One boat. Two islands. A half day that actually feels like your schedule. I love the private 28-foot charter setup, and I also like how the day mixes snorkeling, fishing, and Rose Island downtime instead of forcing one activity nonstop.

The main thing to think about is sea conditions. If winds push things around, your snorkel spot and beach time can feel less calm than you hoped, even with a great crew guiding the plan.

Key Points Before You Go

• Private charter for up to 8: you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.
• Snorkel and turtle chances near the reefs around Green Cay.
• Rose Island white sand time for relaxing between water activities.
• Light-tackle fishing with bait, tackle, and gear provided.
• Swimming with pigs costs extra ($35 per person), so plan for it.
• Captain Frenchie’s hands-on, safety-minded style comes up again and again in feedback.

The Private Charter Makes This Day Feel Personal

This is priced as $850 per group (up to 8), which matters because you’re not paying a per-person “tour tax” for the boat itself. With a full group, your per-person cost drops fast, and the value really shows if you’re traveling as a family or a tight crew of friends.

The boat is a 28-foot open haul vessel with twin 250hp motors, so it has the power to move between spots when the weather and water let it. You also get that less-stress feeling of a private setup: you can spend a little more time where you’re having fun and a little less where you’re not.

In plain terms, you’re buying time on the water with a crew that works as your team, not a conveyor belt. That’s the difference between a “nice excursion” and a “we’re talking about this later” memory.

Sailing Past Paradise Island and the TV-Famous Gilligan’s Angle

Before you reach the reef areas and Rose Island, you’ll cruise past Paradise Island and the Gilligan’s Island look people recognize from the old TV show. It’s the kind of quick sightseeing that doesn’t drag, because you’re still on the move and the day stays fun.

This part is more than a photo moment. Seeing these areas from the water helps you understand what you’re actually paying for: access to the places that aren’t just a stroll away. And it also sets the tone for the day—Bahamas water, clean horizon, and that “we’re really going somewhere” feeling.

If you’re the sort of person who likes to know what you’re looking at, this is an easy win. If you’re not, it still works because it doesn’t steal time from the snorkeling and beach.

Green Cay Snorkeling: Reefs, Fish, and Sea Turtle Chances

One of the strongest reasons to book is the chance to snorkel around the reef areas near Green Cay, in turtle-filled waters. That combination—reef life plus the possibility of seeing sea turtles—is exactly the sweet spot for most people’s Bahamas expectations.

Snorkel time is usually where a private tour can feel more satisfying than a larger group day. You’re more likely to get individualized help with getting comfortable, using the gear, and finding the calmer pockets of water for a good look.

And based on the feedback, the crew does not treat turtles like a lottery ticket. When conditions are good, you’ll see plenty of fish, and the turtle sightings feel like part of the plan, not an accidental miracle.

Do note one reality check: if the sea is rough or visibility drops, snorkeling can turn “less crisp.” That doesn’t mean it’s ruined—it just means you’ll want to be flexible about how clear the water looks in the moment.

Rose Island Beach Time: White Sand, Relaxing, and Built-In Options

When you head to Rose Island, the payoff is simple: white sand beach time where you can slow down. After time in the water, it’s a real relief to have a stretch of shoreline where you can just sit, sunbathe, and reset.

This is also where you can mix in your personal style. The tour setup is built for choice: you can relax, snorkel if you want more water time, or add activities tied to the island’s famous pigs.

A helpful detail: soft drinks, water, and a snack are included, so you’re not scrambling for hydration while you’re switching gears between swimming and beach lounging. It’s not a full meal plan, but it helps you stay comfortable during those hours.

Lunch isn’t presented as a fixed “included item” in the core info, but Rose Island has places to eat and buy things once you’re there. In feedback, people describe enjoying lunch and drinks on-island, so you’ll likely be able to make this part of your day feel complete without hauling food from Nassau.

The Pig Swim Is Real, but It’s Not Included

Let’s talk about the part everyone circles: swimming with pigs.

This tour allows it, but it comes with an extra cost: $35 per person. That means the best value math depends on whether your group actually wants to do it. If half your crew is excited and half is unsure, this is the kind of activity that can make the group decision feel lopsided.

Also, pig interactions can create an extra layer of rules and expectations on the island side. One negative experience in feedback wasn’t about the pigs themselves—it was about how the pig-feeding situation was handled. My advice: be calm with the process, understand that there’s an add-on fee, and expect the island side to manage food access in its own way.

The bottom line: if swimming with pigs is on your Bahamas checklist, plan the extra budget and go in with expectations that are more “guided activity” than “free-for-all animal time.”

Fishing Around Reefs: Light-Tackle Fun Without a Big Learning Curve

If snorkeling is your “wow” moment, fishing is often the “we’ll remember this with the family” moment. You’ll practice light-tackle fishing around healthy reef areas near Rose Island and Paradise Island.

