A private boat day off Nassau can feel like cheating—in a good way. You get a 31-foot Bertram charter you can steer toward fishing or snorkeling, with Captain Bobo and crew members like Cyrus and Kiros helping you make the most of every hour. I especially like how easy it is to customize the day once you’re on board, and how beginner-friendly it feels when someone else handles the know-how. One thing to keep in mind: this experience depends on good weather, so plan for a little flexibility in your schedule.

What makes this charter click is the mix of choices. You can fish offshore in deeper water, stay closer to reefs and try snorkeling between catches, or shift gears into inshore fishing, beaching, or simple harbor sightseeing. The boat setup helps too: a bathroom on board, a cooler with ice and bottled water, and snorkeling gear available in a range of sizes. A possible drawback: if you pick the half-day option, the day can feel fast—great when you want action, but it’s not a lot of margin to redo a slow start.

If you’re looking for a private, small-group outing that treats beginners like real people (not “just watch and hope”), this is a strong bet. With 98% recommended and an average 4.9 rating from 92 reviews, it’s clearly a popular way to spend a Nassau morning or afternoon. Just remember: you’ll be out on the water, and rough conditions can affect plans.

Key things to know before you go

• Private 31ft Bertram for up to six in the Nassau area, so the captain can adjust fast
• Choose the vibe: deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, snorkeling, beach time, or harbor sightseeing
• Gear is handled with snorkeling equipment and all necessary fishing tackle included
• Crew support is a big part of the experience, and names like Captain Bobo, Cyrus, Kiros, and Freddie come up often
• On-board comfort includes a bathroom plus a cooler with ice and bottled water
• Half-day or full-day options let you match your energy level and budget

Getting on the 31ft Sitting Pretty: where to meet and what’s aboard

This is a true private charter, not a shared excursion. Your boat is a 31-foot Bertram called Sitting Pretty, and it operates right within the Nassau vicinity. You’ll start at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island (Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole). The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to worry about strange drop-offs.

Once you’re aboard, the boat setup makes it feel like a real day on the water instead of a quick grab-and-go. You’ll have:

• Snorkeling gear in a variety of sizes
• All necessary fishing equipment (bait and tackle are provided)
• A cooler with ice and bottled water
• A bathroom onboard

That bathroom detail sounds small until you’re mid-charter and someone needs a break. Also, having snorkeling equipment already there matters if you don’t want to hunt down gear on the island.

Choosing your Nassau day: half-day vs full-day planning

You can book for about 4 hours (half day) or for about 8 hours (full day). Either way, the day starts with a talk with the crew about what you want most. This is where the private format pays off. You’re not locked into one script.

In a half-day charter, your goal is usually one or two “wins,” like:

• do fishing, then squeeze in snorkeling
• or focus on snorkeling and pick up light tackle fishing along the way

In a full-day charter, you typically get more room to handle the reality of fishing and conditions. If it’s slow where you start, you can shift—without feeling like you’re burning your only chance.

A helpful mindset: treat the captain as your time manager. Your captain and deckhand can suggest where to go based on conditions and what the group wants to try first. The best charters feel flexible, and this one is built for that.

Fishing from Nassau: offshore deep water or near-reef action

The core fishing idea is simple: you choose how far out you want to go, and the captain helps you use the time wisely. You can fish in deep waters offshore, or you can stay closer to shallow reef areas and keep the day more mixed.

Offshore fishing can mean big-water chances and the thrill of going farther from land. But it also means you might spend more time traveling before you hit the best spot. One half-day experience shared that they tried going out about 10 miles and caught mostly seaweed—then the captain brought them closer to shore and switched approach with light tackle. The takeaway for your planning is clear: when the first plan doesn’t work, the captain can pivot.

If you’re fishing with kids, first-timers, or anyone who gets impatient fast, near-shore and reef-adjacent spots tend to feel more “hands-on” for longer. You’re more likely to stay in a zone where multiple attempts feel possible within the charter timeframe.

Also, the crew offers as much help as you want. That’s important. Fishing success on a boat charter isn’t just about luck. It’s about bait, setup, and knowing how to read what’s happening around you. When you’ve got someone guiding your line and your technique, beginners usually end up doing better than they expect.

Snorkeling between catches: what you can realistically see

If you want the best of both worlds—fish on the line and something to look at underwater—this charter supports it. You can snorkel a reef and then return to fishing as the captain and group decide what’s working.

From the shared experiences, snorkeling can deliver real wildlife sightings, not just “nice water.” Sea turtles come up again and again, and one trip also included spotting a spider crab in the reef. The fact that the crew plans snorkeling as part of your route matters. It’s not a random stop. It’s tied into where you’re already fishing and where conditions allow a good reef view.

