Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau – 31ft Sitting Pretty

Catch fish, then chase turtles. This private Nassau charter pairs deep-sea or inshore fishing with reef snorkeling, beach time, and harbor sightseeing aboard a 31-foot Bertram. I love the freedom to shape the outing with your captain, and I like that beginners get bait, tackle, gear, and hands-on help. The main consideration is the $825 group price, which is a serious spend if you have only one or two people aboard.

The four-hour option gives you a useful half-day on the water, while the eight-hour charter makes room for several activities without rushing. The boat can take up to six people, though the published price is shown per group of up to one, so confirm the exact total for your party before paying. Weather can also change the plan, since poor conditions may lead to a new date or a refund.

Key points at a glance

• A true private charter: Your group has the boat, captain, and crew to itself, with room for up to six people.
• Choose your water time: Mix deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, snorkeling, beach stops, swimming with turtles, and harbor sightseeing.
• Beginner-friendly setup: Bait, tackle, fishing equipment, snorkel gear, bottled water, ice, and a bathroom are provided.
• Strong family option: Children and adults with little fishing experience can take part, with crew assistance available.
• A flexible half-day: Four hours works well for a cruise-day excursion, while eight hours suits groups wanting several stops.
• Convenient marina departure: You meet at Carnivale Bahamas at Sterling Marina in Hurricane Hole, Paradise Island.

Boarding at Sterling Marina in Paradise Island

Your outing begins at Carnivale Bahamas, located at 1 Marina Way in Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole. You make your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The trip ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the return simple if you are staying on Paradise Island or arranging your own taxi.

Once aboard, you meet the captain and crew and talk through your priorities. This opening conversation matters more than it might on a fixed sightseeing cruise. If fishing is your main goal, the crew can plan around that. If your group includes people who would rather snorkel or sit on a beach, the captain can build those activities into the four or eight hours.

The boat is a 31-foot Bertram, a practical size for a private group of up to six. You get more space and control than on a large shared excursion, but the experience still depends on the weather, sea conditions, and what the fish are doing that day. No captain can promise a full cooler of fish, so treat the catch as part of the adventure rather than a guaranteed result.

Cruise ship passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. That information helps the operator judge whether the charter fits your port day. You should still leave a comfortable buffer before your ship’s required return time.

Four hours or eight hours on the water

The four-hour charter is the sensible choice for many visitors. It gives you time to travel out, fish or snorkel, and return without turning the day into an all-day commitment. Families with younger children may prefer this shorter format, especially if not everyone is certain they will enjoy several hours on a moving boat.

The eight-hour option gives the captain more room to combine activities. You could spend part of the day fishing offshore, then switch to snorkeling, turtle watching, swimming, beach time, or a harbor tour. The longer booking makes more sense when your group has several different interests and wants to avoid choosing only one.

The itinerary is not fixed in advance. That is a strength, but it also means you should speak clearly at the start. Tell the captain if catching fish matters most, if you want plenty of time in the water, or if your group prefers a slower sightseeing day. A private charter works best when you use that freedom rather than waiting for the crew to guess.

Fishing offshore, inshore, and close to the reef

The fishing can take several forms. Offshore fishing offers the chance to target larger fish in deeper water, while inshore fishing uses a different setting and may suit beginners or groups that want more action without spending the entire trip far from land.

One family began with an offshore attempt about 10 miles out and caught seaweed instead of fish. The captain then moved closer to shore and tried lighter tackle. That example is useful because it shows how the crew can adjust when conditions or fish activity are not cooperating. Fishing is never guaranteed, but a flexible captain can give your group a better chance than a rigid plan.

The equipment is supplied, including bait and tackle. You do not need to arrive with rods, hooks, or other fishing gear. The crew can also assist with the practical parts of fishing, which is especially helpful if this is your first time holding a rod in salt water.

The charter has worked well for families with children aged 12, 16, and 18, as well as adults trying fishing for the first time. One beginner caught a first fish without help, which is exactly the sort of small victory that can make a half-day feel worthwhile. If you already fish often, you may appreciate the chance to ask for a more focused outing.

Some groups have caught tuna and large numbers of smaller fish. Another outing produced 29 fish, while a separate group reported catching three tuna. Those results show the range of possible days, not a promise. Your catch will depend on weather, timing, location, and luck.

Snorkeling over Nassau’s reefs

Snorkeling gives non-anglers something meaningful to do and lets fishing groups change pace. The boat carries snorkel equipment in a variety of sizes, so you do not need to rent your own gear before boarding. It is still wise to make sure your preferred mask fits comfortably before leaving the marina.

The crew can suggest reef stops suited to the conditions and your group’s interests. Underwater sightings have included hundreds of fish, sea turtles, and a spider crab spotted among the reef. These encounters add a natural-history side to the trip without forcing you into a separate, fixed snorkeling excursion.

Turtle sightings have been part of several outings, including swims near Rose Island. You should see this as a welcome possibility rather than a fixed promise. Wildlife follows its own schedule, and the captain cannot control what appears at a particular stop.

The snorkeling is also useful for groups with mixed interests. One person can fish while another swims, though the precise order and location will depend on the captain’s plan. Ask at the start how much time you want in the water, since a group focused on fishing can otherwise use most of the charter with lines in the water.

