Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau – 31ft Sitting Pretty

A private Nassau charter lets you set the rhythm: fish offshore, switch to lighter inshore tackle, snorkel a reef, or simply cruise past the harbor and stop for a swim. The 31-foot Bertram carries up to six, with a bathroom, cooler, bottled water, fishing gear, and snorkel equipment aboard. Guides including Captain Bobo and Cyrus have helped beginners catch fish and find turtles.

I like the true private format, since your group does not have to follow a fixed route or share the boat with strangers. I also like the easy mix of fishing and snorkeling. Families have caught tuna and other fish, then explored reefs and spotted turtles on the same four-hour outing.

The main consideration is the price: $825 per group, listed for up to one group, so it makes much more sense when six people share it. Fishing success and sea conditions can vary, and an offshore run may produce less than a closer inshore session.

Key points to know before you book

• A 31-foot Bertram carries up to six people, giving a small group room to fish, snorkel, and move around without the feel of a crowded excursion boat.
• You choose the plan with the captain, including offshore fishing, inshore fishing, reef snorkeling, beach time, turtle spotting, harbor sightseeing, or a blend of several options.
• Captain Bobo and Cyrus are names to look for, though the assigned crew may vary. Captain Bo and Kiros are also mentioned as helpful fishing and snorkeling guides.
• Beginners fit this trip well, with bait, tackle, and instruction provided. One family member caught a first fish without help.
• The four-hour charter is a sampler, while the eight-hour option gives you more time to combine fishing with snorkeling and an island stop.
• Bring your own food if needed, since bottled water and ice are included, but meals and other drinks are not.

Starting at Paradise Island’s Sterling Marina

You meet the boat at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, at Sterling Marina in Hurricane Hole. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina and allow enough time to arrive before departure.

The setting makes sense for this kind of trip. You are already near the water and close to Nassau’s harbor, so the charter can move quickly into its chosen activity instead of spending much of the morning on a long transfer. The end point is the same marina, which keeps the outing simple for a cruise-day schedule or a stay on New Providence Island.

At boarding, you talk with the captain about what you want from the four or eight hours. This conversation matters. You might have one person focused on catching fish, another hoping to snorkel, and children who would rather swim or see turtles. The captain can shape the route around those priorities instead of treating the group as one fixed audience.

If you are arriving from a cruise ship, provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when you book. That information helps the operator judge whether the charter fits your port schedule. You still need to protect your return time, since the boat must get back to the marina before you reboard.

A private boat made for mixed interests

The 31-foot Bertram is the heart of the experience. It is large enough for up to six people and includes a bathroom, a practical benefit on a four or eight-hour trip. The boat is also equipped with fishing bait and tackle, snorkel gear in several sizes, a cooler with ice, and bottled water.

That equipment list keeps the day easy. You do not need to pack fishing rods or purchase snorkel gear separately. You should still bring anything you want to eat, along with sun protection and suitable swimwear, since food and drinks beyond the supplied water are not included.

The private setup is especially useful for families and groups with different energy levels. You can spend part of the morning fishing, then ask to stop snorkeling. You can also stay inshore if the group prefers a calmer, more relaxed outing. The captain is there to suggest stops and help as much as you need, but the choices remain yours.

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a set commentary schedule. It is a working charter where the captain’s local judgment helps decide where your time is best spent. That makes the plan flexible, though it also means you should arrive with a general idea of your priorities.

Fishing from offshore water to lighter inshore spots

Fishing is the main reason to book this boat, and the charter gives you more than one way to do it. You can head into deeper offshore water, try inshore fishing closer to land, or change plans if the first approach is not producing.

On one reported half-day outing, the group went about 10 miles offshore and found mainly seaweed before moving closer to shore with lighter tackle. That detail is worth keeping in mind. A private charter gives you room to adjust, but no captain can promise a particular catch or steady action throughout the trip.

