Rose Island Snorkeling Cruise: Sea Turtles & Reefs Half-Day

Four hours on the water, and the sea turtles show up on schedule

You board a boat from New Providence Island and spend four hours snorkeling the reefs around Rose Island, where sea turtles are common. Equipment, drinks, and snacks are included. The tour is timed to fit a short layover or cruise port stop, getting you back by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day snorkeling cruise at Rose Island

• Depart from Nassau, Bahamas
• Cruise to Rose Island
• Snorkel at reefs offshore
• Observe sea turtles
• Relax on white-sand beach
• Return to Nassau

The experience

The boat was running ten minutes late when we pulled up to the dock, and honestly that's when I realized I'd forgotten to apply sunscreen to the back of my neck. But once we were out on the water heading toward Rose Island, that kind of thing stopped mattering. The snorkeling cruise from New Providence Island takes about four hours total, and it's built around one simple idea: get you to the reefs and the turtles without eating up your whole day. That matters if you're between flights or stepping off a cruise ship with a narrow window.

The boat carries a small group, and the crew hands out snorkeling equipment as soon as you're settled. The reefs sit close enough to shore that you don't spend half the tour traveling. You're in the water within maybe thirty minutes of leaving the dock. The sea turtles are the draw, and they're usually there. You also get a white-sand beach to walk on between snorkel sessions, which is the kind of detail that sounds small until you're actually standing on it. The water is clear enough that you can see the bottom from the boat.

Drinks come with the tour (Bahama Mama rum punch, Coke, Sprite, and bottled water) plus snacks to keep you going. It's not a meal, but it's enough. The whole thing wraps by early afternoon, which is why cruise passengers and people with tight schedules book this one. You're back on New Providence Island with the rest of your day still in front of you.

What’s included

Your tour includes snorkeling equipment, Bahama Mama rum punch, Coke and Sprite, bottled water, and snacks. The boat departs from New Providence Island and returns the same way, with the full experience lasting 4 hours.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-Day TourUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 08:30, 09:00 and 13:30Up to 6 per booking

Half-Day CruiseUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · 08:30, 09:00 and 13:30Up to 10 per booking

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 4 Winds and Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked in Nassau or have a few hours between flights and want to get in the water without arranging your own transport or gear: the fixed schedule and included equipment mean you just show up and snorkel.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Rose Island snorkeling cruise?

The tour runs 4 hours total, including travel time to and from the island.

Are sea turtles guaranteed on this snorkeling tour?

Sea turtles are common at Rose Island, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The reefs themselves are the main draw if turtles don't appear.

What's included in the half-day snorkeling cruise?

Snorkeling equipment, Bahama Mama rum punch, soft drinks, bottled water, and snacks are included.

Is this tour good for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, it's designed for travelers with short layovers. The 4-hour duration fits most cruise port stops.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No prior experience is required. Equipment is provided and the reefs are accessible for beginners.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. Water shoes are helpful for the beach but not required.

Is there a beach stop on this tour?

Yes, you'll have time on a white-sand beach at Rose Island between snorkel sessions.

Can children go on this snorkeling cruise?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Children should be comfortable in the water and able to use snorkeling equipment safely.