their own interest.

Price and value: is $850 per group a good deal?

The price is $850 per group (up to 8 people), with an average booking window of about 30 days in advance.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• If you use the full group size, the cost can drop to about $106 per person.
• If you travel with only a few people, the per-person cost rises fast because this is a private charter.

So the deal is best when you’re traveling with friends or a family group and can realistically fill the boat capacity. If you’re a couple, it can still be worth it, but you’re paying for privacy and flexibility.

What makes it feel worth it is that the inclusions aren’t just token extras. You get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing gear, bait, and tackle
• Soft drinks, water, and a snack

And you also get something harder to price: the ability to choose how much time goes to snorkeling vs. fishing vs. relaxing at Rose Island.

What costs extra

• Alcoholic beverages are not included.
• Swimming with pigs is $35 per person.

I’d call those predictable add-ons. The key is you’ll know the pig price before you decide, and you won’t be guessing about alcohol.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want something else)

This works especially well if:

• You want a private boat instead of a mixed group day.
• Your group has mixed interests: snorkeling, fishing, beach time, and the pig option.
• You’re traveling with kids who benefit from guided help and a clear pace.

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a guaranteed, picture-perfect snorkel view no matter the weather. The tour requires good weather, and conditions can shift.
• Your group hates any “extra experience” costs. The pigs are optional and priced separately, and that’s part of the math.

Still, with a high rating (about 4.7 from 30 reviews) and a strong recommendation rate, the overall momentum is clear: this is the kind of day people remember.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

A private water day is simple, but a few choices make a big difference.

• Bring sun protection. You’ll be in daylight for boat transit, reef time, and beach time.
• Plan for the pig decision. The $35 per person cost is part of the experience, so decide early enough to stay relaxed once you arrive.
• Tuck in a respect-for-the-conditions mindset. If wind picks up, snorkeling visibility might suffer. The crew can still work the plan, but the ocean calls the shots.
• Budget for tipping. One review specifically said to bring a nice tip, and that lines up with how private charters run: the captain and crew do the positioning, safety work, and gear support.

Should you book this Rose Island private snorkeling and fishing experience?

If you’re choosing between a crowded tour and a private day, I’d lean toward private here. The structure makes sense for real vacationers: reef snorkeling with turtle chances, fishing time with gear provided, then Rose Island beach time where you can slow down.

Book it if:

• You can fill enough of the group size to make $850 feel reasonable per person.
• You want flexibility to shift between snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing.
• Sea turtles are a priority, and you’re okay with the fact that ocean conditions can vary.

Consider a different option if:

• You’re hoping for a guaranteed calm-water snorkel day regardless of wind.
• You don’t want any add-on costs, especially the $35 per person pig experience.

FAQ

How long is the Rose Island private snorkeling, fishing, and swimming with pigs tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What does the tour cost and how many people can it include?

It costs $850 per group for up to 8 people.

What activities are included during the tour?

You’ll have time to snorkel, there’s fishing gear with bait provided, and you’ll also get Rose Island beach time.

Is swimming with pigs included in the price?

No. Swimming with the pigs costs $35 per person and is listed as not included.

What snorkeling and fishing gear do you provide?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus fishing rods and fishing gear with bait and tackle.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.