Beach stops, Rose Island, and harbor sightseeing

The itinerary can include beaching, swimming, or relaxing near an island. Rose Island has been used as a stop by groups that wanted to swim with turtles or have their catch cooked nearby. The option gives your outing a more relaxed rhythm than a fishing-only trip.

Some groups have taken their catch to a nearby restaurant, including Margaritaville, to have it prepared for lunch. Another group had fish cooked at Rose Island. This is not listed as an included meal, and food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated, so you should plan to pay separately for any restaurant preparation or lunch.

Harbor sightseeing is another choice. If your group is less interested in fishing, the captain can spend time showing you parts of Nassau from the water. You might find this especially useful on a first visit, since a private boat gives you a different view of the harbor and shoreline than a road tour.

The key advantage is the ability to change the mood. You can begin with serious fishing, stop for snorkeling, then slow down at a beach. The possible drawback is that four hours can disappear quickly once travel time and gear changes are included. If you want all of these elements, the eight-hour charter gives you a more comfortable schedule.

What is included, and what you still need

The charter includes a local guide, private use of the boat, bottled water, ice, snorkel equipment, and all necessary fishing equipment. A cooler is available with ice and bottled water, and the boat has a bathroom. Those are practical comforts, particularly during a longer outing or when your group includes children.

Food and other drinks are not included. Bring any preferred snacks or beverages you need, subject to the operator’s rules, and do not assume lunch is part of the $825 price. If you hope to have your catch cooked, treat that as a separate arrangement.

You also arrange your own transportation to and from Sterling Marina. The mobile ticket format makes the booking easy to keep on your phone, but you still need to check the meeting location and allow time to reach Hurricane Hole.

Is $825 good value for your group?

At $825 per group, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. The price becomes more reasonable when six people share it, since the cost works out to about $137.50 per person before any separate food, drinks, or transportation. For four people, it is about $206.25 each, and for a couple it becomes a much bigger personal expense.

The value comes from privacy and flexibility. You are not locked into a single fishing route or a preset snorkeling stop. You can ask for a combination of activities, get direct help with the equipment, and adjust the plan as the day develops.

I would consider it a good fit for a family or group of friends who will use the boat fully. If all six people want some mix of fishing, snorkeling, and island time, the private price is easier to justify. If only one person wants to fish and everyone else is uncertain, a shared trip may offer better value.

The high satisfaction score, 4.9 from 92 ratings with 98 percent recommending the experience, reflects consistent praise for the crew, boat, flexibility, and range of activities. Captain Bobo, Captain Bo, Cyrus, and Freddie are specifically praised in different outings for their help and skill. Crew assignments can vary, so you should not assume a particular person will lead your charter.

Who should book this Nassau charter?

I would recommend it to families, first-time anglers, couples who want a private day, and groups that cannot agree on one activity. The mix of fishing and snorkeling means a serious angler does not have to leave the rest of the group sitting idle.

It also suits cruise ship passengers, provided the timing works and you supply the ship details at booking. The four-hour format is easier to fit into a port day than the eight-hour option, but you should protect plenty of time for getting back aboard your ship.

Experienced anglers may enjoy the chance to request offshore fishing, but they should keep expectations realistic. The boat and equipment are supplied, yet the catch depends on nature. If catching a particular species is your main goal, ask what can reasonably be targeted during your date.

The main people I would caution are those seeking a low-cost, fixed sightseeing cruise or a guaranteed catch. This charter asks you to pay for private space and personal planning. That is its strength, but it is also why the price may feel high for a small group.

Practical booking and cancellation notes

You receive confirmation at booking. The activity requires good weather, and if poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Bahamas time.

Most people can participate, and the activity is private, so only your own group takes part. If anyone in your party has a specific physical concern, ask the operator before booking rather than relying on the general participation note.

FAQ

How long is the private Nassau charter?

You can book either a four-hour or eight-hour charter. The four-hour option is a half-day outing, while the eight-hour option allows more time for combining fishing, snorkeling, beach stops, and sightseeing.

How many people can ride on the boat?

The 31-foot Bertram can take up to six people. The listed price is shown as $825 per group of up to one, so confirm the final group pricing when booking if you plan to bring several people.

Where does the charter begin and end?

The meeting point is Carnivale Bahamas at 1 Marina Way, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, Paradise Island. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The charter provides bait, tackle, and all necessary fishing equipment. The crew can offer assistance, making the outing suitable for people with little or no fishing experience.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment in a variety of sizes is provided. The boat can stop at a reef as part of the itinerary, depending on your group’s interests and the captain’s plan.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water and ice are included. Food and other drinks are not included unless specifically stated. If you want your catch cooked at a nearby restaurant, that would be a separate food arrangement.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or select a different date. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Should you book Sitting Pretty?

Book this charter if you want a private, flexible day and your group will make use of more than one activity. The strongest combination is a half-day of fishing and snorkeling for a family or group of friends, with the chance to add turtles, a beach stop, or harbor views if time and conditions allow.

I would choose the four-hour trip for a cruise stop or a first attempt at fishing. Choose eight hours only if your group truly wants a full day on the water. Split among six people, the price can make sense for the privacy and personal service. For one or two people, it is a much harder value call.

You will not receive a guaranteed catch or a fixed list of wildlife sightings. What you do get is a capable private crew, a well-equipped 31-foot boat, and the freedom to change course when the fish are quiet or the snorkel conditions look better. For many groups, that freedom is the real reason to book.