Honor Roll Private Bahamas Boat Charter

Beautiful water, flexible plans, private fun. Honor Roll Charters gives your group its own 35-foot open boat around Nassau, with snorkeling, turtle watching, beach time, music, drinks, and optional swimming pigs. I like the freedom to shape the day and the generous space for groups of up to 14. The main catch is that lunch and the pig encounter cost extra.

This works especially well for families, birthday groups, and cruise passengers who want more control than a standard shore excursion allows. I also like that snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and group photos are included. Just remember that an open boat offers little shelter, and the day depends on good weather.

Key Things To Know Before You Book

• Your group gets the whole 35-foot boat: This is a private charter for up to 14 people, not a shared excursion with strangers.
• The route can change to suit you: You can spend more time snorkeling, swimming, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a faster ride across the water.
• Snorkeling starts near Rose Island: Masks, snorkels, fins, and life vests are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own gear.
• The pig encounter costs extra: Swimming with the pigs at Atholl Island is not included in the $1,750 group price and adds $30 per person.
• Drinks and snacks are included: You get chips, cookies, soda, alcoholic drinks, and nonalcoholic drinks, but lunch costs about $20 to $25 per person depending on your order.
• The open boat needs sun planning: There is more room to move, sit, and play music, but no cabin for cover if the weather turns rough.

A Private Boat Instead of a Crowded Shore Excursion

The biggest reason to choose Honor Roll Charters is control. You pay $1,750 for the group, up to 14 people, so the cost makes the most sense when you fill much of the boat. For a group of 10, that works out to $175 per person before lunch and any pig fees. For 14, the per-person cost drops to $125.

That is not a cheap outing for two or three people. It can be a sensible buy for a large family, wedding party, birthday group, or cruise party that would otherwise pay separately for several excursion tickets. The private format also means you are not trying to keep up with a large crowd or follow a fixed timetable at every stop.

The boat is a 35-foot open vessel with plenty of room to move around. The open design is useful if your group wants music, conversation, photos, or a little dancing between stops. It also gives you broad views of the water instead of putting you inside a cabin.

The tradeoff is basic but important: no cabin means no enclosed shelter. Bring sun protection and expect the weather to shape the day. The charter requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

The advertised duration is about four to eight hours. The listed stops add up to roughly three and a half hours of scheduled activity, but the flexible format allows time on the water and longer stops. Ask about your preferred length and route when booking, especially if you have a cruise departure to catch.

Leaving Paradise Island With Your Own Plan

The meeting point is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas at Marina Drive on Paradise Island. The boat returns to the same marina at the end, which keeps the arrangement simple.

A family arriving by cruise ship found the marina easy to walk to from the cruise port, with plenty of room on the boat for a party of 10. That is useful if you are comparing this with excursions that require a separate bus transfer. Still, allow enough time to reach the marina and check in, since the exact walking time depends on your ship and berth.

At the start, the crew explains what is available and lets you decide how to use the day. You can follow the suggested route, or ask for more time in the water, on a beach, or cruising around the harbor. The point is not to squeeze every stop into a rushed schedule. It is to choose the mix that fits your group.

That flexibility matters with children. A young child may be happy with a short swim and beach games but tire of repeated boat transfers. Adults may want a longer snorkeling session or a more energetic ride. On a private boat, the group can talk through those choices together.

Rose Island Snorkeling in Clear Water

The first listed stop is Rose Island, where you snorkel over a coral reef in shallow, clear water. The fish are described as having a slight blue glow, a detail that hints at the water clarity and the bright tropical light.

All snorkeling equipment is included: mask, snorkel, fins, and life vest. That saves you from packing bulky gear and makes the experience easier for a mixed group. If you have your own mask that fits better, you can still bring it, but the supplied equipment covers the basics.

The scheduled snorkeling stop lasts about an hour. That gives you enough time to get fitted, enter the water, look around, and return to the boat without turning the entire day into a single activity. If snorkeling is your top priority, ask whether you can extend this part of the trip.

