A private boat in Nassau beats the usual crowd shuffle. This 31-foot Bertram charter lets you mix fishing and snorkeling and steer the day based on what your group wants. You’ll head out from Paradise Island and spend a few hours (or a full one) targeting fish offshore or dropping lines closer to the reef.

I especially like two things: the flexible itinerary and the hands-on crew. Captain Bobo and deckhand Cyrus (and Kiros, with the same helpful vibe) focus on making the experience work for beginners, families, and mixed-age groups, not just seasoned anglers.

One consideration: this is private and priced per group, so if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it may feel steep compared with shared charters. Also, the sea has a vote—good weather matters.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• 31-foot Bertram boat with a bathroom, cooler, and practical gear on board
• Private charter format so you can target offshore fishing or stay near the reef
• Snorkeling equipment included with gear in different sizes
• Fishing tackle and bait included with help from the crew as much as you want
• Family-friendly pace that works even if nobody in your group knows fishing yet
• Real wildlife time with frequent reports of turtles during snorkeling

Private Nassau charter: a day you can actually steer

If your idea of a Bahamas day includes both fish and swimming, this is one of the more sensible ways to get it. The boat runs out of Nassau/Paradise Island waters, and once you meet the captain and deckhand, you talk through what you want to do with your time.

The big win here is that you’re not stuck with a single script. You can choose to spend more of your charter deep offshore (where the water gets deeper and the fishing can change) or spend more time near the reef, then use snorkeling between fishing moments. If your group wants a bit of everything—line, reef, turtles, and some harbor sightseeing—your captain can shape the day around that.

And because it’s private, the “what if we change our minds?” question doesn’t get met with a shrug. In the best moments, your captain will adjust stops based on what’s working that day. One group started offshore about 10 miles out and ended up with seaweed instead of action; the captain then moved them closer to shore with lighter tackle and improved the situation fast.

That kind of adaptability is why this style of charter feels better than “just show up and hope.”

The boat and comfort: more than just a fishing platform

This charter uses a 31-foot (9-meter) Bertram, built for a day on the water rather than a quick trip and back. It’s sized for a small group, so you’re not competing for space, and it’s also equipped for basic comfort.

Here’s what you can count on:

• A bathroom onboard
• A cooler with ice and bottled water included
• Fishing gear and bait provided
• Snorkeling equipment available in a variety of sizes

Even if your main goal is fishing, the bathroom and cooler matter more than you’d think once the day warms up. And if snorkeling is on your list, having proper gear sizes ready is a quiet quality-of-life boost—especially when kids or first-timers are involved.

The boat meets at Carnivale Bahamas at Marina Way in Paradise Island (Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole area), and you return to the same meeting point at the end. That keeps things straightforward for planning around your ship schedule.

Customizing the day: offshore fishing vs. reef snorkeling

Your time on the water is the currency. The charter format is built around spending that time where your group will enjoy it most.

You’ll typically start by talking with the captain about your interests. Then you and your captain plan the flow based on conditions and what’s likely to produce.

Option 1: deep water fishing offshore

If you like the idea of real “fishing time” (dropping lines farther out, more open water), the offshore approach is the way to do it. Several groups reported success with substantial catches, including big excitement for kids and teens who were new to the sport.

The offshore angle can also mean you spend more time focused on the line instead of the surface. If you’re bringing a group with mixed preferences, you can often balance this with snorkeling time later, depending on how the day runs.

Option 2: inshore fishing and lighter tackle

For beginners, “closer in” can be the easier path to feeling successful. One important real-world detail from the experience: when the first offshore attempt didn’t go well and the seaweed was the main problem, the captain adjusted and brought the group closer to shore with lighter tackle—then things improved.

That’s the advantage of having a captain who can tweak strategy instead of forcing everyone through a one-size plan.

Option 3: snorkeling a reef between fishing moments

Snorkeling here isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the charter rhythm. You can go snorkeling at reef sites while you’re in the area, then get back to fishing when you want.

And wildlife shows up on this route. Multiple experiences include sea turtles spotted during snorkeling, plus examples of extra “look what we found” moments like seeing interesting reef creatures. If your group wants photos, this portion is often the best time to slow down and just look.

One practical note: reef snorkeling is more enjoyable when everyone has gear that fits. Since the charter provides snorkel equipment in different sizes, it’s easier to get comfortable fast.

Option 4: beaching or harbor sightseeing

Not every moment has to be fish-focused. Your captain can also work in beaching and sightseeing around the harbor area if that fits your schedule and the day’s conditions.

This is especially helpful for families—one group described their mix as deep sea fishing plus snorkeling and time off the water for chilling. It’s a nice way to keep everyone from feeling like they’re “only” doing one thing for hours.

Crew that helps, not just watches

A private charter lives or dies by the people running it. Here, the crew repeatedly gets praised for being friendly, capable, and willing to teach.

