This charter is basically a choose-your-own-adventure at sea. You get a private setup out of Paradise Island, with a captain and full crew, plus the gear for snorkeling and fishing options. It is built for variety, so if your group wants different things, you can usually steer the day that way.

I especially like the comfort upgrades for a day on the water, like a dedicated restroom on the boat and Bluetooth audio so you can keep the vibe easy. I also like that the price includes snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, and a cooler with bottled water and ice, so you are not scrambling for basics mid-trip.

One thing to consider: one low review complained about rough handling when the boat was going fast. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it is a good reminder to talk with Capt. Javano about what pace feels good for your group, especially if anyone gets motion sick.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter feel with only your group on the boat, not a crowded party tour
• 35-foot Donzi center console with onboard restroom and Bluetooth audio
• You pick the mix: snorkeling, swimming pigs and turtles, cruising to sand beaches, and fishing
• Snorkeling and fishing gear included, plus water and ice in a cooler
• Budget for the pig interaction fee, since it is not included in the base price

Inside the Secret Cays half-day charter experience

This is a half-day charter out of New Providence Island, with the focus on doing more than one water activity in a single trip. At 4 hours (approx.), it is long enough to feel like you got out there, but short enough that you are not stuck if your group energy changes halfway through.

The pitch is simple: come out on a 35-foot Donzi Marine center console, choose what you want to do, and get help from the captain and crew the whole time. If you have ever tried to wrangle a family or mixed-interest group on a standard excursion, this private format is the point. Everyone does not have to agree on one thing, because the day is adjustable.

Price and value: what $850 gets you (and what to budget)

The listed price is $850 per group, up to 8 people. For value, the key is what is included before you start adding extras: snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, a guide, bottled water and ice, and a full bathroom in the console. You also get an MP3 and Bluetooth-compatible audio setup on the boat.

In practical terms, you are paying for:

• A private boat charter with a captain and crew
• Rental gear for two different activity types (snorkeling and fishing)
• Basic hydration and comfort (cooler water, ice, and a restroom)

What is not included matters too. Food and drinks are not included unless you request them, and alcohol is not included. On top of that, there is an optional $30 per person pig interaction fee. If your group plans to do the pig portion, I would budget for it early so no one feels surprised when you are already geared up and ready to go.

Also, be aware of capacity. The boat is described as safely taking up to 6 anglers. Your group can be up to 8 people, so you should be prepared for a mix of seating and activity roles. Ask ahead how that will feel for your specific group size.

Your boat day: the 35-foot Donzi plus comfort details that matter

This is the kind of boat setup that makes a difference when you are out there for hours. A center console at this size usually means good sightlines and easy movement, and here you also get a dedicated restroom inside the console. That sounds like a small item until you are standing around thinking about where everyone needs to go before you head back to shore.

I also like the “day-on-the-water” conveniences:

• Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility, so you can play music from your phone
• Front bow seating and lounge space, which is great when you want a break from standing
• Cooler filled with bottled water and ice, so you stay comfortable between activities

If your group includes kids, older adults, or anyone who gets annoyed by long stretches of transit, the lounge space and restroom help a lot. It makes the charter feel less like logistics and more like a fun day.

How your 4 hours actually gets used: your choices set the pace

The charter is designed so you and your party can choose the activities. That means your captain and crew are not just steering to one fixed stop and one fixed program. Instead, you can aim your half-day around your group’s priorities, like:

• Snorkeling
• Swimming with turtles
• Swimming with pigs
• Fishing
• Cruising to pristine white sand beaches

Because the day is only about 4 hours, the most important move is deciding how much time you want to spend on each activity. If you try to do everything back-to-back, you may feel rushed between transitions. A better approach is to pick one “main” activity and one “secondary” activity, then let the remaining time support cruising or shorter stops.

Keep in mind that pig and turtle activities tend to come with extra rules and fees. You already know about the $30 per person pig interaction fee, but the bigger lesson is time and momentum. If pig time is a must-do, plan around it, not after everything else runs long.

Snorkeling time: included gear, so your job is simple

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a big deal for value. It saves you from renting gear, and it also reduces the amount of stuff you need to carry. When the day is private and only your group is onboard, your captain and crew can also help you get sorted quickly.

For planning, here is what you should focus on:

• Bring swimwear you are comfortable wearing for a couple of hours
• Bring a light cover-up for when you are not in the water
• Pack a towel or wear a fast-dry option
• If you get sunburn easily, reef-safe sunscreen is smart

Snorkeling success depends on water conditions, and since the experience requires good weather, your plan should leave room for flexibility. If the day is calm, you will likely enjoy seeing marine life in the shallows. If conditions are less ideal, you may still have a great trip, but your snorkeling time may be shorter or adjusted.

Swimming with pigs and turtles, plus the $30 pig interaction fee

The headline activities here are swimming with pigs and turtles. The pig interaction has an optional $30 per person fee. The turtles sound like part of the core plan, but the only explicit price detail provided is the pig interaction add-on, so I would treat the turtle portion as included in the chosen activity mix unless you are told otherwise during booking.

What I like about this setup is the “variety guarantee.” Even if snorkeling is not perfect that day, you still have pig and turtle options plus fishing and beach cruising. That variety is exactly what many people want on a short Bahamas trip.

What to watch:

• Budget the $30 per person pig interaction fee if your group wants the pig portion
• Think about comfort. Swimming activities plus boat rides can be tiring, especially for kids
• Ask Capt. Javano what the day will look like once you are onboard, so you can adjust priorities on the fly

And a practical tip based on the one rough-ride complaint: if your group prefers calmer movement, tell the captain early. A good captain will often respond to how your family feels.

Fishing options on a private charter: gear is included

Fishing equipment is included. That means you can focus on the fun part, not the gear hunt. Also, since this is a private charter, you are not stuck sharing attention with a dozen other people, which helps if someone in your group wants help getting started.

One detail to keep in mind is the boat’s capacity. It is described as taking up to 6 anglers. If you book with a group of 8, you may still all enjoy the trip, but not everyone may fish at the same time depending on how the crew organizes rod positions.

How to get more from your fishing time:

• Decide who will fish and who wants to snorkel or swim, since the boat time has to be shared
• Bring patience. Fishing is not like a theme park ride, it is waiting for a bite
• Keep a light plan. If you catch something, great. If you do not, you still have snorkeling, beach cruising, and swimming options

Paradise Island meeting point: start clean, start on time

You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, Paradise Beach Dr, The Bahamas. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

For a smooth start, I recommend you plan to arrive a little early and get everyone oriented on where to check in. The day is only about 4 hours, so late arrivals will cost you actual water time.

You will have a mobile ticket, which is handy. Still, I would keep your phone charged and your ticket accessible, especially if you are traveling with kids who may want snacks and water right away.

The pacing question: comfort and safety on the water

The boat ride is part of the experience, and your comfort depends on sea conditions and how the captain drives. One low rating review described the trip as rough, with speed and hard stops causing injuries.

That is not enough information to predict your day, but it is enough to act wisely. Here are practical steps you can take:

• Tell Capt. Javano about motion sensitivity for anyone in your group
• If you know you get car-sick, consider bringing motion sickness medicine and use it before you feel bad
• Dress for sun and spray, because even if the ride is calm, you can get wet
• Stay realistic about how much you want to pack into a 4-hour window

If you are traveling with older adults or anyone who prefers gentle rides, I would make pace a priority conversation. Private charter or not, you deserve to feel safe and comfortable.

Who this charter suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This experience fits well if:

• Your group has mixed interests (snorkeling for some, fishing for others, pigs and turtles for the do-it-all crew)
• You want a private boat experience, not a shared group schedule
• You care about comfort details like a restroom and lounge space
• You want snorkeling equipment included, plus fishing gear

It may be less ideal if:

• You are on a tight budget once you add the $30 per person pig interaction fee
• Your group is strongly risk-averse about boat handling and wants a very calm, slow pace with zero surprises
• You do not like splitting time between multiple activities and would rather focus on one big thing

If you want one activity above all else, you might prefer an excursion that centers on just that. If you want a flexible, half-day water sampler, this is the kind of charter that can work.

Should you book Secret Cays for this private charter?

I would book this charter if your group likes variety and you want an included, private setup with real comfort features. The combination of snorkeling gear, fishing gear, bottled water and ice, onboard restroom, and Bluetooth audio makes it feel practical, not just flashy.

My main booking caution is the pig fee and the pacing question. The $30 per person pig interaction fee can change the true cost for some groups, and the one unhappy review is a reminder to communicate comfort needs early. If everyone in your party can handle a boat day and you plan for the pig add-on, you are likely to get a fun, memorable mix of sea time.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You start at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr, The Bahamas, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the charter price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, a guide, a cooler with bottled water and ice, fishing equipment, a full bathroom in the console, and MP3 and Bluetooth compatibility.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included unless requested, alcohol is not included, and the optional $30 per person pig interaction fee is not included.

How long is the experience?

The charter lasts about 4 hours.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.