55ft of private water time beats shore tours. This half-day charter on the Cocorijo lets you tailor the outing from Nassau, with snorkeling and fishing gear ready to go and a crew that keeps things smooth, especially with kids. I like the flexibility to pick two activities that match your mood that day, and I also like how the team brings real hands-on care; Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra are a repeat theme in the great feedback. One thing to plan for: there’s no hotel pickup, and if you add Rose Island food, lunch and any landing fees aren’t included.

You’ll cruise out of Paradise Island on a beautifully maintained 55-foot Hatteras for about four hours, staying private with up to 10 people in your party. The day can be all about snorkeling a coral reef, fishing deep sea or inshore, or doing classic photo-and-beach time like Gilligan’s Island, plus occasional extras like swimming with pigs depending on your route and what’s possible that day. You do need decent weather for this one—when seas get rough, the schedule can change.

Key points at a glance

• Private group up to 10 on a 55ft Hatteras for a half-day of Nassau water time
• Pick two activities: snorkeling reefs, Gilligan’s Island photo stop, deep-sea or inshore fishing, beach time
• Gear included: snorkel equipment plus all fishing gear, plus bottled water on board
• Crew-led experience with Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra handling the vibe and safety
• Rose Island add-on on longer charters with Footprints Beach Bar and Grill (lunch/landing fees not included)

Cocorijo in Nassau: what private charters feel like on the water

Nassau can be a fast, noisy port town. This is the opposite. When you book this private charter, you’re not waiting in lines, not sharing the boat with strangers, and not trying to figure out a one-size-fits-all itinerary. You’re simply getting on a 55-foot Hatteras with a local captain, then choosing what you want to do during the time you booked.

The ship size matters. A 55-footer gives you room to relax between stops, move around without feeling cramped, and still keep the day easy to manage. It’s built for comfort, and the reviews back that up with comments about a very clean boat and a friendly, interactive crew.

You also get something simple but rare on cruise-day outings: time to ask questions. Snorkeling and fishing aren’t just checkboxes here. The crew shares what they see in the water and helps you understand the underwater life and the plan for the day, which makes the whole experience feel more like a local guided outing and less like a rushed activity.

How the itinerary really works: two activities, your pace

The tour is designed around flexibility. On your half-day charter (about four hours), you generally choose two activities. The options can include:

• Snorkeling at a colorful coral reef
• Visiting Gilligan’s Island, known as one of the most photographed islands in the world
• Deep sea fishing or inshore fishing
• Sunbathing, beach time, or a swim

That flexibility is where you get real value. If you want more water time and less fuss, you can skew toward snorkeling and relaxing. If your group is more into fishing, you can shift toward that and keep snorkeling as the secondary activity. If you’ve got mixed interests (and that’s common with families and friend groups), this format makes it easier to keep everyone happy.

In practice, I’d expect the captain to help you shape the order based on conditions. You can’t control everything in the ocean, but having a dedicated captain means you’re not stuck following a rigid route if another spot is better on the day.

If you go on an afternoon or full day charter, there’s an additional possibility: Rose Island and Footprints Beach Bar and Grill. That’s a popular side trip because it’s right on the beach with music, a fully stocked bar, and classic island hangout options like volleyball and billiards. The key detail to know is that lunch and landing fees aren’t included in the charter cost, so bring that expectation into your budgeting.

Snorkeling on a private charter: what you’re actually going for

This charter treats snorkeling like a guided experience, not a drop-and-go free-for-all. You have snorkel gear included, and you’re going out to some of the Bahamas’ best snorkeling spots. Instead of joining a crowd and sprinting to the water, you get time with your crew to set up, learn what to look for, and settle in.

What I like about this approach is how it changes your snorkeling. With a crew on board, you’re more likely to know where you’re going and why that area is worth it. You can ask questions about marine life and underwater flora, and you’re not left guessing.

Also, snorkeling success often comes down to simple comfort: having the right gear and not having to rush. This charter includes the necessary snorkel equipment, and you’re on board in a calm, private setting before the first swim.

One small note: snorkeling in the Bahamas can come with different “moods.” Some days are clear and easy. Some days can be choppy or variable. That’s why good weather matters for the experience. If seas are rough, you might find the outing adjusts.

Fishing: deep sea or inshore, with the gear handled

If your group is fishing-first, you’ll like that this charter includes all necessary fishing equipment. That means you’re not trying to track down rentals or show up with the wrong tackle. You just jump in and fish.

You can choose deep sea fishing or inshore fishing as one of the two activities on this half-day charter. Deep sea tends to appeal to people who want more serious fishing time. Inshore tends to be a good fit when you want a less intense outing but still want to try your luck.

Now, a fair warning: fishing is never guaranteed. Even on a well-run charter, there can be days when bites don’t happen. One of the experiences in the feedback mentioned having fishing lines set and not getting any bites during the half-day. That’s not a reason to skip fishing, but it is a reason to set expectations properly: you’re paying for an outing and expert effort, not a promise of a trophy.

Also, if you do catch something, this is the kind of charter where the crew can help you make plans for handling what you bring on board and what you might do with it afterward—at least in broad terms. In the feedback, there were examples of catching notable fish and then eating it at a nearby restaurant, which is the kind of win you’re hoping for when you book a fishing option.

Gilligan’s Island and beach time: the easy win for mixed groups

Not everyone wants to snorkel or fish for the whole trip. That’s where Gilligan’s Island and beach time shine. The charter can include a visit to Gilligan’s Island, a place famous for photo-ready scenery, plus time to sunbathe, swim, and relax.

