REVIEW · ROSE ISLAND TOURS
Private speed boat beach and bar hopping visiting Rose island
Speed, sand, and a floating bar day. This private charter uses a comfortable speed boat to bounce between beautiful island beaches while you still get time to hang out and snack. One recent highlight is the chance to enjoy water time with views you do not get from land.
I really like that you are on a private group (up to 8), so the day feels flexible instead of rushed. I also like the mix of beach lounging for kids and relaxed adult time, with the added bonus of a floating bar where you can mingle and buy lunch.
The main consideration is weather. This experience requires good weather, so if conditions are off, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
In This Review
- Key Things You Should Know Before You Go
- A Half-Day Speed Boat Day Around Rose Island
- Where You Meet in Nassau, and What “Round Trip” Means
- The Island Route: Three Stops Plus Real Beach Time
- Floating Bar and Beach Bar Hopping, Nassau Style
- Water Time, Snorkeling, and the “Swimming Pigs” Moment
- Price, Group Value, and When $850 Is a Win
- Meeting the Day’s Rhythm: Timing, Comfort, and What to Expect
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)
- Small Details That Can Make a Big Difference
- Should You Book This Private Rose Island Speed Boat Day?
- FAQ
- How many people are in a private group for this tour?
- How long is the private speed boat beach and bar hopping tour?
- What islands and beach time are included?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- Is there a mobile ticket for this activity?
- Is the tour dependent on weather?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key Things You Should Know Before You Go

- Private charter for up to 8 means you control the feel of the trip.
- Three islands, multiple beach stops keeps the day varied instead of one long beach.
- Rose Island included in the route, with soft sand and room to relax.
- Floating bar hangout lets you mix with locals and other private charters.
- Snorkeling may be part of the day based on a standout review, including a mention of swimming pigs.
- Mobile ticket keeps things simple on departure day.
Rose Island runs a dozen ways. Here are more of them
- Swimming Pigs Of Rose Island Water Taxi Nassau Bahamas★ 4.5 · 192 reviews
- Half Day Swimming Pigs on Rose Island, Snorkeling and Lunch★ 5.0 · 139 reviews
- Rose Island Private Beach: Swimming with the Pigs★ 4.5 · 78 reviews
- Swimming Pigs Of Rose Island & Beach Day – Group Tour★ 4.0 · 62 reviews
A Half-Day Speed Boat Day Around Rose Island

This is a 4-hour private speed boat outing out of Nassau, built for people who want a true change of scenery without losing an entire day. The tradeoff is time. Four hours moves fast once you factor in cruising between stops, so you will want to treat beach time like a series of short breaks, not one endless party.
The whole vibe is “beach first, then bar.” You get time on private-feeling sand where kids can play and adults can stretch out. Then you switch from lounging to mingling, thanks to beach bar options and a floating bar where you can grab drinks and food while you are out on the water.
If you are the type who likes to pack a day with good views but still leave room for relaxing, this format fits well. It is not a slow, all-day cruise, and it is not a deep excursion either. It is a clean half-day hit.
Where You Meet in Nassau, and What “Round Trip” Means

You start and end at the same place: Colours of The Bahamas in Nassau (3MH4+M84). That matters more than it sounds, because it removes the “how do we get back” headache. You do not have to plan a second transport step or coordinate with a different drop-off location.
It is also listed as near public transportation, which can help if you are staying somewhere where a taxi or quick ride makes sense. Still, because this is private, most groups tend to arrive together, then regroup at the boat and head out as one unit.
Practical tip: if your group includes kids, do a quick bathroom stop before you leave the start point. The tour is only about four hours, so you do not want to burn it waiting around.
The Island Route: Three Stops Plus Real Beach Time
The schedule gives you three different islands with stops on beaches that are ideal for relaxing, eating, and enjoying the water. Rose Island is specifically included, and it is a good anchor for the day if you want something that feels distinct without going too far.
Here is how to think about the route. Each island stop is not just “walk two minutes and take a photo.” You get enough time for sand time and actual lounging. That means:
- Kids can play in the sand and burn energy in a safe-feeling beach environment.
- Adults can relax on soft sand and enjoy a drink in the water or on the sand, depending on the day’s mood.
A possible drawback is that you cannot treat this like a beach day where you settle in for hours at once. The cruising between islands is part of the fun, but it does mean you should be ready to shift gears. If you prefer one long stay at a single beach, this multi-stop format may feel a bit active.
Floating Bar and Beach Bar Hopping, Nassau Style