Here’s how to think about it: snorkeling quality depends on water and visibility, which can change. But having a captain who can choose snorkeling stops based on what’s happening that day makes your odds better than following a fixed schedule.

If your group is split—some want more fishing, some want more snorkeling—private time helps. You’re not negotiating with a crowd. You’re deciding with your captain.

Beyond fish and fins: beaching and harbor sightseeing options

Not every charter has to be a nonstop activity sprint. The format also supports:

• beaching
• sightseeing around the harbor
• inshore fishing

This can be a win for families with different energy levels. Want to fish hard? Great. Want a calmer stretch? You can do that too. The ability to customize is one of the biggest reasons this trip scores so well.

It also gives you a practical way to handle a “mixed group day.” Even if you start with fishing and it’s slower than hoped, you’re not stuck doing one thing for four hours. You can shift into snorkeling, a shorter stop near shore, or a chill break.

Who this charter fits best: families, first-timers, and small groups

This is built for all experience levels, including beginners. That matches what people describe: the crew helps you learn, and you don’t feel left behind.

It also works well for families. One experience included a multi-age group—teens down to kids—and they were able to go from learning fishing basics to seeing sea turtles and doing snorkeling in the same outing. Another family-focused trip specifically called out that it felt safe and that the crew was helpful and accommodating.

The boat capacity is small—up to six people—so you’re not trying to manage space and attention for a big crowd. That matters when you’re handling gear, lines, and kids in water.

If you’re the kind of person who likes options—either because you’re not sure what you’ll want once you’re out there, or because your group has different interests—this private setup makes that easy.

Price and value: is $825 per group worth it?

At $825 per group, this isn’t a budget excursion. But it can be good value for the right situation because you’re paying for privacy, a dedicated captain, and included equipment.

Here’s what you’re getting that reduces extra costs:

• private boat charter (small group, not shared)
• bait and tackle provided
• snorkeling equipment provided (in multiple sizes)
• bottled water and ice
• all necessary fishing equipment
• a local guide

What’s not included is also clear: food and drinks unless specified. There’s no hotel pickup and drop-off either, so you’ll need to handle getting to the marina on your own.

So how do you decide if it’s worth it? I’d do this:

• If you have a group of 4–6, it often makes sense compared with paying per person for shared tours.
• If only one or two people in your party will actively fish or snorkel, you may feel the price more.
• If you care about flexibility—like switching from deep water to near shore, or mixing fishing with reef time—this private model is exactly what you’re paying for.

One more small value note: the boat has a bathroom, plus ice and water. Those comforts matter when you’re on the water for hours.

Weather, timing, and the small things that can change your day

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s as fair as it gets in sea-based tourism.

Timing matters too. You should expect:

• boarding at the meeting point before you head out
• time on the water to reach fishing or snorkeling zones
• time to fish or snorkel once you’re there

If you choose deep offshore fishing, your charter can be more travel-heavy. If you choose near-reef fishing, you can spend more time working the water closer to Nassau.

Also, remember that in-water conditions aren’t always predictable. That’s why having a captain who can adapt—by shifting stops or changing tactics—can make the difference between a forgettable outing and a standout one.

Should you book this Nassau private charter?

Book it if you want a dedicated boat, flexible planning, and included gear so you can focus on enjoying the water. The repeat praise centers on two big ideas: the crew is genuinely helpful, and the day stays adjustable as conditions and interests change. If your group includes beginners, kids, or people who want both fishing and snorkeling, this private format is hard to beat.

Skip it if you want a strict, set-in-stone agenda. This is customizable by design. Also, if your trip dates are tight and you hate weather risk, sea-based tours always carry some uncertainty.

If you do book: pick your must-do first. Then tell the captain. It’s a small conversation at the start of the day, and it can shape how your hours are used.

FAQ

How long is the private charter?

You can book for about 4 hours or for about 8 hours.

How many people can be on the boat?

The 31-foot Bertram can take up to six guests for a private charter in the Nassau vicinity.

Where do we meet?

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

Is this a private tour?

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

What activities can we choose during the charter?

You can plan for fishing (deep-water offshore or inshore), snorkeling a reef, beaching, or sightseeing around the harbor.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with gear in a variety of sizes.

Is fishing gear included?

Yes. The charter includes all necessary fishing equipment, plus bait and tackle.

Do you provide hotel pickup and drop-off?

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

What about cruise ship passengers?

Cruise ship passengers must provide details at booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

What is the cancellation policy?

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

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