Rose Island vs Pearl Island: Which Nassau Day Trip Is Better?

Which Is Better for Swimming Pigs?

Rose Island, because you have more tours to choose from. Most Nassau pig tours land there, so you can pick the length and the extras. The $67 Rose Island water taxi gives you three hours on the island with the pig-beach entry fee included, rated 4.4/5 from 662 reviews. The snorkel boats add a reef stop, turtles and lunch for about twice the price.

Pearl Island has its own pigs too, and the operator sells them in two packages. The five-hour All-Inclusive (Pigs, Snorkeling & Beach) costs $129 for adults and $119 for children, with a guided snorkel and lunch. The three-hour Swimming Pigs Express costs $79 and $69 and leaves from Elizabeth on Bay Marina, a short walk east of the cruise port. The Beach Escape and the reef snorkelling package do not include the pigs, so check which package you are buying.

On the catamaran that calls at both islands, the GetYourGuide listing says the island where you meet the pigs varies by day. Pig Beach vs Rose Island explains how the Nassau colonies differ from the original pigs in the Exumas.

Which Is Better for Snorkeling?

Both islands offer reef snorkelling, so look at what each tour includes. Rose Island trips usually pair a reef with the turtle sanctuary at Green Cay. The $123 pigs, snorkel and turtles trip includes both, with all the gear. The Rose Island pigs and turtles snorkelling tour adds Gilligan’s Island for $150, rated 4.6/5 from 115 reviews.

On Pearl Island the guided snorkel comes with the $99 Reef Snorkeling & Beach package, gear included, and the $89 Sunken Sculpture package swims an underwater trail past a sunken plane and statues. The $99 Pearl Island reef snorkelling day is rated 3.8/5 from 649 reviews on Viator, lower than the Rose Island boats above, so read the recent reviews before you book.

Our Nassau snorkelling tours guide compares the reef, turtle and catamaran trips in more detail.

Which Is Better for Families?

Rose Island suits active families who want pigs, a reef snorkel and turtles in one four-hour boat trip. For a boat of your own, the private Rose Island pig boat for up to seven costs $700 per group and is rated 4.8/5, though from only 17 reviews so far.

Pearl Island suits families who want simpler logistics: one ferry, two beaches, kayaks and paddleboards, full bathrooms and freshwater showers. Every package has a child fare, from $59 for the Beach Escape. Drinks, lockers and the aqua park cost extra on the reef snorkelling package.

Which Is Better for Cruise Passengers?

Both work on a port day because both are close to Nassau. Rose Island is the more flexible of the two. The water taxi leaves the downtown waterfront at 9:30am and 11:30am, takes thirty minutes each way, and has you back within four hours.

Pearl Island’s main ferry leaves the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, on the East Dock behind Margaritaville, which is a taxi ride from the cruise port. Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure, and the full-day packages return to Nassau at about 4pm, so compare that with your all-aboard time. The three-hour Swimming Pigs Express leaves from Elizabeth on Bay Marina, within walking distance of the port. Our guide to Nassau excursions for cruise passengers covers timing on a port day.

Rose Island vs Exuma

Rose Island is closer, cheaper and shorter: a half day from $67.

Exuma has the original Pig Beach on Big Major Cay, about 89 miles southeast of Nassau, and a much bigger island-hopping day. The Exuma island-hopping and swimming pigs tour takes eight hours, costs $489 and is rated 4.9/5 from 56 reviews. Nassau to Exuma sets that day against flying in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rose Island better than Pearl Island?

Rose Island is better for swimming pigs, snorkelling and a choice of tours. Pearl Island is better for a simple, organised beach day with lunch, kayaks and facilities on one ticket.

Which island has swimming pigs?

Both. Rose Island has the colony most Nassau pig tours visit. Pearl Island has its own pigs, included in its All-Inclusive and Swimming Pigs Express packages. Athol Island, nearby, has a third colony.

Is Pearl Island the original Pig Beach?

No. The original Pig Beach is on Big Major Cay in the Exumas, about 89 miles southeast of Nassau.

How much does a Pearl Island day trip cost?

On the operator’s own site, adult fares start at $79 for the Beach Escape, $99 with a guided reef snorkel and $129 with the pigs and snorkelling. Every package includes the round-trip ferry from Nassau, and most include lunch.

Bottom Line

Choose Rose Island if you want a more active Nassau day trip with swimming pigs, snorkelling and beach time, and a choice of tours from $67.

Choose Pearl Island if your priority is a simpler, more structured beach day, with the ferry, lunch and the facilities on one ticket. Check the departure point and return time before you book, because the two islands leave from different docks.