Private Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau – 55ft Cocorijo

Crystal water is only the beginning. This private Nassau charter lets you shape a half-day on a 55-foot Hatteras, choosing snorkeling, fishing, swimming, beach time, or a visit to Gilligan’s Island. I like the freedom to build your own outing, and I like that the boat carries snorkel gear, fishing equipment, bottled water, ice, and local beer. The main catch is the price: $1,650 per group, so it makes the most sense when you can fill several of the 10 available places.

The crew is another strong point. Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra receive especially warm praise for being friendly, attentive, and good with children. You should also keep expectations realistic about fishing. One family caught a 25-pound grouper and a six-foot reef shark, while another half-day trip produced no bites at all.

Key Points Before You Book

• A private 55-foot Hatteras: Your group of up to 10 has the boat and crew to itself.
• Two activities are included: Choose from snorkeling, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, beach time, or a visit to Gilligan’s Island.
• Footprints Beach Bar is an option: Afternoon or full-day charters can stop at Rose Island for lunch, music, drinks, and beach activities. Lunch and the landing fee cost extra.
• The crew earns high marks: Roscoe, Cleo, and Kassandra are repeatedly praised for care, safety, and warmth, especially with children.
• Fishing results can vary: The equipment is supplied, but no catch is promised.
• The meeting point is on Paradise Island: Start at Carnivale Bahamas in Sterling Marina at Hurricane Hole.

What a Four-Hour Charter Feels Like

This is not a fixed sightseeing ride with a strict list of stops. The appeal is the private format. You decide how to use roughly four hours, with the captain helping shape the day around your interests.

You can choose two activities from the available options. A group with keen swimmers might spend its time at two snorkel areas and then swim or relax on a beach. A family could mix snorkeling with an island visit. Fishing fans may prefer to spend most of the charter offshore, while a group looking for a gentle outing can focus on sunbathing, swimming, and a scenic boat ride.

That flexibility matters because the interests in a group of 10 rarely match perfectly. One person may want to fish, another may want coral and clear water, and someone else may simply want a quiet place to sit in the sun. On a shared excursion, the group has to follow the operator’s plan. Here, your party has a much better chance of building a day that suits everyone.

The boat is a beautifully maintained 55-foot Hatteras, a useful size for a private group. You get more room than you would on a small open boat, while still having a direct relationship with the captain and crew. The charter includes a local captain and guide, with additional crew support on many outings.

The trip begins and ends at Carnivale Bahamas, located at 1 Marina Way in Paradise Island’s Sterling Marina at Hurricane Hole. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Some past arrangements have included pickup from a hotel jetty, but you should not count on that unless it is confirmed in advance.

Snorkeling Around Nassau’s Reefs

Snorkeling is the clearest choice for anyone who wants to see the Bahamas below the surface. The charter provides snorkel equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask, fins, and related gear.

The exact snorkel locations depend on the day and the captain’s plan. The available choices include colorful coral reef areas, including water between Gilligan’s Island and Rose Island. A private boat can adjust the pace better than a large group excursion. You can ask questions, spend longer in a good area, or move on if conditions are not right for your group.

That personal attention is useful for families. Captain Roscoe, Cleo, and Kassandra have been praised for helping children on board and making families feel safe. One group with young children described the crew as polite and helpful, while another family appreciated the way the crew explained the ocean, reefs, and boat to younger passengers.

The listing says the crew can explain local marine life and underwater plant life. That turns the swim into more than a quick look at the water. Still, the experience is not presented as a formal marine biology lesson, and the amount of explanation will likely depend on your questions and the crew assigned that day.

You should also remember that snorkeling depends on sea and weather conditions. Clear water can make the experience memorable, but visibility and comfort are never fully under the captain’s control. Bring a practical attitude, follow the crew’s instructions, and allow the captain to adjust the plan if needed.

Fishing With Equipment Included

The boat comes with necessary fishing equipment, making this a simple choice for a group that does not want to bring its own gear. You can choose deep-sea or inshore fishing, depending on the charter plan and your group’s preference.

The fishing stories from this boat show both sides of the activity. One half-day group caught a 25-pound grouper and a six-foot reef shark. The grouper was later prepared for dinner at Anthony’s on a crew recommendation. Another family hoped for a fun deep-sea fishing trip but spent the half-day without a bite.

That contrast is important. You are paying for the boat, captain, equipment, time on the water, and the chance to fish, not a guaranteed catch. A private fishing charter gives you more control and comfort than a shared outing, but even an excellent crew cannot order fish to appear.

For the best experience, treat fishing as one part of your day rather than the only measure of success. If your group can enjoy the boat ride, scenery, swimming, or snorkeling as well, a quiet fishing session will not ruin the outing. If catching fish is the sole reason you are booking, ask about current conditions and the intended fishing plan before confirming.

The crew can also make a difference when the fish are not cooperating. Good instruction, a relaxed mood, and honest advice about conditions help keep the day enjoyable. The available feedback gives Roscoe, Cleo, Kassandra, Ding, and Keith credit for making fishing trips welcoming and fun.

Gilligan’s Island and Rose Island Options

Gilligan’s Island is described as one of the most photographed islands in the world. The stop gives you a chance to combine a boat day with a memorable island setting rather than spending the entire charter in open water.

The activity can also include sunbathing on the beach or simply swimming. These are modest options, but they may be exactly what your group needs after snorkeling or fishing. Not every person wants a packed schedule. A few hours of warm water, sand, and open views can be a better fit than rushing from one stop to another.

