Private Tour 45ft Powerboat to Nearby Islands

The best Bahamas days happen offshore. This private four-hour cruise from Paradise Island gives you a fast, flexible way to visit Green Cay, Rose Island, Sandy Cay, a beach bar, and the swimming pigs without sharing the boat with a large crowd. I especially like the private boat format and the mix of snorkeling, beaches, lunch, and island stops. The main drawback is the high $3,800 group price, plus a possible transportation charge to reach the marina.

You can bring up to 10 people for the advertised rate, making the cost easier to justify for a family reunion, wedding party, or group of friends. I also like that the crew can adjust the day around your interests, as long as weather and timing allow. The four-hour schedule is active, though, so you should expect short stops rather than long, lazy hours on every island.

Several crew members receive especially warm praise, including Captain Adam, Captain Rico, Dia, Canaan, and Ron. The crew’s care and friendly service seem to be a major part of the experience. Atlantis visitors can use the hotel shuttle to reach the operator, while other groups should budget $10 to $40 for transportation, depending on distance.

Key things to know before booking

• $3,800 covers up to 10 people: That works out to $380 per person at full capacity, before any transportation costs.
• Green Cay offers turtle viewing: This tiny island near Rose Island is surrounded by sea turtles, with snorkeling gear supplied.
• Sandy Cay is the photo stop: The three-acre island is known as one of the most photographed islands in the Caribbean.
• Lunch and swimming pigs are included for 10: The supplied details also say food and beverages at the beach bar are not included, so confirm exactly what lunch covers before paying.
• The boat can take up to 22 people: Larger groups require an extra charge, including added lunch and pigs arrangements.
• Weather controls the day: The tour is non-refundable unless the operator cancels for poor weather, in which case you can receive another date or a full refund.

Starting at Margaritaville Marina on Paradise Island

The tour begins at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, at Marina Drive on Paradise Island. The location is convenient for people staying around Paradise Island, and Atlantis visitors can use the hotel shuttle to get to the marina.

If you are staying elsewhere on New Providence, transportation is not included. The stated cost ranges from $10 to $40, depending on how far you are from the dock. Ask about the pickup plan before the morning of your cruise, since even a modest transport charge matters when your group is already paying a charter price.

A mobile ticket makes the arrival process simple. Confirmation normally arrives at booking, although reservations made within two hours of departure are confirmed as soon as possible and depend on space. That last-minute option can help if your plans change, but this is not a good tour to book casually at the last second if your group has a tight schedule.

The boat is a 45-foot powerboat, which gives you more room and speed than a small runabout. You are not just being ferried to one beach. The point is to cover several nearby islands and water stops in one compact outing.

Green Cay: turtles and a short snorkeling stop

Green Cay is a very small island near Rose Island, surrounded by sea turtles. The scheduled stop lasts about 45 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

I would treat this as a wildlife and water stop rather than a full island visit. You can put on the supplied mask and snorkel, look for colorful fish and sea life around the coral reefs, and keep an eye out for turtles swimming near the cay. The short time makes it useful to arrive ready, rather than spending half the stop sorting through bags.

The tour includes bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages listed as beer and grapefruit Radlers. Alcohol is served only to people aged 21 and above. Minors receive non-alcoholic drinks.

Green Cay may be the most memorable stop for anyone who likes animals. Still, wildlife is never a scheduled performance. You can expect the chance to see turtles, not a guaranteed close encounter. Snorkeling conditions can also change with weather and water movement, which is one reason the captain may adjust the order or length of the stops.

Rose Island: a full hour on white sand

Rose Island receives two separate mentions in the day, with the main beach stop lasting about one hour. Its long beaches, powdery white sand, and clear turquoise water give you the classic Bahamian beach setting.

This is the stop where you have the best chance to slow down. Take a walk, sit by the water, or swim in the shallows. After a snorkel stop and boat ride, that hour provides a welcome change of pace.