This is the part I’d call “low-effort, high-reward” for a Nassau day. Even if the ocean is not cooperating as perfectly as you hoped, a beach stop and time on the water still make the day feel worthwhile.

And for families, this is often how you keep everyone happy. Parents get breaks between activities, kids can swim, and people who don’t fish can still enjoy the trip. There are also mentions of fun extras like swimming with pigs, which suggests the crew can sometimes build in memorable moments if conditions and routing allow.

Rose Island and Footprints: worth it when your schedule allows

If you stretch this charter into an afternoon or full day, Rose Island becomes a real option. Footprints Beach Bar and Grill sits on a beautiful section of Rose Island with beach time and that classic island setup: music, a fully stocked bar, and activities like volleyball and billiards.

This stop is appealing because it turns your day from just sightseeing into a proper island hang. You’re not just changing locations; you’re settling into a beach environment with more to do.

Budget note: lunch and landing fees aren’t included. If you’re planning to eat there, plan for that extra cost up front so it doesn’t feel like a surprise later. I also recommend treating Footprints as a treat, not a must-do—because the main value of this charter is the private boat time and the flexibility to snorkel or fish.

The crew factor: why Captain Roscoe, Cleo, and Kassandra matter

In a private charter, the crew is the difference between a good trip and a great one. Here, the name recognition is strong: Captain Roscoe, Mate Cleo, and Stewardess Kassandra come up repeatedly in the feedback, with consistent notes about friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness.

I like crews like this because they handle the “invisible work” that makes the day easier:

• Getting people comfortable in the water
• Keeping the boat running smoothly
• Explaining what you’re seeing underwater
• Managing safety while still keeping the tone relaxed and fun

For families, the service angle is especially important. The feedback includes multiple mentions of the crew being helpful and patient with young kids, which is exactly what you want when you’re paying for a private experience. You shouldn’t have to stress about whether everyone is safe, or whether the trip is too intense for children.

There’s also a social vibe described in the feedback—crew members interact, check in, and help set a positive mood. That doesn’t mean it’s a party boat. It means you’re not ignored after you board.

Price and value: $1,650 per group is only “good” if you fill it

The price is $1,650 per group, up to 10 people. On paper, that can look pricey. But private boat pricing usually works like this: you’re paying for the boat, the captain, and the specialized equipment, not per person like a mass tour.

Here’s how I think about value:

• If you book with a full group (near 10 people), the per-person cost becomes far easier to swallow.
• If you’re a small group, you’ll pay more per person, but you’re still buying privacy, flexibility, and dedicated attention.
• You also get snorkel gear and fishing equipment included, plus bottled water and an ice cooler. That’s money you’d otherwise spend separately.

Food and drinks depend on what you pick. Alcoholic beverages and local beer are listed as included, and bottled water is on board. Lunch on Rose Island is not included, so plan for that if you add Footprints.

Bottom line: this charter is best viewed as a group experience. If you can gather friends or family and split the cost, it starts to feel like one of the most practical ways to do Nassau beyond the cruise-shuffle.

Practical details that actually affect your day

Meeting point and getting there

The charter starts and ends back at the same marina area: Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole. There’s no hotel pickup and drop-off listed, so you’ll want to arrange your own ride to the dock.

If you’re on a cruise ship, you’ll be asked for key timing info—ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time. The whole point is to make sure you don’t miss your ship.

How long you’ll be out

Duration is about four hours. That’s long enough to do two meaningful activities, but it’s not long enough for a do-everything fantasy. If snorkeling is your priority, keep that in mind when you choose your second activity. The flexibility is real, but the clock is still running.

Tickets and weather

You’ll receive a mobile ticket. And because this experience depends on weather, you should plan for the reality that the captain may adjust or reschedule if conditions aren’t right. Good weather is part of making snorkeling and fishing enjoyable.

Who should book this charter on Cocorijo?

This is a strong fit for:

• Families with mixed interests (some people snorkel, some fish, some just swim)
• Friend groups who want privacy and don’t want to wait around
• People who care about gear and safety without turning it into a complicated planning project
• Anyone who wants a Nassau day that feels personal, not crowded

If you’re traveling solo, you can still book a private group charter, but the math usually becomes harder unless you can book with others. In that case, you might compare with shared tours before deciding.

Should you book this private Nassau charter?

Yes, if you want control over your day. I’d book it when your group includes people who want different things—snorkeling for some, fishing for others, and beach time for everyone else. The included gear, dedicated captain/crew, and the private setting are what make it work.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re expecting a guaranteed catch in fishing. Ocean plans can change, and bites are never certain.
• You’re counting on hotel pickup, because you’ll need your own transport to the marina.
• You want lunch included without extra charges. Rose Island food isn’t part of the charter cost.

If you can rally a group and you’re flexible about what the ocean gives you that day, this private 55ft charter on Cocorijo is an excellent way to spend time in Nassau.

FAQ

Is this a private tour or shared?

It’s private. Only your group participates, up to 10 people.

How many people can ride on the Cocorijo?

The charter allows up to 10 guests per group.

What’s included with the snorkeling and fishing?

Snorkel equipment and all necessary fishing equipment are included. Bottled water and an ice cooler are also provided.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

No. Snorkel gear and fishing gear are included.

What activities can we choose on the half-day charter?

You can customize the outing with two activities, which can include snorkeling at a coral reef, Gilligan’s Island, deep sea or inshore fishing, and sunbathing or swimming.

Is Rose Island included?

Rose Island and Footprints Beach Bar and Grill are options on afternoon or full day charters. Lunch and any landing fees are not included.

Is there hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. The meeting point is at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, Sterling Marina, Hurricane Hole, and the tour ends back there.

What if I’m on a cruise ship?

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

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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