Private Snorkeling And Fishing Activity

Rose Island is the star of this private four-hour boat trip. You leave Nassau by speedboat for three or four uninhabited islands, where the plan can shift between coral reefs, empty beaches, light-tackle fishing, and spear fishing for lobster or grouper.

I like the custom schedule and the fact that your group gets its own boat. I also like the practical setup: shade, room to spread out, snorkeling gear, fishing gear, bait, water, and soft drinks are all included. The main drawback is the price. At $850 per group, it is a strong value for a full group of eight, but expensive for only two or three people.

Quick reasons to consider this trip

• Three or four uninhabited islands: You get more than a single reef stop, with time for beaches and quiet coves around Rose Island.
• Fishing and snorkeling in one outing: Choose light tackle for yellowtail snapper and triggerfish, or ask about spear fishing for lobster and grouper.
• A private boat for up to eight people: Your group does not have to follow a fixed public-tour schedule.
• A flexible plan for mixed abilities: The crew can adjust the day to suit families, older relatives, confident swimmers, and beginners.
• Captain Jason, Jason, Eddie, and Jim: These crew names appear in the experience details and feedback, with special praise for helping older passengers and finding good fishing areas.
• Useful inclusions: Snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, bait, bottled water, and soda are supplied. Lunch is available for an added $25.

Leaving Nassau for Rose Island

The trip begins at Colours of The Bahamas in Nassau and ends back at the same meeting point. From there, you travel by speedboat toward isolated areas off Rose Island. The boat is a large center console with shade and enough room for a family or small group to sit comfortably between activities.

That boat matters. A private trip is not only about privacy. It also gives you more control over the pace. If one person wants to snorkel longer, another wants to fish, and someone else would rather sit in the shade, the captain can shape the outing around those needs instead of keeping everyone on a rigid timetable.

The ride out is part of the appeal, but it can also be a consideration. A speedboat gets you away from Nassau and toward quieter water within a four-hour window, yet the ride may feel lively on the open water. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, use the time before departure to prepare, although the tour details do not specify motion-sickness supplies.

The tour is private, but the group limit is eight people. That is a good size for a family or a group of friends. At full capacity, the price works out to about $106 per person. With four people, it is $212.50 each, and with two people, it becomes a much bigger spend. I would look at the total price as a boat charter, not as an inexpensive shore excursion.

Snorkeling over untouched coral reefs

The snorkeling stops are in isolated areas near Rose Island, with coral reefs described as untouched and full of fish and turtles. You should expect bright coral, plenty of marine life, and water suited to snorkelers of different ability levels.

The important point is flexibility. You are not being sold a single, fixed reef stop where everyone must enter the water at once. The crew can choose areas that fit your group’s comfort and ability. That helps if a confident swimmer and a first-time snorkeler are sharing the boat.

The snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack masks, snorkels, or fins. Still, bring the personal items that make a water day easier: swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any prescription items you need. The provided information confirms water and soda, but it does not promise a full meal, dry clothing, or personal sunscreen.

You may also see turtles, which adds a special touch to the reef time. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the amount of marine life can change with conditions. The promise here is access to coral reefs with fish and turtles, not a fixed wildlife show.

For families, the private format is especially useful. A parent can stay close to a young swimmer, an older person can remain aboard, and stronger swimmers can spend more time in the water. The tour is described as suitable for most people, but anyone who cannot swim or enter the water without assistance should discuss needs with the operator before booking.

Fishing for snapper, triggerfish, lobster, and grouper

Fishing gives the trip a second purpose beyond seeing the reef. The standard light-tackle option focuses on yellowtail snapper and triggerfish. If your group wants a more hands-on challenge, spear fishing may be available for lobster and grouper.

This is not presented as a long offshore fishing charter with heavy equipment and a promise of a large catch. It is a short island outing where fishing fits alongside snorkeling and beach time. That makes it a better choice for a mixed group than a trip devoted only to fishing.

The supplied gear and bait keep things simple. You do not need to arrange tackle separately or carry bait from Nassau. Ask at the start how much time the group wants to give fishing, since a four-hour trip can pass quickly once boat travel, snorkeling, beach stops, and changing activities are included.

Catch is never certain, but the chance to leave with snapper, grouper, or lobster adds a memorable goal. Spear fishing also requires comfort in the water and close attention to the crew’s instructions. The tour information does not spell out local fishing rules, cleaning, or cooking arrangements, so ask the operator what happens to any catch before you set out.

The strongest practical advice is to tell the captain what your group wants right away. If fishing is the priority, say so. If the children are eager to snorkel or someone in the group has never used a mask, mention that too. The trip is customized, but the captain can only tailor it when you explain your priorities.

Beaches with room to breathe

The islands near Rose Island are uninhabited, and their beaches are presented as a major part of the day. You get a break from Nassau’s busy waterfront and a chance to spend time on sand without a resort crowd around you.

The beaches are not simply a backdrop between activities. They give non-swimmers something to enjoy and provide a useful pause after time in the water. A family can spread out, walk along the shore, or relax under the boat’s shade before deciding what comes next.

