You rent the whole boat in Nassau.

That’s the point of this charter: you get a private Bahamas boat experience built around your timing, with a 35-foot open vessel and a plan that still lets you freestyle. I love the freedom to go snorkeling first or shift toward beach time, and I love that snorkeling gear plus unlimited drinks are included. One thing to consider: there’s no cabin, so you’ll feel sun and spray more than on covered boats.

This is a smart pick if you’re tired of feeling herded. You’ll start at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on Paradise Island, then head out on a harbor tour before the day’s highlights. I also like the mix of wildlife and classic photo stops—turtles at Green Cay, the swimming pigs at Athol Island, and the Gilligan’s Island look-alike scenery. The total time runs about 4 to 8 hours, so build in some patience and sunscreen.

Price-wise, it’s $1,750 per group up to 14, so the value swings based on how full you are. It’s commonly booked about 63 days ahead, which tells me it’s popular for Nassau cruise days and group celebrations. And since good weather matters, have a Plan B in mind if the water gets rough.

Key things I’d plan around

• Your itinerary can flex: you can freestyle on the water or stick to a schedule, including snorkeling first
• Open-air 35-foot boat: more room to move and dance, but expect sun and wind
• Rose Island snorkeling as the anchor: coral reef right off Rose Island with colorful fish
• Green Cay turtle feeding: short stop with shallow-water turtle encounters
• Athol Island pigs cost extra: pig encounter is $30 per person, separate from the base price
• Unlimited soda and drinks + onboard music: Bluetooth music and snacks included, plus group photos sent to you

Private Bahamas Boat Charter on New Providence: What It Feels Like

The best way to describe this charter is simple: it feels like you borrowed a boat for the day, not like you signed up for a rigid script. The operators build a personalized itinerary and then let your group decide how you want the day to flow—snorkel first, beach first, or a mix.

You start at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas on Paradise Island, so it’s easy to anchor your day in Nassau. From there, you’ll head out on a harbor tour and then hop between the big-name spots around Nassau—Rose Island, Green Cay, Athol Island, and Sandy Cay—without dealing with the big-ship excursion shuffle.

On board, the 35-foot boat has no cabin. That matters. You get more open space to move around and enjoy the ride, and groups often feel more “together” because you’re not broken up in separate cabin zones. The downside is equally real: you’ll want sun protection and a plan for shade, because you won’t have a weather-proof retreat.

Also, this is designed for groups. Birthdays and party days are a natural fit, and the onboard setup—Bluetooth music and a laid-back pace—helps that vibe stay fun instead of chaotic.

First Stop Rose Island Snorkeling: Coral Reef and Clear-Water Fish

Rose Island is where the day’s water time starts, and it’s a great choice for a first snorkel. You’ll snorkel over a coral reef just off Rose Island for about one hour, with plenty of chances to see fish in clear water.

What makes this stop appealing is the combination of “easy enough for most people” and “pretty enough to keep you looking.” The water is described as crystal clear, and the fish have a slight blue glow—exactly the kind of detail that turns snorkeling from just a checkbox into something you remember later.

Practical reality check: snorkeling in open water is all about comfort. You’ll have mask, snorkel, fins, and a life vest provided, which is a big help if you don’t travel with your own gear. Still, wear swimwear you can move in and bring a rash guard if you burn easily. With an open boat, you’ll get more sun exposure between stops than you might expect.

If your group wants to do something different—like snorkel later—that flexibility is part of the experience. You’re not locked into the snorkeling-first order if your priorities shift.

Athol Island Swimming Pigs: Fun Encounter With a Separate Fee

Athol Island is the most famous “one-of-a-kind” stop of the day, and it’s positioned close to Nassau—about 15 to 20 minutes away. You’ll spend around one hour there, and the feature is the swimming pig encounter.

Two things to know up front so you’re not surprised:

• The pig encounter fee is not included in the base charter price.
• It’s listed as $30 per person, which means you should estimate your total cost based on how many people want pig time.

That said, this encounter is built for real interaction. The pigs are described as friendly and intelligent, and you’re given pig snacks in a cup. If you’ve ever been around animals at a distance, this is a much more hands-on, photo-friendly moment—one that tends to land well with families and group celebrations.

A small consideration: since the pig fee is per person, it can change how “worth it” the stop feels for a group. If you have a mix of ages and preferences, talk it through before you arrive so everyone’s on the same page.

Green Cay Turtle Feeding: A Short Stop With Big Moments

After pigs, you shift to a calmer, wildlife-focused vibe at Green Cay. This is a 30-minute stop, and the highlight is turtle watching and feeding in shallow waters.

The way it’s described is charmingly direct: turtles swim nearby, and they pop their heads above the water as if to say hi. You’re also there to feed them, which is a step up from just watching from afar. That feeding component is usually what turns “we saw turtles” into “we had a real encounter.”

Because the stop is relatively short, come prepared to focus. This isn’t a long wandering beach-and-birds moment. It’s a concentrated turtle window, so keep your phone secured and your attention on the water.

Sandy Cay Gilligan’s Island Photos: Nostalgia, Then Onward

Next you’ll head to Sandy Cay, a quick 30-minute stop tied to Gilligan’s Island style sightseeing. Think of it as a fun “photo and scenery” break rather than a long activity.

