Wild Exuma, on your own boat.

This private Crystal Bay charter is built for friends and family who want rare wildlife encounters and Bahamian beach time without sharing a schedule with strangers. You can choose a shorter day with pig beach, stingrays, and a blow-hole stop, or go longer for nurse sharks, the 007 Thunderball Grotto, and extra island time.

What I like most is the way the day stays focused on the good stuff. You get a tight run of Exuma highlights like rock iguanas on the sand and calm, clear-water snorkeling, plus the freedom of a private group up to 10. The guides also keep things smooth, with the itinerary moving stop to stop and time planned out for each location.

One thing to think about: this is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t right, the experience can be canceled and you’ll need to pick a new date (or get a refund), so try not to book yourself on the tightest schedule possible.

Key highlights to plan for

• Private charter for your group (up to 10), so you’re not stuck waiting on other parties.
• Two different route styles: 4-hour vs 8-hour, with meaningful differences in wildlife stops.
• Animal encounters that are actually part of the itinerary, including swimming with pigs and touching stingrays.
• Thunderball Grotto and nurse sharks are 8-hour only, so choose your length based on what you want most.
• Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring it or plan to arrange it separately.
• Fishing options fit beginners and veterans, with Exuma bonefishing available year-round.

A private Exuma charter that keeps the day moving

If Exuma is on your list, you probably want the classic stops: pigs on a beach, iguanas in the sun, and that clean-water feeling that makes snorkeling worth it. What makes this charter smart is that it’s private, and it’s structured. You’re not guessing all day. You’re handed a route, then the captain adjusts the order as conditions and timing shift.

The other big win is how “isolation” works in real life. A private boat doesn’t just mean comfort. It also means you can keep your group together for animal time, water time, and downtime on the sand. If you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or a mix of ages, this matters. You can move as a unit, and you’re not constantly regrouping.

Pig Beach and the rock iguanas: the stops everyone talks about

Pig Beach is the headline for a reason. This charter includes a pig encounter as part of the itinerary, and the details depend on your boat length:

• On the 4-hour private boat tour, you visit the pigs at Rollevill’s pig beach.
• On the 8-hour private boat tour, you visit the swimming pigs at Staniel Cay.

Either way, the time set aside for this stop is meant for the full experience—watch them swim, soak up the scene, and get your photos without turning it into a race. It’s playful, and it’s also one of the easiest ways to get that fast “we’re really here” feeling on Exuma.

Right after that, you’re heading to rare rock iguanas. These aren’t just a quick glance from a distance. The itinerary builds in time for you to see them as they thrive on the hot white-sand beaches of Exuma. If you like nature that feels unforced and real, this is a great second act. It’s also a nice shift from the pigs’ chaos to something calmer—sunbathing reptiles, slow movement, and lots of time to observe.

The 4-hour itinerary: stingrays, the blow-hole, and efficient Exuma time

A 4-hour tour is for you if you want a best-of day without committing to a full half-day on the water. The route is built around high-impact stops, and the captain can adjust the timing and order.

Here’s what the 4-hour version focuses on:

• Pig Beach (Rollevill) for swimming pig time
• Rock iguanas on the beaches
• Touching wild stingrays (this is one of the most memorable “hands-on” parts of the day)
• Unique blow-hole swimming/cave-style viewing time
• Snorkeling in Exuma’s waters (snorkel time is included, but see the gear note below)
• Chilling on Exuma beaches as downtime

Two practical thoughts here. First, stingray time can feel short if you’re expecting a long “hands-on lesson.” You’ll want to be ready to listen and follow the captain’s lead so everyone stays safe and comfortable. Second, the blow-hole stop is unique and worth it, but it’s also weather- and sea-condition sensitive in terms of how dramatic it looks. If the sea is calm, you’ll likely get a better viewing moment.

If you’re tight on time but still want the signature wildlife, this 4-hour plan is a strong fit.

The 8-hour itinerary: nurse sharks, Thunderball Grotto, and sandbar time

The 8-hour tour is the better choice if you want the longer “story arc” of Exuma—less rush, more water time, and bigger ticket stops. This version keeps the same opening spirit (pigs and iguanas), then adds two major highlights that only show up here:

• Swimming with friendly nurse sharks
• Visiting the 007 Thunderball Grotto

You’ll also get extra variety that makes the day feel fuller, including:

• A sandbar hang-out, where walking out in the middle of the sea becomes the kind of calm moment you don’t get on a fast stop
• Island and beach hopping as you make your way along the cays
• Docking at Staniel Cay, so you can really spend time in that area rather than just passing through

A note on how the day feels: 8 hours tends to be less about “one big photo moment at each stop” and more about the pacing. You’ll have time to settle into the water, catch a breath between locations, and enjoy the in-between scenery.

