A private boat day beats the usual Nassau churn. On the 55ft Hatteras Cocorijo, Born Free Charters lets you pick two activities, from coral-reef snorkeling near spots like Gilligan’s Island to deep or inshore fishing, all run with a dedicated captain and crew. It’s the kind of half-day that feels personal fast—especially when the crew is led by Captain Roscoe with Mate Cleo and Stewardess Kassandra.

I love the flexibility to shape the day around what your group wants, whether that’s reef snorkeling, a swim, sunbathing, or fishing. I also like that the charter includes snorkel and fishing gear, bottled water, and even local beer plus alcoholic beverages. The main drawback to plan for is that fishing is never guaranteed, and this is a per-group price, so it usually makes the most sense when you’re close to the max group size.

Key Reasons This Charter Gets Such Strong Scores

• Private space on a 55ft Hatteras with a dedicated captain/crew and up to 10 people, not a crowded cattle-boat plan.
• Two activities in about 4 hours so you can balance snorkeling + fishing (or swap in swimming/sun time) without feeling rushed.
• Real flexibility in the day’s route—you’re not locked into one tiny loop.
• Gear is included: snorkel equipment and fishing tackle, plus bottled water and an ice cooler.
• Rose Island Footprints Beach Bar is an option on afternoon/full-day charters (lunch and landing fee not included).
• Consistent praise for the crew’s professionalism and “safe and fun” vibe, with Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra repeatedly named.

Cocorijo and the Crew: Why This Feels Like a True Private Day

If you care about comfort and control, the biggest win here is the format: you’re on Cocorijo, a well-kept 55-foot Hatteras, with just your party. That matters in Nassau, where public tours can feel like a checklist. On a private charter, you can slow down when you see something interesting, ask questions right there, and spend more time in the water instead of timing your life to a group schedule.

The other major factor is how often guests highlight the crew’s attitude and care. Names pop up again and again—Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra—with repeated comments about being friendly, helpful, and professional. People also mention feeling safe, including when kids were on board. That doesn’t mean every moment is perfectly calm (it’s the ocean), but it does mean the people running the boat know what they’re doing and communicate clearly.

Also worth noting: the boat has that “clean, ready to go” feeling that guests bring up when they write reviews. On charter days, that’s not just nice—it saves you from worrying about comfort when you’re trying to relax.

The Half-Day Game Plan: Picking Two Activities in 4 Hours

The charter is built around a simple idea: you get to choose two activities for roughly four hours. That’s ideal if you’re staying in Nassau but don’t want to sacrifice your whole day to travel time and waiting around.

Typical options you can choose from include:

• Snorkeling at one or more top reef areas (including a colorful coral reef)
• Fishing (deep sea or inshore options)
• Sunbathing or beach time by request during the plan
• Swimming at the places you stop
• Island time, including a stop tied to Gilligan’s Island (mentioned as one of the most photographed islands in the world)

This “two-activity” approach keeps things flexible without turning the day into a brainstorming session. You can do snorkeling + fishing, or you can focus on water time with breaks for sun and swimming. Families and mixed-age groups often like that because it’s easy to build a day that doesn’t punish anyone who gets tired of the ocean (or the sunscreen).

One practical note: while the half-day is the core structure, longer charters can add more stops and experiences, including Rose Island.

Snorkeling Near Nassau: Reefs, Animal Moments, and Time to Ask Questions

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons people book this, and the charter is set up so you’re not just handed a snorkel and pointed in a direction. You’re exploring with the crew’s guidance and information about marine life and underwater plants.

What you might expect from the snorkeling side:

• A colorful coral reef stop as one of your activities
• Stops around Nassau that can include areas associated with Gilligan’s Island
• Plenty of time to adjust, float, and re-enter without rushing every five minutes

The reviews give you a sense that animal sightings aren’t rare. Guests specifically mention seeing turtles, and some mention swimming with pigs. Those experiences usually come from how you customize your itinerary, so don’t assume it’s guaranteed on every charter—but it shows what the crew is able to work into a plan when conditions and timing line up.

One thing I like about the private format for snorkeling: you can ask questions as you go. In a group tour, you often don’t want to be “that person” holding everyone back. Here, you’re more likely to get answers while you’re still looking at the reef.

Fishing Out of Nassau: Better Odds With a Captain Who Knows the Water

If you want fishing, you’re getting more than a line and a tackle box. This charter includes the fishing equipment and runs it with a local captain and crew who can shift plans based on what’s happening out on the water.

Guests mention both deep sea and inshore fishing as options. That’s important because it changes the feel of the day:

• Inshore fishing tends to be more about local waters and shorter transitions
• Deep sea fishing can mean longer stretches and different chances, but it’s still not a sure thing

And here’s the honest consideration: you can do everything right and still not get bites. One review notes a half-day fishing attempt with no nibble. That doesn’t automatically mean anything is wrong with the charter, but it is a reminder that fishing is weather-and-water dependent.

