Sandy Toes on Rose Island runs a tight operation. The boat leaves Nassau at 9 a.m., you’re back by 3 p.m., and in between you get snorkeling, a beach with lounge chairs, and time with nine resident pigs that swim on cue. It’s a single-day excursion with a 4.7 out of 5 rating from over 540 reviews — and it’s the kind of day that makes you wonder why more beach bars don’t have their own livestock.
4.7 out of 5 stars from over 540 reviews — 451 of them five-star.
The setup is straightforward: a 30-minute boat ride from Nassau, a private stretch of white sand, unlimited drinks, a cooked lunch, and scheduled pig swims. But the details matter more than the brochure suggests — the light-skinned pigs need sunscreen, the snorkeling can feel crowded, and the boat itself can be cramped. This article covers what the 4.7-star average doesn’t tell you.
Sandy Toes delivers exactly what it promises — a clean, uncrowded beach with swimming pigs and unlimited rum drinks — but the experience depends heavily on which session you book and whether you bring your own snorkel gear. The pigs are well cared for and well trained, but the snorkeling stop can feel like a cattle call, and the boat ride is tight.
Rose Island and the Sandy Toes setup
Rose Island sits about 30 minutes by boat east of Nassau. Sandy Toes occupies a private section of the island’s south shore, with lounge chairs, hammocks, outdoor games, and a thatched bar. The island itself is uninhabited except for the staff and the animals — nine pigs, plus peacocks, chickens, and goats that roam freely.
The excursion runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and people typically spend about four hours on the island. The boat departs from Nassau, and the whole thing operates on a tight schedule: snorkel stop, beach time, lunch, pig swim, then back. It’s efficient, but the pace means you don’t get much unstructured time.
One thing I noticed right away — the staff controls the crowd size. Multiple reviews mention that the beach still feels secluded because they don’t overbook. That’s a deliberate choice, and it makes a real difference compared to other Nassau day trips where you’re elbow-to-elbow on the sand.
What you actually do on the island
Snorkeling stop — bring your own gear
The boat makes a snorkeling stop on the way to Rose Island. Reviews describe it as “interesting but crowded” — multiple staff stay in the water and on lookout, so safety isn’t an issue, but you’re sharing the spot with the whole group. The fish are there, but the experience is better if you bring your own snorkel set rather than relying on the provided equipment, which several reviewers describe as worn.
The water is clear and good for swimming, but watch for rocks near the shore. If snorkeling is your main draw, you might prefer a dedicated trip — the dedicated snorkeling and diving spots around the Bahamas offer more variety and fewer people in the water.
The pigs — well trained, well cared for, and sun-sensitive
The nine resident pigs are the main event. Staff bring them out at scheduled times for swimming and feeding. Multiple reviews confirm they’re well trained and seem to enjoy the water. One detail that surprised me: the light-skinned pigs need sunscreen. The staff applies it, but it’s a reminder that these are living animals, not props.
The pigs share the island with peacocks, chickens, and goats. The peacocks are everywhere — you’ll see them strutting along the beach and perching on the thatched roofs. It adds a layer of chaos that somehow works.
Food and drinks — unlimited but not unlimited quality
The bar serves unlimited cocktails and drinks. Multiple reviews note the drinks aren’t super strong, but you can have as many as you want. The lunch is described as “really good” and “tasty” — jerk chicken, pork, burgers, and sides. It’s casual, eat-with-your-fingers food, served at the beach shack made from reclaimed wood.
If you’re a food traveler, the broader Bahamian food scene offers more depth, but for a beach bar lunch, it hits the mark.
Planning your Sandy Toes day
The excursion runs Monday through Friday only. Saturday and Sunday are closed. You book through the Sandy Toes website or through your hotel, and the price includes boat transfer, snorkeling, lunch, and unlimited drinks.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., about 4 hours on the island |
| Boat ride | 20–30 minutes from Nassau, can feel cramped |
| Snorkeling | One stop, crowded but safe with multiple staff |
| Pig swim | Scheduled sessions, staff-supervised, pigs wear sunscreen |
| Food & drink | Unlimited cocktails, cooked lunch included |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5 from 540+ Google reviews |
The boat can feel cramped for the 20-minute ride. If you’re prone to seasickness, sit near the back and consider bringing motion sickness medication — the ride can get choppy depending on weather.
Best time to go
Visit near the end of the rainy season for potentially unpredictable weather. The dry season (November to April) offers more reliable conditions, but the island operates year-round except weekends. The morning session is the most popular — the pigs are more active, and the water is calmer.
If you’re combining this with other activities, the Garden of the Groves on Grand Bahama offers a completely different pace — botanical gardens and waterfalls instead of pigs and rum punches.
What to bring and what to expect
Gear and packing
Bring your own snorkel gear for a better experience. The provided equipment is functional but worn. A reef-safe mineral sunscreen is essential — the water is clear, and the reef needs protection. A dry bag for your phone and wallet is smart, since the boat ride can be splashy.
Lockers and showers are available on the island, so you don’t need to worry about leaving valuables on the beach.
Local etiquette and practical tips
The staff is welcoming and helpful, but a few things help the day go smoother. Tip early — the bartenders remember. Don’t feed the pigs anything except what the staff provides. And if you want a lounge chair with shade, get off the boat quickly; the good spots go first.
The peacocks will approach your table during lunch. They’re not aggressive, but they’re persistent. Keep your plate covered if you step away.
- Bring your own snorkel gear — the provided equipment is worn and the snorkel stop is crowded.
- Book a weekday session (Monday–Friday only) and aim for the morning boat for calmer water and more active pigs.
- Tip the bartenders early for stronger pours — the unlimited drinks are included but not strong by default.
Frequently asked questions about Sandy Toes, Bahamas
How long is the boat ride to Sandy Toes?
About 20 to 30 minutes from Nassau. The boat can feel cramped, but it’s a short ride. Sit near the back if you’re prone to seasickness.
Are the pigs at Sandy Toes well treated?
Yes. Multiple reviews confirm the pigs are well trained, well cared for, and seem to enjoy swimming. The staff applies sunscreen to the light-skinned pigs and controls the interaction times.
Is the snorkeling at Sandy Toes worth it?
It’s decent but crowded. The fish are there, but you’re sharing the water with the whole group. Bring your own gear for a better experience. If snorkeling is your priority, consider a dedicated trip.
Can you visit Sandy Toes without a tour?
No. Sandy Toes is a private excursion accessible only by the scheduled boat from Nassau. You book through their website or your hotel.
What’s the biggest downside of Sandy Toes?
The boat ride is cramped, the snorkeling stop is crowded, and the drinks aren’t strong. It’s a tradeoff — you get a clean, uncrowded beach with pigs and unlimited drinks, but the logistics aren’t luxurious.
A day that delivers exactly what it promises
Sandy Toes doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s a four-hour beach bar excursion with swimming pigs, unlimited rum punches, and a cooked lunch on a private stretch of sand. The 4.7-star rating holds up because the staff controls the crowd, the animals are genuinely cared for, and the whole thing runs on a tight schedule that doesn’t waste your time. If you want a deeper dive into Bahamian island life, the history and culture of Spanish Wells offers a completely different perspective — quieter, older, and without a pig in sight.
Sources and further reading
Sandy Toes, Bahamas — Wanderlog. Wanderlog, 2024.
Sandy Toes Jerk Hut — Grand Isle Resort. Grand Isle Resort & Residences, 2024.
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