Also, the itinerary explicitly allows the captain to change the order of stops. That flexibility helps on real days when wind and sea conditions shift.

Fishing charter: what you can expect for bonefishing and beyond

If fishing is part of your Exuma plan, this charter offers fishing charters for first-timers and veterans. The key detail I’d anchor on is this: Exuma has some of the best bonefishing in the world year-round.

That matters because bonefishing isn’t just a “try it once” activity. It’s a specific style of fishing with its own rhythm, and year-round availability is the difference between hoping you catch a good day and knowing you’re booking when conditions can support it.

You can also go beyond bonefishing with deep-sea fishing and shore fishing in the Bahamas, depending on what you want that day and what the captain advises. If you’ve never fished before, the “first-timers and veterans” framing is a good sign: it suggests they’re set up to handle both learning and execution.

One limitation to keep in mind: the info here doesn’t spell out whether fishing gear is included. If that’s a must for you, ask before you go so there are no surprises.

Snorkeling gear and water time: the one detail people forget

This tour includes snorkeling time on both the 4-hour and 8-hour private boat itineraries. The important catch is simple: snorkeling gear is not included.

So I’d plan like this:

• Pack your own snorkel mask and fins if you have them (fit matters).
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard if you burn easily.
• If you don’t have gear, plan ahead for how you’ll get it before the tour.

The good news is that snorkeling is specifically called out as part of the experience, not an optional add-on.

Price and value: $2,400 per group can be a bargain or a splurge

At $2,400 per group (up to 10), this is not a cheap activity—but it can be good value if you do the math like a group trip, not like a solo tour.

Think of it this way:

• If you fill most of those 10 spots, the cost per person drops fast.
• If it’s just two or three people, the per-person cost climbs and you’ll want to be sure you’re getting the full day value from the included stops and snorkeling.

Why it can feel worth it: you’re paying for a private boat experience that includes major wildlife moments, snorkeling time, and (on the 8-hour version) big-name highlights like the Thunderball Grotto and nurse sharks. You’re also paying for the guide/captain running the day for your group, so you’re not piecing together multiple tours.

Logistics that affect your day: meeting point, timing, and captain changes

Your tour starts at Barraterre Dock (Barraterre Road, The Bahamas), and the experience ends back at the meeting point. Most stops are built around roughly 45 minutes each, which helps keep the day from feeling like one long wait.

The itinerary also notes something you’ll appreciate once you’re out there: the captain can change the order and timing based on conditions. That’s normal in the Bahamas. It’s also a reason a private charter feels more reliable than trying to lock in a rigid self-made route.

Finally, confirmation is received at booking, and the tour uses a mobile ticket, so you’ll want your phone charged and ready.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great match if:

• You want wildlife-focused Exuma time without tourist crowds on your boat.
• You’re traveling as a family unit or a mixed-age group and want the day controlled for you.
• You’re choosing between animal encounters, and you want a clear difference between 4-hour and 8-hour routes.

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re scheduling tightly and can’t handle weather-related date changes.
• You need a very long, unstructured “go wherever we feel like it” day. This is private, but it’s still an itinerary-driven charter.

Should you book this private Exuma boating and fishing charter?

I’d book it if you’re excited by the specific mix of stops—pigs and iguanas for sure, plus either stingrays and the blow-hole on the 4-hour plan or nurse sharks and Thunderball Grotto on the 8-hour plan. The value improves a lot when your group uses the full private capacity.

If you’re on the fence, pick your length based on the animals you care about most. Nurse sharks and the Thunderball Grotto are 8-hour only, while stingrays and the blow-hole are 4-hour only. And do yourself a favor: plan your snorkeling gear ahead since it’s not included.

FAQ

How long is the Crystal Bay private boat and fishing experience?

The private boat tour and fishing charter run about 4 to 8 hours depending on the option you choose.

What is the group size and price?

It’s $2,400 per group, for groups of up to 10 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Barraterre Dock (Barraterre Road, The Bahamas) and ends back at the meeting point.

What animals and stops are included on the 4-hour private boat tour?

The 4-hour route includes swimming with the pigs, rare rock iguanas, touching wild stingrays, the unique blow-hole, plus snorkeling and beach chilling.

What’s different on the 8-hour private boat tour?

The 8-hour route adds swimming with friendly nurse sharks, 007 Thunderball Grotto, sandbar time, and island and beach hopping, plus it docks at Staniel Cay. It also includes pigs and iguanas.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

Is this tour dependent on weather?

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

If you want, tell me: are you aiming for the 4-hour or 8-hour route, and are you more focused on the boat wildlife stops or the fishing? I can help you pick the best match for your group.

You Might Also Enjoy

Fishing Charters in Ta Xbiex Malta4-Hours of Deep Sea Fishing in Punta CanaFishing TripA full day fishing in Sicily