Four hours can feel like a full Bahamas day. This private charter on Secret Cays’ custom 35′ Donzi is built for hands-on water time—snorkeling, turtles, and pigs—without the stress of big-group schedules.

I like two things right away: the flexibility to choose what you want to do, and the solid onboard basics like snorkeling and fishing gear plus a cooler with bottled water and ice. The one drawback to keep in mind is that not all days are smooth or calm—one safety-focused complaint I saw mentioned a fast ride back that left people hurting.

Key things to know before you book

• Private group format: your group only, not shared with strangers
• Captain-led choices: snorkeling, pigs, turtles, fishing, and beach cruising are all on the menu
• Comfort details you’ll notice: full bathroom inside the console and bow lounging space
• Gear included: snorkeling equipment and fishing equipment come with the charter
• Pig interaction isn’t always included: there’s an optional $30 per person add-on

Private 35′ Donzi Charter off Paradise Island: what you’re actually buying

You’re paying for a half-day on the water with your own captain and crew, using a custom 35-foot center console boat. Secret Cays says the boat can safely take up to 6 anglers, and the booking is for a group up to 8. That mismatch matters: if you have a full group of 8, expect some people to be more “along for the ride” than actively fishing the whole time.

I also like that you’re launching from a well-known jump-off spot on Paradise Island. The meeting point is the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr. It helps if you’re staying somewhere near the ferry area, because you’ll have fewer logistics to fight before you even step aboard.

At the center of it all is Captain Javano. The vibe here is simple: he’ll do his best to keep the day fun, while you and your party choose the activities. That’s a different feel than fixed tours where you’re locked into one plan and stuck if you don’t love it.

Pick Your Water Day: snorkeling, pigs, turtles, fishing, and beach time

The tour title says it all, and that’s the point. You can build your day around snorkeling, swimming with turtles or pigs, fishing, or cruising out to white-sand beach time. The best part is that you’re not being forced into a single “checklist” experience.

Here’s how I’d think about the options:

Snorkeling and sea life time

You get snorkeling equipment included, so you’re not hunting for masks or trying to make rental gear work. This kind of charter setup is best when you want water time that feels personal, not crowded. If your group includes a range of comfort levels, snorkeling is an easy anchor activity because people can snorkel at their own pace.

Swimming with turtles

Turtles fit naturally into a half-day because you’re doing something active but still water-based. The key practical takeaway: you’re on a boat with a guide, and the plan can shift based on what conditions allow. That flexibility is valuable in the Bahamas, where sea conditions and visibility can change quickly.

Swimming with pigs

The pigs are the headline, but you should treat the interaction as a decision, not an automatic inclusion. The pig interaction fee is optional $30 per person, which means your total cost can rise depending on how many people want that experience. If your group is budget-minded, I’d talk it through before you arrive so there are no surprises mid-day.

Fishing

Fishing equipment is included, and this is not just a “watch the captain fish” experience. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers, which lines up well if you have a few people who really want to fish. If you’re going with non-fishers, you’ll likely spend more time cruising and snorkeling while others focus on rods.

White-sand beach cruising

You also have the chance to cruise out for pristine white-sand beach time. Even if you’re mainly there for sea life, beach time gives you a dry break. In a 4-hour charter, that break can be the difference between a fun day and a sunburn story you tell for years.

Captain Javano’s half-day flow and how the 4 hours can move

This charter runs about 4 hours. On paper, that’s a comfortable length—long enough to do more than one activity, but short enough that you’re not stuck on the water for a full day.

In real life, the half-day timing means you’ll want to make choices quickly. The day works best when you know your priorities going in. If half the group is set on pigs, and half wants fishing, you’ll likely end up with a split plan. That’s fine, as long as expectations are clear.

One more thing: because this is a private boat, you’re not chasing anyone else’s schedule. That flexibility can be great. It can also mean your day’s pace is driven more by the captain’s approach and current conditions. One negative safety-focused report I saw centered on the ride feeling too fast on the return trip, with people injured from rough motion. That doesn’t mean every charter is like that—but it’s a reason to pay attention to how the day starts and how the boat is handled. If you’re sensitive to motion or you’re traveling with kids or older adults, I’d ask the captain upfront to keep the ride as smooth as possible when you’re heading back.

Onboard comfort: restroom inside the console, bow lounging, Bluetooth tunes

This boat has a full bathroom in the console. That sounds like a small detail until you’re stuck on a boat in the sun for hours. Having a restroom onboard makes a huge difference for comfort, especially for families or anyone who doesn’t want to improvise bathroom timing.

There’s also a multimedia system compatible with MP3 and Bluetooth, plus front bow seating/lounging space. If your group likes music, you’ll actually be able to use it. And that bow seating is useful because it gives people a place to relax between water activities. On a charter like this, you’ll often alternate between “getting in the water” and “waiting for the next spot.” Comfort matters.

