Nassau on a private 55-foot yacht changes everything. I love the custom itinerary and the crew by name, with Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra making sure everyone feels taken care of. Just note that good weather is required, and if you add Rose Island, lunch and landing fees aren’t included in the charter price.

You’ll run a private half-day charter on the 55ft Hatteras Cocorijo for up to 10 people, choosing two activities like snorkeling a coral reef, fishing (deep sea or inshore), or island-hopping with stops that fit your group. Expect snorkel gear and fishing gear included, plus bottled water and an ice cooler to keep things easy from start to splash.

Quick Hits Before You Sail Cocorijo in Nassau

• 55ft Hatteras Cocorijo, private for up to 10: less waiting, more time in the water.
• Pick two activities: snorkeling and fishing, or snorkeling plus island time like Gilligan’s Island.
• Crew that runs the show: Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, Stewardess Kassandra.
• Gear and drinks handled: snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, bottled water, and local beer.
• Rose Island Footprints can upgrade the day: lunch and landing fee are extra on longer charters.
• Family-friendly pace: kids get help on board and the mood stays relaxed.

Entering Nassau by Water: Why a 55ft Private Charter Works

Nassau can be busy on land. On the water, it feels calmer fast. This private charter puts you on a well-kept 55-foot Hatteras (the Cocorijo) with your own captain, your own space, and a plan you can tweak while you’re out there.

That flexibility matters more than people think. You’re not locked into a single “tour box.” If your group wants more time snorkeling than fishing, you can usually shape the day around that. If you want a beach stop or extra swimming time, the crew can work that into the half-day flow.

The best part for me is how quickly the trip turns into real vacation time. You meet at the marina, step aboard, gear up, and then your only job is to pick what you want next: reef snorkeling, fishing lines in the water, or island time with stops that add variety without feeling rushed.

Getting There at Sterling Marina: The Start Point You Should Plan for

Your charter begins at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole. That’s convenient if you’re already in the Paradise Island / Atlantis area, but it’s still a real meeting point.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll want to plan your ride to the marina. If you’re traveling with a group, this is the one part you should coordinate early, so you don’t waste your sailing time getting sorted at the last minute.

Once you’re there, the rest tends to feel smooth. The tour is private, so you’re not waiting around for a big headcount to assemble.

The Half-Day Game Plan: Two Activities, Not a Long Checklist

This is a 4-hour charter on the private Cocorijo, and the format is simple: choose two activities and let the captain steer you between them.

Typical combinations include:

• Snorkeling on a coral reef plus fishing (deep sea or inshore)
• Snorkeling plus island time, including a stop at Gilligan’s Island
• Fishing plus sunbathing and swimming, with time to just hang out

What makes this structure work is pacing. Half-day charters can feel frantic on big boats because you have to queue for everything. Here, the time is more “do the next thing” and less “wait your turn.”

Also, a private setup means questions aren’t a problem. You can ask about what you’re seeing underwater, what the captain thinks is worth another pass, or how to handle gear if you’re new to snorkeling or fishing.

Snorkeling the Bahamas: Gear On, Questions Answered

Snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to feel like you actually arrived in the Bahamas, not just visited Nassau. This charter includes snorkeling equipment, so you’re not hunting for mask and fins at the last minute.

Here’s what I like about how this trip handles snorkeling:

• You’re not just handed gear and pointed away. The crew explains what to look for.
• You get private time in the water, not crowd-time.
• You can adjust based on your group. If one spot is calm and the kids are having fun, you can often stay near it longer.

In the mix, you may snorkel a colorful coral reef. That’s the kind of underwater variety that makes snorkeling feel worthwhile even if you’ve done it before.

One extra note: some people book with kids, and the tone stays supportive. The setup is built so less-experienced swimmers still feel safe and comfortable while they get their bearings in the water.

Fishing from Cocorijo: Deep Sea or Inshore, With the Right Gear

If you want fishing, you’re not doing it “DIY.” All necessary fishing equipment is included. The boat comes with gear ready to go, and your captain and crew handle the practical side of the day.

You can choose deep sea or inshore fishing, depending on what you want to target and what your group prefers. Deep sea fishing tends to feel more like an adventure. Inshore can be more relaxed and still lots of fun if your goal is to try, learn, and enjoy the water.

Here’s the value point: on a private charter, fishing is a shared experience with coaching built in. You’re not battling chaos on a crowded deck. If you’re the type who wants to know what’s happening and why, you’re in the right place.

And yes, people have had success. One highlight that pops up in the stories connected to this boat: catching fish and then turning it into a real meal plan later (with crew recommendations for where to eat).

Gilligan’s Island and Beach Time: The Vacation Part Between Activities

Island-hopping is part of the “private charter” appeal. On this itinerary, one of the stop options is Gilligan’s Island, which many people choose because it’s a quick, fun change of scenery without a full-day commitment.

You also have time for sunbathing, swimming, and just hanging out on the boat. That matters. A half-day charter can feel like a sprint if every minute is “on the move.” This one includes enough downtime that the trip feels like a break, not another task.

