Private Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau – 55ft Cocorijo

The best part of this Nassau outing is control. You are not locked into a crowded bus tour or one fixed set of stops. On the private 55-foot Hatteras Cocorijo, your group can choose snorkeling, fishing, swimming, beach time, or a visit to Gilligan’s Island, depending on the sea and your interests.

I like the space for up to 10 people, which can make the $1,650 group price sensible for a family or group of friends. I also like the crew’s strong record for being attentive with children and first-time boaters. The main consideration is simple: four hours goes quickly, and a fishing trip can produce no fish, even with a capable crew.

Key points at a glance

• A private boat for up to 10 people: Your group has the vessel and crew to itself, with room to shape the outing around your priorities.
• Several activities in one charter: Combine snorkeling, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, beach time, or a stop at Gilligan’s Island.
• A well-equipped 55-foot Hatteras: Snorkel equipment, fishing gear, bottled water, an ice cooler, and local beer are provided.
• Experienced crew names to know: Captain Roscoe, mate Cleo, and stewardess Kassandra receive repeated praise for friendly, careful service.
• Footprints is an optional add-on stop: Afternoon or full-day outings may include Rose Island’s Footprints Beach Bar and Grill, but lunch and the landing fee cost extra.
• Weather affects the plan: Poor weather can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund, and fishing success is never guaranteed.

Boarding at Sterling Marina on Paradise Island

The charter begins at Carnivale Bahamas, located at 1 Marina Way in Sterling Marina, inside Hurricane Hole on Paradise Island. The outing ends at the same marina, so you will need to arrange your own way to and from the meeting point.

The boat is called Cocorijo, a beautifully maintained 55-foot Hatteras. That size matters. You have more room to move around than on a small open fishing boat, which is useful when your party includes children, several couples, or people who want different levels of activity.

The charter is private, so only your group takes part. That gives you a much more relaxed setup than a standard excursion. You can ask the crew to spend more time snorkeling, switch to fishing, or simply slow the pace for swimming and sunbathing.

The listed duration is about four hours. That is enough time for a useful taste of the Nassau waters, but not enough for every possible activity in a leisurely way. If your group wants snorkeling, fishing, lunch, and a long beach stop, ask about a longer charter instead of trying to force everything into one half-day.

Cruise ship passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. That information helps the operator judge whether the schedule fits your port visit. Since the boat returns to the same marina, leave a sensible buffer before you must be back aboard your ship.

Choosing your two main activities

The charter description allows you to choose two activities. Options include snorkeling on a coral reef, fishing close to shore or farther out, visiting Gilligan’s Island, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on a beach.

This flexibility is the heart of the experience. A group with children might choose snorkeling and swimming. A family with keen anglers might choose fishing and a beach stop. Couples or friends may prefer a reef visit followed by a quiet stretch of sand.

You should discuss your priorities with the captain before leaving the marina. A four-hour trip benefits from a clear plan, even if the captain adjusts it for weather or sea conditions. If everyone wants something different, agree on the two main activities in advance.

The captain and crew can explain what you are seeing in the water. That personal attention is more useful than a generic announcement on a large boat. You can ask about reef life, underwater plants, fishing areas, and the best order for the stops.

Snorkeling near Nassau’s reefs

Snorkeling is the natural choice if your group wants clear water and a close look at marine life. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring masks, snorkels, or fins for everyone. The crew can help organize the gear and point out places worth exploring.

The exact sites are flexible. One possible area is between Gilligan’s Island and Rose Island, where a group enjoyed snorkeling before moving on to an island stop. Since conditions change, the captain may choose a different reef or sheltered area on the day.

I like this approach because it treats the sea as something that changes, not a stage with a fixed script. A captain can choose a better location if wind, waves, or visibility make the planned site less appealing. Still, you should understand that the exact reef, marine life, and water conditions are not guaranteed.

The trip can work well for mixed-ability groups because the boat offers other ways to spend time. Strong swimmers can stay in the water longer, while others can remain aboard, swim briefly, or enjoy the sun. Families with young children have praised the crew for helping them feel safe and comfortable.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen if you use it, and a dry change of clothes. These items are not listed as provided, and the charter does not include hotel pickup. The boat supplies bottled water and an ice cooler, but you should not treat that as a complete lunch service.

Fishing, with realistic expectations

Fishing is another central option, and the boat comes with necessary fishing equipment. You can choose inshore or deep sea fishing, depending on the type of outing your group wants and what the captain recommends.

Fishing can produce memorable results. One half-day trip produced a 25-pound grouper and a six-foot reef shark, and the group later ate the grouper for dinner at Anthony’s. Another family caught fish and enjoyed eating their catch. Those are appealing possibilities, but they are not promises.

One group had four lines in the water and caught nothing during a half-day trip. That is a useful warning for anyone booking mainly for the catch. The sea does not follow a schedule, and the quality of a charter cannot guarantee fish.

If your children simply want to try fishing, the outing can still work well. The crew can explain the boat, reefs, and ocean, and the activity gives young people something to watch and learn. If catching fish is the only reason you are booking, keep your expectations modest and consider choosing snorkeling as a second activity.

Ask before departure how much time will be spent moving between fishing areas and how much will be spent with lines in the water. A private charter gives you a better chance to discuss that balance than a shared trip.

Gilligan’s Island and the island stops

Gilligan’s Island is described as one of the most photographed islands in the world and can be included as one of your chosen activities. The appeal is the setting: a small tropical stop where you can enjoy the water, take photographs, and break up the time aboard the boat.

The name may suggest a full attraction with facilities, but the information provided does not promise a restaurant, changing rooms, or organized entertainment there. Treat it as a scenic island stop rather than a guaranteed resort-style visit.