Afternoon and full-day charters may include a visit to Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island. It sits beside a white sandy beach with clear turquoise water. The setting offers lunch, music, a fully stocked bar, volleyball, billiards, and time to sunbathe.

This sounds like the most relaxed part of the outing, but it comes with extra costs. Lunch and the landing fee are not included in the $1,650 charter price. Food and drinks are also generally excluded unless specifically stated, although local beer is listed as included. Ask exactly what is covered before you go, especially if your group expects a full meal or a broad selection of beverages.

The Rose Island stop is also not part of every four-hour plan. It is specifically offered on afternoon or full-day charters, so you should not assume that a standard morning half-day trip includes it. If Footprints is a priority, confirm the charter length and schedule when booking.

The Crew: Roscoe, Cleo, and Kassandra

The strongest pattern in the available feedback is the crew’s personal service. Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra are frequently singled out for their professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail.

Cleo receives particular praise for being professional and approachable, including from a repeat customer who booked the yacht more than once. Kassandra is described as welcoming and helpful, while Roscoe is praised for creating a relaxed mood and making people feel comfortable.

That combination matters on a private boat. You are spending several hours in a small shared space, and the crew’s attitude shapes the whole experience. A captain who listens, a mate who helps with equipment, and a steward who keeps people comfortable can make the day feel easy rather than effortful.

The crew has also been praised for working well with families. They have helped with young children, explained the water and reefs, and made groups feel safe. This does not mean the boat replaces adult supervision. You remain responsible for your children, particularly around the water, but the crew appears accustomed to family groups.

Crew assignments can change, so Roscoe, Cleo, and Kassandra should not be treated as guaranteed personnel for every departure. Other named crew members, including Ding, Keith, Davy, Tyson, Bobo, Freddy, Chris, and Karro, also appear in the supplied information. The consistent theme is attentive service, but you should confirm the crew if a particular person is important to your plans.

Is $1,650 Good Value?

The price is $1,650 for the entire group, with a maximum of 10 people. At the full capacity, that works out to $165 per person before any additional lunch, landing fee, or other costs. For a group of five, the same charter costs $330 per person. For only two people, it becomes an expensive way to spend four hours.

The value improves when you can bring a larger family or group of friends. You are not buying one fixed activity. You are paying for a private 55-foot boat, a captain, crew, equipment, flexible planning, and the ability to combine several water and island activities.

I would compare this with the cost of booking separate snorkeling and fishing trips. The Cocorijo charter may be especially practical for a group with mixed interests because everyone can share one private outing rather than paying for different excursions.

Still, the price does not cover everything. Hotel transportation is excluded, and food and drinks are not included unless specified. Local beer is listed among the inclusions, while bottled water and an ice cooler are also provided. The Rose Island lunch stop adds a landing fee and meal cost.

The best value comes when your group fills most of the boat and genuinely wants the private format. If you are a couple or a small party focused on one short snorkel session, a less expensive shared trip may be the wiser choice.

Who Should Book Cocorijo?

I would recommend this charter to families, groups of friends, and multigenerational parties who want control over their day. The capacity of 10 makes it a good match for a larger private group, especially when some people want to fish and others prefer snorkeling or beach time.

It also suits cruise ship passengers, provided you give the operator your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and required re-boarding time at booking. Those details matter because a private charter does not remove the need to watch the clock.

This is a good choice for people who value space and personal service. You can ask questions, request a different balance of activities, and spend time with your own group instead of sharing the boat with strangers.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a guaranteed fishing catch, a fully catered lunch, or hotel transportation. None of those should be assumed. The charter is also weather dependent, so your plan needs some flexibility.

The experience is recommended by 95 percent of its listed participants and carries a 4.9 rating from 42 reviews. That is a strong record, especially given the repeated praise for safety, cleanliness, crew service, and family care. The one clear weakness is not poor service, but the normal uncertainty of fishing and the added cost of extras.

Booking Tips for a Smoother Day

The charter averages booking about 50 days in advance. That is a useful warning for cruise dates, holidays, and larger family trips. Book early if your schedule is fixed.

At booking, be clear about the two activities you want. Say if snorkeling is the priority, if fishing should take most of the time, or if Rose Island and Footprints are essential. A private charter works best when the captain understands your group’s hopes before departure.

Ask about the total cost of any Rose Island stop. Lunch and the landing fee are extra, and the general food and drink policy should be confirmed. Bottled water, ice, snorkel gear, fishing gear, and local beer are listed as included.

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. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Nassau Charter?

Book Cocorijo if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day that can mix snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and island time. The crew’s record with families and the flexibility to shape the schedule are the main reasons to choose it.

Think twice if you are traveling as only one or two people, need a guaranteed catch, or want meals and transportation included. For the right group, though, this is a polished way to get beyond a standard Nassau excursion, with enough choice to keep both active swimmers and relaxed beachgoers happy.

FAQ

Where does the Cocorijo charter start?

The charter starts at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, in Sterling Marina at Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the private charter?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private charter can accommodate up to 10 people in your group.

What activities can I choose?

You can choose two activities, including snorkeling at a coral reef, visiting Gilligan’s Island, deep-sea or inshore fishing, swimming, sunbathing on the beach, or relaxing on the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The boat provides the necessary fishing equipment.

Is food included?

Food is not included unless specifically stated. Lunch at Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island costs extra, as does the landing fee.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, an ice cooler, and local beer are listed as included. Other food and drinks are not included unless specified.

Can cruise ship passengers book this experience?

Yes. Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.