Half-Day Private Rose Island Party Yacht Getaway

A private boat makes island time feel easy. This four-hour Rose Island outing gives your group a yacht, a captain and a choice of ways to spend the afternoon around New Providence Island. I like the freedom to choose between Gilligan’s Island, a Rose Island reef and a beach stop, or a more relaxed party setting with food and drinks available at extra cost. I also like that the boat is private, so your group of up to 15 does not have to share its day with strangers.

The main consideration is the price: $2,000 per group is a serious spend for four hours, especially if your party is small. Food, local dishes and swimming with the pigs also cost extra, and the exact plan can change with the weather. Still, split among 15 people, the base cost works out to about $133 per person before extras.

Key Details Before You Book

• Two route choices: Pick a Gilligan’s Island and reef route, or cruise to another Rose Island spot for beach time, food, drinks and a party atmosphere.
• Private charter for up to 15: You get the yacht and the schedule for your own group rather than joining a larger shared excursion.
• Four hours on the water: The time includes the harbor cruise, Rose Island activities and the return trip.
• Optional swimming pigs: Pig encounters are available for an extra fee on either route.
• Food is not automatically included: Local food can be added for an additional charge, so confirm the cost before departure.
• Captain Willy and his crew: The team received especially strong praise for drinks, food and overall service, with a perfect 5 rating from nine posted ratings.

Starting at Antiki Floating Bar on East Bay Street

Your meeting point is the Antiki Floating Bar & Grill, opposite Shipwreck on East Bay Street in Nassau. The activity ends at the same place, which keeps the outing simple. You do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from Rose Island or find your way back from another marina.

The meeting point is near public transportation, another useful detail if you are staying in Nassau without a rental car. Your confirmation arrives when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone.

I would arrive with enough time to locate the floating bar and get organized before the four-hour clock begins. The supplied information does not give a precise departure time, boat size or cabin layout, so ask those questions if they matter to your group. A party of 15 may feel very different from a group of four, depending on the boat’s available seating and shade.

This is a private activity, which is one of its clearest advantages. You can spend more time with your own friends or family, set a social pace and avoid the usual shared-tour problem of trying to satisfy everyone at once. The tradeoff is that you are paying for the entire boat, not buying inexpensive individual seats.

The Harbor Cruise and Celebrity Villa Views

The trip begins with a harbor cruise from Nassau. Along the way, you have a chance to see several well-known celebrity beach villas. This part of the outing is less about reaching a major attraction and more about easing into the day with open-water views and local sightseeing.

I like this opening because it gives the cruise a sense of place. You are not simply being dropped at a beach. You start by seeing Nassau from the water, with the harbor acting as the link between the city and Rose Island.

The villa sightseeing may appeal most to people who enjoy celebrity culture or waterfront homes. If that is not your interest, treat it as a pleasant cruise rather than the main event. The important point is that this is a boat-centered experience from start to finish. You are paying for time on the water as much as for the island stop.

Route One: Gilligan’s Island, Reef Snorkeling and Rose Island Beach

The first route includes a stop at picturesque Gilligan’s Island, followed by snorkeling at a Rose Island reef. After that, you spend time on one of Rose Island’s white sandy beaches.

This option has the broadest mix of activities. You get sightseeing, time in the water and a beach break in one half-day outing. I would choose it for a group with different interests, especially if some people want to snorkel while others mainly want to swim, sunbathe or relax onshore.

The reef stop adds an active element, but the available information does not promise specific marine life, water depth or equipment details. Ask what snorkeling gear is provided and how long the stop usually lasts. That question matters because four hours can pass quickly once you account for the harbor cruise, movement between stops and the return to Nassau.

Gilligan’s Island is described as picturesque, so expect a scenic stop rather than a long cultural visit. The real reward here is variety. You can look around, get in the water and then settle into beach time without committing the whole outing to one activity.

Rose Island’s white sand is the natural centerpiece. You can sunbathe, swim, beach and unwind, with the boat providing a comfortable base for the group. Still, do not confuse a four-hour charter with a full-day island expedition. The schedule is compact, and the time at the beach depends on the captain’s route and weather conditions.

Route Two: A Party Stop on Rose Island

The second route heads to another attractive Rose Island site where you can purchase food and drinks, party and relax. It is the better match for a group that values music, conversation, sun and easy social time over several planned stops.

This choice may work well for a birthday, couples getaway or reunion. One posted five-star account specifically praised Captain Willy and his crew for the drinks and food, calling the service top notch. That is useful encouragement, but you should still confirm what is included in your booking. The advertised experience lists food and local food as additional options, so a positive food experience does not mean meals are included in the $2,000 base price.

The party route also gives you more control over the mood. You can use the Rose Island stop to swim and sunbathe, then return to the boat for a cruise and drinks. The description promises a party atmosphere, but it does not list music equipment, a sound system or a specific onboard menu. If those details will make or break your celebration, ask before paying.

This route may be less satisfying for someone who wants a structured sightseeing program. You will likely get more leisure and less movement between named sights. That is not a weakness if your group wants to slow down, but it is worth choosing with clear expectations.