The word uninhabited also tells you what not to expect. There are no stated beach facilities, restaurants, changing rooms, or shops on these islands. Pack with that in mind. Water and soft drinks are supplied, but the tour does not list towels, meals, or restroom facilities.

Lunch can be purchased for $25. That is a useful option for a four-hour outing, especially if you are planning to spend the whole morning or afternoon on the water. The details do not say exactly what the lunch includes, so ask before departure if you have allergies or particular dietary needs.

A crew that adjusts to your group

Island Time Charters uses different crew members, including Captain Jason, his son Jason, Eddie, and Jim. Captain Jason and Jason received particular praise for helping passengers aged 90 and 86 get on and off the boat. That detail matters more than a generic claim that the tour suits all ages.

It suggests a hands-on approach at the boat, but you should still share mobility needs before booking. The information confirms that most people can participate and that service animals are allowed. It does not provide detailed information about an accessible boat, a lift, steps, or an accessible restroom.

Eddie and Jim were also credited with finding good fishing spots and taking a group to a beautiful uninhabited island. Another useful detail from that outing was the decision to snorkel after other boats had left the area. A private charter can sometimes give you that kind of timing advantage, though it is not a guarantee of an empty reef every day.

I like the human scale here. You are not joining a large boat where a guide has to deliver the same script to everyone. The crew can talk with your group, help with equipment, and adjust the balance between fishing, snorkeling, and beach time. That personal service is one of the main reasons to consider paying for a private charter.

What the $850 price really buys

The listed cost is $850 per group of up to eight. For a full group, that is a reasonable way to buy a private half-day on the water. You are paying for the boat, crew, fuel and travel time, gear, bait, drinks, and the ability to shape the day around your group.

At two people, the cost is much harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility are your top priorities. At six to eight people, the per-person figure becomes far more attractive than the headline total suggests. Before booking, gather the whole group and divide the price fairly so there are no surprises.

The value also depends on how actively you use the four hours. A group that wants snorkeling, fishing, beaches, and a private boat will get more from the charter than a group that only wants a short swim. Tell the captain your must-do activity and your second choice. That helps protect the time that matters most.

Water, soda, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, and bait are included. Rum punch or beer can be added to the cooler, according to the tour details. Since alcohol is optional, you can keep the day family-focused or ask for those additions if they suit your group.

Lunch costs an additional $25. The activity does not say whether that price is per person or for the group, so confirm the charge before adding it. The same applies to any special requests beyond the stated inclusions.

Timing, meeting point, and weather

The activity lasts about four hours and starts at Colours of The Bahamas, listed at 3MH4+M84 in Nassau. You return to the same meeting point at the end, which makes the plan fairly simple if you are staying in Nassau.

The tour is also useful for people building a private day around other plans, but leave enough room for the boat trip to finish before arranging anything time-sensitive. The experience is weather dependent. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so pay attention to the Bahamas time zone when making changes.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives at booking. The activity is near public transportation, though no particular route or transfer service is specified. You will need to make your own way to the meeting point unless you arrange something separately with the operator.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this for a family or friend group that wants several Bahamian activities in one private outing. It suits people who do not want to spend a full day on a fishing boat, but still want a real chance to catch fish or try spear fishing.

It is also a good match for groups with different energy levels. Strong swimmers can snorkel, fishing fans can work the gear, and someone who prefers dry land can enjoy the beach or sit under the boat’s shade.

The trip may not suit you if you want a guaranteed catch, a large meal, a long fishing session, or a detailed sightseeing cruise around Nassau. It is also not the cheapest choice for a couple. In that case, compare the cost with other private charters before committing.

Families should discuss swimming ability and mobility needs in advance. Most people can participate, service animals are allowed, and the crew has helped very old passengers aboard, but the available information does not confirm step-free boarding or specialized accessibility equipment.

Should you book the Rose Island charter?

Book it if you have a group of four to eight and want a private, flexible day that combines reefs, empty beaches, and fishing. The strongest reasons are the customized schedule, the space of a private center-console boat, and the chance to choose between light tackle and spear fishing.

Think twice if you are traveling as a pair, need a guaranteed fish catch, or want a fixed lunch and full facilities at every stop. For a full group, the $850 price makes sense. For a small group, it is a premium purchase.

If you do book, tell Island Time Charters before departure how your group wants to divide the four hours. Ask about lunch, any catch you hope to keep, and boarding needs. Arrive ready for a water day, and let the captain know early if snorkeling, fishing, or the uninhabited islands are your top priority.

FAQ

How long is the private snorkeling and fishing activity?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Colours of The Bahamas, located at 3MH4+M84 in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The price covers one private group of up to eight people.

What activities are included?

You can snorkel, fish with light tackle, or ask about spear fishing for lobster and grouper. The itinerary also includes visits to three or four uninhabited tropical islands.

What fish can you target with light tackle?

The light-tackle fishing focuses on yellowtail snapper and triggerfish.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are fishing gear and bait included?

Yes. Fishing gear and bait are included.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and soda are included. Rum punch or beer can be added to the cooler.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor-weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.