Half Day Private Yacht Charters

Nassau’s private yacht charter is built around one simple idea: your group gets the boat, the crew, and the schedule. In roughly four hours, you can head toward Rose Island, snorkel over live coral, swim from a white-sand beach, or choose the pig visit instead.

I like the freedom to choose your departure time, and I like the small private setting for a group of up to 10. The crew is licensed and experienced on the water, while the clean, organized yacht gives you room to spread out and enjoy the views from the upper level. The main catch is the price: at $8,000 per group, this makes sense mainly when shared by a larger party.

Key points at a glance

• Choose Rose Island or the pigs: The four-hour schedule allows time for one main outing, so decide which matters more to your group.
• Snorkel over live coral heads: The trip includes access to real coral formations in clear Bahamian water.
• Private yacht for up to 10 people: You are not sharing the boat with another tour group.
• Non-motorized water toys included: These are available at no extra charge.
• Wave runners, food, drinks, and a chef cost extra: Budget for add-ons before you book.
• Flexible departure time: The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., but you can choose when to leave.

What a four-hour private charter feels like

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise with a long list of scheduled stops. It is a short private outing that lets you shape the day around swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and one main destination.

The boat leaves from 72 E Bay St in Nassau and returns there at the end. The operator describes the trip to nearby waters as about 20 minutes from the main island, which leaves a useful portion of the four-hour window for being in the water rather than simply getting there.

One timing note deserves attention. Another description says the trip is one hour from the main island, which does not match the 20-minute access estimate. Ask the operator for the expected run time to your chosen stop before departure. On a four-hour charter, even a modest difference matters.

You can select your departure time, although 8:00 a.m. is the listed start time. An early departure may suit you if you want cooler conditions and a longer-feeling morning. If your group prefers a slower start, confirm the later time directly when booking.

Rose Island, white sand, and open water

Rose Island is the natural choice if your group wants a mix of swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. The island setting gives you a break from Nassau’s built-up waterfront, with the chance to walk on white sand and find a quieter beach.

The appeal here is space and control. You can swim for a while, climb back aboard, take in the view, then head back into the water without having to follow a large group through a strict schedule. The crew’s water experience is useful in this kind of outing, since conditions can affect where and when you stop.

You should not expect a full island tour in four hours. The charter is best understood as a water day with one nearby island stop, not a lengthy exploration of Rose Island. If you want the beach, coral snorkeling, and a relaxed meal all in the same outing, tell the crew early so they can help set realistic timing.

The private format also matters for families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while others can stay aboard or use the beach. The boat’s upper level offers a good place to enjoy the views between swims, according to the available trip details.

Snorkeling over real live coral heads

The snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this charter. The trip takes you to real live coral heads, where you can see the formations beneath the surface rather than simply stopping at a generic swimming area.

Clear water helps, but snorkeling still depends on sea conditions, visibility, and your comfort in the water. Bring your own sense of pace. You do not need to treat this like a race from one sight to the next. A few calm minutes looking closely at a coral head can be more rewarding than rushing through several spots.

The wording does not promise snorkel equipment, so confirm what is supplied before you go. The details do specify that non-motorized water toys are free to use, but snorkeling gear is not clearly listed among the included items.

This is also a good reason to keep valuables simple. You will move between the yacht, the water, and the beach. Pack only what you need and protect phones or cameras from spray.

The pig visit requires a choice

The local pigs are another possible highlight, but the four-hour trip is described as visiting either Rose Island or the pigs. You should not assume you can comfortably fit both into the same half-day outing.

The pig visit also has an entry fee. That charge is separate from the $8,000 charter price, so ask for the current cost before you commit to this option. If your group includes children or anyone especially keen on the pigs, make that your main destination rather than treating it as a quick extra.

This choice is one of the most important booking decisions. Rose Island suits a group that wants snorkeling and beach time. The pig visit suits a group that wants a specific, memorable stop and does not mind paying an additional entry fee. The operator can help match the plan to the day’s conditions and your departure time.

Included water toys and optional wave runners

The charter includes non-motorized water toys at no extra charge. That gives your group something to do beyond snorkeling and swimming, without adding another fee for every activity.

A wave runner is available as an add-on. It is not included in the charter price, so ask about the cost and how much time it provides before you book. Because the base trip is only about four hours, a motorized-water-sport add-on may reduce the time available for the beach or coral stop.

I would decide this before the boat leaves. A group that wants a little of everything can quickly create a crowded schedule: travel, snorkeling, wave runner time, lunch, drinks, and a beach walk all compete for the same four hours.

The non-motorized toys are the easier value. They are already included, and they let your group stay active without changing the main plan. The wave runner is best for people who specifically want that experience and are willing to pay more for it.

Food, drinks, and the onboard chef

Food is not included. You are allowed to bring your own, which is practical for a private group and gives you control over cost and preferences.

Drinks are an add-on, and an onboard chef is also available for an additional charge. These extras can make the charter feel more like a private celebration, but they change the total price quickly. Ask for a complete quote that separates the yacht, food, drinks, chef service, wave runner, and pig entry fee.