One of the best reasons to book this tour is the social part. This is not only about views. You also get a floating bar experience where you can mingle with locals and other private charter groups. It adds a casual, island-party feel without dragging you into the busiest areas.
The description also points to the chance to visit beach bars along the way. That matters because it creates variety. Instead of one set of drinks and one fixed plan, you can bounce between the water and the sand, with opportunities to listen to island music and keep the mood light.
Food is part of it too. You can purchase lunch at the floating bar. The detail to keep in mind is that this is not a meal included in the tour price based on what is stated. So plan to budget for drinks and lunch separately, or at least bring a payment method you are comfortable using for on-board or bar purchases.
I like this approach because it gives you options. If your group wants to snack and then move, you can. If you want to linger over a drink, you can also do that, as long as you stay aware of the tour timing.
Other boats you can take the whole of
Water Time, Snorkeling, and the “Swimming Pigs” Moment

One of the standout details tied to this overall experience is a review that called it a lovely snorkeling outing, including the surprising moment of seeing swimming pigs. That does not mean you will always see them, and it also does not mean every day runs the same way. But it does tell you something important: the boat day setup can include real water time, not just a quick dip.
If snorkeling is on your wish list, the best move is to be ready when the opportunity comes up. Wear your swim stuff in a way that you can get in quickly. Bring any snorkel gear you already have, but if you do not, you can still ask the crew what is possible on your specific run.
Why this matters for value: snorkeling adds another layer to a trip that already includes beach lounging and bar hopping. Instead of spending a four-hour window only moving and drinking, you may get a more memorable water moment.
Price, Group Value, and When $850 Is a Win

Price is $850 per group, with capacity up to 8. That is how you judge value here, not just the total number.
Let’s do the simple math. If you book as a full group of 8, you are roughly around $106 per person. If you have fewer people, the per-person cost goes up, but you still get the private setup and the benefit of your group deciding how much time to spend where.
On average, it is booked about 23 days in advance, which suggests people want to lock in dates fairly early, especially in busy seasons. If you have a week you know you will be in Nassau, checking availability ahead of time is smart.
Who benefits most from this price:
- Families or friend groups who can actually fill the group size.
- People who want the flexibility of a private day but still like a structured tour plan.
- Anyone who would otherwise pay more for separate taxis, separate boat tickets, and separate beach plans.
Meeting the Day’s Rhythm: Timing, Comfort, and What to Expect

