Sand Dollar Resort Day, No Meal

Nassau: Rose Island's Sand Dollar Beach Resort

★ 4.0 137 reviews

from $75 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meals: Meal not included
Run by: Sand Dolla Beach Resort

Overview

This half-day trip runs from Nassau to Sand Dollar Beach Resort on Rose Island, a Bahamian-owned property about half an hour from the mainland by boat. The boat ride out passes several small islands, including Pearl Island, Blue Lagoon Island and Athol Island, before you land at the resort for the main event: swimming with the pigs. Turtle viewing and snorkelling round out the water side of the visit.

Once ashore, the day is yours to fill. Kayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, snorkel gear, a water trampoline, beach volleyball, a pool table and a ping pong table are all included, along with hammocks, day beds, lounge chairs and umbrellas for anyone who prefers to do very little. There is an observatory tower on the island for views, and free WiFi. Lunch, soft drinks and alcohol are sold separately at the full bar and buffet service.

Reviewers often single out the pig encounter and the beach itself. The whole outing runs about four hours, which makes it easy to fit around a cruise day or a shorter stay.

What's Included

Included

Round trip water transportation
Use of snorkel equipment
Kayaks, paddle boards, buggie boards
Beach volleyball
Pool table
Water trampoline
Swimming pig experience
Turtle viewing
Free WiFi
Island observatory
Hammocks, day beds, Lounge chairs, and umbrellas
Children under 3 years old are FREE

Not Included

Lunch, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Itinerary

Check in at departure pointArrive at your chosen departure point half an hour before the boat leaves. Options include Sand Dollar Headquarters at East Bay, the Nassau Cruise Port and Señor Frog's Downtown at Prince George Wharf.
Boat ride to Rose IslandThe scenic crossing passes Pearl Island, Blue Lagoon Island, Athol Island, Green Turtle Cay, Ocean Club Estates and Gilligan's Island along the way.
Swimming pigs experienceThe signature activity at Sand Dollar Beach Resort. Reviewers describe the pigs as good swimmers and say guests can feed and hold them for photos.
Turtle viewing and snorkellingWatch for turtles and use the included snorkel gear over the nearby reefs. Turtle viewing is listed as one of the tour highlights.
Island free timeKayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, a water trampoline, volleyball, hammocks and the observatory tower are all open to guests. Food and drinks cost extra.
Return boat to NassauRound trip water transportation back to your departure point is included.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things make the difference between a good visit and a rushed one here.

Pick your pier. The tour leaves from multiple points in Nassau with different morning times, so choose the correct location when booking. Arrive half an hour early for check in, since the boat departs on schedule.
Bring sun gear. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, a change of clothes and beachwear. Cash and a credit card are both on the suggested list, useful for the bar and buffet on the island.
Budget for food. This version includes no meal, soft drinks or alcohol. The resort has a full bar and buffet lunch service you can pay for on the day.
Pace it yourself. Reviewers with kids mention the trampoline and beach games, while others spent the time in hammocks and lounge chairs, so the day works for both active and lazy itineraries.
Camera ready. Reviewers said staff let them hold the pigs and take plenty of pictures, and the boat ride itself passes several islands worth photographing. A dry spot for the camera is wise on a boat day.
Kids are welcome. Children under 3 join free. Families repeatedly describe the trip as memorable for both kids and adults.

Common issues. The main gripe in the review pool is timing: some travellers wanted more time on the island or clearer schedule communication. No drinks or food are included in this option, and one reviewer noted there was nothing to drink on the boat ride over. You must also be careful to pick the right departure point and time at booking, since the tour uses several piers across Nassau.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Round trip boat transport, the swimming pigs experience, turtle viewing, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, a water trampoline, beach volleyball, pool table, hammocks and loungers, the observatory tower and free WiFi are all included. Children under 3 are free.

Is Lunch Included?

No. Lunch, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are excluded from this option. The resort runs a full bar and buffet lunch service you can pay for on the day.

Where Does The Tour Leave From?

Water transport is included from three departure points: Sand Dollar Headquarters at East Bay, the Nassau Cruise Port, and Señor Frog's Downtown at Prince George Wharf. Times differ by location, so choose carefully when booking and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How Long Is The Trip?

The whole outing runs about 4 hours, with the boat ride to Rose Island taking roughly 30 minutes each way. That leaves a few hours on the island itself.

Is It Good For Kids?

Yes. The pigs are described by reviewers as gentle and great swimmers, and families mention the water trampoline, beach games and snorkelling as hits with children. Children under 3 come free.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for anything beyond that.