Bahamas: Catamaran Cruise, Snorkeling & Swimming Pigs Rose Island

Summary

Snorkel coral reefs swim with pigs and unwind on Rose Island’s beaches

You’ll sail from Paradise Island on a lively catamaran cruise with snacks and open bar, snorkel vibrant Bahamian reefs near Rose Island, then meet those famous swimming pigs face-to-snout before relaxing at a beach party with lunch included. Expect laughter, sunburns, music in your hair — and maybe a new story or two when you get home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise with snorkeling and beach fun

• Set sail on 62 ft catamaran
• Enjoy onboard snacks and drinks
• Snorkel at coral reef
• Visit Pig Beach and swim with pigs
• Relax on beach and play volleyball
• Join Sun & Fun beach party
• Cruise by Gilligan's Island for photos

Top questions

Where does the Bahamas catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Paradise Island in Nassau. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to check-in between 9:00 am and 9:30 am.

Are swimming pigs included on this day trip?

Yes, meeting and swimming with pigs is part of the experience at Pig Beach near Rose Island.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included in your tour price.

Are food and drinks included during the cruise?

Your tour includes lunch plus complimentary water, juice, soda, snacks, rum punch and tequila shots after snorkeling.

How many people are on board?

The catamaran can accommodate up to 60 guests comfortably.

What should I bring for this Bahamas day trip?

You should bring sunscreen, a towel, hat and sunglasses; no outside food or drinks allowed except baby formula/milk.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests must arrange their own transport to Paradise Island departure point.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Paradise Island aboard a spacious catamaran with snacks served onboard plus unlimited rum punch after snorkeling (with an option for a full open bar at check-in), use of snorkeling gear for reef exploration near Rose Island, time feeding or swimming with pigs at Pig Beach, lunch served during your beach stop along with access to hammocks and games like volleyball before cruising back toward Nassau in the afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re really going to feed them?” That’s what the guy next to me laughed as we watched the swimming pigs paddle out toward our catamaran off Rose Island. I’d only seen them in photos before — honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would feel touristy or weird, but the crew made it all feel pretty natural. One of them, Shari, handed me a chunk of apple and showed me how to hold my hand flat (“they nibble, don’t worry”). The pig’s nose was cold and surprisingly gentle. I still think about that moment — how quiet it felt for a second, even with music drifting from the boat behind us.

Getting there was its own little adventure. We set off from Paradise Island just after check-in (bring your ID — they actually checked), and the crew kept everyone laughing right away. There was rum punch flowing (maybe too early for some of us?), but also plenty of water and juice if you wanted to pace yourself. The sea breeze felt sticky-warm on my skin and there was this salty smell that clung to everything — sunscreen, ocean, grilled conch salad someone passed around. Our guide pointed out Sandy Cay as we cruised past — “Gilligan’s Island!” he shouted over the music — and everyone scrambled for their phones at once.

Snorkeling off the boat surprised me most. The water near Rose Island is so clear you can see your toes even when you’re floating above coral. They handed out masks and fins (I always worry about fit but these were decent), and one of the crew jumped in first to show us where to look for parrotfish. I lost track of time watching blue tangs dart around bits of purple fan coral. When we climbed back aboard, someone had started up Junkanoo music and people were dancing barefoot on deck — not gracefully, but nobody cared.

Lunch happened somewhere between swimming and sunburn; grilled chicken, rice, fruit — nothing fancy but tasted perfect after all that saltwater. There were hammocks strung up in the shade near the beach volleyball net, which I tried (badly) while a couple from Miami heckled me in good fun. On the way back toward Nassau, I just lay on the deck with my towel over my face listening to waves slap against the hull. It felt like summer camp for grownups in all the best ways.