The beach itself is the attraction. Do not expect a long list of organized sights or cultural activities. You are coming for sand, water, and open space. The tradeoff is simple: if your ideal day includes a quiet beach, Rose Island is a strong fit. If you prefer nonstop activity, an hour here may feel long, especially when the entire tour lasts only around four hours.

Bring sunscreen and wear something easy to move in. The tour supplies water and snorkeling equipment, but the information does not list towels, sun protection, or personal beach gear. You should not assume those items are provided.

Sandy Cay and the island made for photographs

Sandy Cay is a three-acre island about 15 minutes from Nassau Harbour. The stop lasts roughly 30 minutes and is described as one of the most photographed islands in the Caribbean. It is also called Gilligan’s Island in the tour description, so you may hear both names used for this picture-friendly stop.

The appeal is immediate: small-island proportions, pale sand, and clear aqua water. You can walk around, take photographs, or snorkel near shore. Thirty minutes is enough for a quick look and a few photographs, but not enough for a long beach session.

This is also a good example of why the trip works best as an island sampler. You get several different settings in a single half-day, but no single stop receives a full afternoon. If you want one island and plenty of time to settle in, book a beach-focused outing instead. If you want variety and enjoy moving from one postcard scene to the next, Sandy Cay fits the plan.

The beach bar, lunch, and time away from the boat

The beach bar and grill stop lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. It adds a social break to a day that otherwise centers on the boat, water, and small islands.

The facilities listed include beach chairs, volleyball, billiards, karaoke, and other activities. That makes this stop useful for mixed groups. One person can sit with a drink, another can play volleyball, and someone else can use the billiards table. You do not need every member of your group to love snorkeling.

The food details need careful checking. The inclusion information says lunch for 10 people is included, along with the swimming pigs package for 10. Elsewhere, the beach-bar stop says food and beverages are not included in the charter cost. Those statements do not fully match.

Before booking, ask what lunch consists of, where it is served, and which drinks or bar purchases cost extra. If the included lunch is supplied separately from food ordered at the beach bar, you will want to know that before your group arrives hungry. Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs can be accommodated, which is helpful, but mention them in advance.

The beach bar is not merely a meal stop. It gives you access to land-based activities and a little breathing room. Still, the 75-minute time slot must cover eating and any games, so you may need to choose between a relaxed meal and several activities.

Swimming pigs at Rose Island

The final listed stop returns to Rose Island for the swimming pigs and lasts about 30 minutes. The package is included for 10 people according to the supplied information, with extra arrangements required for larger groups.

This stop is designed for a lighthearted animal encounter rather than a long beach visit. You can watch and interact with the pigs in the water, then return to the boat or continue with the group’s schedule.

The short time limit matters. Thirty minutes can pass quickly once everyone has a turn, especially in a group of 10 or more. If the pigs are the main reason you want this charter, tell the crew early in the day so you understand the timing and any practical rules.

The pig stop also makes the tour appealing to families. Children often enjoy the novelty, while adults get photographs and a story that is quite different from a standard snorkeling trip. As with the turtles, the experience involves living animals, so exact behavior and viewing conditions can vary.

What the private boat format changes

A private charter gives your group the whole activity. You are not sharing the schedule with strangers, and the crew can focus on your party’s pace and interests.

That matters most for groups with different priorities. Snorkelers can make the most of Green Cay, beach lovers can spend their time at Rose Island, and people who prefer activities on land can look forward to volleyball, billiards, or karaoke at the bar and grill.

The boat can accommodate up to 22 people, but the advertised $3,800 price is for up to 10. Larger groups require an extra charge, including additional lunch and swimming-pig arrangements. You should request the full price for 11 to 22 people before making plans, since the supplied information does not state the added amount.

A private boat also gives you privacy for celebrations and family occasions. The experience provider describes this as a private activity, meaning only your group participates. That is a major advantage over a standard shared cruise, but it is also why the base cost is high.

Is $3,800 good value?

At full capacity, the price comes to $380 per person. That is expensive for a four-hour outing, but the comparison changes if you are filling all 10 places. You receive a private 45-foot powerboat, crew service, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks, listed alcoholic drinks for adults, lunch for 10 according to the inclusion details, and the swimming-pigs package for 10.