Captain Bobo and Cyrus are named often, and Kiros appears in other accounts as well. Across the stories, the pattern is consistent: the staff helps you fish, and they also help you enjoy the water.

What that looks like in practice:

• They can provide guidance so a beginner can actually catch fish
• They offer support at whatever level your group needs, from “teach me from zero” to “I know the basics, point me where to go”
• They keep the day moving at a pace that doesn’t feel chaotic

If you’re bringing kids or a group of first-timers, this matters. Fishing trips can turn frustrating when nobody explains what to do or when expectations clash with reality. Here, the captain and deckhand adjust to the group and to what the sea gives you that day.

And because you’re private, you can ask questions without feeling like you’re interrupting a crowded schedule.

What you’ll catch and what you’ll see

Let’s talk outcomes without selling fantasy.

Fishing success can vary with weather, water, and location. Still, the results reported are strong: groups mention catching multiple fish, sometimes many, and even highlights like tuna. More than one family described catching fish in large enough numbers to make the day feel like a real win.

Snorkeling outcomes also tend to land well. Several accounts include turtles, plus good reef viewing and the sense that the captain picked sensible places to stop.

One more real bonus: some groups arrange to have their catch cooked locally. Food isn’t listed as included by default, but if you see a chance to make that happen, it’s worth asking your crew whether local options exist for your timing. At the very least, you’ll leave with the catch story and the sea time.

How long should you book: 4 hours or a full day?

The charter is available for about 4 hours (the standard listed duration) and also as an option for a longer half-day or full-day style charter. In practice, the “right” choice depends on how you want to split the day between fishing effort and snorkeling time.

If you want maximum action with minimal planning: 4 hours

A shorter charter often works best when:

• You’re in port and want a clean, focused activity
• Your group includes kids who need a clear end time
• You want fishing plus at least one solid snorkeling stop

If you want more flexibility: go longer

A longer charter helps when:

• You want more time for multiple fishing attempts
• You’d like a slower pace with more time in the water
• Your group wants a bit of beach time or more harbor sightseeing

Because your captain adjusts the route to your preferences, adding time can translate into more chances to try both offshore and reef-style stops.

Value and pricing: does $825 per group make sense?

The price shown is $825.00 per group. The boat can take up to six guests, so the value tends to improve when you share the cost across a full group.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

• If you can fill a small group, you’re paying for privacy, flexibility, and included equipment.
• If you’re traveling as just one or two people, you’re paying more per person, and that’s when shared charters might look cheaper on paper.

What makes this feel like decent value (when it’s a good fit) is that you’re not paying extra for the essentials:

• snorkeling gear is included
• bait and fishing equipment are included
• water and ice are included
• it’s private, so you’re not locked into a fixed group schedule

Also, when you bring beginners, the “crew helps you catch fish” factor can be worth a lot. The time savings of getting guidance in the moment beats struggling on your own.

Meeting point and timing: keep it simple

You start at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, at the Sterling Marina / Hurricane Hole area, and you’re done back at the meeting point.

If you’re on a cruise ship, you’ll need to share your ship name and key times like docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time. That’s important for you, because your captain’s day is built around your windows.

Because hotel pickup isn’t included, plan to get yourself to the marina on your own.

Weather matters: plan for the sea’s mood

This charter requires good weather. That means if conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

It’s a good reminder to keep your day flexible. If you’re booking this as your one “must-do” in Nassau, consider how much you can move around if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Who this charter is best for

This is a strong match for:

• Families with teens and kids who want both fishing and snorkeling
• Beginners who need a captain and deckhand to explain and adjust
• Mixed groups where not everyone wants the same thing the whole time
• Anyone who wants wildlife time—especially turtles—without giving up the chance to fish

It may be less ideal if:

• Your group only wants one activity and dislikes the idea of switching between fishing and snorkeling
• You’re cost-sensitive and traveling solo or as a small couple

Should you book Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels tailored, not scheduled. The combination of a private 31-foot Bertram, included snorkel gear, included bait/tackle, and a crew that can adapt for beginners is the core reason this works.

If your group is small, do the math on the per-group cost versus your personal value of privacy and guidance. And if you’re the type who gets irritated by weather uncertainty, remember the sea has veto power here—but the refund/alternate-date safety net makes that risk manageable.

FAQ

FAQ

What does the charter include for fishing and snorkeling?

The charter includes all necessary fishing equipment, bait and tackle, and the use of snorkeling equipment (with gear available in a variety of sizes), plus bottled water and ice.

How many people can go on the 31-foot Bertram?

The boat can take up to six guests for a private charter within the Nassau vicinity.

Where do we meet, and do we return there?

You start at Carnivale Bahamas at 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island (Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole), and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

You can book for about 4 hours, and there is also an option to book for a longer charter (half or full-day style is offered).

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water and ice are included. Food and drinks are not included unless specified.

Can I cancel, and what’s the cutoff?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.