Nassau: Turtle swim & Rose Island tour with snorkeling

Summary

Swim with turtles, snorkel coral reefs & unwind on Rose Island

You’ll spot sea turtles near Nassau, snorkel vibrant coral reefs with local guides who know every cove, then relax on Rose Island’s beach with drinks in hand. Expect laughter, sun-warmed skin, and those small moments — like glimpsing your first turtle — that you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that shadow? That’s a turtle," our captain said, pointing just off the bow as we drifted out from Nassau. I squinted through the glassy water — honestly, it took me a second to spot her. But then she glided up, slow and unbothered, and I felt this weird mix of excitement and calm. The air smelled salty-sweet and sunscreen-y (if that’s a word), and someone behind me let out a little gasp. We’d barely left the dock and already I was grinning like an idiot.

Snorkeling here is nothing like what I’d tried before — the water’s so clear you can see your own shadow on the sand below. Our guide, Li, handed me a mask and gave a quick rundown (I probably looked nervous; she patted my shoulder). There were these flashes of yellow fish darting around coral that looked almost fake — too bright to be real. At one point I tried to say “thank you” in Mandarin because Li mentioned her family back home; she laughed so hard my mask nearly filled with water. The whole thing felt easygoing but safe, which mattered since I’m not exactly Jacques Cousteau.

Afterwards we headed for Rose Island — you could hear music before you even saw the beach bar. The sand was soft enough to sink into up to your ankles (I lost my flip-flop for about five minutes), and there was this lazy breeze that made everything feel slower in a good way. Drinks were cold, people played volleyball or just sprawled out under umbrellas. Lunch wasn’t included but honestly I didn’t mind; I grabbed some pineapple juice from the bar and watched a couple of kids try the floating trampoline. It’s funny how quickly strangers start chatting when everyone’s sunburned together.

I still think about that first moment seeing the turtle glide by — how quiet it got for half a second before everyone started whispering at once. If you’re looking for a day trip from Nassau that mixes wildlife with just hanging out somewhere beautiful (and not too polished), this turtle swim & Rose Island tour is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Turtle Swim and Rose Island

• Turtle swim and snorkel
• Explore coral reefs
• Relax at Rose Island beach bar
• Enjoy beach volleyball and water trampoline

Top questions

Can beginners join the turtle swim & Rose Island tour?

Yes, all snorkeling spots are suitable for various experience levels and safety briefings are provided.

Is lunch included on the Rose Island tour?

No, lunch is not included but drinks are available at the beach bar on Rose Island.

What equipment is provided for snorkeling?

Snorkeling gear is provided for all participants during the tour.

Are alcoholic beverages available?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are available on the boat during the excursion.

How do we get to Rose Island from Nassau?

The tour includes boat transport from Nassau to Rose Island as part of the experience.

Is this day trip suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome as long as travelers meet health recommendations listed in the details.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment with guidance from locals like Li, plus apple, orange, pineapple and cranberry juice served onboard. Alcoholic beverages are also available during your boat ride between Nassau and Rose Island.