Snorkeling Rose Island Reef: Swimming pigs, turtles & coral

Three islands, three encounters: pigs, reef fish, and turtles in one morning

A guided snorkeling tour from Nassau to Rose Island Reef and two neighboring cays, with stops to swim with pigs at Athol Island, snorkel the coral reef, and encounter sea turtles at Green Cay. You get snorkeling equipment, a live English-speaking guide, boat transport and refreshments. The tour runs about four hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Three-island adventure with wildlife

• Meet and swim with swimming pigs
• Enjoy beach games and water toys
• Snorkel at Rose Island Reef
• View turtles at Green Cay

The experience

Rose Island Reef sits a short boat ride from Nassau, and the snorkeling there centers on shallow coral formations and schools of tropical fish in clear water: conditions that work for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The reef is calm enough that you can move at your own pace, spotting stingrays and the fish moving through the coral without fighting current or depth. Snorkeling gear is provided, and a guide leads the stops.

The day strings together three separate encounters. At Athol Island you meet the swimming pigs: animals that have learned to approach boats and will eat from your hand in the shallows, a moment most travelers come for the photos. Pearl Island and Green Cay follow, each with its own draw: Green Cay is where you're most likely to see sea turtles (hawksbill and green turtles) feeding on seagrass in water clear enough to watch them move. Between stops there's time on the beach: lounge chairs, umbrellas, a swing for photos, and water toys like kayaks and paddle boards if you want them.

The boat picks you up from your hotel, and the pace is built around the snorkeling itself rather than rushing between sites. Chips, soda, water and rum punch come with the tour, and there's music on the boat. The whole outing takes about four hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• boat transport with hotel pickup.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• chips, soda, water and rum punch.
• access to beach loungers, umbrellas and water toys including kayaks and paddle boards.
• and music on the boat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 14

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 4 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 700 Islands Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The tour moves between three islands over four hours with water time at each stop, so you're in and out of the boat several times and spending most of the morning in or near the water. Plan for a wet, active morning rather than a leisurely one. If you want to snorkel, swim with animals and relax on the beach all in a single outing, the sequence of stops fits that into one trip.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

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.

What's the water like for snorkeling at Rose Island Reef?

Rose Island Reef has shallow, calm waters with vibrant coral formations and tropical fish in clear visibility: conditions that suit both beginners and experienced snorkelers. You'll see stingrays and schools of reef fish moving through the coral without needing to go deep or fight current.

Will I actually see sea turtles at Green Cay?

Green Cay is a marine sanctuary where hawksbill and green turtles feed on seagrass in the shallows, and they often come close enough for clear views in the water. Encounters are not guaranteed on every trip, but the cay is specifically managed as a turtle habitat.

What happens at Athol Island with the swimming pigs?

At Athol Island you meet the famous pigs in the shallows: they've learned to approach boats and will eat from your hand. Most travelers spend time here taking photos and swimming alongside them before the boat moves on to the reef and Green Cay.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. You don't need to bring your own or pay extra for gear rental.

What's included to eat and drink during the four hours?

The tour includes chips, soda, water and rum punch. You'll have access to these refreshments throughout the morning on the boat and at the islands.