Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau – 31ft Sitting Pretty

Fishing plus turtles is a rare combo. A private 31-foot Bertram charter off Nassau lets you steer the day toward deep-water fishing or reef snorkeling, with Captain Bobo and Cyrus (plus deckhand Kiros) helping you make sense of the sea fast.

What I like most is the custom itinerary and the way the crew keeps it beginner-friendly without turning it into a watered-down experience. You can learn as you go, ask for more help when you need it, and still switch modes—fish, snorkel, then fish again—within your 4-hour or 8-hour window.

One thing to consider: at $825 per group, this is best value when you can fill the boat and split the cost. Also, there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want a smooth plan to get to the marina on Paradise Island.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Private 31ft Bertram charter just for your group, up to six guests
• 4-hour or 8-hour half-day/full-day time blocks you can actually use
• Offshore or reef choices based on what you’re after that day
• All gear included: bait, tackle, and snorkeling equipment in multiple sizes
• Onboard comfort with a bathroom, cooler with ice, and bottled water
• Family-friendly coaching that can get first-timers catching fish fast

Nassau from the water: what this private Bertram day really feels like

This is the kind of Nassau experience that makes the island’s postcard photos look incomplete. Instead of a checklist of stops, you get time on the water with a crew that adjusts to your interests in real time. The boat is a 31-foot (9-meter) Bertram, and your captain works within your charter length to decide where to fish, where to snorkel, and when to slow down for a look around the harbor.

The private setup matters. You’re not negotiating with a crowd, you’re not waiting for someone else’s pace, and you’re not stuck on one idea when the day calls for a change. That’s especially useful in the Bahamas, where conditions can shift and where fish and snorkeling can be best in different spots.

I also like that the crew isn’t just present—they’re hands-on. In practice, that means you can fish more independently if you want, or you can take more direction if you’re new. And when you’re switching from rods to snorkels, the handoff is part of the plan, not a stressful scramble.

Choosing your day: 4 hours vs 8 hours (and why it changes everything)

You can book this charter for about 4 hours or up to 8 hours. That choice doesn’t just affect time—it changes how relaxed (or intense) the day feels.

With a shorter charter, you’ll usually focus on fewer “modes.” For example, you might start with fishing offshore and then add snorkeling when the boat has momentum. Or, you might stay closer to the reef the whole time and treat fishing as the bonus between swim breaks. Short days work well for families, first-timers, and cruise stopovers where you want the highlights without overextending.

An 8-hour charter is for people who want more back-and-forth: deeper fishing when the bite looks right, then a reef snorkel to break up the action, and possibly time for a beaching or a harbor sightseeing stretch. If you’re hoping to see more wildlife like sea turtles while also targeting a serious fishing haul, the longer day makes the “do both” goal more realistic.

The meeting point and the no-pickup reality

Your start is at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole. This is not a hotel pickup tour, so you’ll need to handle getting there yourself.

If you’re on a cruise, you’ll also need to provide cruise details at booking, including ship name and docking/re-boarding times. The point is simple: you want enough buffer to board on time, because the captain’s plan depends on staying on schedule once you’re out.

Offshore fishing vs reef snorkeling: the best way to decide what you want

Here’s the practical beauty of this charter: you’re not locked into one style.

If you want more fishing action

You can drop your line in deep waters offshore. That’s where “real fishing” energy tends to kick in—longer stretches focused on rods, reels, and bait. If you’re coming for trophies or just the thrill of a faster rhythm, tell the crew you want to start farther out.

Just know that results can vary day to day. One smart move for beginners is to be honest quickly if the first spot feels slow. A captain can adjust, and you’ll get a better chance of success when the plan matches the conditions.

If you want easier water fun and wildlife

You can also stay closer to the shallow reef and snorkel between fishing efforts. This option often feels more like a “Bahamas day out” than a pure fishing mission—especially when sea turtles show up. It’s also a great way to keep non-anglers happy while still giving everyone something to do.

You’ll still fish, but the day’s pace often becomes slower and more relaxed. That’s ideal if you’re traveling with kids, if some people don’t want to spend every minute holding a rod, or if you’d rather see more underwater life than chase bigger distance.

What’s included (and why those details matter on a boat)

The included items are the kind that prevent annoying decisions mid-trip.

You’ll have:

• Bait and tackle for fishing
• Snorkeling equipment, with gear in a variety of sizes
• Bottled water and ice in a cooler
• A bathroom onboard
• A local guide and a private charter

Those aren’t small things. On a private boat, you’re far from convenience stores. So when the charter includes snorkeling gear, tackle, and chilled drinks, you avoid the classic vacation mistake: planning a great day and then realizing you forgot something, or that you’re paying extra for basics you thought were included.

A bathroom onboard also changes the comfort level, especially on the longer 8-hour option.

Meet the crew, set expectations, and get help exactly when you need it

Once onboard, you meet your crew and talk through what you want to do. That conversation is more important than it sounds, because the captain’s job is balancing your time with what’s happening underwater and on the water.