Swimming With Pigs Costs Extra

Swimming with the pigs is available on both route choices, but it is not part of the base price. You need to tell the provider if you are interested, and an additional fee applies.

That option can be a fun add-on for a group looking for a memorable photo opportunity. It also changes the budget, so ask for the current cost and how the pig stop fits into the four-hour schedule. Since the charter already includes a harbor cruise and a Rose Island visit, adding another activity may reduce time for the beach, reef or party stop.

I would decide on the pigs before departure rather than hoping to add them at the last minute. The provider specifically asks interested customers to say so, and route planning may depend on it.

Food, Drinks and the Real Cost of the Yacht

The base price is $2,000 for up to 15 people. At full capacity, that is about $133 per person. For 10 people, it becomes $200 each, and for five people, it reaches $400 each before any extras.

That calculation explains who gets the best value. A large family group, wedding party or group of friends can spread the cost and gain a private boat for four hours. A couple or small group may find the price harder to justify unless privacy and a custom party setting matter more than keeping the budget low.

Food is an optional extra. You can request local food, and drinks are part of the party description, but the provided details do not clearly state which drinks, if any, are included in the base cost. Ask for a written breakdown covering food, drinks, pig encounters, snorkeling equipment and any other charges.

The one detailed service comment praised the drinks and food provided by Captain Willy and his crew. That gives the experience a promising personal touch. I would still avoid assuming that every group receives the same food package, since the booking information specifically says food can be added for an additional fee.

A private charter also gives you value that is difficult to measure by the person. You are not simply buying admission to a beach. You are paying for a boat, crew, route planning and the ability to keep your group together. For a milestone birthday or couples getaway, that privacy may be the main reason to book.

The Return Cruise and Possible Floating Bar Stop

After the Rose Island portion, the boat cruises back through the harbor. The plan may include a stop at one of the floating bars if it is open.

This is a nice way to finish, but it is not guaranteed. The wording makes clear that the floating bar stop depends on availability. You should view it as a possible extra rather than a promised part of the schedule.

The return ride also gives the group another chance to relax after snorkeling, swimming or beach time. Since the activity ends at the original Antiki Floating Bar meeting point, the day has a tidy beginning and end. You are not left arranging an unfamiliar pickup point after the boat ride.

Weather can change the plan. The provider may modify the charter when conditions require it, which is normal for a water-based outing. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Who Will Get the Most From This Experience?

I would recommend this yacht getaway most strongly to:

• Groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or reunions
• Families or friends who can share the $2,000 group price
• People who want a private boat rather than a shared excursion
• Swimmers and sunbathers who like a flexible day
• Groups interested in combining snorkeling, beach time and a party
• Visitors who want optional local food or a swimming-pig stop

It may be a weaker fit for solo visitors, couples on a tight budget or anyone seeking a detailed cultural tour of Nassau. The activity is built around the sea, Rose Island and social time. It is not presented as a history-focused excursion, and there is no promise of a long guided tour on land.

Most travelers can participate, according to the supplied booking details. Still, the exact information does not explain boat access, shade, restroom facilities or snorkeling requirements. Ask before booking if anyone in your party has mobility, medical or comfort concerns.

Booking Timing, Weather and Cancellation

This experience is booked about 92 days ahead on average. That suggests you should plan early if you have a fixed birthday date, cruise schedule or large group. A private boat with room for up to 15 is not as easy to replace as a standard shared tour.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The cut-off uses local Bahamas time.

Because the outing requires good weather, poor conditions can lead to a new date or full refund. Weather-related route changes may also occur during the charter. I would keep some flexibility in your Nassau schedule instead of placing this activity immediately before an important flight.

Should You Book the Rose Island Yacht Getaway?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private, flexible celebration on the water. The strongest features are the choice of two routes, the mix of snorkeling and beach time, and the ability to add local food or swimming pigs. Captain Willy and his crew also receive especially warm praise for the food, drinks and overall service.

Think twice if you are traveling as a small group or if the $2,000 price already stretches your budget. Ask exactly what is included, then price the food, drinks and pig encounter before deciding. If the final total still feels fair for four hours of private time, this can be a memorable Nassau splurge. If not, a shared boat tour may give you more time or lower cost.

FAQ

Where does the Rose Island yacht tour start?

It starts at Antiki Floating Bar & Grill, opposite Shipwreck on East Bay Street in Nassau, Bahamas.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, Antiki Floating Bar & Grill.

How long does the yacht getaway last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The $2,000 group price covers up to 15 people.

What route choices are available?

One route includes Gilligan’s Island, snorkeling at a Rose Island reef and time on a white sandy beach. The other cruises to another Rose Island site for food, drinks, partying and relaxation.

Is food included in the price?

Food is available as an optional add-on for an additional cost. Local food can also be requested for an additional fee.

Can I swim with the pigs?

Yes. Swimming with the pigs is available on both route choices for an additional cost, and you should tell the provider if you are interested.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Weather may also lead to changes in the charter plan.