I would set realistic expectations. This is a casual reef stop, not a specialist marine expedition. The appeal is easy access to clear water and colorful fish within a private day on the sea. You may find conditions vary with weather and visibility, so the best views are never guaranteed.

The captain can also help shape the order. Some groups may prefer to snorkel before the heat of the day. Others may want to reach the beach first. The flexible itinerary gives you room to make that call.

Atholl Island and the Optional Swimming Pigs

Atholl Island sits next to Pearl Island, about 15 to 20 minutes from Nassau, and offers the swimming pig encounter. The pigs are described as friendly and intelligent, and the crew provides pig snacks in a cup.

This is the most unusual stop on the route, but it is also the one that changes the price. The encounter fee is an additional $30 per person, and admission is not included in the $1,750 charter rate. For a group of 10, that adds $300. For 14, it adds $420.

That extra cost makes it worth deciding in advance who actually wants to take part. Some children will love the novelty. Some adults may prefer to stay on the boat, take photos, or use the time for swimming. Since this is a private charter, you can discuss the plan with the crew rather than forcing every person into the same activity.

If you choose the pig stop, follow the crew’s instructions about feeding and approaching the animals. The provided snacks are part of the setup, so you do not need to bring food for them.

The scheduled stop lasts about an hour. That is long enough for an encounter without making the pigs the only reason to book the charter. If your group has no interest in animals, ask if that hour can be replaced with extra beach time, snorkeling, or cruising.

Green Cay Turtle Watching From the Boat

At Green Cay, you watch and feed turtles in shallow water. They surface with their heads above the water, which makes this a good photo stop for people who prefer not to snorkel.

The listed time is about 30 minutes. That shorter visit fits the nature of the stop. You are watching for turtles, not spending a full afternoon on shore. The experience also gives non-swimmers something special to enjoy while the more active members of your group use other stops for water time.

Because the turtles are in the water, sightings cannot be treated like a scheduled performance. You may see them pop up close to the boat, or you may need patience. Keep cameras ready, but do not expect every photo to be perfect.

The crew also includes new photos of your group or family as part of the charter. That is a useful extra for a birthday party or a family that wants everyone in the picture. Ask how the photos will be sent to you so you know what to expect after the trip.

Sandy Cay and the Gilligan’s Island Stop

Sandy Cay is presented as Gilligan’s Island, a nostalgic sightseeing stop connected with the popular television series. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and has no admission fee.

This is a quick visual stop rather than a major beach outing. It gives you a change of pace after snorkeling and turtle watching, with time for photos and a look at the setting. If you know the show, the connection adds a playful bit of pop culture to the route. If you do not, it is still a short island sightseeing break.

I would not book this charter mainly for Sandy Cay. Its value comes from how it fits into a wider day that also includes reef snorkeling, marine life, beaches, and boat time. The stop is best treated as a bonus.

Returning to Rose Island for Beach Time

The final listed stop returns to Rose Island for about 30 minutes of beach time and games. This is where the active parts of the outing give way to a slower finish.

The short schedule may suit a group that wants a little sand and swimming without committing to a full resort beach day. You can relax, take photos, play games, and enjoy the included drinks. If your party wants a longer beach stay, this is one of the clearest places to use the charter’s flexible format.

The beach stop is also practical for families. Not everyone needs to snorkel or join the pig encounter. A parent can stay near the shore, children can play, and adults can enjoy a drink without splitting up across a large public excursion.

The exact character of the beach experience depends on the weather, sea conditions, and how much time your group requests. The listed 30 minutes goes quickly, so tell the crew early if beach time is a priority.

Drinks, Snacks, Music, and the Real Cost

The charter includes chips, cookies, unlimited soda, alcoholic drinks, and nonalcoholic drinks. Bluetooth music is also available, so you can bring a playlist that suits your group.

The drink selection was praised for working well with both adults and children. That matters because a family boat day can become inconvenient when every person needs different refreshments. Here, those basics are part of the package.

