Nassau: Swimming Pigs, Rose Island Beach & Bahamian Lunch

Summary

Swim with pigs on rose island then relax with lunch and sea views

You’ll hop a boat from Nassau to Rose Island for close-up time with swimming pigs, then settle into a private beach club with Bahamian lunch included. Expect laughs with locals and fellow travelers, salty air, and maybe a little sunburn if you forget your hat. It’s playful but also quietly beautiful — especially when you find your own spot by the sea.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color of the water — that wild turquoise you see in postcards but never really believe until you’re squinting at it for real. We’d barely left Nassau when our guide, Marcus, started pointing out little cays and telling stories about each one. The boat ride to Rose Island was loud in a good way; wind in your face, salt in the air, everyone laughing over the engine’s rumble. I kept trying to take photos but gave up because nothing looked as bright as it felt.

When we landed at the private beach club, I just stood there for a second — sand soft under my toes, some reggae drifting from the bar. Then came the swimming pigs (the main reason I’d booked this day trip from Nassau). They trotted right down like they owned the place. You could tell they were used to people — one of them nudged my hand for snacks and another splashed into the shallows next to a kid who squealed so loud even Marcus laughed. I tried saying “hello” to one pig (don’t ask why), and honestly, she just stared back like she expected better conversation.

Lunch was simple but good — grilled chicken with that peppery Bahamian kick and some rice that tasted smoky somehow. We ate under these faded umbrellas while folks swapped stories about where they were from. Afterward, I grabbed a paddleboard and drifted out past where the water got deep blue. There was this moment of total quiet except for waves slapping against the board — not sure why but that’s what stuck with me most.

It’s funny — you go for the swimming pigs (and yeah, they’re worth it), but it’s those small bits between things that make you want to stay longer. The sunburn crept up on me by the time we headed back to Nassau, and I still think about that weirdly perfect silence out on the water sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swimming pigs and island escape

• Check in and get wristband
• Board boat and safety briefing
• Boat ride past islands to Rose Island
• Settle at beach club and relax
• Meet and interact with swimming pigs
• Enjoy Bahamian lunch and drinks
• Snorkel or paddleboard in turquoise waters
• Boat cruise back to Nassau

Top questions

How long is the boat ride from Nassau to Rose Island?

The boat ride takes about 30 minutes each way.

Are swimming pigs really on Rose Island?

Yes, you’ll meet well-cared-for swimming pigs on Rose Island during this tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup from hotels or cruise port is available as an option when booking.

What food is served for lunch?

A freshly prepared Bahamian lunch is included along with one soft drink per person.

Can I use snorkeling gear or paddleboards?

Yes, snorkeling gear and paddleboards are available at no extra cost during your stay on Rose Island.

Are there restrooms at the beach club?

Yes, there are restrooms plus shaded seating and beach chairs at the private beach club.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join (on an adult’s lap) and children are welcome; strollers are allowed too.

How do I check in for this tour?

You’ll get a wristband after filling out a quick safety form before boarding the boat in Nassau.

What’s included

Your day includes optional hotel or cruise port pickup in Nassau, all entry fees and taxes covered up front, access to shaded seating and restrooms at a private beach club on Rose Island, a Bahamian lunch with one soft drink per person, use of snorkeling gear and paddle boards if you want them, plus plenty of time meeting swimming pigs before cruising back in the afternoon.