You’ll also have a cooler filled with bottled water and ice included. Dehydration is not a fun souvenir. Having water and ice handled by the crew lets you focus on the day instead of budgeting drinks.

What’s not included is food and alcohol unless requested. So if your group wants snacks, you’ll likely need to plan for that outside the charter. I’d also consider bringing sun protection and a change of clothes, because once you’re wet, you’ll feel the chill once you slow down.

Included gear and what to bring for sun, salt, and sea life

The charter includes snorkeling equipment and fishing equipment. That covers two of the biggest “hidden costs” of water tours—gear rental and time spent arranging it.

What you don’t see listed as included: food and drinks (unless requested), and alcohol. The practical move is to bring a basic plan for hydration and light snacks if you’ll be hungry during a 4-hour day. Even with water included, many people still want something to nibble.

Here’s what I’d pack for a day like this, based on the realities of salt air and repeated splashing:

• Sun protection (you’ll be out under strong light)
• Reef-safe sunscreen if you’re planning to snorkel and swim
• A rash guard or swim shirt if you burn easily
• Quick-dry towel
• Water shoes or sandals with grip (especially if you’re walking near beaches or getting in/out)
• A dry bag for phones and keys
• Optional: seasickness help, just in case you’re sensitive to boat movement

Also remember: the charter is described as requiring good weather, and it’s dependent on conditions. If the day feels rough, it helps to be prepared physically as well as mentally.

Price at $850 per group: when this charter is good value

The price is $850 per group, up to 8 people. That’s not cheap. But it can be good value if your group is truly using the boat as a group experience instead of splitting between multiple tours.

Let’s look at the math in a practical way:

• If you book with 6–8 people, you’re spreading the cost across the group.
• If it ends up being only 2–3 people, you’ll feel the price fast because you still pay for the boat and crew.

The included items help offset some of the total. You get snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, a guide, a cooler with bottled water and ice, and the onboard restroom. Those are all real cost savers compared with piecing together separate activities.

But there’s also the pig interaction add-on. The $30 per person fee is optional, and it can add up quickly if everyone wants to do it. If pigs are the main reason you’re booking, ask your group how many people truly want that moment. That’s how you keep the “headline activity” from quietly turning into a budget surprise.

Finally, consider the big-picture value question: do you want the private comfort and flexibility of a charter, or would you rather share an experience with others to lower the cost? If you want your own pace, your own crew, and you’re willing to pay for control, this makes sense. If you just want snorkeling and you’re cost-first, you might do better elsewhere.

Weather rules, minimums, and the real-world risk of a wasted day

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

That’s the right kind of safety net. Still, since it’s a half-day and you’re on island time, you should plan your other activities around the charter. If you’re only in the area for a short stay, you’ll want to keep your schedule flexible so a weather shuffle doesn’t ruin your trip.

There’s also a minimum number of travelers. If that minimum isn’t met, it can be canceled with either a different date/experience or a full refund. Private charters can have this risk because they need enough demand to run.

And one more practical note from the only detailed complaint I saw: the ride back felt too fast and caused injuries when the boat slowed and slammed down. You can’t control how conditions feel on the water. You can, however, control your expectations and your own comfort level. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, is recovering from an injury, or just hates choppy boats, plan accordingly and consider asking about how they handle the return when the water turns.

Who this private charter suits best

This is a great fit for:

• Families or friend groups who want one shared day on a private boat
• People who want to choose between snorkeling, turtles, pigs, and fishing instead of committing to one activity
• Groups that will actually use the boat capacity and spread out the cost

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re very budget-first and want the cheapest snorkeling option
• Your group doesn’t want to pay optional fees like the pig interaction
• You’re extremely motion-sensitive and don’t handle boat rides well

Should you book Secret Cays’ private snorkeling-and-fishing charter?

If your group wants a private half-day with real flexibility—snorkeling plus either turtles or pigs, and maybe fishing—this has the ingredients for a memorable Bahamas day. The included gear, onboard bathroom, and cooler with bottled water make it feel more thoughtfully set up than many bare-bones boat trips.

I’d book it when you can bring a plan: know whether pigs are worth the $30 per person, and decide what your must-do activity is if conditions change. And I’d go in with a comfort-first mindset on the water, because one negative experience I saw involved rough handling and injuries on the return.

If you want more certainty, you’ll likely feel better if you book with a date you can reschedule. And if anyone in your group is sensitive to motion, ask questions early and pick clothing and gear that lets you stay comfortable even if the sea has other ideas.

FAQ

How many people can be on this charter?

The booking is priced per group up to 8 people. The boat is described as safely taking up to 6 anglers, so larger groups may need to share space and positions for fishing.

How long is the tour?

The charter lasts about 4 hours.

Where do we meet for the experience?

You start at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr in The Bahamas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

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

What’s included in the price?

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

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included unless requested.

Is the pig interaction included?

No. Pig interaction has an optional fee of $30 per person.

What happens if weather is bad or the trip can’t run?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.