Rose Island

A short, 25-minute boat ride east of New Providence Island whisks you away from crowds and ashore this intimate corner of paradise. Take a dip in the crystalline lagoon, sip a drink at the beachfront bar, or snooze in an oceanfront hammock. More active options include snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball. If you’re interested in socializing, join in on the private island’s beach bar parties, for which party passes are available from various tour operators.

Full-day excursions to Rose Island usually include access to the pristine beaches, a buffet lunch or welcome drink, and most water sports. Guided snorkeling tours are available to explore the underwater world with the supervision of a guide, who points out the marine flora and fauna.

• Be sure to bring everything with you that you’ll need for the day, including sunscreen, bathing suit, towel, and a sun hat.

• Most guided snorkeling tours include use of snorkel gear.

• A Rose Island day trip is a great option for those wishing to escape the bustle and frenetic energy of Nassau.

Accessible by boat, Rose Island is located three miles (five kilometers) east of Paradise Island, which in turn lies directly off New Providence Island in the Bahamas. Most day trips to the island leave from Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, which is about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) northeast of downtown Nassau and a 5-minute walk south of Paradise Island city center. The boat crossing takes about 25 minutes.

Most tour-goers from Nassau spend the entire day at Rose Island, so visitors can take advantage of all the activities and have plenty of time to lounge on the beach. The high season in the Bahamas, November through April, tends to be crowded but also has the best weather and low chance of rain. During this time, book your Rose Island excursion ahead of time.

Animal lovers will want to book a Rose Island tour that also stops at Pig Beach on Big Major Cay. This beach is famous for its swimming pigs, who will paddle out to greet any boat in search of snacks and human interaction. No one is sure where these non-native pigs came from, but they sure make for great photo ops!

A long, narrow islet just off the coast of Paradise Island, Rose Island represents some of the best of the Bahamas' natural scenery and tranquil feel. Visitors come to snorkel, sunbathe, and stroll along the beaches, as well as swim with the island's famous resident pigs.

Yes, Rose Island is a small, uninhabited private island. That said, it’s readily accessible to visitors, and there are numerous ways to discover it, including swimming excursions with its resident pigs, half- or full-day trips from Paradise Island, sailing tours, deep-sea fishing trips off the coast, and more.

Yes, Rose Island may be a small, uninhabited island, but it does have bathroom facilities available for guests—so don't worry about having to hold it in during your visit. What's more, the island also has freshwater shower facilities, so you can bring a change of clothes with you after swimming.

No, Rose Island is officially classed as an uninhabited island. There are no permanent residents, and little formal infrastructure. That said, there are some vacation homes on the island, as well as beach bars and a few luxury overnight villas now that the island has become a popular day-trip destination.

Yes, Rose Island does have a small number of resident pigs, though not as many as on the famous Pig Beach in the Exumas. Swimming with the pigs is one of the most popular activities on the island alongside sunbathing, snorkeling, and otherwise soaking in the idyllic scenery.

Yes, if you're looking for an idyllic island escape that's still easily accessible from New Providence Island, then Rose Island is definitely worth it. Less than half an hour by boat from Nassau, the uninhabited island offers powdery beaches, picturesque scenery, relaxed beach bars, and even the chance to swim with pigs.