On the positive side, there are clear wins in the reviews. People mention catching fish they later ate, including a story about a 25 lb grouper and another about a 6-foot reef shark. I’d treat those as “possible highlights” rather than promises, but they illustrate the kind of day this can turn into when the water cooperates.

If your group is fishing-focused, I’d plan for a day that’s still fun even if the catch is light—because the boat time, snorkeling stops, and crew hospitality are part of the value.

Rose Island and Footprints Beach Bar: The Lunch Stop That Changes the Mood

On afternoon or full-day charters, you can add a visit to Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island. This is one of those add-ons that sounds like a vacation, not just an excursion.

Why it’s popular:

• A beach with turquoise water and white sand
• The place has lunch available, plus music
• There are beach activities like volleyball and billiards
• It can turn a snorkeling/fishing day into a full-on day off the boat

One key detail to know: lunch and the landing fee aren’t included in the charter cost. The charter can be a base that brings you there and takes care of the boat portion, but you’ll pay for the meal and any landing costs separately.

If you’re trying to maximize “Bahamas vacation” energy while still doing real water time, this stop is a strong reason to book the longer version.

What’s Included (and What Isn’t) So You Don’t Get Surprised

This is where the charter’s value gets clearer. The included list is solid for a private boat day.

Included:

• Local captain/guide
• Bottled water and an ice cooler
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing equipment
• Local beer and alcoholic beverages (as stated in the included items)

Not included:

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Food and drinks unless specified (for example, lunch at Footprints is not included)

The “gear included” part is more important than it sounds. Snorkeling equipment and fishing tackle aren’t just convenience items—they reduce extra costs and reduce hassle. You show up, you swim, you fish, you go.

The drinks are another part of why people describe the vibe as chill. If your group likes a relaxed day (not a strict “workout” on the water), having local beer and alcoholic beverages on board can make a difference.

Price and Value: When $1,650 Works Best for Your Group

The price is $1,650 per group (up to 10) for about 4 hours. That’s not cheap in absolute terms, but it’s priced like a private charter: you’re paying for boat time, crew, and the ability to customize.

How to think about value:

• If you’re close to the max group size, the cost per person drops a lot, and it feels like a “real treat” instead of a splurge.
• If you’re a small group, it’s still a great experience, but the economics shift. You’re paying for privacy more than for a bargain.

A strong clue you should consider this: the experience averages booking about 50 days in advance. That usually means people plan it as a key highlight and don’t want to gamble on last-minute availability.

If you want this as a once-in-a-trip moment, book early. If you want to save money, compare against shared tours—but be honest about what you’re actually buying. Here, you’re buying control: itinerary flexibility, time in the water, and a crew who can tailor the day.

Meeting Point and Getting On Board Without Stress

The meeting point is Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to handle your own way to the marina area. The good news is that the meeting point is clear and the charter ends back where you started.

Two small practical tips that come from how private charters work:

• Build in time to get there before your start so you’re not rushed.
• Keep your essentials easy to grab—water, sunscreen, and a towel help.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, and cruise passengers are asked to provide details at booking time, including ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

Weather and Realistic Expectations

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund.

For planning, I treat this like any ocean activity:

• If the weather is great, you’ll get an easy, relaxed charter day.
• If it’s not, the day can get adjusted, or it may be canceled for safety.

Also, manage expectations around fishing. Even with the right gear and a skilled captain, bites aren’t guaranteed. That’s not a flaw in the experience; it’s ocean life.

Should You Book Born Free Charters on Cocorijo?

I think this is a great booking if you want a private snorkeling/fishing day in Nassau and you care about customizing the day around your group. The repeated emphasis on crew friendliness and professionalism—especially with Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra—makes it feel like the operator really focuses on how the day feels, not just where you stop.

Book it if:

• You want snorkeling with time to ask questions
• You want the option to mix in fishing
• You’re traveling with kids or a mixed group and want a calmer pace
• You like the idea of adding Rose Island and Footprints on longer charters

Skip it (or at least rethink the fishing focus) if:

• You’re expecting guaranteed fish on a fishing half-day
• Your group doesn’t like paying a per-group private rate (especially if you won’t fill the max 10)

FAQ

How many people are on the Cocorijo charter?

The private charter accommodates up to 10 guests per group.

How long is the Nassau charter?

The experience duration is about 4 hours.

What activities can I choose from?

You can customize the itinerary. Options can include snorkeling a coral reef, visiting areas associated with Gilligan’s Island, deep sea or inshore fishing, sunbathing, and swimming.

What snorkeling and fishing gear is provided?

The charter includes the snorkeling equipment and the fishing equipment, plus bottled water and an ice cooler.

Do I get drinks on board?

Yes. Local beer and alcoholic beverages are listed as included, and bottled water is included as well.

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is lunch included at Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island?

Lunch at Footprints is not included in the charter cost, and the landing fee is also not included.

What do cruise ship passengers need to provide?

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

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance; cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.