Lunch is not included. It usually costs an extra $20 to $25, depending on what you order. For a large group, that can add another $280 to $350 if all 14 people buy a $20 to $25 lunch. Ask how lunch is arranged and when you will eat, since the provided information does not specify the menu.

Add the pig encounter only for the people who want it. A group of 10 that chooses the pig stop for everyone would pay the $1,750 charter price plus $300 in pig fees, before lunch.

The value improves as your group grows. At full capacity, you are paying for privacy, a dedicated crew, flexible timing, equipment, refreshments, music, and photos. With only a few people, a shared trip may cost less, but it will not give you the same control over the day.

Service That Fits Families and Celebrations

The crew’s attentive approach is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter. Careful attention matters on a boat, especially when children are swimming, people are moving between water and deck, and the group has different comfort levels.

The excursion has received 5 out of 5 from 14 ratings, with all recommending it. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as proof that every departure will be perfect. Still, the praise is consistent around attentive captains, plentiful snacks, and drinks suitable for both children and adults.

A family of 10 described the day as a strong alternative to a cruise ship excursion. They fed the pigs, snorkeled with turtles, and had fresh-made lunch on a beautiful stretch of beach. Their experience shows how the private format can work for a full family group arriving in Nassau for the day.

Birthday groups and other celebrations are a natural fit. The open boat has room for music and movement, while the crew takes group photos. You should still tell the operator about any special occasion before departure so the day can be planned around it.

Who Should Book This Nassau Charter?

I would recommend Honor Roll Charters most strongly to:

• Families with children and adults who want different activities
• Groups of about 8 to 14 people that can share the $1,750 cost
• Cruise passengers seeking a private alternative near the port
• Birthday groups and casual celebrations
• People who want snorkeling, animals, beach time, and boat cruising in one outing
• Groups that dislike fixed schedules and crowded excursions

I would be more cautious if you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with only a few friends. The flat group price may be hard to justify unless privacy matters more than saving money.

You should also think about sun and weather. The boat is open, and the charter can be canceled for poor conditions. If your schedule is tight, especially on a cruise day, confirm the expected return time and leave a safe buffer before sailing.

Booking Timing, Cancellation, and Practical Details

This experience is booked an average of 63 days ahead, so reserve early if you need a particular date, especially during busy cruise and vacation periods. Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Cutoff times use local Bahamas time.

Most people can take part, and the activity is near public transportation. The supplied information does not give detailed access information for the boat, so ask the operator directly if someone in your group has mobility needs or needs help boarding.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a way to protect your phone. You will want dry storage for items that should not get wet, but the available information does not specify the boat’s storage arrangements. Keep your plans simple and flexible. That is where this charter works best.

Should You Book Honor Roll Charters?

Book it if you have a sizeable group and want a private day that mixes reef snorkeling, turtles, pigs, island photos, beach time, music, drinks, and freedom to change the plan. The package is especially appealing for families and cruise passengers who want attentive service without joining a large excursion.

Before paying, calculate the full amount. Start with $1,750 for up to 14 people, then add $30 per person for the pig encounter and about $20 to $25 per person for lunch. If your group is large, the cost can be fair for a private boat. If your group is small, the price may feel heavy.

My final advice is to book early, confirm the timing, decide who wants the pig encounter, and ask how much beach or snorkeling time you can request. If those details fit your group, Honor Roll offers a relaxed and personal way to spend a day around New Providence Island.

FAQ

How much does the Honor Roll private boat charter cost?

The charter costs $1,750 per group for up to 14 people. Lunch and the swimming pig encounter are additional costs.

How long does the boat charter last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. The itinerary is flexible, so the exact timing can depend on your chosen activities and schedule.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The charter includes a mask, snorkel, life vest, and fins.

How much does the swimming pig encounter cost?

The pig encounter costs an additional $30 per person. This fee is not included in the charter price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted or refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.