A day on a private boat feels different fast. This charter lets you shape the order of the fun, swap between free time and a plan, and rack up photo stops around New Providence and the nearby cays. You get snorkeling gear plus unlimited drinks, and the boat setup makes it easy to move around, dance, and actually enjoy the ride.

What I like most is the flexibility. Your group can freestyle on the water, or keep a schedule if that’s your thing. Another big win: it’s a true private charter for up to 14 people, so you’re not squeezed in with strangers or fighting for space.

The main consideration is simple: it’s an open 35-foot boat with no cabin, so sun and spray are part of the deal—plan shade and cover like you would for a full beach day.

Key things to know before you go

• You steer the schedule: the captain works with your preferences, whether you want snorkeling first or beach time earlier.
• Snorkel gear is included: masks, snorkels, life vests, and fins are part of the package.
• Unlimited drinks keep the mood easy: alcohol and non-alcohol options, plus sodas and Bluetooth music onboard.
• You get group photos: new photos of your group/family are taken and sent to you.
• Animal moments are built in: turtles at Green Cay and the pig encounter at Atholl Island (with an extra fee).

A private 35-foot boat day you can shape yourself

This is a private charter out of Nassau’s Paradise Island area, with a 35-foot open boat and no cabin. That matters because you’re not stuck in a cramped interior while you wait for the next stop. More space also means your group can spread out, take photos without battling for elbow room, and stay comfortable when the boat is moving.

The operator keeps the day flexible in a practical way: if your party wants to snorkel first, you start with snorkeling. If you want beach time sooner, they’ll help you time it. If you want a faster ride, the captain does it at a safe speed that still feels like a thrill under the Bahamas sun.

One reason this works well for real groups (families, birthdays, small friend parties) is that everyone gets to win. You’re not forcing a one-size-fits-all “tourist rhythm.” Instead, the captain builds the day around what’s available and what your group decides on the spot.

Entering the day at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville dock

Your meeting point is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas at 2 Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence Island. The good part here is that this is a straightforward start point for a Nassau visit. If you’re on a cruise, the port area is close enough that you may find walking to the marina is doable, depending on where your ship docks and how much you want to haul around.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket at booking, and the experience ends back at the same meeting point. Since the boat charter is the whole point, plan to arrive with enough time to check in, get settled, and start your water time without stress.

Also, this day runs on weather. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Bring that mindset: if the day looks a little iffy, it’s worth going in with a plan B.

Rose Island snorkeling: coral reef time with included gear

Your first scheduled stop is Rose Island, with about an hour of snorkeling over a coral reef right off the island. The water is described as crystal clear, and you’re going for fish in their natural habitat—often the kind of viewing that makes people want to linger near the surface.

The package includes everything you need to snorkel: mask, snorkel, life vest, and fins. That’s a bigger deal than it sounds, because snorkeling gear can be one of the hidden costs on other tours. Here, you can show up with just the essentials and get fitted up on the boat.

What I’d watch for is fit and comfort. If you have your own mask that you love, you can bring it, but the included gear means you don’t have to gamble on finding the right fit at the last minute. A good tip: adjust straps so the mask seals comfortably without being painful. When you’re out there for your full hour, a mask that pinches ruins the vibe.

If your group prefers to start with the beach instead, the operator can work with you. But if you’re choosing between options, doing the snorkeling earlier often feels better because the day is fresh and your group’s energy is high.

Atholl Island pig encounter: worth it, but know the extra fee

Next up is Atholl Island for about an hour, with the highlight being the swimming pig encounter. The fee for the pig encounter is not included, and it’s listed as $30 per person.

Here’s how to think about this part: the base charter gives you the boat, snorkeling, turtles, and beach time. The pig activity is a separate add-on, so it’s best to decide early whether it’s a must-do for your group. If half your party wants it and half doesn’t, you can also plan around who really cares—because the decision affects cost.

From the description, pigs are friendly and intelligent, and you’re given pig snacks in a cup on a skewer. That’s important because it means the encounter isn’t just watching animals from a distance. It’s interaction-focused, so you’ll want to bring your best “calm and patient” energy.

Practical note: animals plus water plus people means it can get busy and crowded at the encounter area. Keep your phone secure, wear shoes you can handle around wet surfaces if you have them, and accept that you might get a little splash. That’s part of why this stop is so fun.

Green Cay turtle time: watching from shallow water

Green Cay is your turtle stop, with about 30 minutes on site. The key idea is that the turtles are in shallow water, where you can watch them as they pop their heads above the surface as if saying hello.

This is included, and the itinerary frames it as watch and feed turtles from the shallow waters. Because the tour includes snorkel gear and a boat ride style of day, you’ll likely feel close to the action without needing a complicated setup.

Even if you’re not a “wildlife expert,” this stop is easy to understand: look for movement near the shallows, keep your distance, and let the turtles come to you. If you have kids in your group, this is often the moment where everyone forgets their phones for a bit and just stares.

The time is short by design, too. You don’t want a whole day tied up in one spot. The charter structure keeps it flowing—snorkel, animal time, photo time, beach time—so you end with energy left.

Sandy Cay Gilligan’s Island photos and quick sightseeing

About 30 minutes at Sandy Cay is set aside for Gilligan’s Island style sightseeing and photos. Even if you don’t know the show well, this stop is basically a classic Bahamas photo moment: a themed look, a different shoreline feel, and a quick break between animal and beach time.