One detail I’d take seriously from the vibe of these charters: people often want the experience to include more than just two water activities. The ability to add beach time or go for a swim when your group is ready makes the day feel custom instead of canned.

Footprints on Rose Island: When Lunch Turns This into a Full Day Mood

If you book an afternoon or full day charter, you may have the option to visit Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island. It’s known for a very scenic beach setup with turquoise water and a white sand look.

The big thing here is that the charter cost doesn’t include everything tied to that stop. Lunch and the landing fee are not included in the charter price, so treat Footprints as an add-on you’ll budget for if you want the full “boat day to beach day” feel.

What you get when you add it:

• Lunch and a full beach-bar atmosphere
• Music, plus beach games like volleyball and billiards
• A longer window to relax after time on the water

If your group has people who don’t want to fish the whole time or who prefer a break between swims, Footprints can be the peace treaty that makes everyone happy.

Price and Value: What $1,650 Covers for Up to 10

Let’s talk value without pretending it’s cheap. The price is $1,650 per group (up to 10) for about 4 hours.

On paper, that can sound steep. But here’s the math in real life terms:

• You’re paying for a private yacht experience, not a per-person seat.
• You’re getting a captain plus a crew setup, with equipment included.
• You’re not renting snorkel gear separately, and you’re not figuring out fishing tackle.

So the value depends on your group size and your priorities.

If you have 6 to 10 people, this often becomes a strong deal compared with splitting private boat time into per-person tours. If you’re only 2 or 3 people, it can still be worth it if you really want private time, flexible stops, and a crew that can tailor the plan. But if you’re purely price-shopping for snorkeling, you’ll likely find cheaper group tours.

My rule: if you want control, go private. If you just want the water views with no decision-making, go shared.

Crew That Sets the Tone: Captain Roscoe and the On-Board Team

The consistent thread with Cocorijo charters is the human factor. The captain and crew names come up often: Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra.

What I care about when I’m choosing a boat day:

• Do you feel safe with the crew?
• Do they keep things moving without rushing you?
• Are they friendly and helpful, especially with kids?

From the overall tone of experiences on this boat, the crew is hands-on and attentive. People describe the team as professional, hospitable, and comfortable around families. That last part matters. You don’t want to show up and suddenly discover you’re the only parent figuring out gear and kids on a moving deck.

Also, people like that the boat stays clean and the mood stays welcoming. That combination is a big part of why these charters get repeat-booked energy.

What to Bring (and What You Don’t Have to)

Because the charter includes snorkeling gear and fishing equipment, you can travel lighter than you would for some tours.

Still, I’d plan on bringing:

• Swimsuit and a quick-dry layer for back on the boat
• Sunscreen (and maybe sunglasses with a strap if you hate chasing them)
• A towel if you’re arriving early or you tend to want your own
• Water-friendly footwear if you like extra grip on board

The boat provides bottled water and an ice cooler, plus local beer. Alcoholic beverages are included in the charter, but you’ll still want to balance drinks with sun time and swimming, especially with kids.

How to Choose Your Best Activity Pair

Here’s a simple decision guide based on what you want from the day:

• If your top goal is underwater scenery: do snorkeling + Gilligan’s Island swim/beach time
• If your group wants action: do snorkeling + fishing
• If you want a more laid-back day: do fishing + sunbathing/swimming
• If your group can handle a longer day and wants full vacation vibes: consider Footprints on Rose Island on an afternoon/full-day charter

The private format is where your preferences matter. You’re not stuck with the first idea you hear at check-in.

Booking Smart: Timing, Weather, and Getting a Smooth Start

This experience requires good weather. If conditions don’t cooperate, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not a small detail. On an island like Nassau, wind and sea state can change quickly, and your captain will keep everyone safe.

So, when you book, keep your schedule flexible if you can. If you’re trying to fit the charter into a tight cruise port day, double-check your timing details at booking so you’re aligned with your ship’s dock and re-boarding windows.

Also, plan transportation to the marina. No hotel pickup means you’re the captain of your own land logistics.

Should You Book Cocorijo for Private Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau?

If you want a Nassau day that feels personal, not packed, I’d book this. It’s especially good for:

• Families with kids who need patient help and a safety-first crew
• Groups who want to mix snorkeling and fishing
• People who value flexibility and don’t want a fixed script
• Travelers staying around Paradise Island who can easily reach Sterling Marina

Skip it if your main goal is just the cheapest snorkeling you can find. This is premium private time, priced accordingly.

If you do book, set your intention early: pick two activities that fit your group’s energy level. Then let Captain Roscoe and the crew fine-tune the timing once you’re on the water.

FAQ

How many people can go on the private charter?

The group limit is up to 10 guests.

How long is the Nassau charter on Cocorijo?

It’s about 4 hours.

What activities can we choose during the half-day?

You choose two activities that can include snorkeling a coral reef, visiting Gilligan’s Island, deep sea or inshore fishing, sunbathing, or swimming.

What snorkeling and fishing gear is included?

Snorkel gear is included, and all necessary fishing equipment is included as well.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

Is lunch included if we visit Footprints on Rose Island?

Lunch and landing fees are not included in the charter cost.

What is the cancellation policy and what happens with bad weather?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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