A big part of the Bahamas is the water—this trip lets you play. A private 4-hour charter from Paradise Island mixes snorkeling, turtles or pigs, fishing, and time cruising white-sand areas around Secret Cays. You control the order, and Captain Javano runs the day on a 35-foot Donzi center-console boat.

I like that snorkeling and fishing gear are included, so you’re not hunting rentals right before you get wet. I also love the onboard bathroom inside the console, plus Bluetooth/MP3 so your group can set the vibe while you cruise.

One thing to consider: this is a private charter, but it’s still a boat day. If you’re sensitive to choppy water or you want a super relaxed pace, read up on ride expectations and ask the captain how he’ll handle travel time and speed.

Key things to know before you cast a line

• Private charter, up to 8: you book as a group, not a shared boat.
• 35′ Donzi center console: includes a full bathroom and space at the bow seating area.
• Choose your mix in 4 hours: snorkeling, turtles, pigs, fishing, and cruising are all on the menu.
• Gear is covered: snorkeling equipment, and fishing equipment are included.
• Pig interaction can cost extra: there’s an optional $30 per person pig interaction fee.
• Weather matters: poor weather can trigger a reschedule or a full refund.

The 35′ Donzi boat: comfort, bathroom, and music

This charter runs on a custom 35-foot Donzi Marine center console. That matters because center consoles tend to be practical for water time: easy access around the sides, room to move, and a layout that works well for snorkeling and fishing gear.

What you’ll notice first is the full bathroom inside the console. On a half-day water trip, having a proper restroom nearby is a big quality-of-life win, especially if you’re going with kids or anyone who doesn’t love “just wait until we get back.”

You’ll also have a multimedia system that’s MP3 and Bluetooth compatible, plus front bow seating/lounge space. In plain terms: you can bring the mood, not just the sunscreen. You’re still outside and wind and sun will do their thing, but the setup helps your group feel like it’s your boat day.

How the 4-hour plan really works when you choose your own mix

The big promise here is flexibility. In about 4 hours, you and your party can pick among snorkeling, swimming with turtles, swimming with pigs (with that optional fee), fishing, or a cruise out toward white-sand beaches.

Here’s how I’d think about timing so you don’t feel rushed. Snorkeling and animal interactions usually take more “stop-and-go” time than cruising. Fishing takes setup time too—casting, reeling, and adjusting until you land something. So if you try to do everything, the day can feel like fast transitions.

If you want the best experience, pick your primary goal. If snorkeling is your top priority, consider limiting other stops so you get multiple calm moments in the water. If fishing is the point, give yourself enough time to actually settle into a rhythm instead of counting on quick hits only.

Also, keep in mind the boat can safely take up to 6 anglers. Your booking is for a group up to 8, which likely means some people may be riding along rather than actively fishing. Either way, ask how your group will be counted for comfort and seating so nobody feels squeezed.

Snorkeling and turtle time with included gear

Your charter includes use of snorkeling equipment. That’s not a small detail. When gear is included, you’re not walking around trying to find the right mask, fighting straps, or realizing too late that your rental fit isn’t great.

With snorkeling as one of the main options, you’ll want to think about what “success” looks like. You’ll be hopping in and out of the water while the captain manages the boat position. Good snorkel days feel calm and controlled, not hectic. The included gear helps you focus on breathing, buoyancy, and enjoying what’s in front of you.

Turtle snorkeling is on the menu, too. The charter lists swimming with turtles as an activity you can choose, so plan for time where the boat crew helps manage the moment—keeping your group safe and positioned for seeing wildlife. Since the details of where and how long aren’t spelled out here, I’d treat the turtle time as part of a balanced plan, not a guaranteed long session.

Swimming pigs: what’s included, what costs extra

Swimming pigs is one of the headline experiences here, but there’s an important cost detail. The pig interaction fee is optional at $30 per person.

So what does that mean for you? If you book this charter because pigs are the must-do, budget for it. If you’re more focused on snorkeling or fishing, you can treat pigs as a possible add-on rather than a fixed requirement.

In practice, pig experiences can add time and require a bit more structure—getting people ready, keeping within rules on the water and shore areas, and staying organized as a group. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, consider whether everyone in your party will want to do the pigs. For some people, the “watching” version can still be memorable, but the charter setup will depend on what your group chooses.

Fishing on a private charter: gear is included, so use the time

Fishing equipment is included, and that’s where this charter can start to feel like a value. If you’ve ever been on a trip where you show up and then discover you need to rent tackle, buy bait, or figure out how to use unfamiliar gear, you know how much friction that adds.

