Wondering where to see the adorable (but large) swimming pigs from Nassau?
What if I told you, you didn’t need to take a flight or 2 hour boat ride to Exuma, Bahamas! There’s a way to experience the swimming pigs less than 30 mins from Paradise Island, Nassau.
AND what if it told you the pig island experience is kid-friendly too!
Swimming with the pigs was once on our bucket list – checked that off twice now! It was so memorable when my husband and I went to the swimming pigs of Exuma, we knew we wanted the kids to experience it too.
Table of Contents
Note that this travel guide on how to see the swimming pigs from nassau contains affiliate links, where I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting There
Rose Island is a much closer and convenient way to see the swimming pigs from Nassau, especially if traveling with kids. It’s a small island just east of Paradise Island.
Included in the all day swimming pigs excursion, a double decker boat takes you on short and scenic 25 minute boat ride to the private pig island.
The ferryboat departs from The Paradise Island Ferry Terminal which is located between the two main bridges that connect Paradise Island and Nassau Bahamas. It’s a 20 minute drive from Baha Mar and a 6 min walk from Atlantis.
Swimming Pigs Excursion
The pigs of Rose Island are cared for by Sandy Toes Bahamas. Purchase the all day excursion which includes snorkeling, a private island, unlimited time with pigs, an open bar, and a buffet lunch.
Note: this is the only way to see the swimming pigs from Nassau, you must purchase through Sandy Toes.
As our boat pulled up to the island one of the pigs was awaiting us dockside! It was the cutest welcome ever. Boats depart around 10am and we had a full 6 hours on the island. See what to expect:
The Swimming Pigs from Nassau
The Rose Island pigs are born and raised on the island by Sandy Toes Staff. They’re tame and trained. We never worried about the kids being around the pigs as we’d be more cautious around the wild pigs of Exuma.
They’re also well taken care of, every 30 minutes the pigs were rotated back to their home to give them a break and a new set would come out. The staff was fantastic!
If you want your instagram photo, this is the place. You’ll never feel rushed and can take as many photos or videos.
Do pigs swim?
Not only do pigs swim, the swimming pigs of Rose Island also take commands like sit, swim, and wave. The pigs are more trained than our dog. Ginger was our favorite, she gave the kids real life piggyback rides.
Rose Island Snorkeling
You have the option to snorkel right when you get off the boat. That’s the only time you can get your gear as the staff has to fit you for your flippers. Totally recommend the reef is beautiful.
Your given a shark deterrent bracelet which we thought was a joke at first, but it was definitely not a joke, it created a magnetic field where they steer clear from.
The snorkeling waters have to be around 25 feet deep. Right as the group got into the water a stingray came right up on the shore.
Our daughter Wynn, had a bit of a meltdown, as she would rather see the swimming pigs than snorkel. I snorkeling for only 15 minutes but that short time, saw a stingray, multiple huge purple coral that appeared like swaying fans and even a puffer fish.
Rose Island Beach
The private island is quite large with crystal clear, calm waters. Many lounge chairs with covered umbrellas are available. However, we spent most of our time on the with the pigs. The kids could never have enough naturally.
The other thing to mention is the beach is extremely clean. If you’ve seen the wild pigs of Exuma‘s you know, they go to the bathroom all over the beach – yuck. The “perfect” Instagram photos everyone shares on pig beach don’t show that side of the experience.
On the one end of the beach there’s 4 hammocks on a rock plateau surrounded by the beautiful clear waters.
Kids enjoyed looking in the rocks for sea creatures, it’s second nature to them trying to find critters and they found plenty of crabs and snails in this spot.
There’s one large floating mat in the ocean available, but you can also rent yellow inner tubes.
Bar & Food
There’s a bar on the island that’s up a few steps on the cliff overlooking the beach. Drinks are included; adults get unlimited beer and mixed drinks and kids can have all the fruit punch and Shirley Temples (don’t recommend ha). Frozen drinks would be an up-charge.
Lunch is buffet style made by the staff, its pretty good! Barbecue chicken, hot dogs, salad, pasta salad, dinner rolls, and rice, simple, easy, and tasty food to run down as your mind is still drifting away on what other paradise you have next to conquer with the rest of the day.
Peacocks & Chickens
We came to see the swimming pigs, but were shocked to see peacocks and chickens roaming the island! Two of the males had their feathers out trying to attract a mate the entire time. There were also baby chicks which the kids loved seeing as well.
Tickets & Cost
To see the swimming pigs from Nassau Bahamas, purchase Sandy Toes Full Day Excursion to Rose Island. What’s included in the ticket:
- Swimming pig interaction
- Professional guide
- Private beach for the day
- Snorkel equipment
- Lunch
- Round trip boat transportation
- Standard alcoholic beverages (Premium liquors, imported beers and frozen cocktails available for an upcharge)
Tip: We found a cheapest rate purchasing through Trip Advisor – Rakuten usually runs a cash back promotions with Trip Advisor.
Tip: Bring cash to tip the trainers and the staff that work the island, they really deserve it. Also bring towels & sunscreen.
We feel Sandy Toes on Rose Island was the perfect place to see the swimming pigs, especially with kids – see how it compares to Exuma Pig Tour!
Did you find this post helpful?
If yes, let’s keep in touch! Sign up below, to get all of our latest family travel guides and follow us on Instagram @saltfamilytravels.
Our Beach Essentials 2023
Our list of favorite beach day essentials when hitting the beach especially with kids.
Leave a Reply