Saltwater therapy starts just off Paradise Island. This private 31-foot Bertram charter lets you choose your own mix of fishing and reef snorkeling, and I really like the custom itinerary you get once you’re on board. You’re not stuck with a preset route, and that matters when everyone in your group wants something a little different.

I also like the way the crew sets you up to succeed. You get bait and tackle plus hands-on help that works well for first-timers, and the energy from Captain Bobo and Cyrus is the kind that turns a cautious start into real fun.

The only possible drawback is weather. Since you’re on the water, the experience requires good weather, and the charter length means you’ll want to plan your priorities so you don’t feel rushed.

Key points before you go

• Private 31-foot Bertram with a bathroom, plus snorkeling gear and a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water
• You steer the schedule, choosing deep offshore fishing, inshore options, reef snorkeling, beaching, or sightseeing
• Beginner-friendly coaching, with the crew assisting as much as you want
• Half-day or full-day timing, so you can match the day to your cruise schedule
• Group size up to six on board, which keeps it personal without feeling cramped

A 31-Foot Bertram Charter Built Around Your Choices

This is a private boat day off Nassau on a 31-foot (9-meter) Bertram, sized for up to six guests. That boat size is a sweet spot. Big enough to feel like a real outing, small enough that the captain can adjust fast when you spot fish, want clearer water for snorkeling, or just want a more relaxed pace.

The big win is control. Once you meet your crew, you talk through what your group wants to do during the charter, and you and your captain use your allotted time to plan the day. Want to fish most of the time and slot in short snorkeling breaks between bites? You can do that. Want more reef time and a lighter fishing plan? Also possible.

You can choose a half-day or a longer full-day charter. The shorter option is ideal if you’re on a cruise day and your shore time is limited. The longer option is better if you want to try a deeper fishing stretch and still have breathing room for snorkeling, cooling off, and a slower rhythm.

Where to Meet at Paradise Island (No Hotel Pickup)

Your meeting point is Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so plan your day around getting yourself there.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it does mean you should have a clear plan for transportation to the marina. Give yourself a little buffer so you’re not sprinting down the dock right as the boat is ready.

Also note the timing expectations if you’re a cruise passenger. You’ll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking. That helps the crew line up the charter with how your ship runs.

Fishing Time: Offshore Deep Water or Near-Shore Reef

The charter can include deep water fishing offshore or inshore fishing closer to land. It can also include time between fishing for snorkeling a nearby reef. In plain terms, the day can be built like a playlist: fish hard first, then switch to reef snorkeling, then fish again if conditions look good.

What makes this work for different skill levels is that bait and tackle are provided, and the crew can suggest stops based on what you want. If you’re chasing the classic deep-sea feel, you can go farther out. If you’d rather keep things more relaxed and practical, you can stay closer and fish where it’s easier to manage your time.

One thing I appreciate about the setup is the support. The crew can offer as much help as you need. That means you’re not stuck figuring out rigs, baiting hooks, or handling a line while your group is trying not to laugh at your first cast. If you want guidance, you’ll get it.

Snorkeling Gear, Reef Stops, and the Fun Parts of Sea Life

Snorkeling is built into the day as an option between fishing moments. The boat includes snorkeling equipment in a variety of sizes, which is great for families and groups where people don’t all fit the same gear. You don’t have to bring your own setup unless you prefer to.

What you see depends on conditions and where you end up, but the overall pattern is clear: you can get reef time rather than treating snorkeling as an afterthought. Some people have enjoyed moments like seeing turtles and spotting interesting reef creatures, including a spider crab. Even if you don’t see every highlight, the reef segment is a solid way to break up the fishing and keep non-anglers involved.

A practical note: because your charter time is limited, snorkeling works best when you treat it as part of the plan, not a random bonus. Talk with your captain about how much water time you want and at what point you want it. That way the snorkeling fits your energy level, not just the clock.

Captain and Crew Energy: Captain Bobo, Cyrus, Kiros, Freddie

The experience seems to rise or fall on the crew, and in this case, the crew gets high praise for being friendly, capable, and genuinely invested in helping you have a good day on the water.

Captain Bobo and Cyrus are called out for an amazing mix of hospitality and expertise, especially when the plan includes both fishing and snorkeling. Kiros also shows up in feedback, with people noting how skilled and safety-minded the crew felt, including little reef spotting moments that can turn snorkeling into more than just floating around.

