Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau – 31ft Sitting Pretty

Fish, snorkel, and set your own pace. This private Nassau charter pairs a 31-foot Bertram boat with a flexible plan: you can fish offshore, try inshore waters, snorkel a reef, visit a beach, or cruise around the harbor. I like the freedom to shape the trip around your group, and I like that beginners get practical help with bait, tackle, and technique. The main thing to weigh is the price: at $825 per group, it makes the most sense when shared by a larger party.

The four-hour option is enough for a taste of several activities, while the eight-hour charter gives you room to fish without watching the clock. Captain Bobo, Captain Bo, Cyrus, and Freddie are praised for their friendly help and local know-how. One small caution: offshore fishing can be hit or miss, as one family found when seaweed replaced fish on an early ocean stop.

Key points at a glance

• A private 31-foot Bertram: The boat takes up to six people, giving your group the run of the charter rather than sharing space with strangers.
• Your choice of activities: Combine deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, reef snorkeling, beach time, turtle watching, and harbor sightseeing.
• Good for first-time anglers: The crew supplies bait, tackle, and guidance, and one beginner even caught a first fish without help.
• Turtles and reef life: Snorkeling stops can include sea turtles, schools of fish, and unusual sightings such as a spider crab.
• Half-day or full-day timing: Choose about four hours for a focused outing or eight hours for a fuller mix of fishing and water time.
• Back at the same marina: The trip begins and ends at Carnivale Bahamas, at Sterling Marina in Hurricane Hole on Paradise Island.

Boarding at Sterling Marina on Paradise Island

Your charter begins at Carnivale Bahamas, located at 1 Marina Way in Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole. This is on Paradise Island, across the harbor from central Nassau, so allow enough time to reach the marina if you are coming from a hotel or cruise ship.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to the boat, and the activity returns to the same meeting point at the end. Cruise ship passengers need to provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. That information matters because a four-hour outing still needs to fit comfortably inside your port schedule.

Once aboard, you meet the captain and crew and explain what your group wants from the day. This is the point where the trip becomes personal. You do not have to commit to a rigid sequence of stops. The captain can help decide how much time to devote to fishing, snorkeling, beaching, or sightseeing.

The boat has a bathroom, a cooler with ice, and bottled water. Those are useful touches on a half-day trip, especially when you are sharing the boat with children or anyone who prefers not to return to shore between activities.

What the 31-foot Bertram means for your day

A 31-foot Bertram gives you a proper private-boat setting without the size of a large group vessel. The charter can take up to six people, making it a natural fit for a family, two couples, or a small group of friends.

The boat is equipped for both fishing and snorkeling. Fishing equipment, bait, and tackle are included, and snorkel gear comes in a variety of sizes. You do not need to build your own kit before arriving, though food and drinks beyond the supplied bottled water are not included.

The private format is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. If one person wants to keep fishing while another would rather snorkel, your group can discuss that with the captain. On a shared excursion, the whole boat usually follows one plan. Here, your preferences guide the schedule.

That flexibility does not guarantee perfect conditions or a full cooler of fish. It does give you a better chance of using the time in a way that suits your group. The crew can adjust the plan if one location is quiet or if your family wants more time in the water.

Fishing offshore, where the results can vary

The charter offers fishing in the deeper waters offshore, as well as inshore fishing closer to land. Offshore fishing can bring the excitement of larger catches, and several groups reported catching tuna or many fish during their four-hour trips. One group caught 29 fish, while another caught three tuna.

Still, fishing is fishing. One family headed about 10 miles out and found mostly seaweed before the captain shifted toward lighter tackle closer to shore. That change is worth noting because it shows what the crew can do when the first plan is not producing. It also shows why you should treat the catch as a bonus rather than a promise.

The crew provides the necessary fishing equipment, so beginners can participate without buying rods, reels, bait, or tackle. The strongest praise goes to the hands-on help. One first-time angler caught her first fish without assistance, and families with children aged 12, 16, and 18 found the outing approachable.

I would choose this charter for mixed-experience groups. A keen angler gets time with a line in the water, while a novice can learn without feeling out of place. The crew can offer as much help as you need, which is especially valuable when you are managing children or handling unfamiliar gear.

If your main goal is catching a certain species, ask about that when arranging the trip. The available information promises the equipment and a fishing-focused experience, but it does not promise a particular catch or fishing location.

Reef snorkeling, turtles, and time in the water

Snorkeling gives the charter a second life when you want a break from fishing. The captain can suggest a reef stop, and the boat carries snorkel equipment in different sizes.

The underwater stops can include large numbers of fish and sea turtles. Several groups also saw turtles while snorkeling, and one crew member pointed out a spider crab in the reef. Those details suggest that the snorkeling is not just a quick swim beside the boat. You may have time to look closely at the reef and its smaller creatures.

The exact reef and water conditions depend on the day. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels. That policy is sensible for a boat trip, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your Nassau plans.

Snorkeling is a particularly good addition for families. A child who loses interest in fishing can get into the water, while another member of the group can continue fishing. You should still discuss how your allotted time will be split, since four hours can pass quickly once you add travel between locations.

