Rose Island Sailing and Snorkeling

An idyllic tropical islet just off Nassau’s coast, Rose Island boasts a coral reef, a relaxed beach bar and ample opportunities for snorkeling and sunbathing from its 18-km (11-mile) strip of private beach. This sailing tour allows you to spend a day on the islet’s secluded sandbanks, surrounded by the Caribbean’s warm, turquoise waters.

You’ll set sail from Paradise Island, near downtown Nassau. Your experienced captain will point out landmarks, atolls and shimmering reefs as you go, and you can spend the journey soaking up the sun on the deck or unwinding with a book.

Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a homemade buffet on the beach, with the opportunity to try a range of Bahamian dishes including barbecued meats, salad, and fruits. The rest of the day is then yours to enjoy as you please, whether you want to play volleyball and other beach games, rest on the sand or grab a mask and snorkel to reveal the tropical fish and blooms of coral that lie beneath the waves.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Nassau and taken to Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) northeast, where your vessel awaits. Your captain will welcome you aboard and you can make yourself comfortable on the sun deck, looking out across the azure waters.

While Rose Island is a short sail away, your captain will give you a chance to spend longer on the catamaran so you can enjoy the views, spot atolls and landmarks and enjoy the balance of warm sun and a light breeze on your skin. After meandering between sandbars and islets, you’ll arrive at the island and moor up.

If the weather’s fine, a bounty of homemade food will be served on the beach, otherwise you can enjoy it on the catamaran. Expect expertly grilled meats from the barbecue, fresh fruits and salads and Bahamian delicacies you may not have tried before.

You then have around two hours to spend as you please on the island. You might like to play beach volleyball, sip a refreshing drink at the bar or relax on the sand or in a seafront hammock. Cool off with a swim in the sun-dappled crystalline waters, paddle a kayak or go snorkeling (equipment provided) to see the vibrant marine life living among the coral.

You’ll then return to Paradise Island and be driven back to your hotel by early evening.