A private boat day can feel like a cheat code for vacation time. This one pairs Rose Island swims with easy snorkeling stops around New Providence’s neighboring islands, with a captain who keeps the day moving. If you want a laid-back day that still has real sea life, this is a strong pick.

I love the practical setup: you’re on a private boat for your group, with snorkeling equipment and comfort taken care of on board. I also like the flexibility, from coral reef snorkeling to beach time and party-style add-ons. One thing to consider is that the experience is weather-dependent, so if conditions turn rough, your timing may change.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat for your group (up to 12), so you are not sharing the day with strangers.
• Rose Island is the main stop, with a built-in plan for swimming and snorkeling time.
• Snorkeling gear and water/snacks are included, so you can travel lighter.
• Turtles and coral reefs are part of the experience, with options to tailor what you do once you arrive.
• Boat drinks are available, so you can treat this like a true day on the water.
• Plan for weather, since good conditions matter for a smooth ride and water time.

Private Boat Time on New Providence: What You’re Really Buying

When you pay for a private boat excursion, you are buying more than transport. You are buying control. Your captain sets the rhythm, you choose how to split your time between swimming, snorkeling, and beach moments, and your group does not get stuck waiting on other people.

This tour runs out of New Providence Island in the Bahamas, and it is priced per group at $1,670 for up to 12 people. That price sounds high until you do the math in the way the day actually works. For families or small friend groups, private boat time can be similar to what you would spend on multiple tickets plus the hassle of coordinating meeting points and schedules. Here, the value is the “single reservation, single boat, single plan” factor.

Duration is listed at about 4 hours, and the operator also offers 4 or 8-hour rentals depending on what you want. That matters because a 4-hour plan is great if you want your Bahamas day to feel energetic but not exhausting. An 8-hour rental can be the right call if you want longer water time, a longer beach stretch, or a slower, more party-friendly day.

You can also use a mobile ticket, which makes day-of logistics easier when you are bouncing around the island.

Rose Island Stop: Beach Time, Sea Life, and the Pig-Turtle Wow Factor

Rose Island is the headline moment, and it is why people book this type of outing in the first place. Once you arrive, the day shifts from “boat ride” to “I can actually spend time in the water.”

The experience centers on swimming and snorkeling in clear, reef-friendly areas, and it is specifically associated with encounters like turtles. If you are hoping for that wow moment where the water feels alive, this is built for it.

There is also an optional element tied to swimming with pigs, but the details provided here are important: it’s listed as not included. So if pigs are your must-have, treat that as an add-on you need to arrange or pay separately. The same is true for at least some beach bar experiences, since Footprints beach bar admission is not included.

For beach lovers, Rose Island also gives you the chance to chill on a private beach after your water time. That balance is a big part of the appeal. You get the action (snorkeling and swimming) and the downtime (sand, shade, and time to reset).

One more practical note: your itinerary can be customized. That means if your group is split between snorkel lovers and “I want to sit and swim casually” people, you can usually shape the order and focus so everyone gets what they came for.

Snorkeling Around Rose, Athol, Green Cay, and Gilligan’s Island

This is not just a one-location “jump in and hope” plan. The excursion runs around Rose Island plus Athol Island, Green Cay, and the iconic Gilligan’s Island. Even if you do not spend all your time in the water at every stop, the routing matters because it affects ride time, how long you get per swim session, and how the captain sequences the day.

The core water activity is snorkeling at coral reefs, with swim-with-turtles listed as an option. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you are not stuck shopping or renting gear when you arrive.

What I like about a plan like this is that it gives you different “difficulty levels” in one day. If someone in your group wants to snorkel slowly and stay close to the surface, you can do that. If someone wants to move around a bit more, the reefs give you enough structure to explore without turning it into a hard workout.

Also, the boats are set up for mixed ages. One review shared that the captain was dealing with a group that included adults, kids, and an infant, and they shifted the order of activities while keeping everyone comfortable and safe. That kind of flexibility is exactly what you want on an island day, because conditions can change fast, especially with wind and rain.

On-Board Comfort on a 32-Foot or 40-Foot Power Boat

This is a private power boat experience on a 32-foot or 40-foot boat. Boat size matters more than people think. A larger boat usually feels calmer, especially when you are bouncing through choppy patches or dealing with a drizzly start. In other words, you feel it less in your mood.

The included onboard basics are genuinely useful:

• Restroom on board, which is a big deal on a sea day when you do not want to lose water time to logistics.
• Snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water, so you can keep energy up without hunting for food.
• Alcoholic beverages are available on the boat, which turns the whole outing into something closer to a celebration than a strict tour.

Snorkeling gear is also included, and that reduces friction. If you are traveling from somewhere with limited luggage space, you save time by not having to pack masks and snorkels.

Safety gear is a real part of this, too. One review explained a key detail: the boats are equipped with kids and adult life jackets for 12 people. That tells you two things. First, they plan for the listed max group size. Second, if your group number changes, you should tell the operator early and clearly. They explained that they allowed an extra person in one case because it was a baby, but the safe bet is to book for the correct headcount.

