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Simply three miles off the coast of Paradise Island lies Rose Island, a hidden gem that feels worlds away. With no roads and little to no infrastructure, this secluded slice of The Bahamas affords the form of barefoot escape vacationers dream about — pink sand seashores, vibrant reefs for snorkeling or diving, and an sudden spotlight: swimming with pigs. That’s proper — this island is residence to a small wildlife sanctuary the place pleasant pigs roam and swim, providing a very distinctive Bahamian expertise.
Planning on visiting Rose Island throughout your Bahamas escape? We’ve obtained all you want to know, after which some!
Image: Take off from the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian to discover one of the best seashores and sights in The Bahamas!
How to Get to Rose Island from Nassau
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The simplest manner to attain Rose Island from Nassau is by boat—a scenic 20–25-minute trip throughout clear, turquoise waters. You’ll be able to both go along with a non-public boat or be a part of one in every of a number of in style constitution excursions that run often from Nassau or Paradise Island.
The journey is often easy, particularly in calm climate, nevertheless it’s at all times a good suggestion to test the forecast earlier than heading out. Don’t overlook necessities like sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to keep snug alongside the best way.
What to count on: Most boat rides to Rose Island embrace music, island views, and typically even a welcome drink. Reserving upfront is really useful, particularly throughout peak journey seasons. Search for charters that supply combo excursions with snorkeling, lunch, or seashore time for one of the best worth.
Prime Issues to Do on Rose Island
1. Meet the Rose Island Swimming Pigs
Swimming with pigs is a kind of uniquely Bahamian experiences that has develop into a must-do for a lot of guests. There are a couple of locations in The Bahamas the place you may get pleasure from this exercise, together with the well-known Huge Main Cay (usually known as Pig Seaside) and the extra accessible Rose Island, simply off the coast of Nassau.
For many, the enjoyable of all of it is just seeing these playful pigs in such an sudden setting — however many go a step additional and hop into the water to swim alongside them. When you plan to do the identical, simply be conscious of your environment. These are animals of their pure setting, so it’s a good suggestion to carry alongside hand sanitizer or wipes, and keep away from shut contact in case you have open cuts or delicate pores and skin.
Most swimming with pigs’ excursions additionally embrace added experiences like snorkeling, beachside lounging, kayaking, and even a go to to energetic seashore bars — making it a full-day tropical journey that’s each enjoyable and unforgettable.
2. Head Out on a Snorkeling Expedition
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There’s little question about it; Rose Island is a implausible snorkeling vacation spot. Situated simply 3 miles east of Paradise Island, it’s simply accessible for a day journey whereas visiting The Bahamas. When you’re staying in Nassau on New Windfall Island, you may get to Rose Island through Paradise Island, which is linked by a bridge.
The Rose Island Reef sits in shallow waters shut to shore, making it simple to entry—nice for novices, however with sufficient marine life to preserve skilled snorkelers engaged too. On any given day, you would possibly spot stingrays, sea turtles, child reef sharks, and loads of colourful tropical fish. You could possibly simply spend a pair hours exploring this location with out becoming bored.
When you’re diving round Rose Island, preserve a watch out for shipwrecks. Two notable wrecks on this space—The Mahoney and The Alcora—are in style with divers and snorkelers alike. These websites are teeming with faculties of fish and a thriving underwater ecosystem.
When you’ve made the 40-minute boat trip from Paradise Island, you may settle right into a shady seashore spot, swim, calm down, and even hang around with the well-known swimming pigs of Rose Island.
Good to know: Rose Island has bogs, a restaurant, and a seashore bar—so that you received’t have to tough it when you discover.
3. Sip One thing Candy at a Seaside Bar
There’s at all times a taking place seashore bar to cozy up in whereas within the Islands. In Rose Island, The Bahamas, this will embrace the Footprints Bar & Grill or one other native shack the place you may deal with your self to signature island cocktails just like the Bahama Mama or Goombay Smash. Bonus factors in case your ft are within the sand when you sip.
4. Take a Seaside Nap (You’ve Earned It)
Get your tropical nap on in The Bahamas towards one of many dreamiest backdrops possible. The setting is totally up to you—whether or not it’s a shady poolside cabana with ocean views at an all-inclusive resort, or a solar lounger on a quiet island surrounded by crystal-clear waters. One of the best half about seashore or ocean view naps? You don’t want to plan a factor. Simply discover a peaceable spot, let the island breeze roll in, and drift off to the form of refresh solely the Caribbean can ship.
