You’ve seen them—maybe while scrolling Instagram, maybe while flipping through an old-fashioned brochure. Either way, you now know that swimming with pigs is a must for your Bahamas trip.
When it comes down to the actual planning, new questions emerge as you start plotting your perfect itinerary. Exumas or Rose Island? Which one is better for swimming with pigs?
Another round of research later, you’ve settled on Rose Island. But with so many different excursions built around the same destination, how do you know which one’s right for you?
The answer will be based on what you want from the day, how much time you have available, and who you’re traveling with.
But first, let’s make sure you’re choosing the right island.
Rose Island vs. Exuma: Which Swimming-Pigs Trip Should You Book?
When you’re deciding between the Exumas and Rose Island, you’re deciding between pace, number of activities, price, time commitment, and amount of travel.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from both excursions. The exact pricing and itinerary will vary between providers.
Rose Island | Exuma | |
Price | From $59–$109+ per person | From $300–$849+ per person |
Duration | 4 hours | 8–9 hours |
Who it’s for | Cruise-ship passengers, families, people short on time, travelers who want a relaxed day | People who want an action-packed day, families with older children/teens, those who want to meet the original swimming pigs, travelers who want to see more of the Bahamas |
Stops | Rose Island, and some tours stop at nearby cays for snorkeling and turtle sightings | Once in Exuma, most tours stop at Allen’s Cay, Norman’s Cay, Compass Cay, Big Major Cay, and more |
There is one thing to know off the bat: Although both Rose Island and Exumas tours are often advertised as swimming-pigs adventures, that activity makes up only a small part of the day.
Swimming With Pigs in Exuma: What to Know
Compare an 8.6-mile boat ride to an 80-mile journey. That’s where the difference between a Rose Island excursion and an Exumas full-day tour starts.
A trip to Rose Island involves a 25–30-minute boat ride, and that’s about it. You might stop along the way, but you’re not going to be sacrificing a huge chunk of your day to travel and logistics.
On the other hand, when you travel to the Exumas, you have two options: a three-hour boat ride, or a flight followed by a speedboat tour of the islands. Once you’re there, the itineraries are similar:
meeting wild iguanas
swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
seeing Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane at Norman’s Cay
visiting the original swimming pigs at Big Major Cay
enjoying a Bahamian lunch
relaxing on sandbars
The flight option includes an extra stop: Thunderball Grotto, a favorite among divers and snorkelers.
The overall pacing of an Exumas swimming-pig excursion will be shaped by the tour you choose. A full-day boat tour from Nassau involves longer travel time, so you’re only really spending about half a day in the Exumas.
If a real Bahamian adventure that covers multiple must-see sights is what you’re after, then the higher cost and longer day are worth it.
If all you want to do is relax, unwind, paddle with pigs for a bit, and be back at the hotel with daylight left to spare, then you’ll want to give the Exumas a skip for now.
Rose Island: Easy, Breezy Fun
As a destination, Rose Island stands out for its beauty and seclusion. Even without the optional meet-and-greet with the pigs, it’s a must-visit for many travelers. It’s easy to see why: Rose Island is stunning, but it also provides a change of pace from bustling Nassau.
There are also some practical reasons this might be the best excursion choice for you.
For one, it’s the more family-friendly option. If you’re traveling with young children and older family members, Rose Island offers both high-energy activities like watersports and relaxation. That means everyone can enjoy the day while doing what appeals most to them.
If you or someone in your traveling party is pregnant, has back problems, or gets motion sickness, then Rose Island is a better option than the Exumas.
There’s no avoiding the boat ride, but it is shorter. While you can take a flight to Exuma to see the swimming pigs, it involves a much higher cost and extra travel time. Those are big trade-offs if you’re traveling the Bahamas on a budget and all you want is to see the pigs.
Speaking of which, Rose Island tour packages are more affordable, and you can usually choose from four main excursions. Just be sure to check what is and isn’t included. While there are dining options on the island, not all tours include lunch in the package price.
How much time you have is a determining factor, too. A Rose Island excursion is easy to fit into a Nassau itinerary if you’re only in the area for a little while.
So, now that you know the key differences between an Exumas and Rose Island swimming-pigs tour, let’s address some practical considerations.
What a Rose Island Excursion Actually Includes
Once home to a pineapple plantation, Rose Island has had a colorful history. It even featured as a filming location for Thunderball, a James Bond film. Now, it plays host to travelers from all over the world.
With no roads and no residential infrastructure, the island is a breath of fresh air for most visitors. The absence of ferries and commuter boats means the island is more peaceful than other tourist hubs. However, it does limit your options for getting there.
A Rose Island excursion, regardless of whether it’s part of a tour or via private charter, starts off with a boat ride.
Here’s what to expect on the day:
The 30-minute boat ride—which works out to an hour when considering the return journey—is a given. Total time on the island can work out to three hours or less.
Certain packages include stops for snorkeling and turtle sightings, which means a little less time on the island.
Some tours accommodate over 100 guests in one group. Rose Island is less crowded than Nassau, but during peak season, it can still get pretty busy.
Meeting the swimming pigs will be a small part of the day. Groups take turns to swim with the pigs and take photos, so there is usually a waiting period and a limit to how much time you’ll get with them.
It’s easy to get so lost in the idea of an excursion that you forget that most tours operate on a schedule, but they do, and they can be strict about it.
With that out of the way, let’s move on to the fun stuff.
Comparing Four Rose Island Tours
Some travelers just want to sit back, make a dent in their to-be-read stack, and catch some sun. Some want maximum bang for their buck. And some just want the freedom to go where the mood takes them on the day.
The good news is that there’s a selection of half-day Rose Island excursions to choose from. Let’s see which one suits you best.
Rose Island Beach-Day Escape
Swimming with pigs is heavily hyped. For some people, it’s a bit like a dream come true. Others truly don’t see the appeal. Or maybe you’ve done it once, and that was enough.
A Rose Island beach-day escape allows you to enjoy all the island has to offer. Lying back on a lounger, putting your ping-pong skills to use, splashing in the water—that’s the order of the day here.
Price: from $59 per person
What’s included: access to water beds, lounge chairs, volleyball equipment, a ping-pong and pool table, water toys and activities, boat transportation, and an Atlantis Harbor cruise
What’s not included: swimming with pigs, snorkeling, lunch, and beverages
Although food and drinks aren’t included in the package price, you’ll have access to a beach bar and restaurant.
Rose Island Swimming-Pigs Water Taxi
Take a relaxing island day, and add in a paddle with pigs. That’s what you get from a swimming-pigs water taxi.
Price: from $79 per person
What’s included: swimming-pigs experience, boat transportation, Atlantis Harbor cruise
What’s not included: lunch and beverages (available at an additional cost)
The excursion starts out with a scenic boat ride from downtown Nassau, preparing you for the tropical paradise that awaits. On the island, explore the beach, catch some sun, and snap some photos with the pigs.
Rose Island Swimming-Pigs and Beach Snorkeling Adventure
It starts the same way: with a cruise from Nassau. The destination is the same, and swimming with pigs is included. Then throw in a beach snorkeling adventure, and you have a slightly more comprehensive Rose Island experience.
Price: from $89 per person
What’s included: swimming with pigs, snorkeling, boat transportation
What’s not included: lunch and beverages (available at an additional cost)
You might spot colorful fish like sergeant majors and blue tangs, while more exciting sightings may include stingrays and nurse sharks.
With that said, there isn’t a guarantee of seeing fish. When conditions aren’t ideal, you might not see a diversity of sea life, and the snorkeling portion of the day isn’t extensive. Prepare yourself for around 20–30 minutes of time in the water.
Rose Island Swimming-Pigs and Beach Snorkeling Adventure
It starts the same way: with a cruise from Nassau. The destination is the same, and swimming with pigs is included. Then throw in a beach snorkeling adventure, and you have a slightly more comprehensive Rose Island experience.
Price: from $89 per person
What’s included: swimming with pigs, snorkeling, boat transportation
What’s not included: lunch and beverages (available at an additional cost)
You might spot colorful fish like sergeant majors and blue tangs, while more exciting sightings may include stingrays and nurse sharks.