Fishing gear is provided, including bait and tackle, plus snorkels if you want to switch back to water viewing. There’s also an option to fish with poles or an electric reel, which is a nice touch if you want to keep things easy and focus on landing something rather than wrestling equipment.

Even if you’re a beginner, this type of reef fishing tends to be more about the experience than perfect technique. You’re out there on the water, the crew is helping, and you get real time where kids and non-fish people can still enjoy the day.

If your group loves activities with instant feedback—snorkel sightings, fish pulling, beach relaxation—this tour nails the pacing.

Captain Frenchie and the Crew: Safety-First, People-Forward

A private day like this lives or dies by the people on board. Here, Captain Frenchie shows up repeatedly in feedback as professional, warm, and focused on making everyone feel safe. That matters a lot when you’re handling small-group snorkeling and fishing time.

Other names also appear, including Mario, and an additional crew member referred to as D. What stands out is how the crew adjusts to the group. One family described how the captain stayed patient and accommodated a child who was nervous, even letting the kid sit near the captain’s chair during the most uncertain moments.

That kind of “we’ve done this before, and we’ll handle your specific situation” approach is what you want on the water. You’re not just buying a route—you’re buying confidence.

And yes, sometimes you can catch other wildlife along the way. In one account, people mentioned spotting dolphins on the way back. It’s not something you should count on like a scheduled stop, but it’s a good reminder that being on the water can surprise you.

What You Get, What You Don’t, and What That Means for Your Budget

Here’s the practical value breakdown based on what’s included:

Included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing rods, plus bait and tackle
• Soft drinks, water, and a snack
• A private boat experience for your group

Not included:

• Alcohol
• $35 per person for swimming with pigs

This means your base cost is mostly about the boat, the crew, and the gear. The extra pig swim is the only clearly stated add-on fee. So if your group is pig-inclined, budget it up front and avoid last-minute stress when you’re already on the island.

Also think about tipping. Feedback includes requests to bring a nice tip, which is a decent norm in this kind of private charter setting. If you want the day to feel smooth and you can afford it, tipping is one of the easiest ways to keep good relationships with a crew that works hard in real ocean conditions.

Weather Reality: Why Rough Water Changes the Day

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s important because water visibility and comfort are not optional—they’re the whole point.

In the same spirit, when winds are up, you might not get the calmest beach moment or the clearest snorkeling. That’s not the crew being careless. It’s just the ocean doing ocean things.

My advice: treat this tour like a “half-day water experience” rather than a fixed checklist of perfect conditions. If you arrive flexible, you’ll have a much better time—even when the sea isn’t cooperating.

Who Should Book This Rose Island + Fishing + Turtles Combo?

This is best for groups who want variety in one trip. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a strong pick because you can split attention between beach time, snorkeling gear, and fishing practice without the day turning into one long activity.

It’s also a great fit for:

• Couples who want romance plus action
• Small groups who prefer privacy over a crowded boat
• People who want the sea turtle and reef combo without making separate plans

If you’re the type who hates sharing attention—like you want one exact snorkeling spot, with zero changes—private tours still adjust to water and wind. That’s just how the ocean works.

Quick Practical Tips Before Your Day Starts

• Bring swim-ready basics even though snorkels and gear are provided.
• Plan your pig swim decision early, since it’s $35 per person.
• Expect that some snorkeling spots may be busy or conditions may vary depending on wind.
• Bring spending money for what you might want to buy on Rose Island (food and island activities aren’t part of the core included items).

Small prep helps you enjoy the day instead of managing it.

Should You Book Rose Island Private Snorkeling, Fishing, and Pigs?

If your dream Bahamas day includes reef snorkeling, sea turtle chances, white sand beach time, and fishing practice—this tour is a strong yes. The value is especially good when you fill the group size, and the private boat plus helpful crew makes the day feel like it was built around you.

I’d book with extra care only if your group is very sensitive to rough water or if swimming with pigs is a must-have for everyone. Otherwise, go in flexible, tip the crew if you loved the service, and enjoy the fact that you’re not stuck on a one-track schedule.

In short: this is the kind of private charter that earns its price by giving you choices on the water, not just a route on a map.

FAQ

How long is the Rose Island private tour?

The experience runs about 4 hours.

What is the price for this tour?

It’s $850 per group, up to 8 people.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment.

Is fishing included?

Yes. Fishing gear is provided, including fishing rods, plus bait and tackle.

Does the tour include swimming with pigs?

Swimming with pigs is available, but it is not included. The additional cost is $35 per person.

What refreshments are included?

You get soft drinks, water, and a snack included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How close do I need to book ahead?

On average, it’s booked about 30 days in advance, but the details you need are set at booking confirmation.

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