Rose Island

Rose Island Nassau is just a short boat ride away from the capital. With stunning beaches, snorkeling, and the unique Rose Island Bahamas Pigs, you won’t want to miss out on a day trip to this island.

While the Bahamas is home to many stunning destinations, Rose Island Nassau may be one of the prettiest. But besides offering stunning vistas, amazing snorkeling, and the Rose Island Bahamas Pigs, the island is also accessible. A short ferry ride from Nassau is all it takes to reach this slice of paradise!

Good to Know

Location:8.6 miles (13.8 km) east of Nassau; accessible by boat only

How Long to Spend: Half/Full Day

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Blue Lagoon Island (Salt Cay), Pearl Island, Paradise Island

Entry Fees: $229 for a day trip, $795 for a private villa retreat on the island. [Correct as of 2023]

Rose Island Nassau: Embark on a Rose Island Excursion

Rose Island Bahamas is an island that is a 30 minute boat ride away from New Providence Island, Nassau and Paradise Island.

Rose Island is a 30-minute boat ride away from Nassau.

Rose Island Bahamas: How to Visit

The Bahamas has seen a massive increase in traveler numbers over the past few decades, and Rose Island Nassau is no different. The island has evolved from a secluded oasis into a popular day trip destination. Thankfully, and unlike other Nassau attractions, Rose Island doesn’t feel too touristy.

As Bahamas Sandy Toes owns part of Rose Island Bahamas, one way to reach it is by signing up for a day trip with the company. These trips depart by boat from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal in the morning. After a day of sightseeing, the boat then drops travelers off back at Paradise Island later that afternoon.

A Rose Island excursion will cost you $229 (as of 2023*). Unlike other tours in the region, this price also includes snorkeling gear, lunch, bar access, and several other perks. There’s also the option to stay in a private villa on the island at a starting rate of $795.

The Bahamas Sandy Toes excursion is a popular day trip in Nassau Paradise Island. Take a boat to Rose Island and explore the rose island reef and sandy toes island.

The Bahamas Sandy Toes Ferry is the only way to reach the island.

On the morning of your trip, make sure to arrive at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on time. You’ll need to show your ID and sign a waiver before boarding the boat.

Rose Island Nassau: Where Is It?

The Bahamas is an archipelago made up of 700 islands. Like Paradise Island and Salt Cay Lagoon Bahamas, Rose Island Nassau is in the vicinity of the capital. This makes its location ideal for day trips.

While Rose Island is one of the prettiest islands in the region, we recommend exploring other parts of the country if you can. The Exuma Cays, for example, are just a short plane ride away from Nassau. They’re home to the original Swimming Pigs and many other attractions.

What to See on a Day Trip with Bahamas Sandy Toes

Rose Island Beaches

Rose Island Nassau has stunning beaches for visitors to enjoy in the Bahamas islands.

The Rose Island Beach looks like something out of a postcard.

The Rose Island Nassau beach is one of the prettiest in the region. While Nassau beaches like Cabbage Beach are beautiful, the experience of being on a quiet, serene island makes Rose Island even more stunning.

The Rose Island Reef

Rose Island Nassau day trips and excursions are the best way to visit the popular Rose Island Bahamas.

The underwater surroundings are just as beautiful as the island.

When you visit the island, you’ll have the option to don a snorkel and mask and explore the Rose Island Reef. This is a great opportunity to see some of the marine life that makes the Bahamas famous.

Travelers looking to snorkel will head to the Rose Island Reef as a group immediately upon arrival.

James Bond in the Bahamas

Thunderball, the fourth film in the James Bond series, was released in 1965, and it featured several iconic underwater scenes filmed in the Bahamas. The film’s underwater sequences were shot in various locations, including the Exuma Cays and Nassau.

One particular sequence towards the end of Thunderball was filmed here on Rose Island. The Disco Volante ship crashes into the rocky southern shoreline of Rose Island and explodes in a large fireball. The impressive underwater battle scene of Thunderball was also filmed closeby in the waters off Athol Island. Its been incorrectly noted for years that the underwater battle was filmed off Clifton Pier.

The Rose Island Bahamas Pigs

The Rose Island Bahamas Pigs are friendly and trained to swim in the water.

Like many places in the Bahamas, Rose Island Nassau is home to its own group of pigs. While these friendly and playful creatures aren’t the original Swimming Pigs of Exuma, they’re still fun to watch and play with.

Trainers on the beach will make the Rose Island Bahamas Pigs run from the beach to the water, giving travelers plenty of photo opportunities.

Other Island Amenities

Rose Island Excursion to the Bahamas sandy toes island. Take a boat ride from Nassau Paradise Island to Rose Island Bahamas.

Rose Island Nassau features many spots where travelers can lounge around.

Rose Island Nassau also has plenty of other amenities to enjoy. From a buffet lunch and a well-stocked bar to pavillions offering equally stunning perspectives of the surrounding area, you can expect to spend a bit of time exploring the island.

Rose Island Travel Tips

Tour Operators: Several tour operators offer excursions to Rose Island. One of those being Sandy Toes. Research and choose a reputable operator that aligns with your preferences for activities and amenities.
Booking in Advance: Reserve your excursion in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures availability and may also allow you to take advantage of early booking discounts.
Pack Essentials: Bring essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a beach towel. Consider packing a waterproof phone case for water activities.
Water Activities: Rose Island and Sandy Toes are ideal for water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Check if your excursion package includes these activities or if they are available for an additional fee.
Snorkeling Gear: If you enjoy snorkeling, consider bringing your own snorkeling gear for a more personalized experience. Some excursions provide gear, but it’s always good to confirm in advance.
Beach Relaxation: Enjoy the pristine beaches of Rose Island. Bring a beach towel, find a comfortable spot, and take in the breathtaking surroundings.
Don’t pass up the snorkeling opportunity: Even if you don’t love the ocean, the Rose Island Reef is worth exploring. From fish and lobster to sea turtles and nurse sharks, you can see all sorts of exquisite marine life on this guided tour.
Sit on the bottom deck of the Bahamas Sandy Toes ferry: Boat rides through the Bahamas are scenic but often feature wind, sun, and water droplets. The best place on the ferry to avoid the elements is a center seat on the first level.
Consider booking the private villa: If you want a private beach experience without the crowds that occupy many other Nassau destinations, Rose Island Nassau is a great place to visit. To take your excursion to the next level, consider signing up for the private villa option.

Rose Island Bahamas is a popular day excursion from Nassau Bahamas, where visitors go to the Bahamas Sandy Toes island.

Booking the private villa gives you more time on the Bahamas Sandy Toes Island!

Rose Island Bahamas Pigs: Meet Them Before Flying to Exuma

Rose Island Nassau is one of the top destinations in the Nassau area. It features picturesque vistas, fantastic snorkeling opportunities, and the friendly Rose Island Bahamas Pigs.

Just remember that while the pigs are entertaining to watch, they’re not the actual Swimming Pigs. Those are in the Exuma Cays, and you can travel there by plane.

Nassau is home to dozens of amazing sites, some of which are well-known, but many more of which are hidden gems. To learn about all of these places, check out the rest of our articles and browse our interactive Nassau map.