Beach stops, harbor views, and a fresh-catch option

Fishing and snorkeling are the main activities, but the captain can also include beach time or sightseeing around Nassau Harbor. A beach stop gives you a chance to stretch out and swim, while harbor sightseeing offers a slower look at the waterfront from the water.

Some groups had their catch cooked nearby, including at Rose Island and at a restaurant next to Margaritaville. This can turn the fishing trip into lunch, but it is not included in the charter. You pay separately for any food preparation, restaurant meal, or additional drinks.

That possibility adds a nice local touch, but you should not assume it is automatically available at every stop. Ask the captain about the plan for your catch and where it might be prepared. If your group wants a simple boat outing, you can also skip the meal idea and focus on swimming and snorkeling.

For a four-hour charter, I would avoid trying to do everything. Choose fishing plus one water stop, or fishing plus a short beach visit. The eight-hour option is better if you want offshore fishing, snorkeling, and a relaxed stop without turning the schedule into a race.

Four hours or eight hours?

The half-day charter lasts about four hours. It suits cruise ship passengers, families with limited patience for a full day on a boat, and anyone who wants to combine one main activity with a second stop.

A typical four-hour plan might include offshore or inshore fishing followed by reef snorkeling. Another group might spend most of the time fishing, then swim with turtles if conditions and timing allow. The captain helps decide how to use the hours after hearing your priorities.

The full-day charter lasts about eight hours. It gives you more room to move between fishing areas and still stop to snorkel, visit a beach, or see the harbor. The longer option should appeal most to serious anglers, larger families sharing the cost, and groups that want a less hurried day.

You should also think about weather and sea conditions. A long charter creates more time for the crew to adjust the plan, but it is still a full day on the water. If several people in your group are not keen anglers, the four-hour trip may provide the better balance.

Crew service and help for beginners

The crew is a major part of this experience. Captain Bobo and Cyrus receive repeated praise for their hospitality, fishing help, and ability to make the day feel relaxed. Captain Bo is described as experienced and careful, while Freddie is also singled out as a helpful crew member.

The practical benefit is clear: you do not need to arrive as an expert. The crew can help with the fishing gear, suggest locations, and explain what to do. That makes the outing suitable for a first fishing trip, not just for people who already know how to work a rod.

Safety also comes through in the feedback, with families feeling comfortable on the boat. The activity is marked as suitable for most people, but you should still consider your own comfort with boats, swimming, and outdoor conditions before booking.

The private setting can also help shy children. They are not learning in front of a large group, and the crew can spend more time with your party. That kind of attention is hard to match on a low-cost shared boat.

Is $825 good value?

The listed price is $825 per group, with the booking information showing a group size of up to one, while the boat itself takes up to six people. Because of that mismatch, confirm the final price and party-size details before paying.

At full capacity, the cost works out to roughly $137.50 per person before any separate food or drink costs. For six people sharing a private boat, that is a more attractive deal than the headline number suggests. For one or two people, the same price feels much harder to justify.

The fee includes a private charter, local guide, bottled water, ice, snorkel gear, bait, and fishing equipment. You do not need to rent gear separately, and you are not paying for strangers to join your boat. Food, extra drinks, and hotel transportation are separate.

I see the best value for a group of four to six people that wants several activities in one outing. If your group only wants a short snorkeling trip, a dedicated snorkeling tour may be a better fit. If you want private fishing with the freedom to change plans, this charter offers more control for the money.

What to bring and how to plan

Bring your own food and any drinks you want beyond bottled water. The boat has a cooler with ice, so you have a place to keep them cold.

Wear practical swimwear and sun protection, though the supplied information does not specify a required clothing list. If you plan to snorkel, bring whatever personal items make you more comfortable in the water.

Tell the crew your priorities at the start. If fishing matters most, say how much time you want to protect for it. If children are coming, explain that too, so the plan can include a reef or beach stop rather than spending every minute offshore.

The activity is weather-dependent. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off uses local time. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this Nassau charter?

I would recommend it to families, small groups of friends, first-time anglers, and couples who want more than a standard boat ride. It works especially well when people in the same group have different ideas about a perfect day.

The charter is less suitable if you want a guaranteed catch, fixed snorkeling locations, or a very low per-person price for a small party. Offshore conditions can affect the fishing, and the four-hour option may feel short if you try to fit in every activity.

For most groups, the best plan is simple: choose one main goal and one extra. Fish and snorkel. Fish and beach. Or spend the day fishing with time for turtles if the captain finds the right conditions.

FAQ

Where does the private charter begin?

It begins at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, at Sterling Marina in Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas.

Where does the trip end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the charter?

You can choose a four-hour or eight-hour private charter.

How many people can the boat take?

The 31-foot Bertram can take up to six people.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Bait and all necessary fishing equipment are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is provided in a variety of sizes.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated. Bottled water and ice are provided.

Is hotel transportation included?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book Sitting Pretty?

Book this charter if you want a private, flexible day and your group can share the cost. The boat, crew assistance, included gear, and mix of fishing and snorkeling make it especially strong for families and beginners. The chance to see turtles, catch tuna, or have a fresh catch cooked nearby adds real appeal.

Skip it if you are traveling alone, want a guaranteed catch, or only need a quick swim. For a group of four to six, though, the private format gives you control over the day, and that is the real value of Sitting Pretty.