Rose Island: Swimming Pigs Tour & Sandy Toes Day Trip

Summary

Swim with pigs, relax on Rose Island beaches and enjoy Bahamian lunch

You’ll ride out from Nassau to Rose Island by boat for a day trip filled with swimming pigs encounters, beach time under palm trees, snorkeling in warm waters, and an easygoing Bahamian lunch with drinks included. It’s relaxed but lively — you’ll come home salty-haired and smiling.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the boat at Rose Island and I swear, the water was so clear it looked fake — like someone had dialed up the turquoise just for us. The air smelled salty-sweet, with this hint of grilled chicken drifting over from somewhere behind the palms. Our guide, Tasha, waved us over with a grin and pointed out the peacocks strutting around like they owned the place. I’d read about the Bahamas swimming pigs but seeing them trot down to the shore in real life? That’s something else. They’re bigger than you think, honestly — one of them snuffled at my toes while I tried (and failed) not to laugh.

After that first swim (the ocean felt cool and soft — kind of silky), we wandered up to grab a plate from the buffet. Barbecue chicken, hot dogs, pasta salad — nothing fancy but it hit just right after all that sun. The open bar was already in full swing by noon; someone handed me a rum punch that tasted like vacation itself. There was this moment where I just lay back in a hammock with my feet still sandy, listening to distant laughter and waves hitting rocks. The pigs kept coming back for snacks — apparently sunscreen is part of their care routine here, which cracked me up.

I tried snorkeling too — you leave a deposit for gear but it’s easy enough — and floated above these little flashes of fish darting through coral. Tasha told us about how they look after the animals here (“regular vet checks,” she said, “and no junk food!”). I liked that it wasn’t rushed; nobody herded us anywhere or made us follow a schedule. We just drifted between swimming, eating, talking with other travelers (one couple from Toronto had never seen pigs swim before either), and soaking up whatever bits of shade we could find under the palms. I still think about that slow afternoon light on the sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rose Island boat trip and beach day

• Depart from Nassau by boat
• Glide across Bahamas turquoise waters
• Arrive at pristine Rose Island beach
• Swim and snorkel among tropical fish
• Meet and play with swimming pigs
• Lounge in hammocks and relax
• Enjoy buffet lunch and tropical open bar
• Soak in island lifestyle and scenery

Top questions

How do I get to Rose Island from Nassau?

You check in at Paradise Island Ferry Terminal between 9:15-9:45am; round-trip boat transport is included in your tour.

Are swimming pig interactions included?

Yes, meeting and playing with the swimming pigs is part of this day trip experience.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

A full Bahamian buffet lunch is included—barbecue chicken, hot dogs, salads—and there’s an open bar during your stay.

Can I snorkel on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkel equipment is included (with a refundable $10 deposit).

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring your own towel plus cash or credit card for any extras; photo ID is required at check-in.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you must make your own way to Paradise Island Ferry Terminal for departure.

Are there age or health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What animals will I see besides pigs?

You might spot peacocks and curly tail lizards as well as marine life while snorkeling.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip boat transportation from Nassau to Rose Island, interaction time with the famous Bahamas swimming pigs cared for by local staff, use of snorkel equipment (with refundable deposit), a full Bahamian barbecue lunch accompanied by an open bar serving standard drinks all day long, plus plenty of space to lounge on shaded pads or sandy beaches before heading back in the afternoon.