Rose Island offers another possible stop, especially on an afternoon or full-day charter. The island is known here for pale sand and striking turquoise water, with Footprints Beach Bar and Grill providing lunch, music, a full bar, volleyball, billiards, and beach time.

Footprints is not included in the $1,650 charter price. You will pay separately for lunch and the landing fee, and the general terms also exclude food and drinks unless specifically stated. Local beer is listed as included, along with bottled water, but ask the operator what beverage service will be available for your particular booking.

The Rose Island stop makes most sense on a longer outing. On a four-hour charter, travel time plus snorkeling or fishing may leave little room for a relaxed meal and beach session. If Footprints is important to your group, ask about an afternoon or full-day schedule before you reserve.

What the crew adds to the day

The most consistently praised part of this charter is the crew’s attitude. Captain Roscoe, mate Cleo, and stewardess Kassandra are repeatedly described as professional, friendly, attentive, and helpful. Other crew combinations, including Ding and Keith, Keith and Chris, Captain Davy and Tyson, and Captain Karro, also appear in the supplied feedback.

That matters because a private charter is not just about the boat. The captain controls the route and safety decisions, while the other crew members help with equipment, children, refreshments, and the general flow of the day.

Cleo is especially noted for being professional and friendly on repeat trips. Roscoe, Cleo, and Kassandra have also been praised for assisting young children and helping families feel safe. That makes this a good option for a group that wants private time on the water without having to manage every detail alone.

The crew’s social style also seems to suit people who want a relaxed outing rather than a silent transport service. Several accounts describe a clean boat, a comfortable atmosphere, and staff who interact with the group. If you prefer minimal conversation, tell the crew. The private format gives you room to set the tone.

Price and value for a group of 10

The price is $1,650 per group, not per person, for up to 10 people. At maximum capacity, that works out to $165 per person before optional food, landing fees, and any transportation to the marina.

That is a better value when you have eight to 10 people. For four people, the effective cost rises to $412.50 each, so you are paying for privacy, space, and flexibility rather than simply buying a snorkeling seat.

I think the price is easiest to justify when your party wants more than one activity. A private boat that can combine reef snorkeling, fishing, an island stop, and swimming offers something a single-purpose excursion may not. You also avoid negotiating with strangers about how long to stay in the water or when to move on.

The price is less compelling if you only want a short snorkel and do not care about privacy. In that case, a shared trip may cost less. The comparison changes for families with young children, groups celebrating together, and friends who would otherwise need several separate bookings.

Remember the extras. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Food is not included, and the Rose Island landing fee and lunch at Footprints cost extra. Local beer, bottled water, and ice are listed as included, but you should confirm beverage details if your group has specific needs.

Who should book Cocorijo

I would point this charter toward families, groups of friends, and multigenerational parties who value private space. The ability to combine activities is useful when not everyone wants to snorkel or fish for the entire four hours.

It is also a good fit for cruise passengers, provided you give the operator complete ship timing and leave enough margin before re-boarding. The fixed meeting point at Sterling Marina makes planning more important than on an excursion that collects you directly from a hotel.

This is a strong choice for people who want attentive service. The crew has handled groups with young children and has helped nervous or less experienced boaters feel at ease. You can ask questions directly and adjust the pace to suit your party.

I would be cautious about booking it for a group that expects guaranteed fishing results. The boat and gear are ready for fishing, but even a well-run charter can return without a catch. For that reason, combine fishing with snorkeling, swimming, or an island visit.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 42 reviews and a 95 percent recommendation rate. Those figures suggest a very strong record, though the fishing disappointment is worth keeping in mind when you make your choice.

Practical planning before you reserve

Book with your preferred date in mind. The activity averages about 50 days of advance booking, which signals that popular dates can fill well ahead of time. You receive confirmation at booking, and the mobile ticket makes it easier to keep the reservation details on your phone.

Build your plan around the weather. The charter requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. A calm, clear day is also more likely to provide pleasant snorkeling conditions, though the captain makes the final call on where to go.

Wear clothing suited to sun and spray. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and any food your group needs, since meals are not part of the standard price. If you plan to use Footprints, budget separately for lunch and the landing fee.

Ask your group to choose its top two activities before boarding. That small bit of preparation prevents four hours from disappearing while people debate between fishing, snorkeling, beach time, and sightseeing.

Should you book this private Nassau charter?

Book Cocorijo if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a flexible half-day on the water. The private format, spacious Hatteras, included equipment, and attentive crew make it particularly appealing for families and friends who want to mix activity with relaxation.

Book it with realistic expectations about fishing and the four-hour limit. The best plan is to choose two main activities, confirm any Rose Island costs, and tell the crew what matters most to your group.

If your priority is guaranteed fish or the lowest possible price, this may not be the right fit. If your priority is private time, helpful service, and the freedom to shape a Nassau outing around your own group, it is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the charter start?

The charter starts at Carnivale Bahamas, 1 Marina Way, Paradise Island, at Sterling Marina in Hurricane Hole, The Bahamas.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point.

How long is the charter?

The listed duration is approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The charter can accommodate up to 10 people per group.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group and the guide or crew participate in this private activity.

What activities can I choose?

Options can include coral reef snorkeling, Gilligan’s Island, deep sea fishing, inshore fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and beach time. The charter allows you to choose two activities.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The boat includes the necessary fishing equipment.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, an ice cooler, and local beer are listed as included. Food and other drinks are not included unless specifically stated.

Can I visit Footprints Beach Bar and Grill?

Afternoon or full-day charters may be able to visit Footprints on Rose Island. Lunch and the landing fee are not included in the charter cost.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Sterling Marina.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.