Rose Island

Located just a short boat ride away from Nassau, Rose Island Bahamas is a slice of paradise. With breathtaking views and the Rose Island Pigs, it serves as the perfect day trip from the capital.

Rose Island Bahamas is a small secluded island in the Nassau area. Only accessible by day trip, the island offers some of the quintessential attractions of the Bahamas. From a stunning beach, crystal-clear water, and friendly “Swimming Pigs,” a trip to the island is well worth it. 

Rose Island Bahamas: Meet the Friendly Rose Island Pigs 

Rose Island Nassau: A History

Like many parts of the country, Rose Island Bahamas has gone from a quiet, palm tree-covered island to a popular tourist destination in the last couple of decades. However, its secluded location and private ownership prevent it from ever feeling too touristy. 

Rose Island is a small island in the Nassau area.

Centuries ago, the island housed a pineapple plantation. In more recent years, it was one of several filming locations for the James Bond film Thunderball. Several other locations in the Bahamas like Thunderball Grotto in Exuma were also featured in movies. 

Today, a company called Bahamas Sandy Toes runs day trips to the island. These trips allow travelers to access a stunning and remote location that’s easy to reach from the capital. 

What to Expect on a Rose Island Excursion

Meet the Local Rose Island Pigs 

The Rose Island Pigs are actually not the Swimming Pigs.

There are several islands in the Bahamas that claim to have Swimming Pigs, with Rose Island Bahamas being one of them. Although they’re not the original Exuma Pigs (these are on Big Major Cay), they’re still friendly and fun to watch nonetheless. 

Go Snorkeling

Sea turtles are one animal you can see when snorkeling on a Rose Island excursion.

If you’re able to do it, snorkeling at Rose Island Nassau is something you won’t want to pass up on. There’s a reef right next to the island teeming with coral and fish. If you’re lucky, you may also see turtles, nurse sharks, or other marinelife. 

As you snorkel, you’ll stick close to the guides leading you. They’re there to ensure everyone’s safety and to keep a lookout for turtles, jellyfish, sharks, and other animals that could potentially cause harm. 

Lounge Around the Beach

Rose Island Nassau has a famously-beautiful beach.

Rose Island Beach is undoubtedly one of the prettiest in the Nassau area. While some Nassau beaches, like Cabbage Beach and Cable Beach, can be full of people, Rose Island will feel like a private slice of paradise. 

The beach has several loungers and sun chairs that you can relax in. Make sure to bring a towel if you go into the water, as the tour doesn’t provide them. 

Explore the Island (Bahamas Sandy Toes Tour)

Rose Island Bahamas is a tropical paradise.

On Rose Island, if visiting on the Bahamas Sandy Toes Day Trip,  you’ll also find a bar overlooking the water, as well as another pavilion where you’ll eat lunch. Along the way are gardens where peacocks reside. 

Sandy Toes Nassau is a renowned beach bar and excursion company situated on Rose Island. It offers captivating day trips to this pristine island, where visitors can bask in its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters. The establishment features a beach bar and restaurant, providing delectable food and beverages in a tropical paradise setting.

Sandy Toes also offers an array of water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. Moreover, it hosts private events, including weddings and corporate gatherings, in this idyllic beachfront location, making it a versatile and popular choice for both tourists and event planners.

Enjoy the Journey

Rose Island is close to Salt Cay, another stunning island.

Rose Island Bahamas is 8.6 miles (13.8 km) away from Nassau. It’ll take you around 25 to 30 minutes to reach the island by boat. 

Besides appreciating the sites of Nassau Harbour, the boat ride is also informative. Along the way, the tour captain will point out different cultural and historic landmarks. 

From the Nassau Harbour, you can also travel to other islands in the area such as Salt Cay.

Getting to Rose Island Beach

As mentioned, the only way to access the island is by signing up for a day trip with Bahamas Sandy Toes. These trips encompass most of the day, leaving mid-morning and returning back towards the end of the afternoon. 

The boat ride to the island takes around 30 minutes.

Day trips to Rose Island Bahamas cost $229 (as of 2023*). A more expensive tour allows you to stay at a private villa on the island. This costs $795 and requires a minimum of a three-night stay. 

Once you book the tour, you’ll need to report to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal that morning. There, you’ll show your ID, sign a waiver, and board the boat to head to the island. 

Getting Around Bahamas Sandy Toes Rose Island

Once you arrive on Rose Island Bahamas, you’ll begin by putting on snorkeling gear. Tour captains will then lead you to the water, where you’ll slip in and spend a good chunk of time exploring. 

After the snorkeling portion of the tour concludes, you’ll eat lunch and have time to explore the rest of the island. This includes the bar, the gardens, and the large beach. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests…

Choose your seat on the Rose Island Bahamas ferry carefully. While the top portion of seats may look scenic, it can get hot during the afternoon. Likewise, seats towards the back on the first level may offer great views, but they also get drenched when the boat picks up speed. 

You’ll see stunning islands like Green Cay on the boat ride to Rose Island Bahamas.

Rose Island Pigs and So Much More

Travelers looking for day trips in the Nassau area will want to put Rose Island Bahamas at the top of their list. From Swimmings Pigs splashing around the water to the gorgeous vistas of the island, Rose Island Nassau is one place you won’t want to miss. 

If you’re weighing different Nassau day trip options, you can also considerSalt Cay, Clifton Heritage National Park, and the Exuma Cays (where you can see the real Swimming Pigs). If you’re going to the Exumas, just make sure to travel by plane!

Looking for more travel guides and tips? Check out the rest of our site and our interactive Nassau Islands travel map.