Reviewed · SWIM WITH TURTLES

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day

★ 5.0 · 41 reviews Operated by Tevaughn Adventures · Bookable on Viator
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The star of this Nassau outing is the freedom of a private boat. Instead of following a large group from one fixed stop to the next, you sail around New Providence Island with Captain Ted and his crew, stopping for turtles, reef snorkeling, fishing, and beach time. I like the personal touch, and I like that the crew has made young children feel at ease in the water.

I also like the choice of a morning or afternoon departure and the fact that snorkeling gear and non-alcoholic drinks are included. The main consideration is the price: $700 per group, up to six people, is fair for a full boat but less attractive for only one or two people. Boat delays have happened, though the crew kept guests informed and still provided the full four hours.

Key points to know before you book

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - Key points to know before you book

  • Captain Ted brings a personal touch: He explains safety rules, shares information about the island, and has worked patiently with children and first-time swimmers.
  • Four hours gives you room to mix activities: You can snorkel, swim with turtles, fish, visit several locations, and still have time on a beach.
  • The boat is private for your group: This suits families and friends who want a flexible day without strangers sharing their vessel.
  • Rose Island is optional: You can add its beaches, waterfront restaurants, and swimming pigs, but the pig experience costs extra.
  • The $700 price works best for six people: Split evenly, it is about $117 per person. With fewer people, the cost rises quickly.
  • The meeting point needs attention: The stated start is Prince George Wharf 2 on Charlotte Street, while pickup details have also referred to the Margaritaville Pier. Confirm the exact dock before you go.

A private start from Nassau’s waterfront

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - A private start from Nassau’s waterfront

You begin at Prince George Wharf 2, 2 Charlotte Street, Nassau, with pickup offered. Some trip details have also directed people to the Margaritaville Pier, so I would confirm the exact meeting spot with Tevaughn Adventures before setting out. Nassau’s waterfront has several piers close together, and a quick check can save you from starting the day with a hurried walk and a phone call.

The boat is reserved for your own party. That matters more than it may sound. On a shared excursion, the captain must keep to a schedule that works for everyone. Here, your group can spend more time at a favorite stop or move along when the water feels quiet and the beach is calling.

The listed duration is about four hours. You can choose a morning or afternoon sailing, which makes this easy to fit around other Nassau plans. A morning start may leave the rest of the day open. An afternoon trip can work well after a slow breakfast or a morning at your hotel, though your time ashore will pass quickly once swimming and snorkeling begin.

Captain Ted sets the tone

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - Captain Ted sets the tone

Captain Ted is the main personality on this trip. He takes time to explain safety rules and talks with real feeling about New Providence Island. That combination is useful: you get practical guidance before entering the water, along with a local view of the places you pass.

His son has also helped lead outings, and crew member China received a special mention for helping keep a family day safe and enjoyable. Tevaughn is another name connected with the operation. The exact crew can vary, but the consistent point is that the experience has a small, personal feel rather than a polished resort-production style.

That can be a real advantage for families. Captain Ted has helped small children feel comfortable, and he has assisted them with catching fish. If someone in your party is nervous about snorkeling, tell the crew early. The crew’s patient approach may make the difference between sitting on the boat and actually enjoying the water.

Still, this is a boat trip in the open sea, not a controlled pool activity. You should be comfortable taking part in swimming and snorkeling, or at least be prepared to explain your limits. The official information says most people can participate, but it does not promise a specialized program for every mobility or water-access need.

Turtle swimming and reef snorkeling

The heart of the day is time in the water. You can swim with turtles and snorkel over reef areas where colorful fish may appear. One outing reached a reef with five large turtles, rays, and barracudas, which gives you a sense of the wildlife that can be present.

Wildlife is never a guaranteed performance. The captain can choose productive areas, but no responsible boat operator can promise a certain number of turtles or fish on every departure. That is worth keeping in mind if the turtle encounter is the single reason you are booking.

The snorkeling gear is included, as are non-alcoholic drinks. That simplifies the day and means you do not need to arrange equipment separately. The supplied information does not specify the exact gear sizes or style, so anyone with particular equipment needs should ask before departure.

I like the mix of swimming and reef time. You are not expected to spend four straight hours staring through a mask. A few people can snorkel while others relax, then the group can move on to a new stop. That flexibility makes the outing work for mixed-age groups and families with different energy levels.

Barracudas and rays may sound dramatic, but their presence is a reminder to listen carefully to the captain’s instructions. Stay near the area and behavior recommended by the crew. The point is to enjoy the sea life without treating it like a petting attraction.

Fishing adds a useful change of pace

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - Fishing adds a useful change of pace

Fishing has been part of the day for some groups. Captain Ted and his crew have helped children catch fish, which gives younger participants something to do between snorkeling stops. It also breaks up the routine for anyone who tires of swimming.

The available information does not spell out the fishing equipment, target species, or how long the fishing stop lasts. Think of it as an added activity that may fit into the day, not as a dedicated fishing charter. If fishing is central to your plans, ask Tevaughn Adventures what is included before booking.

