Snorkel Nassau on your own schedule. This private half-day charter on the 55ft Cocorijo is built around choice, so you can mix snorkeling and fishing with Captain Roscoe and his crew. You get to spend time at the water, not just hop on and off.

I love the flexibility to pick two activities that match your mood, whether that’s a coral-reef snorkel, fishing, or a simple swim and sun time. I also like having a real team onboard, with Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra often highlighted for being calm, helpful, and safety-minded.

One thing to think about: food isn’t included in the half-day price. If you want lunch at Footprints on Rose Island, you’ll pay extra, and fishing results can vary based on conditions and where you drop the lines.

Key points before you go

• Private group up to 10, with a dedicated captain and onboard crew
• Pick two activities for your 4-hour charter, usually snorkeling plus fishing or beach time
• All the gear is included, including snorkel equipment and fishing tackle
• Real crew interaction, with staff who help keep families comfortable on the water
• Rose Island and Footprints are optional on longer charters, with lunch and bar time costing extra
• Included drinks and water, including bottled water and local beer on board

A 55-foot Cocorijo charter built for your pace

This is the kind of Nassau trip that feels different from the big-boat tours. You’re on a maintained 55-foot Hatteras style yacht, and the whole plan is shaped around your party, not a fixed route.

In the reviews, what stands out most is how much guests liked the crew’s presence. Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra come up again and again, usually for making the experience feel organized without being stiff. If you want a half-day that feels social but not chaotic, this setup hits that sweet spot.

Choosing snorkeling and fishing without the pressure

Your charter is designed around two activities during the half-day window. That matters, because Nassau can be busy, and travel time eats hours. With the two-activity format, you can actually spend meaningful time in the water and on the boat.

So what does that usually look like? Based on the info and how people talk about their days, you’ll commonly choose a snorkel session at a good reef area, then pair it with one of these:

• fishing (deep sea or inshore)
• beach and swimming time
• island-hopping style stops, including the area associated with Gilligan’s Island

You can also keep it simple. If your group is more “relax and swim” than “hunt the perfect coral,” you’ll still get a fun plan because the itinerary is customizable.

Snorkel stops: reefs, famous island areas, and sea-life spotting

Snorkeling is the headline here, and the goal is to hit a couple of strong underwater areas. The boat includes snorkel gear, and your crew explains what you’re looking at underwater, including marine life and underwater flora.

In reviews, people specifically mentioned snorkeling in an area between Gilligan’s Island and Rose Island. That’s useful context because it suggests the crew uses spot selection to keep the experience interesting, not repetitive. Another common theme is that the staff helps you notice things from the boat, which is a big deal if you’re snorkeling with kids or newer swimmers.

What you should keep realistic expectations about: nature is nature. You are not buying a guaranteed sighting of every sea creature. But if you come in ready to look slowly and ask questions, you’ll get more out of the water time.

Fishing on Nassau water: gear included, results vary

Fishing can be the other half of your half-day, and the experience includes all necessary fishing equipment. The charter offers both deep sea and inshore fishing options, depending on what you pick and what the captain thinks fits best that day.

Here’s the key practical point: fishing is not a casino. Some days, the fish bite. Other days, they don’t. One review described a frustrating half-day with no nibbles on multiple lines, and that’s a fair reminder that even when you pay for a dedicated boat, the ocean decides the outcome.

At the same time, other groups had memorable catches. One review highlighted a large grouper that was then eaten later, and another mentioned catching a reef shark. That range is why I like this charter for people who want the experience of fishing with real tackle and a crew that’s actively working the trip, even if the catch isn’t guaranteed.

Rose Island and Footprints on longer outings

If you book an afternoon or full day version, you may have the option to visit Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island. This is the part of the itinerary that turns a water-focused charter into a full “vacation day” feel.

Footprints is described as sitting on a standout section of Rose Island with bright turquoise water and a white sandy beach. The attraction is not just the scenery. It’s also the on-island time: you can enjoy lunch, music, a fully stocked bar, and casual beach activities like volleyball and billiards.

Important budget note: lunch and any landing fees are not included in the charter cost. That means you should treat the Footprints stop as an add-on, not something already baked into the price.

The crew dynamic, especially with families

One of the strongest parts of this charter is how people talk about the crew’s attitude. Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra are repeatedly praised for professionalism and friendliness. More than once, the reviews mention that they helped with kids and made everyone feel safe and comfortable on board.