This is where the experience earns its high marks. The crew’s style is supportive, not pushy. If you want to reel in fish on your own, they’ll guide you enough to make that possible. If you need step-by-step help, they can get you set up so you’re not just watching.

In real terms, that means:

• Beginners can learn and still feel like they’re participating.
• Kids can try fishing without the day turning into a lesson they resent.
• People who mainly want snorkeling can focus on the water while still having a chance to catch something.

A realistic look at how your time can play out

Your captain plans the day using your interests, within the charter length. While every outing will be different, this is a practical way to think about the sequence.

Early on: setup and a quick plan

You’ll talk preferences, get fitted with snorkeling gear if you’re using it, and get fishing gear ready. This early stage is where you set expectations so you’re not making guesses later.

Middle of the charter: fish, then switch

Many groups like to alternate. One period is fishing—either offshore or closer to shore. Then you swap to snorkeling to break up the action and give everyone a chance to see wildlife.

This switch matters because it keeps energy up. It also means you’re not stuck with one kind of fun. If you land fish, the day feels like success. If you snorkel and see turtles and other reef life, the day feels like success too.

Later in the charter: refine or add a bonus stop

As time gets closer to the end, the captain can adjust based on what’s working. Some people add more time on fishing if the bite is active. Others use the remaining time for beaching or harbor sightseeing, depending on your mix of goals.

If you’re trying to maximize the day, this is where telling the crew what matters most pays off: more fish, more snorkel time, more time near shore, or more sightseeing.

The wildlife and reef moments you can reasonably hope for

This is a fishing charter, but the snorkeling component isn’t a token add-on. You can snorkel reef areas and often see sea turtles. You may also spot interesting reef creatures, including things like spider crabs when conditions and visibility line up.

You shouldn’t plan your whole trip around a guaranteed sighting. But if seeing turtles is on your wish list, this charter format gives you a real chance because you can build snorkeling time into the day rather than treating it like a quick stop.

What about the fish you catch: fresh, fun, and sometimes cooked

The charter includes the fishing gear and the time on the water to catch fish, and the results can be impressive. Several groups have brought fish to shore-side spots for cooking—examples include places like Margaritaville’s restaurant and getting fish cooked at Rose Island, depending on timing.

If this is important to you, ask the crew for practical advice once you’re onboard. They’ll know what’s realistic based on where you’ll be and how your schedule shakes out.

Even if you don’t cook the catch, landing fish is still the core reward. And for beginners, the satisfaction is big when it’s paired with snorkeling and wildlife.

Price and value: $825 per group, and who it fits best

At $825 per group, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But private charters cost money because you’re buying the boat, the captain, and the time flexibility.

Where the value becomes clear:

• If you’re a family or a small group, splitting the cost helps.
• You get both fishing and snorkeling options without feeling like you’re choosing one and sacrificing the other.
• Gear is included: tackle plus snorkeling equipment in multiple sizes.
• The crew provides hands-on help, which can turn a “maybe we’ll catch something” day into a confident learning experience.

This is also a solid pick if you’ve got mixed interests in the group. One person can focus on fishing while someone else keeps snorkeling in the plan.

Who should book this Nassau charter

I think this fits best if:

• You want a private day on the water rather than a crowded group excursion.
• You want flexibility between deep-water fishing and reef snorkeling.
• You’re traveling with kids or first-timers who need real coaching, not just instructions.
• You’d rather spend your day doing the activity than rushing between multiple stops.

It’s less ideal if you want a fixed, pre-set itinerary where every minute is guaranteed to be the same. This charter works best when you’re ready to collaborate with your captain and adjust with the day.

Weather and cancellations: keep one backup plan

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s a normal reality for open-water activities around Nassau. I’d still pack for sun and spray, and plan your schedule so a weather shift doesn’t wreck the rest of your day.

Should you book Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau – 31ft Sitting Pretty?

Book it if you want a real Nassau boat day where you control the balance between fishing and snorkeling, and where the crew helps you succeed at whatever level you’re at. The included gear, onboard comfort, and private format make it easy to justify, especially for families and small groups.

Skip it if you’re looking for a low-cost option or if you don’t want to handle transportation to the marina yourself. Also think twice if your group only wants one single activity type with zero flexibility, because this charter’s strength is that you can change course based on what you feel like and what’s working.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes learning on the go, keeping options open, and spending your time where the action is—this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How many people can be on the boat?

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

What are the charter duration options?

You can book for about 4 hours or about 8 hours.

Can I customize whether we fish offshore or snorkel near the reef?

Yes. You and your captain can plan the best use of your charter time, including deep offshore fishing or staying closer to the reef for snorkeling.

What activities are available besides fishing and snorkeling?

The crew can plan for options like inshore fishing, beaching, and sight seeing around the harbor, based on your interests.

What snorkeling gear and fishing gear are provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided in a variety of sizes, and bait and all necessary fishing equipment are included.

Is food included?

No. Bottled water and ice are included, but food and other drinks are not included unless specified.

Where do we meet?

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

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What do cruise ship passengers need to provide?

Cruise ship passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at booking.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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