How the Custom Options Work in Real Life

The listing gives you a menu of ways to customize your time around Rose Island and nearby areas, including:

• Snorkeling coral reefs
• Swimming with turtles
• Swimming with pigs (not included)
• Chilling on a private beach
• Beach party
• Visit a floating bar
• Visit Footprints beach bar on Rose Island (admission not included)

Here is how I’d think about that customization. You are not just choosing activities. You are choosing the pace of the day.

If your group wants mostly ocean time, prioritize snorkeling and turtle-focused swimming, then use the beach to cool down. If your group is more “vacation celebration,” the beach party and floating bar-style options can help turn it into a full-on hangout.

The “not included” items are the one place where you need to be decisive. If pigs or specific beach bar admissions matter to your group’s plan, map out the extra cost before you go. Otherwise, you can end up with a day that feels slightly unfinished because one person’s priority becomes an afterthought.

Also, remember the day’s flow can shift. One review mentioned a drizzly start and that the captain changed the order of activities to keep everyone safe and comfortable. That is a good sign. It means the operator is thinking about real conditions instead of forcing a rigid schedule.

Value and Group Size: Is $1,670 Worth It?

Let’s talk value like adults. You are not paying for a museum ticket. You are paying for time on the water with privacy.

At $1,670 per group (up to 12), the per-person cost depends on whether you fill the boat. This is where private tours can become a bargain or a splurge based on your group size.

• If you can get close to the 12-person max with friends or family, the price starts to look reasonable for the amount of time, the private access, and the included snorkeling gear plus food and drinks.
• If you have a smaller group, you are paying more per person. In that case, you should ask yourself what matters most: privacy, flexibility, or sea time with comfort.

What makes this one feel like better value than some cheaper boat options is the “included essentials” package. Snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and onboard comfort (including a restroom) reduce the add-ons you usually end up paying for separately.

Alcohol being available also changes the vibe. You are not just going for snorkeling, you are getting a proper day out on the water.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This excursion fits best when you want:

• A private day at sea with your own group
• Real water time around Rose Island
• Snorkeling with included gear, plus options tied to turtles
• A mix of active and relaxed time

It is also a solid fit for mixed-age groups. One review mentioned a group made up of adults, kids, and an infant, and they managed the day safely and comfortably. The life jacket setup for kids and adults also helps, as does the operator’s willingness to shift the activity order when conditions call for it.

You might want a different kind of outing if your group wants a fully structured, scheduled land-and-see itinerary. This is built around water time and beach time, not guided walking or long museum stops.

And if you are the kind of traveler who hates weather uncertainty, keep in mind the experience requires good weather. If the day gets canceled due to poor conditions, you should be ready to switch dates or accept a refund depending on what is offered.

Quick Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

Based on how this type of day tends to run, and what was shared about one group’s experience, here are the practical moves that can save you stress.

First, lock in your headcount early. The operator noted that they plan life jackets for 12 people, so if you are near the limit, message them in advance with the correct number. If someone is an infant, still mention it, because the captain explained that they handled one extra person in that scenario, but you should not count on an extra spot happening automatically.

Second, expect the day to be responsive. A drizzly start does not have to ruin the plan if the captain is adjusting. So if you arrive and conditions are less than perfect, trust the guidance and go with the flow.

Third, decide what matters most before you board. Pigs are not included, and at least one beach bar admission is not included. If those are priorities, plan for them up front so the only surprise is how clear the water looks once you’re out there.

Should You Book This Private Rose Island Boat Swim?

I think this is a great booking when your group wants a private boat day that actually delivers on sea life, snorkeling time, and real beach downtime. The combination of Rose Island, included snorkeling equipment, and a captain who can adapt the activity order is exactly what makes a day like this feel worth it.

Book it if:

• You have a group size that can approach 12 people or you really value privacy
• You want snorkeling around coral reefs and a chance at turtles
• You want snacks, water, and a restroom handled for you
• You are okay with a day that depends on good weather

Skip it or switch plans if:

• Your top priority is strictly land sightseeing or a fixed, clockwork schedule
• Your group absolutely cannot handle weather changes
• Pigs or specific beach bar stops are core to your plan, and you do not want to manage extra admission or separate inclusions

If you want a Bahamas day that feels like your own private hangout, with snorkeling and beach time working together, this private Rose Island swim adventure is the kind of trip that makes the rest of your itinerary feel easier.

FAQ

How much does the private boat swim and snorkel to Rose Island cost?

It is listed at $1,670.00 per group, up to 12 people.

How long is the experience?

The experience duration is approximately 4 hours, with options for 4-hour or 8-hour rentals.

What islands are included in the route?

Your excursion takes you around Rose Island, Athol Island, Green Cay, and Gilligan’s Island.

What is included in the price?

Snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board are included. Alcoholic beverages are available on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is swimming with pigs included?

Swimming with pigs is listed as not included.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.