Picture credit score: Brookgardener/Shutterstock.com
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 type of barefoot escape vacationers dream about — pink sand seashores, vibrant reefs for snorkeling or diving, and an surprising spotlight: swimming with pigs. That’s proper — this island is house to a small wildlife sanctuary the place pleasant pigs roam and swim, providing a really distinctive Bahamian expertise.
Planning on visiting Rose Island throughout your Bahamas escape? We’ve bought all you should know, after which some!
Image: Take off from the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian to discover the perfect seashores and points of interest in The Bahamas!
The way to Get to Rose Island from Nassau
Kriston Marshall/www.shutterstock.com.
The best technique to attain Rose Island from Nassau is by boat—a scenic 20–25-minute trip throughout clear, turquoise waters. You possibly can both go together with a non-public boat or be part of one in every of a number of in style constitution excursions that run commonly from Nassau or Paradise Island.
The journey is often clean, particularly in calm climate, nevertheless it’s all the time a good suggestion to verify the forecast earlier than heading out. Don’t overlook necessities like sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to remain comfy alongside the best way.
What to anticipate: 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 provide combo excursions with snorkeling, lunch, or seaside time for the perfect 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 turn out to be a must-do for a lot of guests. There are a couple of locations in The Bahamas the place you possibly can take pleasure in this exercise, together with the well-known Large Main Cay (typically 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 solely seeing these playful pigs in such an surprising setting — however many go a step additional and hop into the water to swim alongside them. Should you plan to do the identical, simply be aware of your environment. These are animals of their pure atmosphere, so it’s a good suggestion to carry alongside hand sanitizer or wipes, and keep away from shut contact when 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 vigorous seaside bars — making it a full-day tropical journey that’s each enjoyable and unforgettable.
2. Head Out on a Snorkeling Expedition
Denis Moskvinov/www.shutterstock.com.
There’s little doubt about it; Rose Island is a incredible snorkeling vacation spot. Situated simply 3 miles east of Paradise Island, it’s simply accessible for a day journey whereas visiting The Bahamas. Should you’re staying in Nassau on New Windfall Island, you will get to Rose Island by way of Paradise Island, which is related by a bridge.
The Rose Island Reef sits in shallow waters near shore, making it simple to entry—nice for novices, however with sufficient marine life to maintain skilled snorkelers engaged too. On any given day, you may spot stingrays, sea turtles, child reef sharks, and loads of colourful tropical fish. You would simply spend a pair hours exploring this location with out losing interest.
Should you’re diving round Rose Island, hold 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 colleges of fish and a thriving underwater ecosystem.
When you’ve made the 40-minute boat trip from Paradise Island, you possibly can settle right into a shady seaside spot, swim, chill out, and even hang around with the well-known swimming pigs of Rose Island.
Good to know: Rose Island has bogs, a restaurant, and a seaside bar—so that you received’t need to tough it whilst you discover.
3. Sip One thing Candy at a Seaside Bar
There’s all the time a taking place seaside bar to cozy up in whereas within the Islands. In Rose Island, The Bahamas, this may embrace the Footprints Bar & Grill or one other native shack the place you possibly can deal with your self to signature island cocktails just like the Bahama Mama or Goombay Smash. Bonus factors in case your toes are within the sand whilst you sip.
4. Take a Seaside Nap (You’ve Earned It)
Get your tropical nap on in The Bahamas in opposition to one of many dreamiest backdrops possible. The setting is fully as much as 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 seaside or ocean view naps? You don’t have to plan a factor. Simply discover a peaceable spot, let the island breeze roll in, and drift off to the type of refresh solely the Caribbean can ship.
5. Kayak the Turquoise Shoreline
Kayaking is simpler than it seems. Or is it the opposite approach round? Both approach, the water is cool and refreshing once you get in, the journey is liberating, and the views alongside the best way are similar to none. With the fitting firm and a want to only do extra whereas within the islands, this may 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 seaside whereas feeling as if you’re floating by way of a postcard.
6. Snag the Excellent Island Pic
It virtually goes with out saying that when in The Bahamas, you completely ought to benefit from the riveting photograph backdrops which might be virtually all over the place you look. From seashores that stretch for miles to distant islands and sand bars in the midst of the ocean, and proper on by way of to palm timber inviting you to let go and dwell, these islands have been made in 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 doable to benefit from the native seaside bar and seaside 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 all the time 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 workers pleasant, and you can even take pleasure in actions like billiards, volleyball, snorkeling, or simply lounge on the seaside. Footprints is taken into account by some to be a “little gem on Rose Island”.
Elsewhere in The Bahamas, you will discover loads of new dishes to strive on native menus. At beachside places, this typically consists of the delicious catch-of-the-day, contemporary conch salad, or grilled lobster. Meals and enjoyable are all the time within the combine on this territory, and plenty of day excursions embrace lunch, cocktails, and engaging 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, notably 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 relating to what you’ll see. Spend your time on Rose Island recognizing tropical birds as you discover and even snorkeling alongside stingrays. Should you observe 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 back.
Packing for a Day on Rose Island
Should you’re planning to spend the day on Rose Island in The Bahamas, there are some things to remember. First off? Resisting the urge to dive into the water is sort of unattainable—so you’ll want to pack swimwear! You’ll additionally need to carry necessities like reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, towels, a water-proof bag, and snacks. Go away valuables you wouldn’t need to lose, resembling expensive jewellery, again on the resort. Sandals Resorts rooms and suites come geared up with safes, that are particularly helpful for longer excursions. In the long run, when packing for a Rose Island day journey, carry what you should keep comfy—suppose a change of garments and loads of water—whereas avoiding the trouble of overpacking.
Professional Tip: Throughout your island getaway, you possibly can 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
Brookgardener /www.shutterstock.com.
Should you’re craving a peaceable seaside day with loads of area to chill out, Rose Island in The Bahamas is likely to 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 a bit journey.
Nonetheless deciding the place to remain throughout your journey? The all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian affords every thing you want for an easy getaway. Suppose 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 extraordinary.
Professional Tip: Along with packing the necessities for a day tour in Nassau—sunscreen, swimwear, waterproof cellphone pouch, and extra—you’ll want to e book early, particularly throughout peak season (December by way of mid-April).
Image: Set off in your Rose Island expedition from the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Bahamian!