Freddie gets mentioned too in the context of a strong deep-sea fishing day, where the crew’s knowledge of spots helped produce lots of fish and lots of sea turtle sightings. That kind of local experience matters. It’s the difference between asking where the fish are and actually getting there with a plan.

What I’d watch for in the crew dynamic is this: they’re responsive to your level. If you’re experienced, you can fish and snorkel on your own rhythm. If you’re brand new, they can guide you step-by-step so you feel like you’re doing it right, not just holding equipment.

Value for Money: What $825 Gets You on the Water

The price is $825.00 per group. The details show it’s private, and the boat holds up to six guests. So the “value math” depends on how many people you bring.

For a group of four or six, it can feel like a reasonable way to get real time on the water without sharing the day with strangers or waiting in long lines. You also get more control than most cruise-area group tours because you can personalize the itinerary: deep offshore fishing versus staying closer, plus reef snorkeling or other optional segments.

Another value angle: many charters tempt you with fishing, but here you have snorkeling equipment included and you can build in sea time between casts. That matters if you have a mixed group, like a couple of serious fishers and a couple of people who just want to see underwater life.

Also, food is not included unless specified. The upside is the boat provides bottled water and ice, so you’re not stuck hunting for drinks. If you want meals, you’ll need to plan around that, either by bringing your own food where allowed or making arrangements outside the boat based on your own day plan.

How the Day Usually Flows (And How to Get What You Want)

Even with all the flexibility, good private charters have a rhythm. Here’s the practical way to think about it when you’re planning your preferences.

First, you meet the crew and talk interests. This is where you decide whether the day is primarily fishing with snorkeling breaks, or snorkeling-focused with some fishing time. Then you and the captain use the charter window to choose stops that match your priorities.

If you want a heavier fishing schedule, you’ll likely spend more time offshore or inshore depending on conditions. If you want reef and sea life time, the plan should include a snorkeling window long enough to actually enjoy it, not just quick gear-on, gear-off.

Families in particular seem to do well on the half-day format when kids are involved and you want a fun hit of fishing plus snorkeling without exhausting everyone. For multi-generational groups, it also helps that beginners can learn quickly, including catching fish unassisted with the right coaching.

If you’re thinking about more than one activity, decide your “must do” list before you board. With a private charter, you can change the plan, but having clear priorities saves time and reduces last-minute stress.

Weather and Safety: What to Expect and What to Plan

This experience requires good weather. That’s important because you’re out on the boat doing water-based activities. If conditions aren’t right, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.

In terms of safety feel, the feedback emphasizes that people felt safe throughout, especially when the crew took time to explain what to do and how to fish or snorkel confidently. When you’re a beginner, that reassurance matters more than people realize until they’re standing on a moving deck with a line in their hands.

My practical advice: don’t over-plan your shore day around too many tight connections. You want your energy for the water, not for negotiating schedule chaos if the day needs to shift due to conditions.

Who Should Book This Nassau Charter

This is an excellent fit if you want a private, flexible day in Nassau with real variety. It works especially well for:

• Families who want both fishing and snorkeling so everyone stays interested
• First-timers who need guidance finding bites, learning basic fishing, and using snorkeling gear comfortably
• Groups who want to customize their itinerary rather than follow someone else’s fixed plan
• People who prefer a smaller, personal boat day with up to six guests

If your group wants a strict checklist of land activities, this may not be the right choice. A charter like this is all about time on the water, and that’s the whole point.

Should You Book Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau – 31ft Sitting Pretty?

I’d book this if you want control, not rigid pacing. The combination of a private 31-foot Bertram, fishing plus snorkeling options, and included gear and support makes it a smart value for the kind of day you actually want in the Bahamas.

If you’re in a mixed group, it’s also a strong pick. You can structure the day so snorkel fans still get meaningful underwater time, and fish fans aren’t left waiting around.

One more thing: if you’re relying on a single cruise-day window, choose your charter length based on your priorities. Half-day is great for a focused hit. Full-day is better when you want to try more than one style of fishing and still enjoy reef time without feeling like you’re rushing to fit everything in.

FAQ

How long is the private charter?

You can book for about 4 hours (half-day). There is also a full-day option mentioned for longer charters.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need hotel pickup?

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

How many people can go on the boat?

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

What activities are available during the charter?

You can plan for fishing (deep sea or inshore) and snorkeling a reef. The itinerary can also include beaching or sightseeing around the harbor.

What’s included with snorkeling?

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

What’s included for fishing?

All necessary fishing equipment is included, including bait and tackle.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water and ice are included. Food and other drinks are not included unless specified.

What if the weather is bad?

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

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

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