Bringing your own food may be the sensible choice for a casual morning. It keeps the plan simple and avoids paying for a meal service during a short outing. A chef makes more sense for a birthday, family event, or special occasion where the meal is part of the point.

The supplied details do not specify what food, beverages, serving equipment, or chef menus are available. Confirm those details in advance. Do not assume that drinks or a full meal are included just because the yacht charter is private.

How the $8,000 price works out

The listed price is $8,000 for the group, with up to 10 passengers. That works out to $800 per person if the boat is full, before optional charges. A group of five would effectively pay $1,600 per person, and a smaller group would pay even more.

That is a major price, but private yacht pricing should be judged against what you are buying. You get a boat reserved for your group, a flexible departure time, an experienced licensed crew, included non-motorized water toys, and the ability to choose your main stop.

For a full group celebrating a special occasion, the cost may be reasonable. You are paying for privacy and control, not simply transportation to a beach. A large family or group of friends can also split the fixed price in a way that makes it easier to manage.

For two or three people, the value is much harder to defend. A shared boat or shorter water excursion would likely cost less, though it would not give you the same control over timing and company.

Remember that several desirable features cost extra. The wave runner is not included. Food and drinks are not included. A chef costs extra, and the pig visit has its own entry fee. The final bill can rise well above $8,000, so get the add-on prices in writing before you decide.

The crew and the private-boat advantage

The crew is licensed and has extensive experience on the water. That matters most when the sea changes or your group needs help shaping the day around conditions.

The private setup also makes the crew’s role more useful. You can explain whether your group cares most about coral, beach time, pigs, swimming, or the wave runner. On a shared cruise, you usually follow the operator’s fixed plan. Here, you have more room to make the outing fit your group.

A party of nine fits within the stated maximum and leaves no room for extra passengers. The boat’s maximum is 10 people, so confirm the passenger count carefully. If you have more than 10, ask the operator how an additional passenger would be handled before booking. The available information suggests that more than 10 may involve an added charge, but it does not give the amount or exact arrangement.

The best use of a private crew is clear communication. Tell them your priorities at the start, and ask how much time remains after the ride to the island or snorkeling area. That prevents the classic half-day problem: everyone wants to do everything, and nobody gets enough time anywhere.

Meeting point, timing, and practical details

The meeting point is 72 E Bay St in Nassau, and the activity ends back there. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., although you can choose your departure time.

You receive confirmation when you book. The meeting point is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but you should still consider your group’s comfort with swimming and snorkeling before choosing this outing.

The charter depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellation within 24 hours is not refunded, and changes made inside that period are not accepted.

Because the trip is weather dependent, keep some flexibility in your plans if possible. Conditions affect visibility, comfort, and which stop makes the most sense. A private boat gives you control over the schedule, but it cannot guarantee calm water.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this experience most strongly to a group of friends or family members who can fill most of the 10 passenger places. The fixed price becomes easier to justify, and the private setting lets people with different interests share one boat.

It also suits a celebration. The chef add-on, drinks, upper-level views, and flexible departure time can make the outing feel special without forcing your group into a standard cruise schedule.

Snorkelers should pay close attention to the coral-head stop. If the main goal is simply riding around Nassau, this charter offers more than you need. If your group wants real time in the water, a beach stop, and a private boat, it fits better.

I would be more cautious for a small party. The price remains the same regardless of whether you bring three people or 10, and the add-ons can push the total higher. A smaller group should compare the cost with other Nassau boat trips before booking.

The pig option also requires clear expectations. You can visit the pigs or choose Rose Island on the four-hour plan, not necessarily both. Pick the stop that your group would regret missing.

Final verdict: book it for privacy and a full group

Book this charter if you can bring close to 10 people, want a private boat, and care about choosing your own pace. The strongest features are the flexible departure time, the licensed crew, the clean yacht, the upper-level views, and the chance to snorkel over real coral heads.

I would skip it if your group is small, your budget is tight, or you want several major stops in one morning. Four hours passes quickly, especially once you allow for the ride, snorkeling, food, and beach time.

Before paying, confirm the departure time, the travel time to your chosen stop, what snorkeling equipment is supplied, and every add-on price. If you make those decisions in advance, this can be a polished private morning on the water rather than an expensive scramble to fit too much into one short trip.

FAQ

Where does the yacht charter start and end?

The activity starts at 72 E Bay St in Nassau, The Bahamas, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long is the charter?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Can I choose the departure time?

Yes. You can choose the departure time, although 8:00 a.m. is the listed start time.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The maximum stated capacity is 10 passengers. Ask the operator directly about arrangements and charges for a larger group.

Does the four-hour trip visit both Rose Island and the pigs?

The four-hour plan visits either Rose Island or the pigs. The pig visit also requires a separate entry fee.

Is snorkeling included?

The charter includes snorkeling among live coral heads. The supplied details do not clearly state whether snorkeling equipment is provided, so confirm this before departure.

Is the wave runner included in the price?

No. The wave runner is an add-on.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.