Choose your own fish-and-snorkel plan. This private Nassau charter on a 31-foot Bertram boat lets you steer the day with your Captain and crew, mixing offshore fishing or reef snorkeling as you like. I love the hands-on feel—when Capt. Bobo and Cyrus (and also Kiros, per past guests) talk you through what to do, it feels simple even if you’re new to either activity. I also like the practical setup onboard: snorkeling gear in different sizes, bait and tackle, and a bathroom on the boat.

One thing to plan around: food isn’t included (bottled water and ice are), so you’ll want to bring snacks or make arrangements if your charter runs long.

Key things that make this Nassau charter worth your time

• A 31-foot Bertram means you’re on a proper fishing boat, not a crowded catamaran
• Your itinerary is flexible: offshore lines or closer-to-reef snorkeling between catches
• Gear is included: snorkeling equipment plus all necessary fishing equipment
• Beginner-friendly support: the crew offers as much help as you want
• Spot-swapping is part of the plan when bites or conditions change

A 31-foot Bertram charter: why that size matters in Nassau

Nassau water can be calm and clear one minute, and change its mood the next. What I like about this setup is that you’re on a 31-foot Bertram, sized for a private group of up to six. That usually translates to quicker decisions and less waiting around than larger tours.

You’ll board in the Nassau/Paradise Island area at Carnivale Bahamas (1 Marina Way, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole). Once you’re on, you meet your crew and talk through what you want most. Do you want action on the fishing line, a relaxed reef snorkel session, or a mix of both? This is not a fixed script.

And yes, it’s designed for all experience levels. In the past, families have gone out with kids who had never fished before, then gotten fish with help from the crew.

Half-day or longer: how to choose 4 hours vs 8 hours

This charter gives you an easy choice: a four-hour trip or a longer eight-hour charter. Both can work well, but the timing changes how you experience the day.

• If you choose the shorter option, you’ll likely do fewer stop changes. That’s great if you want fishing first, or snorkeling first, without the day stretching too long.
• If you choose the full-day option, you’re more likely to bounce between offshore and inshore/reef areas, depending on what’s happening and what your group wants.

In practical terms: a 4-hour trip fits well if you’re on a cruise day or you want a focused experience. An 8-hour charter fits well if your group includes both serious fishers and people who just want time in the water watching turtles and reef life.

Onboard comfort: bathroom, cooler, and gear that actually helps

This boat isn’t just for show. You get real, useful onboard basics:

• A bathroom on board, which makes a big difference during longer stretches
• A cooler with ice and bottled water
• Snorkel gear in a variety of sizes (so you’re not stuck with one “assumed” fit)
• Fishing tackle and bait, plus what you need to get started

That gear list matters because it reduces the pre-trip stress. You’re not spending half your morning hunting down snorkel equipment or guessing whether you packed the right stuff.

Also, the staff can offer as much assistance as you need. That’s especially important for beginners. One family described how they went out offshore first, didn’t get much, and the captain adjusted the plan. That kind of flexibility is what helps first-timers avoid feeling stuck.

How the captain builds the day: fishing offshore vs snorkeling the reef

Here’s the key idea: you’re not choosing only one activity. You and your captain can plan how to use your allotted time—deep-water fishing if you want the challenge, or shallower areas if snorkeling and seeing sea life are the priority.

Offshore fishing option

If your group wants deep-sea action, you’ll head farther offshore and drop lines in deeper water. Past experiences include families landing impressive catches like tunas, and groups reporting lots of fish during their time out.

Reef-and-snorkel option

If you’d rather trade pressure for scenery, you can stay closer to the reef and snorkel in between catches. Past trips included turtles you can actually see up close while you’re in the water, plus other reef sightings like spider crabs.

This is also a good choice if you’ve got mixed ages in the group. Kids may be more excited about snorkeling and sea life, while adults focus on fishing. The captain’s job is to keep both interests covered without forcing everyone to suffer through one long stretch.

What you might see: turtles, schooling fish, and reef critters

Let’s talk about the “wow” factor that people remember after they get back on land.

Snorkeling has been a standout on these charters. Guests have reported seeing turtles during the snorkel breaks, including situations where the turtles were visible during active time in the water, not just at a distance.

Fishing trips have produced plenty of fish as well—some groups described getting dozens of fish in a session. If you’re hoping for something more than just a couple of bites, that expectation is realistic on this type of private charter because the crew can suggest stops and help you work the right areas.