This time is brief, which can be a good thing. You don’t need long to get the pictures, and you can spend the rest of the day relaxing instead of rushing. If your group includes both people who want photos and people who would rather float, this is a nice compromise stop.

If you’re the one trying to manage a mixed group, I’d use this time to do what you need for your day’s story. Get the wide shots first, then take the portraits, then relax while others take theirs.

Rose Island beach chill: games and unlimited drinks

Back on Rose Island, you get around 30 minutes of beach time, plus the fun extras: games and unlimited drinks. The drinks include both alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, along with sodas/pop.

This is where the open boat vibe pays off. You’ll spend a chunk of your day on the water and then land on a beach where your group can reset. If you’re traveling with kids, this is often the moment where they burn off energy without snorkeling fins or life vests slowing them down.

Games are mentioned, and that’s a small detail that matters when you have a group. It turns the beach segment into a shared experience instead of a solo hangout. If your party is celebrating something, this is also the best window to take group photos and videos without rushing.

One more note: the charter includes Bluetooth music. That means you can bring a playlist that matches your crew’s vibe—birthday energy, chill beach mode, or a family mix—without needing to pass around a speaker on a crowded day.

Harbor tour energy: the in-between moments matter

The overview includes a harbor tour, which usually means you’re not just hopping from one stop to the next. You get some time riding the waters around Nassau and the nearby areas.

That matters because boat time is part of the memory. The ride itself gives you a different perspective than a walking tour, and it’s also when the captain can set the tone—casual cruising when your group wants to relax, or a quicker thrill ride at the safest speed when you want motion and fun.

If you’re deciding between “maximize stops” and “maximize relaxation,” a harbor tour helps you do both. It fills the in-between so the day doesn’t feel like a checklist.

Price and value: how $1,750 for up to 14 really works

The charter price is $1,750 per group for up to 14 people. That pricing model is worth understanding, because it changes who gets the best deal.

For small groups, the value can feel like a luxury—especially if only two or four people are in your party. But for families, multi-generational travel groups, or friend groups of 8–14, the per-person cost drops fast, and you’re paying for privacy, included snorkel equipment, snacks, drinks, and guided animal/photo stops.

Included in the price:

• Snorkeling gear (mask/snorkel/life vest/fins)
• Snacks (chips and cookies)
• Soda/pop plus unlimited alcohol and non-alcohol drinks
• Bluetooth music
• New group photos sent to you

Not included:

• Lunch is usually an additional $20–$25 depending on what you order
• Pig encounter fee is an additional $30 per person

So, what you’re really buying is a structured but flexible day on your own boat, with the big “extras” handled. You’re not paying separately for snorkeling gear, and you’re not paying separately for most of the onboard mood (drinks and music).

If your group plans to order lunch and do the pig encounter, factor in those add-ons. But even with those, the charter model often beats piecing together separate experiences—especially when you want privacy.

What to pack for open-boat snorkeling and beach time

Because the boat is open with no cabin, you’ll want to plan for weather that changes fast near the water. Even on a pleasant day, spray and sun happen.

Here’s the practical approach I’d take:

• Sunscreen and a hat you’re willing to trust on windy water
• Sunglasses with a secure fit
• Swimsuit + quick-dry cover-up for beach transitions
• Water-friendly shoes if you’ll be around wet areas during the pig encounter
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch so you’re not stressed about photos

Since snacks and drinks are included, you don’t need to pack a lot of food. But a small water bottle can be handy if your group likes having extras. Also, because you’ll be in the water for snorkeling and then moving to beach landings, you’ll likely appreciate a simple routine: gear on, rinse attention, and then reset for beach time.

Finally, don’t forget that good weather matters here. If you’re choosing dates, pick a day where you expect clear conditions, even if you’re not the weather-nerd type.

Who this charter fits best

This is ideal if you want:

• A private experience with your own group
• A day that mixes snorkeling, wildlife watching, and beach relaxation
• A celebration vibe, like birthdays or group parties
• A “fun first” itinerary that doesn’t feel overly formal

It also fits cruise passengers who want an alternative to the big ship excursion machine. The meeting point at Paradise Island can make the day feel less complicated than tours that require transfers and long waits.

If you’re traveling as a couple, you can still make it work—just know the pricing is based on group size. If you’re traveling with kids, the mix of activities tends to land well: snorkeling gear is provided, turtle time is quick and exciting, and beach time gives everyone a breather.

The open boat setup may not feel great for travelers who want lots of shade or a fully sheltered ride, but most people can participate if you’re comfortable with sun and being outdoors.

Should you book the Honor Roll private Bahamas boat charter?

I’d book this if your group wants a private boat day in Nassau that actually delivers variety: snorkeling off Rose Island, turtle watching at Green Cay, a themed photo stop, and beach time with games and unlimited drinks. It’s also a strong choice when you’ll have enough people to make the $1,750 group price feel fair.

I’d hesitate only if your group really needs a sheltered, climate-controlled ride, or if nobody is interested in spending time in the water. The open boat is the deal here—so treat it like a full sun-and-spray day.

If you’re the “let’s make it work for us” type of traveler, this charter matches that style. You can keep a schedule, or you can change your mind mid-day and still get a smooth, fun experience.

FAQ

How long is the Honor Roll Private Bahamas boat charter?

The duration is about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the day.

What snorkeling gear is included?

All snorkeling gear is included: mask, snorkel, life vest, and fins.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soda/pop is included, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. It’s usually an additional $20–$25 depending on what you order.

How much does the pig encounter cost?

The pig encounter fee is an additional $30 per person and is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.