That’s not a small thing. On boats, the difference between a stressful trip and a relaxing one is usually the crew. Here, the consistent message is that the staff is attentive and willing to explain what’s happening, whether you’re snorkeling or fishing.

If you’re traveling with children, this is a big reason to consider booking. Half-day charters can be the right length for younger kids, and an experienced crew helps keep everyone engaged without overwhelming the day.

Where you start, and how to plan your timing

The meeting point is at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

A couple of practical tips:

• Build in buffer time on Nassau days when you have other plans nearby. Marinas can be quick, but it still helps to arrive early.
• If you’re coming from a resort, don’t assume pickup is included. The tour data lists hotel pickup and drop-off as not included. That said, at least one review mentioned pickup from a hotel jetty, so it may be possible in some situations. Confirm ahead of time so you’re not scrambling.

You’re looking at about 4 hours on the water. For many people, that’s ideal because it leaves room for dinner and other Nassau experiences after.

What’s included, and what you’ll want to pay attention to

This charter is pretty straightforward on inclusions, which makes it easier to budget.

Included

• Local captain and guide
• Bottled water and an ice cooler
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing equipment
• Alcoholic beverages and local beer
• The boat crew (Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, Stewardess Kassandra are commonly referenced in reviews)

Not included

• Food and drinks unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Lunch and landing fee if you go to Footprints on Rose Island (for longer charters)

So how does that translate to your real costs? The half-day base price covers the boat, crew time, and the gear, plus drinks like local beer and alcoholic beverages. If your group wants lunch, you’ll likely pay extra, especially if you add Rose Island.

Price value: $1,650 per group, up to 10

Let’s talk value honestly. The price is $1,650 per group (up to 10) for about 4 hours. That can sound steep until you think about what you’re actually buying: a private yacht charter with equipment, crew, and flexibility.

If you split the cost among a full group of 10, the per-person price becomes much easier to swallow. It can also be great value compared with booking multiple separate snorkeling tickets or trying to arrange a fishing day plus a reef day through different operators.

The “value” also depends on how you use the time. If you come to snorkel twice, fish once, then add beach time, you’re squeezing the most out of that private format. If you only want one short activity, you might feel like you’re paying for more boat time than you used. The fix is simple: plan your two activities in advance, then leave room for the crew to adjust based on conditions.

What to bring for a smooth half-day

The charter includes water and gear, so you can travel lighter than you might on other tours. Still, I recommend you bring the basics so you’re comfortable the whole time:

• Sunscreen (reef-safe if you have it)
• A hat and sunglasses
• Swimwear plus a dry change of clothes
• A light waterproof bag or dry pouch for your phone and wallet
• If you’re prone to motion discomfort, consider what usually works for you on boats

Also, since the experience is weather-dependent, having a plan for sudden sun or choppy water is smart.

Who this charter suits best in Nassau

This private snorkeling or fishing charter is a strong match for:

• families who want a dedicated crew and help in the water
• friend groups who want to choose the itinerary and not wait on strangers
• couples or small groups who prefer privacy and more control over time
• people who want both snorkeling and fishing elements without committing to a full day

It’s also a good option for repeat Nassau visitors. Once you’ve seen the main highlights from shore, a private boat day can feel like a reset. The ocean does that.

Should you book Cocorijo with Born Free Charters?

I’d book this if you want a private Nassau water day where you can pick two activities, get the gear, and have a crew that clearly cares about safety and comfort. The strongest signal from the reviews is the crew’s friendly, professional vibe, especially Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra.

I’d think twice if your main goal is guaranteed fishing. Some trips bring great results, but other days can be quiet. Also, if you expect lunch to be part of the half-day package, it won’t be, so plan that budget early.

If you want the kind of experience where your group sets the rhythm, and you spend your time in the Bahamas instead of waiting around, this charter is a solid bet.

FAQ

How many people can go on this private charter?

The charter is private and can accommodate up to 10 guests per group.

How long is the Nassau snorkeling or fishing experience?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What activities can I choose for my half-day?

You can customize your itinerary and choose two activities. Options include snorkeling at coral reef sites, fishing (deep sea or inshore), visiting the area associated with Gilligan’s Island, and spending time swimming or sunbathing.

Is snorkeling gear and fishing equipment included?

Yes. The charter includes snorkeling equipment and all necessary fishing equipment.

Are drinks and food included?

Bottled water is included, and local beer plus alcoholic beverages are included. Food is not included unless specified, and lunch at Footprints on Rose Island is not included.

What if weather is bad?

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

Where do we meet for the trip?

The meeting point is Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas. The trip ends back at the meeting point.