Rose Island: Private Boat Snorkel & Swim with Turtles

The water around Rose Island fills with sea turtles — and your private boat gets you there alone

You get a private boat, snorkel gear, and access to Rose Island's reefs and beaches for either 4 or 8 hours. Swim with sea turtles, explore coral, relax on sand, and visit Gilligan's Island — all without sharing the boat or following a fixed itinerary. Drinks and snacks are on board; you just decide where to anchor and when to move.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel Rose Island's reefs and swim with turtles without joining a group tour or following a set schedule — the private boat is what lets you move at your own pace and anchor wherever the water looks best.

What’s included

• Your rental includes snorkel equipment, bottled water, sodas, snacks, and alcohol on board.
• A restroom is available.
• You choose between a 4 or 8-hour rental and customize which islands to visit and what activities to do at each stop.

Traveler reviews

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat adventure and snorkeling

• Board private 40-foot or 32-foot boat
• Sail around Rose Island and nearby islands
• Snorkel at coral reefs
• Swim with turtles
• Relax on private beaches
• Optional visit to floating or Footprints beach bar

The Experience

The engine cuts and the water goes quiet. That's when you notice them — the turtles moving below, unhurried, curious about the boat. You're anchored off Rose Island on New Providence Island, and the only people here are the ones you brought. A 40-foot or 32-foot private boat means no crowd, no schedule except the one you set, and the freedom to linger wherever the day takes you. The boat leaves from Nassau and heads out to Rose Island, Athol Island, Green Cay, and Gilligan's Island — each stop customizable depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.

Snorkeling happens at coral reefs where the water stays clear enough to see the bottom, and the turtles are there most days. If you'd rather skip the reef and just float on a private beach, that works too. The boat carries snorkel gear, bottled water, sodas, snacks, and alcohol — so you're not hunting for supplies or rationing what you brought. There's a restroom on board, which matters on a 4 or 8-hour day on the water. You choose the length based on how many islands you want to hit and whether you're chasing a specific moment, like sunset or the floating bar that operates off Rose Island.

The boat is yours, which changes the rhythm of the day. No guide narrating facts, no group photo stops, no one else's pace. You swim when you want, stay in the water as long as you want, and move on when you're ready. Bring a group of friends, a family, or just two people — the boat adapts. The one thing to know: if you want to swim with the pigs that Rose Island is known for, that's not included in the rental, so you'd need to arrange that separately or skip it. Most people come for the turtles and the reef anyway.

Top questions

What's the difference between the 4-hour and 8-hour rental?

The 4-hour option fits the main stops — Rose Island, snorkeling, and a beach break. The 8-hour rental gives you time to visit more islands like Athol Island, Green Cay, and Gilligan's Island, plus longer at each spot.

Is snorkel gear included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is provided on the boat, so you don't need to bring your own or rent separately.

Can we swim with the pigs?

Swimming with pigs is not included in the boat rental. You'd need to arrange that activity separately if it's a priority.

What drinks are available?

The boat stocks bottled water, sodas, and alcohol. You can bring additional drinks if you prefer.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, there's a restroom on board.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat comes in two sizes — 40-foot and 32-foot — but the exact passenger capacity isn't specified. Contact the operator to confirm capacity for your group size.

Do we need a captain or can we drive the boat ourselves?

The reference content doesn't specify whether a captain is included. Confirm with the operator before booking.

What if the weather is bad?

The reference content doesn't detail cancellation or rescheduling policies. Check with the operator about their weather policy.