For a family, this small change can be valuable. Children who are unsure about putting their faces in the water may enjoy fishing from the boat first. After they settle in, they may feel more ready to try a swim or short snorkel.

Beach time keeps the outing relaxed

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - Beach time keeps the outing relaxed

The boat also stops at one or more beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing. This is where the half-day format finds its balance. You get active water time, then a chance to sit on the sand, cool off, and enjoy the setting without rushing straight back to the pier.

Beach conditions can vary, and the provided information does not identify one guaranteed beach for every departure. The captain may choose among available stops based on the day’s plan and conditions. You should treat the beach portion as a flexible part of the private outing rather than a promise of one named shore.

The beach stop is especially useful for a group with mixed interests. One person can swim, another can sunbathe, and a child can take a break from the boat. If you want a full resort-style beach day with loungers, changing rooms, or organized food service, that is not described as part of this experience.

Rose Island and the extra-cost choices

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - Rose Island and the extra-cost choices

Rose Island is an optional direction for the boat. It offers beaches, waterfront restaurants, and a swimming-with-the-pigs experience. The pigs cost extra, so ask about the current price before deciding to add that activity.

This option gives your group more control, but it also makes the final cost less predictable. The $700 base price covers the private excursion, while the pig experience is an additional expense. Food at a waterfront restaurant would also be a separate purchase.

I see Rose Island as a good choice for someone who wants a wider range of activities in one half-day. If your priority is simply turtles, reef fish, and a quiet beach, you may prefer to keep the plan focused on those stops. A private boat makes that choice possible.

What $700 means for your group

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - What $700 means for your group

The price is $700 per group of up to six people. At six, the cost works out to about $117 per person. That is a reasonable split for a private four-hour boat with a captain, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and several possible stops.

For two people, the same boat costs $350 each. For a couple, that may feel steep compared with a shared snorkeling cruise. The value improves as your party grows, especially if you care about privacy, flexible pacing, and the ability to combine several activities without booking separate outings.

You are also paying for convenience. The boat, captain, gear, and basic drinks are arranged in one booking. A group can avoid the awkwardness of dividing up on different excursions, and parents can keep children close instead of managing a large crowd.

The price does not include the optional swimming-with-pigs experience. It also does not state that meals or alcoholic drinks are included. Non-alcoholic drinks are provided, while food at Rose Island restaurants would be an extra purchase.

Timing, weather, and small practical details

Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day - Timing, weather, and small practical details

The trip lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the meeting point. Pickup is offered, but the exact pickup arrangement should be confirmed when you book. The experience is near public transportation, which gives you another way to reach the waterfront if you are not staying nearby.

Boat timing has not always been exact. One group dealt with a late arrival, but the crew stayed in contact and still provided the full four-hour experience. Another outing was delayed but adjusted the plan to include several stops. I would leave some breathing room around the excursion rather than scheduling an airport transfer or another time-sensitive activity immediately afterward.

Weather matters. This experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. That is sensible for a small boat day, but it means you should keep a little flexibility in your Nassau schedule.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local Bahamas time.

Who will enjoy this Nassau boat day

I would put this near the top of the list for a family or group of friends who want several water activities without sharing a boat with strangers. The private setup, patient crew, and choice of swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and beach time give you a good deal of control.

It also suits people who want a local, conversational outing rather than a large commercial cruise. Captain Ted’s safety briefing and island information add substance to the ride, while his attention to children helps make the experience less intimidating for a young family.

It is less suited to a solo visitor or couple focused mainly on saving money. At $700 for the boat, the cost is much easier to justify when six people share it. It may also disappoint anyone seeking a guaranteed wildlife encounter, a formal meal, or a full-day island expedition.

Bring the mindset of a flexible boat day. You will have a plan, but the exact stops and pacing can shift with weather, water conditions, and the group’s needs. That is part of the value of a private trip, but it is also why you should not expect a rigid schedule.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you have a group of up to six and want a private Nassau day that combines turtles, snorkeling, fishing, and a beach stop. The strongest reasons are Captain Ted’s careful approach, the family-friendly help in the water, and the freedom to shape the four hours around your group.

Before paying, confirm the exact pier, ask which stops are planned, and decide if Rose Island or the extra-cost pig experience belongs in your budget. If your group is small and price is the main concern, compare it with a shared boat trip. If privacy and personal attention matter most, the $700 group rate can make good sense.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the boat trip start?

The stated meeting point is Prince George Wharf 2, 2 Charlotte Street, Nassau, The Bahamas. Some pickup information has also referred to the Margaritaville Pier, so confirm the exact dock before departure.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling gear and non-alcoholic drinks are included. The private boat experience costs $700 per group of up to six people.

Can I visit Rose Island?

Rose Island is an available option. Its beaches and waterfront restaurants are part of the possible plan, while the swimming-with-the-pigs experience costs extra.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

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