5. Kayak the Turquoise Shoreline
Kayaking is less complicated than it seems to be. Or is it the opposite manner round? Both manner, the water is cool and refreshing while you get in, the journey is liberating, and the views alongside the best way are comparable to none. With the correct firm and a need to simply do extra whereas within the islands, this would possibly simply be your new favourite exercise on the islands. Plus, in The Bahamas, you’ll get to paddle out and discover quiet coves and alluring stretches of seashore whereas feeling as if you’re floating via a postcard.
6. Snag the Good Island Pic
It virtually goes with out saying that when in The Bahamas, you completely ought to benefit from the riveting picture backdrops which are virtually in every single place you look. From seashores that stretch for miles to distant islands and sand bars in the midst of the ocean, and proper on via to palm timber inviting you to let go and reside, these islands had been made to your feed. Professional tip: golden hour right here hits excellent.
7. Feast on Native Flavors
When within the islands, do just like the islanders and take a chunk out of one thing scrumptious. We love that Rose Island makes it attainable to benefit from the native seashore bar and seashore shack expertise in The Bahamas. As we talked about earlier, a go-to spot on this island is Footprints Bar & Grill the place there’s at all times one thing tasty on the menu. Whereas on Rose Island, strive their conch salad, native beer, or rum punches. The costs are first rate, the employees pleasant, and you may also get pleasure from actions like billiards, volleyball, snorkeling, or simply lounge on the seashore. Footprints is taken into account by some to be a “little gem on Rose Island”.
Elsewhere in The Bahamas, you may discover loads of new dishes to strive on native menus. At beachside areas, this usually consists of the delicious catch-of-the-day, contemporary conch salad, or grilled lobster. Meals and enjoyable are at all times within the combine on this territory, and plenty of day excursions embrace lunch, cocktails, and attractive island snacks.
Professional Tip: Undecided what to strive whereas in The Bahamas? Check out our record of in style Bahamas food and drinks.
Romantic Day Journeys: Rose Island for {Couples}
Get away from all of it on Rose Island with the one who nonetheless makes your coronary heart skip a beat. There merely isn’t a extra romantic vacation spot in The Bahamas than this, if beachside picnics, serene tropical moments, and couple-friendly actions are what you’re on the lookout for in your island escape. This island is kind of in style for romantic day journeys, significantly for proposals and vow renewal vibes.
Wildlife Encounters on Rose Island
Alright, so we’ve established that swimming pigs are among the many distinctive wildlife you’ll discover on Rose Island. Nature lovers shall be thrilled to know that’s simply the beginning when it comes to what you’ll see. Spend your time on Rose Island recognizing tropical birds as you discover and even snorkeling alongside stingrays. When you comply with the directions out of your information on respectful interactions with these creatures, you’re certain to have an island expertise you’ll treasure for years to come.
Packing for a Day on Rose Island
When you’re planning to spend the day on Rose Island in The Bahamas, there are some things to be mindful. First off? Resisting the urge to dive into the water is sort of unimaginable—so make sure to pack swimwear! You’ll additionally need to carry necessities like reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, towels, a water-proof bag, and snacks. Depart valuables you wouldn’t need to lose, comparable to dear jewellery, again on the resort. Sandals Resorts rooms and suites come outfitted with safes, that are particularly helpful for longer excursions. In the long run, when packing for a Rose Island day journey, carry what you want to keep snug—assume a change of garments and loads of water—whereas avoiding the effort of overpacking.
Professional Tip: Throughout your island getaway, you may e book a Nassau keep at one of many all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas and a day journey tour with Island Routes, so that you don’t miss out on the highlights!
Rose Island A Should Go to in The Bahamas
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When you’re craving a peaceable seashore day with loads of area to calm down, Rose Island in The Bahamas could be simply the escape you want. It’s simply the place to reset your tempo and uncover the straightforward joys of island dwelling. All it takes is a fast island hop—and a spirit prepared for somewhat journey.
Nonetheless deciding the place to keep throughout your journey? The all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian affords every part you want for an easy getaway. Assume oceanfront suites, themed eating choices, cocktails by the pool, and vibrant experiences from dawn to sundown. Plus, with entry to Sandals’ non-public offshore island, your trip in The Bahamas shall be something however bizarre.
Professional Tip: As well as to packing the necessities for a day tour in Nassau—sunscreen, swimwear, waterproof telephone pouch, and extra—make sure to e book early, particularly throughout peak season (December via mid-April).
Image: Set off to your Rose Island expedition from the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian!