Private Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau – 55ft Cocorijo

A private half-day on the 55ft Cocorijo is a smart way to see Nassau without the usual hurry-and-herd. You choose what you want to do, you get a captain plus a full crew, and you spend real time in the water instead of waiting around.

I especially like the flexibility to mix snorkeling with either deep sea or inshore fishing, then tack on swimming and sun time. I also like how the crew talks to you while you’re out there, so you can actually ask questions instead of just snapping pics and moving on.

One thing to consider: a half-day means you pick your two big activities and that’s it, and fishing can be hit-or-miss depending on the day and conditions. Also, if you want Rose Island lunch at Footprints, that is extra.

Key things I’d zero in on

• Private charter for up to 10: easier with kids, friends, or couples who want their own pace
• Two activities, then relaxing: snorkeling plus fishing, or snorkeling plus a stop for island time
• Full gear included: snorkel equipment and fishing tackle, plus bottled water
• Real crew energy: Captains and mates like Roscoe, Cleo, and Kassandra show up repeatedly in great feedback
• Optional Rose Island time: Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on afternoon or full-day charters (lunch and landing fee not included)

Why a 55ft Cocorijo private charter in Nassau makes sense

Nassau can be a lot, especially if you’re on a cruise schedule. You can fill the day with a beach stop and a quick snorkeling swing, but it often feels rushed. A private charter solves that by turning the trip into your plan, not a template.

The boat here is a maintained 55 foot Hatteras, which matters because it gives you comfort while you’re traveling between spots. And because it’s private, the crew can adjust based on what your group wants that day, whether you’re focused on fish, coral, photos, or just getting out of the sun for a minute.

The vibe that shows up again and again in real guest experiences is safety plus friendliness. People specifically call out the way the captain and crew handle families with kids, and they also mention staff members being interactive instead of treating the trip like a job you just hired.

Price and value: how $1,650 per group can work for you

This charter runs $1,650 per group for up to 10 people. That pricing format is the whole story. If you split it among 6 to 10 people, it can feel very reasonable compared with paying per person for a smaller, more crowded boat.

Here’s the quick math:

• Up to 10 people means about $165 per person at full capacity.
• With fewer people, the per-person cost climbs, so it pays to group up.

What you’re buying for that money is not just “a boat.” You’re paying for a dedicated captain, a crew member to help run the day, and time built around your preferences. You also get bottled water, ice, snorkel gear, and fishing gear, plus local beer and alcoholic beverages are included.

For value, I look at what tends to cost extra on other tours: equipment, guided help, and the convenience of a private setup. This covers the big-ticket add-ons up front, then leaves lunch on Rose Island as an optional upgrade if you choose it.

Boat comfort and the crew you’ll likely be talking to

The Cocorijo is set up for a comfortable, half-day outing. You’re not trapped at a tiny platform where everyone squeezes shoulder-to-shoulder. With a 55ft boat, there’s room to move around while you’re waiting for the next stop.

Even more important is the crew structure. Several sets of reviews highlight a three-person team: Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra. People praise them for being professional, attentive, and warm. You’ll also see other captain names in feedback, like Davy, Bobo, Keith, and Karro, which hints that the operator tends to staff trips with a consistent service mindset.

Practically, a crew like this helps with two things:

1. You get safer, smoother snorkeling and fishing setups.
2. Kids and first-timers feel guided, not left to figure it out alone.

If you’re bringing young kids, that can change the whole experience. When the crew helps you get positioned for snorkeling or makes sure everyone is comfortable, your day feels relaxed instead of stressful.

Customizing your day: snorkel plus fishing, or snorkel plus island time

Your half-day charter is built around a simple idea: choose two activities. Snorkeling is one option, and then the second activity can be fishing, a beach swim, sunbathing, or island time depending on conditions and what you pick.

Snorkel a coral reef

You can plan for snorkeling at a colorful reef. The key point for your comfort is that the crew provides snorkel equipment and gives you information about marine life and underwater flora while you’re out there. Because this is private, you can actually ask questions and get answers in the moment.

Add fishing: deep sea or inshore

The charter includes fishing gear, and you can choose between deep sea or inshore fishing. Your crew handles setup and helps you fish from the boat.

One reality check: fishing is nature, not a lab experiment. In one experience, nobody caught anything and the day felt like a lot of time in the water without a payoff. That does not mean it will be bad for you, but it does mean you should go in with flexible expectations and enjoy the sea time even if the fish are shy.

Island options, including Gilligan’s Island

Your itinerary can also include a visit to an iconic, heavily photographed island area tied to Gilligan’s Island. If you love photos, beach breaks, and the “Bahamas postcard” look, this kind of stop is a strong fit.

Just swim and soak up time on the boat

Some groups choose a looser plan, with snorkeling at a spot, then a second swim stop or just sun time. For many people, that’s where the half-day turns into a relaxing escape instead of a checklist.

Snorkeling with gear included, and what to expect in the water

With this charter, you should expect snorkel gear included and used during your stops. That means you can show up without packing a full kit, and you can focus on fit and comfort instead.

The private setup also changes how your snorkeling goes. You get dedicated attention as you gear up. And because your crew talks about what you’re seeing, snorkeling becomes more than just looking for fish. It’s about understanding reef life and what grows where you’re swimming.

I also like that the plan allows for time that is not strictly snorkeling. After a reef stop, you can take a break on the boat, cool off with water, or swim again if you want. That “mix it up” approach keeps the day from feeling like a constant effort.

If you’re traveling with kids or people who are new to snorkeling, this is one of those trips where the crew can make the difference between nervous and confident.

Rose Island and Footprints Beach Bar and Grill, the best upgrade on longer charters

If you do an afternoon or full-day version, you may opt to visit Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island. This is one of those stops that sounds fun even before you’re there.

Here’s what you can plan on at Footprints:

• Lunch is available, but lunch and landing fee are not included in the charter price
• There’s music
• The bar is fully stocked
• You get time for sunbathing on a white sand beach
• You can also do activities like volleyball and billiards

The reason this can be worth the extra spend is simple: you get a proper beach break, not just a quick stop for photos. Rose Island is often described in terms of turquoise water and beach beauty, and the vibe is built around hanging out.

Do note: since lunch and landing fees are not included, you’ll want to budget for that if you’re serious about doing Footprints.

Logistics that matter: meeting point, no hotel pickup, and cruise timing

This charter starts and ends at the marina meeting point. The start location is Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas.

Two practical things:

• There is no hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point on your own (or via your own plans).
• If you’re on a cruise, you’ll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.

In plain terms, cruise days can be tight. Since the meeting is fixed, it’s smart to have a buffer in your schedule so you do not feel rushed when you’re trying to get on the boat.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which keeps it simple if you like having everything on your phone.

Who this charter suits best in Nassau

This is the kind of tour that fits a lot of travel styles, but it really shines for:

• Families with kids who need a calm, guided setup
• Friend groups who want privacy and flexibility
• Couples who want snorkeling without getting blended into a large group
• Anyone who wants fishing as a real option, not just a “maybe we can try” add-on

In feedback, people talk about how the crew supports kids and helps everyone feel comfortable on the water. Some groups mention enjoying both snorkeling and swimming, and even experiences like pigs during certain outings. Since island stops can vary based on your chosen activities and conditions, you should ask your captain what’s realistically possible for your day.

If you want a Nassau day that feels like it was planned for your group, this charter has that feel.

Downsides and how to plan around them

No trip is perfect, and a half-day charter has tradeoffs.

Fishing is not guaranteed

You’re paying for the chance and the gear, not a guaranteed catch. One experience included fishing attempts with no bites. If fish are a must-do goal, plan to be happy with the ocean time and the experience even if the catch is light.

Lunch and landing fees can add cost

Footprints on Rose Island is optional and only available on certain charter types. If you want it, remember that lunch and landing fees are not included. That’s not a reason to skip it. It just means you should know what you’ll spend.

Half-day limits your choices

You get about 4 hours (approx.) and two activities. That’s great for a quick escape, but if you want a longer itinerary with multiple snorkeling sites and a long beach stretch, you may want an afternoon or full-day option instead.

Weather can change everything

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

So, if you’re visiting during a time of year with frequent rough weather, consider building flexibility into your Nassau schedule.

Should you book Cocorijo with Born Free Charters?

If you want a Nassau outing that’s private, flexible, and built around real time in the water, I think this is a strong choice. The combination of dedicated crew, snorkel and fishing gear included, and the ability to customize your day gives it a practical edge over fixed-route tours.

Book it if:

• You’re a group up to 10 and can share the cost
• Snorkeling and fishing are both on your list
• You want a calmer experience with crew help, especially for kids or non-swimmers
• You’d like the option of Rose Island and Footprints on a longer version

Skip or reconsider if:

• You need guaranteed fishing results
• You do not want to handle your own transportation to the marina
• You want a very long multi-stop itinerary in a single half-day

Overall, the repeated message from real trips is that the crew makes the day feel easy and fun, with a focus on safety and comfort. If you like your travel plans with room to breathe, this one fits.

FAQ

How many people can go on the Cocorijo charter?

The private charter accommodates up to 10 guests per group.

What is the price for this experience?

It costs $1,650.00 per group, up to 10 people.

How long is the charter?

It runs about 4 hours (approx.).

Does the tour include snorkeling and fishing equipment?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included, and all necessary fishing equipment is included.

Is food included?

Food is not included unless specified. Lunch at Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island is mentioned as an option, but lunch and the landing fee are not included in the charter cost.

What drinks are included?

Bottled water and an ice cooler are included. Alcoholic beverages and local beer are also included.

Where do we meet the boat?

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

Is there hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Does this tour run in any weather?

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

Do cruise ship passengers need to provide details?

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