The shift to lighter tackle may suit beginners and children better. It can also make the fishing feel more active when offshore conditions are quiet. The crew provides bait and tackle, then offers instruction based on your level. You do not need prior fishing experience, and the trip can work well if only one or two people in your group have fished before.

The catches described from different outings include tuna and large amounts of smaller fish. One group caught three tuna, while another caught 29 fish during a longer combination of fishing and snorkeling. Those numbers show the possible range, not a guarantee. Fishing depends on the weather, the chosen water, the season, and simple luck.

I like that the crew does not treat fishing as an all-or-nothing activity. If the offshore action is slow, you can ask about an inshore option, snorkeling, or a stop near an island. That flexibility gives a four-hour charter a better chance of feeling worthwhile even when the fish are not cooperating.

If you hope to eat what you catch, ask the captain about the day’s options. Groups have taken their fresh catch to a nearby restaurant, including Margaritaville’s restaurant and a location at Rose Island, for cooking. The supplied details do not include a meal or cooking fee, so plan to pay separately and confirm the arrangement with the crew.

Reef snorkeling, turtles, and small underwater finds

Snorkeling is the strongest second act to the fishing. The crew provides masks and snorkels in a range of sizes, so families do not need to rent equipment before boarding. You can use the boat to reach a reef, then spend time in the water while the crew helps point out marine life.

The underwater stops can include schools of fish and sea turtles. Some outings have also included a spider crab in the reef. These are the kinds of details that make a short snorkel stop feel like more than a quick swim, especially for children who may lose interest during a long fishing session.

The exact snorkeling site is not fixed in the information provided, and conditions can affect visibility and comfort. Your captain chooses stops according to the day, your interests, and the time available. That is useful, but it means you should not book this as a guaranteed turtle encounter or a specific reef tour.

You can also treat snorkeling as a break from fishing rather than a separate main event. On a four-hour charter, the captain may need to balance travel time, fishing, and water time. Tell the crew early if snorkeling is a major goal. If you want several fishing areas plus a longer swim, the eight-hour version gives the schedule more breathing room.

Families seem particularly well matched to this combination. One person can fish while another snorkels, then everyone can regroup for a boat ride or a beach stop. The crew’s assistance also helps if you are new to either activity, though adults remain responsible for supervising children in the water.

Beach time, turtles, and harbor sightseeing

Your captain can add beaching, swimming, or sightseeing around the harbor. These options help turn the charter into a general Nassau water outing rather than a narrow fishing trip.

A beach stop can be a good reset after time with a fishing rod. It gives you a chance to stretch, swim, and enjoy the island setting without rushing from one activity to another. The supplied details do not name a guaranteed beach or promise a specific amount of shore time, so ask the captain what fits your route before you leave the marina.

Turtle sightings have been part of some outings, particularly around snorkeling and island stops. Again, treat this as a possibility rather than a scheduled feature. Nature sets the timetable here.

Harbor sightseeing works best for groups that want a gentler day. You can see more of the Nassau area from the water without committing every minute to fishing. This option may suit a mixed-age family, a group with a non-fisher, or anyone who wants a private boat ride with several choices.

The private format gives these stops more value. You can spend less time on an activity that is not working and more time on the part your group enjoys. That freedom is the main difference between this charter and a shared excursion with a fixed sequence.

How four hours compares with eight

The four-hour option is enough for a focused outing. You can fish, add a reef snorkel, and perhaps fit in a short swim or sightseeing stop. It is also easier to place into a cruise port day or a busy Nassau vacation schedule.

The short charter requires choices. If your group wants serious offshore fishing, several fishing areas, snorkeling, turtle spotting, and beach time, four hours may feel tight once travel between stops is counted. Ask the captain to help set priorities before departure.

The eight-hour option is better for a full day on the water. You can give fishing a proper try, switch to inshore water if needed, stop to snorkel, and take time for an island or beach break without watching the clock every few minutes.

The longer trip also spreads out the risk of a slow fishing period. If one location is quiet, there is more time to change tactics. It costs more overall, of course, so the value depends on how much your group wants to fish and whether everyone will use the extra hours.