Here, you can focus on the actual fishing portion. With a private captain and guide, you should get more attention than you would on a shared trip. The captain and crew can also help with basics like where you’re casting from and what to try first.

One practical note: the boat is set up for anglers, with a center console layout built for marine work. That helps if fishing is your main goal. If your goal is half snorkeling and half fishing, you may still have a great day, but you’ll need to accept that fishing doesn’t always fill every minute. Sometimes the best moves are waiting, repositioning, and trying again.

If you do want a more “fishing first” day, keep the rest of your plan simple. A smooth fishing session feels better than cramming in too many activities and ending with short, scattered time on everything.

Price and value: $850 per group up to 8

The headline price is $850 per group for up to 8 people. For many groups, that works out to a reasonable per-person cost compared with paying separately for multiple activities or gear rentals.

Where the value shows up:

• Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t pay extra for masks and snorkels.
• Fishing equipment is included, which saves time and reduces last-minute shopping.
• Your charter includes a guide, plus a captain to run the boat.
• A full bathroom and Bluetooth/MP3 on board reduce the annoyances that come with smaller charters.

Where to be careful:

• Pig interaction can add $30 per person.
• If your group ends up smaller than 8, the per-person cost rises fast.
• You’re paying for a private boat experience, so if you just want a quick snorkel and don’t care about the captain/crew attention, a shared option might be cheaper.

If you’re traveling with a family or a small group of friends who want a no-hassle plan, this price can make sense. If you’re solo or a couple who only wants one activity, it can feel pricey.

Paradise Island meeting point and how to plan your arrival

You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr. The trip ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to plan a second transport step afterward.

This is marked as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not rolling in with a car. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, so bring your phone and make sure the battery is healthy.

Because this is a half-day charter, I’d plan to arrive a little early, not right on the minute. Boat days run on real-world timing: getting everyone checked in, getting gear organized, and handling any last weather questions before departure.

Also, this experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you should expect a change—either a different date or a full refund. That means you should avoid booking this as the one activity you can’t shift.

Safety and the one bad ride report to take seriously

With any water activity, safety comes down to how the captain handles conditions. One past booking described a rough ride and reported injuries after the boat reportedly sped back and then slowed abruptly. That’s the kind of feedback you should not ignore.

Here’s how to use that information well: before you go, ask Captain Javano (or the crew) what the plan is for smoother travel back if the water gets choppy. Also ask what safety steps will be used while people are moving around, and confirm how life jackets are handled on board.

I’m not saying this charter is unsafe. I am saying: when you see a complaint that mentions injuries, it’s worth making sure your expectations and the captain’s approach match what your group needs.

If you’re traveling with kids, older adults, or anyone prone to motion sickness, consider choosing a day with better forecast conditions and ask questions upfront. That small bit of prep can make the difference between a fun story and a rough one.

Who this charter suits best (and who should choose something else)

This is a great fit if your group wants choice and privacy. You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• want to mix activities like snorkeling and fishing instead of locking into just one
• prefer having a full crew and captain focused on your group
• are traveling with friends or family who can split the cost for a group up to 8

It’s less ideal if:

• your group is highly price-sensitive and you only want one activity
• you dislike boats, speed, or movement (even if you can handle water time)
• everyone in your party won’t participate in the pig and/or turtle options, since that optional fee and activity time require buy-in

Also, because the boat is described as able to take up to 6 anglers, groups that include many non-anglers should ask how seating and participation will work so the day feels comfortable for everyone.

Should you book this Secret Cays charter?

I’d book it if your group values a private half-day with real gear support and you genuinely plan to do more than one water activity. The included snorkeling equipment, included fishing equipment, and onboard bathroom are the kind of practical comforts that make a short trip feel worth it.

I would also book with eyes open. The optional pig interaction fee is real, and you should confirm how that pig portion fits your day. And since there’s at least one serious complaint about a rough, fast ride, ask the captain how he handles travel speed and rough water so you can set expectations early.

If you’re the type who likes to plan ahead and keep the day simple—snorkeling plus one extra activity—you’ll probably have an easier time than trying to do everything in four hours.

FAQ

How long is the private charter?

It’s about 4 hours.

What does the charter cost and how many people can go?

The price is $850 per group, up to 8 people.

What’s included with the experience?

It includes a guide, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, a cooler with bottled water and ice, a full bathroom in the console, and an MP3 and Bluetooth compatible multimedia system.

Is swimming with pigs included?

Pig interaction is optional and costs $30 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal on Paradise Beach Dr, The Bahamas. The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour, and only your group participates.

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