Private Snorkeling or Fishing from Nassau – 31ft Sitting Pretty

A private Nassau charter is interesting because you are not stuck with one set plan. You choose the mix of fishing and snorkeling, then you work with the captain to use your time the way your group wants. A 31-foot Bertram, the Sitting Pretty, is also a nice size for getting out comfortably without feeling like you are on a big, crowded boat.

I especially like the flexibility. You can fish offshore in deeper water, stay closer to the reef, and snorkel between attempts when the timing feels right. I also like that the crew really leans in on help, so beginners can still have success.

One consideration: at $825 per private booking (up to six people on board), the value is strongest when you can split it among your group. If you are coming as a couple, it may feel steep compared with shared excursions.

You will meet your crew at Carnivale Bahamas on Paradise Island, then talk through what you want to do during your 4-hour or longer charter. In past trips, names like Captain Bobo, Cyrus, Kiros, and Freddie have shown up in the mix, and that matters because a friendly, hands-on crew changes how the day feels fast.

Quick hits before you book

• You can tailor the day to deep-water fishing, inshore fishing, reef snorkeling, harbor sightseeing, or beaching.
• Private charter for up to six people on a 31-foot Bertram (Sitting Pretty), so the boat work stays focused on your group.
• Gear is included, including bait and tackle plus snorkeling equipment in a variety of sizes.
• Real crew support for beginners, including help adjusting when offshore fishing slows down.
• On-board comfort includes a bathroom, and there’s a cooler with ice and bottled water.
• Past trips have included turtles seen during snorkeling, plus reports of a spider crab spotted on the reef.

Entering a day you control: how this Nassau charter feels

This trip works because it is private and because the captain can shift gears as conditions change. Nassau waters can be great for fishing, but the best approach is not always the same from day to day. If the deep water is quiet, you can shift toward inshore areas and try again. If the reef looks good, you can swap some fishing time for snorkeling.

That flexibility is not just a nice perk. It is what helps families, first-time fishers, and mixed groups all get something they care about. One person wants to cast and reel. Another wants to snorkel and see turtles. The boat time does not have to become one long compromise.

The “private” part is also practical. With fewer people, you spend less time waiting your turn for basic help. You can ask questions, get instructions, and change what you are doing without feeling like you are interrupting a schedule.

The boat and crew on Sitting Pretty: small, capable, and set up for comfort

The Sitting Pretty is a 31-foot Bertram, designed for fishing and day outings. You can take up to six guests, which keeps the boat manageable and gives the crew room to work with you. This is not a floating classroom, it is a working boat where you learn by doing.

On-board, you will find a bathroom, which sounds simple until you are actually out for a few hours. You also get a cooler with ice and bottled water, so you start the day hydrated and do not scramble for supplies.

What really makes the crew matter is how much they adjust to your experience level. Past trips include stories of beginners catching fish, and that usually comes down to instruction that is clear, calm, and practical. If you have never cast before, you will still be able to join in. If you have fished before, you will likely appreciate how the crew steers you toward productive spots.

Names that have come up with this operation include Captain Bobo and Cyrus, plus Kiros and Freddie in separate accounts. I cannot promise which crew you will get on your date, but the consistent theme is that the captain and deckhand stay engaged, not hands-off.

Choosing between 4 hours and a longer charter without rushing yourself

You can book this as a half-day charter (about 4 hours) or a longer full-day option (with an 8-hour choice). The biggest difference is how many “modes” you can fit in.

For a 4-hour trip, I’d think in terms of balance. You might spend a good chunk fishing, then use the reef time to snorkel and relax. This is the sweet spot for families and people who want action but do not want to feel tied to the boat all day.

For the longer option, you can take a slower approach. You get more room to try different fishing areas and still have time to snorkel, swim, or shift to sightseeing if the weather and water look right.

In both cases, you and your captain can plan how to use your allotted time. That means you do not have to force the day into a rigid checklist.

Fishing around Nassau: offshore deep water vs closer-to-reef tactics

You have two main fishing styles you can choose from on this charter.

Offshore fishing in deeper waters is for people who want to go where the fish are likely to roam. If you are aiming for something more serious, this is the option you lean toward. The upside is you get to try the “real ocean” part of Nassau. The downside is that offshore fishing can be slower on some days, and you might not want to commit all your time to one far spot.

Inshore fishing closer to the reef often gives you a better chance at steady action, especially if your group includes beginners or kids. It also pairs naturally with snorkeling, because your day can switch between “cast and reel” and “put your face in the water” without huge travel time.

A useful detail from past trips is how quickly the captain can respond when things are not working. One group tried going roughly 10 miles out and found conditions were not producing much beyond seaweed. The captain brought them closer to shore with lighter tackle. That kind of adaptation is exactly what you want in a private charter. You are not stuck with a single plan.

Snorkeling when you want it: reefs, sea turtles, and time that actually feels restful

Snorkeling on this trip is not an afterthought. You can snorkel a reef, then return to fishing, then snorkel again if conditions fit your day. That rhythm matters because it keeps you from feeling like you are only doing one thing the entire charter.

Past accounts include seeing turtles during snorkeling. There are also mentions of interesting reef life, like spotting a spider crab. Whether you see turtles every single time is never guaranteed, but the reef areas you access from Nassau are often the kind of places where wildlife shows up when you move slowly and keep your eyes open.

What I like about the way this trip is set up is that snorkeling gear comes in multiple sizes. That makes it easier for families and mixed-age groups to get comfortable quickly. You are not stuck with one awkward fit for everyone.

Also, since your captain is already managing where the boat goes for fishing, snorkeling can happen in the flow of the day instead of feeling like a separate excursion. When you are doing both, that saves time and reduces stress.

Practical details that make or break the day (gear, bathroom, and what to bring)

Here is what the charter includes, so you can plan without guesswork:

• Bait and tackle for fishing
• Snorkeling equipment, including gear in a variety of sizes
• Bottled water and ice in a cooler
• A bathroom on board
• Local guide and private tour

And here is what is not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, unless specified

So you should plan on bringing what you need for comfort. Sunscreen is obvious, but it matters here because you are on the water. Light layers can help too, especially for anyone who burns easily. If you get motion sickness, bring your usual remedy. The boat is comfortable, but you still need your personal comfort plan.

If you are trying to make the day feel like a full outing, bring a small snack plan. The trip includes water and ice, but it does not promise meals.

One more practical note: this ends back at the meeting point, so you do not have to figure out transportation after you return to Nassau.

Price and value for a private charter from Nassau

The posted price is $825 per group. The key thing is how that number breaks down when you fill the boat.

This charter holds up to six guests, so if you can split with your group, the per-person math gets a lot more friendly. For up to six people, you are looking at roughly $140 per person at the top end. If it is fewer people, the cost per head rises fast.

That is why I see this as good value for:

• families who want one boat and one plan
• groups of friends who want fishing plus snorkeling without compromise
• mixed-experience groups, like someone who fishes a lot and someone who just wants reef time

If you are solo or a couple, it can still be worth it, but you should be honest with yourself about what you are buying: privacy, a captain who tailors the day, and gear plus support. You are paying for control and attention.

Also, because the crew can shift between deep water and closer reef areas, the day can stay productive even if one approach is slow. That flexibility is part of the value, not just a nice-to-have.

Where you meet and how to plan your timing

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

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off listed, so you should plan to get there on your own. That is especially important if you are arriving from a cruise ship, since you will need to provide your ship name and your docking and re-boarding times at booking.

If you are traveling with a tight cruise schedule, this is one of those trips where good timing matters. You want enough buffer to make the meeting point work without stress.

Who this Nassau fishing and snorkeling trip is best for

This works well for almost anyone who can be on a boat for a few hours. “Most travelers can participate” is the standard note, and the reviews also point to success for first-timers.

It is a strong choice for:

• beginners: the crew can help with fishing steps so you are not just watching
• families: you can mix kids who want snorkeling with adults who want to fish
• groups with different priorities: one person can chase fish while another keeps an eye on reef wildlife
• people who want a relaxed day: snorkeling breaks up fishing in a way that feels natural

If your group wants a long, complicated itinerary, this might not be the right format. If your group wants a day that changes with your interests and the water conditions, this is exactly the kind of private charter that makes sense.

FAQ

What kind of boat is this charter?

This is a private charter on a 31-foot Bertram boat called Sitting Pretty.

How many people can go on the boat?

The boat can take up to six guests for the private charter.

Can we choose between fishing and snorkeling during the trip?

Yes. You can fish offshore in deeper waters or fish closer to the reef, and you can snorkel the reef in between fishing time. The captain can help plan based on your group’s preferences.

Are snorkeling and fishing items included?

Yes. The charter includes snorkeling equipment in a variety of sizes and all necessary fishing equipment, including bait and tackle.

Is food included with the trip?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified. The charter does include bottled water and ice.

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

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book this Nassau private fishing and snorkeling charter

If you want a Nassau day that feels personal, book it. The private setup and the captain’s ability to adjust your plan are the big wins. The combination of fishing plus snorkeling means you are not stuck with one activity, and the included gear plus crew support makes it easier for beginners and families to have a good day.

Hold off if splitting the cost is hard for your group. At $825 per private booking, it is best when you can spread it across several people. If you can fill the boat, the value swings in your favor fast.