For a first outing with young children or mixed interests, I would start with four hours. For a group of committed fishers who also want snorkeling and a fresh-catch meal, eight hours makes more sense.

What the $825 price really means

At $825 per group, this is not a cheap casual boat ride. The price covers a private charter, a local guide, fishing equipment, bait and tackle, snorkel equipment, bottled water, and ice. The boat can carry up to six people, so six friends or family members would pay about $137.50 each before any food or additional expenses.

That per-person figure makes the charter easier to compare with shared fishing trips. You are paying for privacy, control of the schedule, and the chance to combine several activities without buying separate excursions. A smaller group of two or three people will pay more per person, but may still value the private setting and direct help from the captain.

Food and drinks are not included beyond bottled water and ice. If you want your catch prepared at a restaurant, budget for that separately and ask the crew about the plan. Hotel transfers are also outside the price.

The rating is listed at 4.9 from 92 reviews, with 98 percent recommending the experience. Those figures point to a consistently strong outing, but they should not change your expectations about weather or fishing. The most praised elements are the crew’s help, the boat’s condition, the ability to customize the day, and the mix of fish, snorkel, and turtle stops.

Who will enjoy this Nassau charter most

I would consider this a strong match for:

• Families with children or teens who need more than one activity
• First-time fishers who want hands-on help
• Small groups that want a boat to themselves
• Experienced fishers who prefer a private captain and flexible route
• Cruise passengers with a carefully planned port day
• Groups that want to combine fishing with reef snorkeling

It may be less suitable if you want a guaranteed catch, a fixed sightseeing itinerary, or an all-inclusive meal. It is also not the right choice if your group dislikes making choices during the day. The captain can suggest a plan, but your input shapes the trip.

The crew names associated with successful outings include Captain Bobo, Captain Bo, Cyrus, Kiros, and Freddie. Crew assignments can vary, so do not assume a particular person will be aboard unless the operator confirms it. The common thread is hands-on help, safety-minded guidance, and a willingness to change the plan when conditions or group interests call for it.

Practical details to settle before departure

Confirmation is provided when you book. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Most people can participate, but you should consider your group’s comfort with boat travel, fishing, and swimming before reserving. Snorkel gear is available, but the operator does not list special accessibility arrangements, so ask directly if anyone in your group needs specific assistance.

Bring food if you want a meal during the charter. Pack sun protection and a change of dry clothing, though the supplied information does not list a formal packing list. Since the boat has a cooler with ice and water, you have a useful place for permitted drinks and snacks.

Should you book Sitting Pretty?

Book this charter if you want a private Nassau day that can shift between fishing, reef snorkeling, turtles, swimming, beach time, and harbor views. The best reason to choose it is not a promised catch. It is the ability to change course when your group’s interests or the sea conditions change.

For six people, the $825 group price can be fair, especially when you compare it with separate fishing and snorkeling outings. For two people, the cost is harder to justify unless privacy and personal attention matter a great deal.

Choose four hours for a compact family outing or cruise-day plan. Choose eight hours if fishing is the main goal and you want enough time for snorkeling and an island stop. If you accept that catches and wildlife sightings are never certain, this is a flexible, well-equipped way to get beyond Nassau’s shore for a personal day on the water.

FAQ

How many people can join the private charter?

The 31-foot Bertram can take up to six people. The experience is private, so only your group participates.

How long does the charter last?

You can book either a four-hour or eight-hour charter.

What activities can I choose?

Options include offshore fishing, inshore fishing, reef snorkeling, beaching, swimming, turtle spotting, and sightseeing around Nassau’s harbor. You can discuss the plan with the captain after boarding.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Bait and all necessary fishing equipment are included. Snorkel equipment in several sizes is also provided.

Is food included?

No. Bottled water and ice are included, but food and other drinks are not. If you want your catch cooked at a restaurant, arrange and pay for that separately.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.