The value improves for a large group that wants control over the day. A family of 10 or a group celebrating a special occasion may prefer paying more for privacy, flexibility, and a dedicated crew instead of joining a crowded boat.

For two or three people, the price is difficult to defend unless privacy is your top priority. You would be paying for unused capacity. The same is true if your group cares only about one activity, such as snorkeling or seeing the pigs.

Remember the extras. Transportation to the dock costs between $10 and $40, depending on distance. Lunch and drinks at the beach bar may also involve additional charges, because the supplied details describe those items in conflicting ways. Get the meal plan in writing.

What the crew adds to the day

The strongest praise centers on the crew. Captain Adam and Dia are singled out for creating a fun day, while Captain Rico and his team are praised for taking good care of an eight-person group. Ron, Dia, and Canaan are also highlighted for making the outing memorable.

That tells you something useful about the experience. The boat and islands provide the setting, but the crew controls the rhythm of the day. Good communication matters when you are moving between snorkeling, beaches, lunch, and animals in a short window.

I would pay attention to the crew names when you receive confirmation and keep the operator’s contact details handy. The planning and communication are described as strong, which is important for a private charter with several moving parts.

Do not expect a formal history tour of Nassau or the outer islands. This is a water-and-leisure experience. The focus is on scenery, swimming, snorkeling, food, photographs, and friendly service.

Who should book this private Bahamas boat tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Groups of six to 10 who can share the cost
• Families wanting snorkeling, beaches, and swimming pigs in one outing
• Friends marking a birthday, reunion, or special occasion
• Atlantis visitors who can use the hotel shuttle to reach the marina
• People who value privacy and a flexible group schedule
• Mixed groups that need both water activities and land-based entertainment

I would hesitate if you are traveling alone or as a couple, since the price is hard to spread across a small party. I would also choose another experience if you want a long, quiet beach day, a cultural tour, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The pace suits active groups. In roughly four hours, you will move through Green Cay, Rose Island, Sandy Cay, the beach bar, and the pig stop. That variety is the selling point, but it means you should keep personal belongings organized and be ready to move when the crew calls time.

Practical details before you commit

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel for another reason or request an amendment, the payment is non-refundable.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can take part, though the information does not provide specific details about boat boarding or water access, so ask the operator if someone in your party has mobility concerns.

Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged. Tell the operator about dietary needs before departure rather than waiting until the beach bar.

Bring the basics that are not listed as supplied: sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, a hat, and a waterproof way to protect phones or wallets. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, and the listed adult drinks, but that does not mean every personal beach item is covered.

Should you book it?

Book this private powerboat tour if you have a full group, want several Bahamian stops in one half-day, and place a high value on privacy and crew service. The combination of Green Cay turtles, Rose Island beaches, Sandy Cay photographs, a beach bar, and swimming pigs gives you plenty of variety.

Skip it if the $3,800 price will stretch your budget, if you have fewer than four people, or if you want a slower day centered on one beach. Before paying, confirm the lunch and beach-bar charges, the price for more than 10 people, and the transportation plan.

For the right group, this is less about checking off one attraction and more about building a custom day on the water. The crew names praised most often, especially Captain Adam, Dia, Canaan, Captain Rico, and Ron, are worth noting when you arrange your booking.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the private tour cost?

The listed price is $3,800 per group for up to 10 people.

Can the boat accommodate more than 10 people?

Yes. The boat can accommodate up to 22 people, but larger groups require an additional charge, including extra lunch and swimming-pig arrangements.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Transportation to the dock is not included and costs from $10 to $40, depending on distance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, soda, beer, and grapefruit Radlers are listed as included. Alcohol is served only to people aged 21 and older. Minors receive non-alcoholic drinks.

Is lunch included?

Lunch for 10 people is listed as included, but the beach-bar information also says food and beverages are not included in the charter cost. Confirm what the included lunch covers before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The experience is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking.