Four to eight hours of Exuma, by your own boat. This private charter in Great Exuma is built for groups who want a calmer pace: fewer hassles, more water time, and wildlife stops that feel like a movie scene you can actually step into. I like that you get a private experience with your own captain-led plan, and you can choose a 4-hour or 8-hour route depending on how much swimming and island-hopping you want.

Two things I’d put near the top: first, the animal encounters are front and center, from the pigs to rock iguanas and (depending on your option) stingrays or nurse sharks. Second, you also get a real mix of snorkeling and beach time, not just a quick “see it and go” loop. One consideration: snorkeling gear isn’t included, so you’ll want to pack it (or sort out gear before you meet the boat).

Key highlights

• Private boat comfort for up to 10: you’re not sharing the day with strangers.
• Wildlife stops built into the route: pigs, rock iguanas, and touch-swim time with rays.
• 4-hour vs 8-hour differences: stingrays and the blow-hole in the shorter trip; nurse sharks and Thunderball Grotto in the longer one.
• Snorkeling and sandbar time: you’ll spend real time on the water, not just sitting in transit.
• Captain sets the order based on conditions: timing can shift, which helps when the seas and light change.

Your Own Bubble in Great Exuma (and Why That Matters)

In Exuma, time on the water is the point. What I like about this charter is the “small group, big freedom” setup. Your group stays together, you get to move as a unit, and the day doesn’t feel like you’re chasing a schedule shared by a full crowd.

The base logistics are simple, too. You meet at Barraterre Dock and head back there at the end. You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking. With your own boat and a captain guiding the plan, you’re more likely to enjoy the day rather than spend it doing math, wrangling towels, and waiting for “the next group.”

The route is also weather-aware. The experience runs best with good conditions, and there’s flexibility if the captain needs to adjust. That’s the practical side of “private”: you’re not stuck just because someone else’s schedule is locked.

Price and Group Value: Is $2,400 a Lot?

This tour is priced at $2,400 per group (up to 10 people). That sounds steep until you do the per-person math.

• If you fill it with 10 people, it’s about $240 per person.
• If you’re 6 people, it’s $400 per person.
• If you’re just a smaller group, you’ll feel the cost more.

Where the value lands is in the package nature of the day: pig beach time, iguanas, rays or nurse sharks, snorkeling time, and island/beach stops (on the long option). This isn’t “one attraction, lots of sitting.” It’s a half-day to full-day outing with multiple major stops.

If you’re traveling as a family, a friends’ group, or a couple who hates crowds, the price can start to look reasonable fast. If you’re solo or a pair, this is still a great experience—but it’s one you’d ideally plan with others so the per-person cost stays friendly.

The 4-Hour Route: Pigs, Iguanas, Stingrays, Blow-Hole, Snorkeling

The shorter option is the best fit when you want a highlight reel without committing to a full day on the water. Expect a run that blends animal time, hands-on interaction, and the kind of stop-and-swim moments Exuma is known for.

Pig Beach time (Rollevill area for 4-hour tours)

You get a first stop built around the pigs that swim. The charm here is simple: you’re watching a natural routine, not a staged show. It’s lively, it’s quick, and it’s one of those Exuma moments that feels very different from typical beach time.

Practical note: water shoes and a towel are worth it. The pigs are only part of the fun; you’ll likely be hopping between boat and shoreline.

Rare rock iguanas

Next up is rock iguanas. These are often seen around warm, sandy stretches, and the stop is designed to help you view them in their element rather than from a distance.

This is also one of the calmer stops. You’re not doing heavy activity; you’re watching and staying respectful of the animals’ space.

Touch and swim with wild stingrays

If you choose the 4-hour tour, you get the chance to touch wild stingrays. This is the “hands-on” highlight for many people, and it tends to be memorable because it’s intimate and immediate—just you, clear water, and rays that glide through.

Safety tip: keep your movements slow and steady. If you get excited and thrash around, you’ll make it harder for yourself (and the animals).

Blow-hole swimming stop

You’ll also make time for a unique blow-hole, which is one of those Exuma coastal features that looks small until you see the water action firsthand. The sound and spray are the point.

Bring something to protect your gear from salt spray. Even on a short stop, the sea has a way of finding everything.

Snorkeling and beach chilling

The 4-hour schedule doesn’t end on wildlife. You also get snorkeling in Exuma’s waters and time to chill on beaches.

One important heads-up: snorkeling gear isn’t included, so don’t show up empty-handed. At minimum, pack your mask and snorkel if you have them. If you’re using contact lenses, consider how you’ll handle rinse and dry time on a boat.

The 8-Hour Route: Nurse Sharks, Thunderball Grotto, Sandbar, and More

The 8-hour option is for when you want the day to feel like a true outing—long enough for multiple “wow” moments and a calmer rhythm between them.

Pig Beach plus the iguana stop

You still get the pig swim and the rock iguanas viewing. In an 8-hour day, those early stops set the tone: animals first, then the water gets bigger.

Friendly nurse sharks (8-hour only)

This is the big difference: on the longer trip you swim with nurse sharks. Like the stingray stop, the value is in the closeness and the calm nature of the experience.

In practice, you’ll want to pay attention to the captain’s instructions at the water’s edge. Nurse sharks are not something you should freestyle with confidence. Follow the guidance and let the moment happen at a comfortable pace.

007 Thunderball Grotto

You also visit Thunderball Grotto (the 007 setting). Even if you’re not a movie person, this stop tends to hit because it’s a nature feature with drama. The rock shapes, the water movement, and the chance to see it as part of a longer day makes it feel earned.

This stop is only offered on the 8-hour route, so if that’s a must-do for you, plan accordingly.

Hanging out at a sandbar

You get time for sandbar walking. This is one of my favorite types of stops because it’s low-pressure and playful. You’re not constantly swapping gear or fighting currents—you’re just out there for a while.

Do expect sun and glare. Bring sunscreen and a hat. If you burn easily, reapply during the sandbar stretch, not after.

Island and beach hopping + Staniel Cay dock time

The longer route includes islands and beaches hopping, and it ends with docking at Staniel Cay. That added dock time matters because it turns the day from “boat stops” into “you’re actually in the middle of Exuma’s rhythm.”

You’ll have more chances to soak in views and shift from swim mode to relax mode.

Timing, Captain Adjustments, and How to Not Stress

The itinerary notes that timing and order can change with the captain. That’s not a red flag—it’s often a smart reality in Exuma. Seas, wildlife movement, and light can shift. A good captain uses that.

What you should do is plan to be flexible and treat the posted order as a guide, not a promise. You’re paying for the experience, not a courtroom timeline.

Also, each listed stop runs about 45 minutes. For a private charter, that feels like a sweet spot: long enough to get a real taste and short enough that you’re not stuck bored between thrills.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and What to Bring

From the experience details, the tour includes the boat outing, the stops, and the animal/beach admission is listed as free for each stop. You’re not adding ticket costs per attraction.

The one clear miss: snorkeling gear isn’t included. That can be the difference between “this is amazing” and “we had fun, but I couldn’t fully do it.”

Here’s what I suggest you bring:

• Snorkeling mask/snorkel (and anything you personally need)
• Water shoes for sandy, rocky, and splash-prone transitions
• Sunscreen and a hat (Exuma sun can be fast)
• A dry bag for phone and electronics
• A towel and a change of clothes for later

If you run a tight schedule for photos, keep in mind that there are multiple water entry moments. You’ll get better shots when you don’t rush the line between boat and sea.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This charter shines for groups who want privacy and variety in one day.

You’ll probably love it if:

• You’re traveling with friends or family and want the boat to be all yours
• You want both wildlife encounters and snorkeling
• You prefer a captain-led plan rather than hopping between random spots on your own
• You’re okay planning for a full half-day to full day on the water

It can also work well for couples, especially if you can share the cost with other travelers in your group to keep the per-person price reasonable.

If you’re very budget-focused and only want one short attraction, this might feel like too much. But if you want multiple major moments, it’s a strong value play.

Booking Timing, Weather Reality, and Cancellation Flexibility

This experience is typically booked about 29 days in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t book later, but it does suggest dates can fill, especially in better weather windows.

Weather matters here. The tour requires good conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important in the Bahamas, where sea and wind can change the plan fast.

If plans change, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before start time for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, you won’t get your money back. There’s also a note about a minimum number of travelers; if that minimum isn’t met, they may offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Should You Book Crystal Bay’s Exuma Charter?

If your ideal Exuma day includes multiple water moments—pigs, iguanas, swimming encounters, plus snorkeling—this is a smart choice. The private format helps you relax, and the split between 4-hour and 8-hour routes lets you match your energy level.

Book the 4-hour version if you want the core hits without the extra time: pig swim, iguanas, stingray interaction, blow-hole viewing, and snorkeling plus beach lounging. It’s a great “best-of” day.

Book the 8-hour version if you want the longer, more varied day with nurse sharks, Thunderball Grotto, sandbar walking, island/beach hopping, and more time around Staniel Cay.

My only real caution is simple: plan for the snorkeling gear gap. If you arrive without it, you might still have a great day, but you’ll lose part of what you paid for.

If you solve that one item and you’re traveling as a group, this charter looks like one of the better ways to experience Great Exuma without the crowd pressure.

FAQ

How long is the Crystal Bay private boat tour?

You can choose approximately 4 hours or 8 hours.

What’s the price?

The price is $2,400 per group, up to 10 people.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Where do we meet the tour?

The meeting point is Barraterre Dock, Barraterre Road, The Bahamas. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the snorkeling experience?

Snorkeling is part of the itinerary, but snorkeling gear is not included.

Do the stops differ between the 4-hour and 8-hour options?

Yes. The 4-hour option includes touching wild stingrays and swimming in the blow-hole, while the 8-hour option includes swimming with nurse sharks and visiting Thunderball Grotto, plus additional sandbar and island/beach time.

Is admission required for the main stops?

For the listed stops, admission ticket is marked free in the itinerary.

What wildlife encounters are offered?

You’ll see pig swimming and rare rock iguanas on the route. Depending on the duration, you may also touch stingrays (4-hour) or swim with nurse sharks (8-hour).

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, refunds aren’t provided.