With that said, there isn’t a guarantee of seeing fish. When conditions aren’t ideal, you might not see a diversity of sea life, and the snorkeling portion of the day isn’t extensive. Prepare yourself for around 20–30 minutes of time in the water.
Rose Island Swimming-Pigs and Beach Day
If you want an all-in-one for your Rose Island adventure, a swimming-pigs and beach day is the best bet.
Price: from $109 per person
What’s included: swimming-pigs experience, snorkeling, water beds, lounge chairs, volleyball, ping-pong and pool, water toys and activities, boat transportation, and an Atlantis Harbor cruise
What’s not included: lunch and beverages (available at an additional cost)
Aside from catching a glimpse of Atlantis and Pearl Island, you’ll also have a chance to make use of water toys, meet the swimming pigs, and snorkel. Between all that activity, you can catch your breath while swaying in a hammock or lounging on a beach chair.
The Swim-With-Pigs Experience: What to Expect
With all the glossy photos circulating on social media and greeting you on tour-provider websites, it’s easy to forget that pictures don’t always reflect reality.
To align your expectations with reality, here are two main things to keep in mind.
Time Is Limited
You’re not going to get unlimited time with the pigs. The typical window is 20–30 minutes, but it can be as short as 10 minutes.
Swimming Pigs Are Still Pigs
The staff is great at keeping the area clean, but at the end of the day, the pigs are animals. They live and eat at Rose Island, so don’t be too surprised if you see their waste.
The pigs might also move too fast for a photo, and sometimes they might be a bit pushy in their eagerness for food. Other times, they might be reluctant to come to you. If they want to shift away, let them. Don’t chase them.
Before swimming with Rose Island’s resident pigs, it’s useful to brush up on some hygiene and safety tips.
Although it’s better described as a segment of the day, guests consistently say that it’s worth it in their feedback. Some even repeat the experience when they return to the Bahamas for later visits.
Practical Planning: What to Bring, Timing, Cruise-Passenger Tips
A little preparation goes a long way. Before departing for your trip, make sure you have everything you’ll need ready to go. These are the most essential points to factor in.
What to Bring
These are the essentials you’ll want to bring with you for a day trip to Rose Island from Nassau:
swimwear
shoes (flip-flops or water shoes)
a change of clothes
a towel
water
snacks
reef-safe sunscreen
a hat and sunglasses
a camera and a waterproof pouch for your phone
cash for souvenirs, food and drinks, and tips
Timing
Most tours have specific departure times and are strict on punctuality. If you have two departure options, double-check with the tour provider whether leaving later will mean the trip is shorter.
Choosing the best excursion for you also affects timing. If you don’t want to be stuck on a boat for 20 minutes while the rest of your tour group snorkels, rather choose a package that doesn’t include that stop.
In the same vein, make sure the day is paced well. If you’re choosing a multi-stop option, have a look at the amount of time scheduled for each stop. This will give you an indication of how the excursion is structured. It also helps to bear in mind that every extra stop takes a chunk out of overall beach time.
Tips for Cruise Passengers
If you have limited time at port, a Rose Island day trip is an ideal way to get a taste of the Bahamas without straying too far from where your ship is docked.
Because Rose Island has no bridge, road, or public ferry, there is nowhere for cruise ships to dock. The only way to reach the island is via a private boat charter or guided boat tour, so you’ll have to make a booking to secure a spot.
The good news is that common pickup spots, like Señor Frog’s, are within walking distance from Prince George Wharf, cutting down on extra transit time.
Because you have less flexibility than resort guests, keep a few things in mind:
Return time: Look for an option that’s more flexible. At the very least, make sure you’ll be back before all-aboard time.
Avoid tight schedules: You don’t want to be stressing about timing when you’re meant to be relaxing.
Take the weather into account: Some tours will be canceled in the event of bad weather.
Consider an independent booking: It’s sometimes cheaper to book an independent tour than to take an excursion sponsored by the cruise company. That option isn’t without risk. The cruise ship normally won’t wait if you’re late from an independently booked tour.
And there you have it. Everything you need to know about planning a day trip to Rose Island from Nassau is in your hands. Consider your options, make an informed choice, and enjoy!