And if you like little surprises, you may spot reef critters. One account mentioned a spider crab pointed out in the reef. That’s the kind of thing that turns snorkeling from a checkbox into a story you’ll tell later.

Families and first-timers: why this charter works well with kids

If your group includes kids, this trip makes sense because it’s private and you can ask for exactly the support you want.

A few patterns show up in the experiences people described:

• Beginner fishers got help so they could land fish without feeling helpless
• Family groups kept moving through different activities instead of being stuck on one thing all day
• People felt safe the whole time, thanks to the captain and deckhand staying attentive

One family even described how the wife caught her first fish unassisted. That’s a perfect example of how the “as much assistance as you need” promise plays out in real life.

So if you’ve got teens who want to try fishing seriously and younger kids who want to snorkel and swim, the flexibility of this charter is a big advantage.

Value and price: what $825 per group means for a private day

The price shown is $825 per group (up to 1, as listed). At the same time, the boat can take up to six guests, so you’ll want to double-check how many people your booking counts toward that price.

Now, here’s how I’d think about value:

• If you’re traveling as a small group, you’re paying for privacy and control. You’re not splitting your attention among a crowd.
• You’re getting included snorkeling equipment, all fishing equipment, bottled water and ice, and a bathroom onboard.
• You’re also paying for the captain’s ability to adjust the day—switching stops and balancing fishing with snorkeling based on what your group wants.

If you compare that to a typical shared tour, the main value isn’t just “you get a boat.” It’s that the captain can steer the day around your group’s interests, rather than the other way around.

And if you want to turn your catch into a meal, some guests arranged to have fish cooked after the trip. One example mentioned having their catch prepared at Rose Island, and another noted bringing fish to a nearby restaurant area for lunch. You can’t assume this is part of the charter, but it’s a nice option if it fits your plans.

Getting there and staying on schedule in Paradise Island

This is a point-to-point charter. There’s no hotel pickup and drop-off included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the marina.

The meeting point is:

Carnivale Bahamas

1 Marina Way, Paradise Island

Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas

Your activity ends back at the meeting point. If you’re arriving on a cruise, you’ll also need to provide cruise ship details at booking time, including ship name and key docking/re-boarding times.

That might sound like paperwork, but it matters for a smooth day. A private charter runs on a clock, and getting everyone on board on time is part of why the day feels efficient.

Weather and water time: plan for flexibility

This experience requires good weather. That’s not a minor note—it’s the difference between a great day and a cancelled one.

If conditions are poor, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund. My practical advice: treat this like a “best conditions” activity. If you have multiple days in Nassau, booking a day when the forecast looks friendlier gives you a better chance of getting everything you want—fishing, snorkeling, and that turtle time.

Who should book this Nassau charter?

Book it if:

• You want a private day in Nassau waters with up to six people
• You’re choosing between fishing and snorkeling and you don’t want to sacrifice one
• Your group includes mixed interests (kids or first-timers plus experienced anglers)
• You’d rather have a crew adjust stops than follow a rigid itinerary

Skip it if:

• You’re hoping for food to be included without planning
• You don’t want to handle getting yourself to the marina (no pickup)

Quick tips to get a better day (without overthinking it)

You’ll get the best results by treating the captain’s plan as a conversation, not a lecture. When you meet the crew, be direct about what matters most:

• If you care about fish, say so early.
• If you care about snorkeling and turtles, say that too.
• If your group is new, ask for hands-on help with line setup and snorkeling comfort.

That approach matches how these charters tend to work: the crew suggests stops and can assist you as much as you need. When offshore fishing doesn’t produce, the plan can shift to keep the day productive and fun.

Should you book this private Nassau fishing and snorkeling charter?

I think it’s a strong choice if you want a flexible, private day at sea rather than a crowded tour. The combo of 31-foot Bertram comfort, included gear, and a captain who can balance deep-water fishing with reef snorkeling is exactly what makes this kind of charter valuable—especially for families and first-timers.

If you’re okay handling snacks and getting yourself to the marina, you’ll likely enjoy how much control you have over the day’s focus.

FAQ

FAQ

How many people can be on the boat?

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

How long is the charter?

You can book for about four hours or for up to eight hours.

What snorkeling gear and fishing equipment are provided?

You get use of snorkeling equipment (in a variety of sizes), plus all necessary fishing equipment. Bait and tackle are provided as well.

Is food included on the trip?

No. Bottled water and ice are included, but food and other drinks are not included unless specified.

Where do we meet for the charter?

You meet at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Is this only for my group?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.