This is not a full-day cruise, so plan your day around it. Start time is at the meeting point, then you are on the boat for cruising, stopping, relaxing, and hopping between beaches and bars. You should expect that the day will feel like a sequence of short “wow moments.”
The speed boat is described as comfortable, which matters for two reasons. First, it helps you stay relaxed instead of worn out. Second, it lets the route include multiple islands in a half-day window, which is the whole point.
You also want to be honest about your comfort with boats. If you have motion sensitivity, it is worth planning for that. The tour duration is short enough to keep it manageable for many people, but the cruising is part of the experience.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour fits best if you want a mix of beach time and island social energy in a compact schedule. It is listed as suitable for most travelers, and it is a private activity, so only your group participates.
It also looks like a strong choice for:
- Families, because beach stops give kids a place to play in the sand.
- Groups of friends, because the floating bar setup is social.
- Couples or small groups who like the idea of privacy plus variety, not a crowd scene.
You might choose a different kind of tour if:
- You only want one beach and do not want to move between islands.
- You cannot handle weather uncertainty, since the experience requires good weather.
Small Details That Can Make a Big Difference
A few practical things based on what is stated and what is implied by the format:
- Mobile ticket: you will not need to hunt for paper tickets. Still, bring your phone charged and ready.
- Service animals allowed: if that applies to your group, this listing supports it.
- Good weather requirement: the tour can be rescheduled or refunded if weather cancels it. So do not lock in other plans so tightly that you cannot shift.
If you want smooth day-of fun, I also recommend you keep your group organized about timing. When you only have about four hours, every extra minute matters.
Should You Book This Private Rose Island Speed Boat Day?
If your idea of the Bahamas is soft sand, time on multiple islands, and drinks that turn into stories, this is a solid pick. The private-group setup (up to 8) is a big quality-of-life win, and the combination of beach relaxation plus floating bar social time gives you a full range of experiences in a half-day.
Book it if:
- You are traveling with a group that can reach the capacity, so the price works for everyone.
- You want a day that feels flexible but still structured.
- You are open to water time, since at least one recent experience included snorkeling and an unforgettable swimming pigs sighting.
Skip it if:
- You want a long, single-beach day with no hopping.
- You are very weather-dependent in your own schedule and cannot be flexible.
FAQ
How many people are in a private group for this tour?
This is a private tour, priced per group, and it can host up to 8 people.
How long is the private speed boat beach and bar hopping tour?
It runs for about 4 hours.
What islands and beach time are included?
The route includes three different islands, with stops at private beaches. Rose Island is part of the itinerary, and you get time to relax on the sand and play at the beaches.
Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at Colours of The Bahamas in Nassau, then the tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Is there a mobile ticket for this activity?
Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.
Is the tour dependent on weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
Everything Else We Have Rated
- Pirate Jeep Sightseeing Adventure!
★ 5.0 · 1,307 reviews - Swimming Pigs and Private Beach Club Escape
★ 4.5 · 1,238 reviews - Nassau: Swimming Pigs And Snorkel With Turtles
★ 5.0 · 651 reviews - Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch
★ 5.0 · 640 reviews - Funky Jeep Adventure in Nassau
★ 4.5 · 492 reviews
More Charters, Captain Included
- Exuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau with Swimming Pigs
★ 5.0 · 474 reviews - Swimming Pigs Of Rose Island Water Taxi Nassau Bahamas
★ 4.5 · 192 reviews - 4 hours 34ft Day Dream Private Charter in Nassau
★ 5.0 · 105 reviews - 4 hours 38ft Reel Dreams Private Charter in Nassau
★ 5.0 · 78 reviews - Private Speed Boat for Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau – 34ft
★ 5.0 · 53 reviews
Rose Island, A Few More Ways
- Swimming Pigs Of Rose Island Water Taxi Nassau Bahamas
★ 4.5 · 192 reviews - Half Day Swimming Pigs on Rose Island, Snorkeling and Lunch
★ 5.0 · 139 reviews - Rose Island Half-Day Snorkeling Cruise
★ 5.0 · 119 reviews - Rose Island Private Beach: Swimming with the Pigs
★ 4.5 · 78 reviews - Swimming Pigs Of Rose Island & Beach Day – Group Tour
★ 4.0 · 62 reviews
Newest write-ups from the islands
Rose Island Tours, compared.
★ 4.5Sandy Toes The Original Rose Island and Swimming Pigs TourFrom $2581,232 reviews
★ 4.0Rose Island Adventure: Snorkel, Sea Turtles, and Private BeachFrom $139486 reviews
★ 4.2Rose Island Swimming Pigs and Beach Day Group TourFrom $109296 reviews
★ 4.5Swimming Pigs Of Rose Island Water Taxi Nassau BahamasFrom $69192 reviews
★ 4.7Rose Island Tour with Swimming Pigs & LunchFrom $252190 reviews
★ 4.5Private Rose Island, Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling and TurtlesFrom $925181 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Swimming Pigs on Rose Island, Snorkeling and LunchFrom $279139 reviews
★ 5.0Rose Island Half-Day Snorkeling CruiseFrom $750119 reviews
Browse the lists this tour appears in