This is one of those spots where expectations help. If you want a deep, time-consuming experience, the short duration might feel like you blink and it’s over. If you want the classic imagery and a few great shots, it’s a friendly stop that keeps the day moving.

You’ll also be rewarded by pacing. After snorkeling and animal time, a shorter scenery stop helps you reset without losing momentum.

Back to Rose Island Beach Time: Games and Unlimited Drinks

The day ends with another Rose Island moment: about 30 minutes of chill beach time. This is when you shift from active to relaxed—play games, hang out, and enjoy the beach atmosphere.

The included onboard fuel matters here. You get snacks like chips and cookies, plus unlimited soda/pop and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Bluetooth music keeps the mood light while you wait for the next photo, and the overall setup supports group energy without needing you to micromanage anything.

Also, there’s a newer perk: photos of your group or family are taken during the day and sent to you. Even if your best pictures are the ones you take yourself, it’s nice to have professional-style shots as a backup—especially for groups where everyone wants photos but nobody wants to handle the camera duties the whole time.

If you’re planning a lunch plan, note that lunch isn’t included. It’s usually an extra $20 to $25 depending on what you order. For many groups, snacks plus the drinks are enough to keep you comfortable until the end, but if your group is hungry at lunch time, budget for it.

Price and Value: When $1,750 per Group Makes Sense

Let’s talk real money. The charter price is $1,750 per group up to 14. That means your per-person cost can be very different depending on group size.

• If you book the full boat (close to 14 people), the experience can feel like a strong deal compared with paying separately for multiple activities.
• If you book for a smaller group, it becomes more of a splurge, but it still has the advantage of privacy and flexibility—two things that are hard to find in standard excursions.

What you get matters for value:

• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life vest, fins)
• Chips and cookies
• Unlimited soda/pop and alcoholic + non-alcoholic drinks
• Bluetooth music
• Group photos sent to you

And you also get the ability to shape the day. That freedom is a big deal for families with mixed ages. One person might want more water time, another might want more beach time, and you don’t have to split the group or miss out.

One extra cost to plan for is the pig encounter fee at $30 per person plus lunch if you want it. If everyone in your group wants pig time and you add lunch, your total spend rises—but you’re paying for those specific experiences, not for the base charter being stingy.

Who This Charter Suits Best (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

This charter is ideal if:

• You want a private day around Nassau without fighting for space.
• You’re celebrating something—birthdays and group parties fit the vibe perfectly.
• Your group includes kids or teens who will enjoy the animal encounters and games on the beach.
• You want both water time and laid-back beach time without feeling rushed by a large-boat schedule.

It might not be your best match if:

• You hate sun and wind and need a shaded cabin retreat.
• Your group doesn’t care about snorkeling, animals, or photo stops and would rather do a simple beach-only day.

For most people, it hits a sweet spot: active enough to feel like a real adventure, but structured enough that you won’t spend the day figuring things out.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Nassau Day

A private boat day goes better when you show up with the basics handled.

• Bring sun protection: no cabin means more exposure between stops.
• Pack for quick changes: you’ll snorkel, get wet, then go straight into beach time.
• Plan your pig encounter decision early: since it’s $30 per person, decide who wants it so you’re not calculating mid-day.
• Use the included gear smartly: if you don’t snorkel often, the provided mask and fins make it easy to get comfortable fast.
• Keep small-value items secured: phone and camera handling matters in open-air boat conditions.

Weather plays a role too. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So don’t lock yourself into an inflexible schedule—build in some breathing room on your Nassau day.

Should You Book Honor Roll Charters?

I’d book it if you want a private day in the Bahamas that mixes snorkeling, wildlife, classic photo scenery, and beach time—without the big-ship stress. The best part for your planning is that the day isn’t one-track. You get an outline, then you steer it.

It’s also a good value when you can fill more of the boat. If you’re booking for fewer than 14, it still can be worth it for the privacy, the included gear and drinks, and the flexibility. Just account for the extra costs you might add, especially the $30 per person pig encounter and any lunch you choose.

If your group is excited about Rose Island snorkeling and Green Cay turtles, and at least some people are game for the pig experience, this charter hits the sweet spot between adventure and comfort.

FAQ

What price is this private charter?

The price is $1,750 per group, up to 14 people.

How long is the charter?

It runs approximately 4 to 8 hours.

What’s included with the charter?

Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life vest, fins), snacks (chips and cookies), unlimited soda/pop and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Bluetooth music, and photos of your group that are sent to you.

Where does the charter start and end?

It starts at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, 2 Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence, The Bahamas, and returns back to the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. It’s usually an additional $20 to $25 depending on what’s ordered.

How much is the pig encounter at Athol Island?

The pig encounter fee is additional at $30 per person, and the admission ticket isn’t included.

What snorkeling and wildlife stops are part of the day?

You snorkel the coral reef off Rose Island, then you’ll have turtle watching and feeding at Green Cay. There’s also an Athol Island pig encounter and a Gilligan’s Island-style photo stop at Sandy Cay.

What happens 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.