Private 38′ Defender Sportfishing/Swim with Pigs in Nassau

The most unusual part of this Nassau boat trip is the mix: you can fish, snorkel Rose Island reefs, spend time on a beach, and add a swim with pigs without sharing the boat with another group. It is a flexible half-day on a 38-foot private boat, with fishing gear, bait, snorkel equipment, water, and ice supplied.

I like the family-friendly setup, including the larger boat and bathroom noted in the detailed fishing account. I also like the simple group pricing: $850 covers up to seven people, which can be good value when divided among a family or group of friends. The main consideration is that swimming with the pigs costs an extra $30, and four hours can feel short if you want to fit in fishing, two reef stops, a beach, and pigs.

Key points to know before you book

• Rose Island reef stops: You get time at one reef for swimming with colorful fish, then another reef for snorkeling or beach time.
• Private boat for up to seven: Your group stays together, with no unrelated passengers joining the trip.
• Fishing is part of the plan: Bottom fishing equipment, bait, ice, and water are provided.
• Pig swimming costs extra: The separate fee is $30 per person or party, as specified by the operator, so confirm the exact charge when booking.
• Family-friendly boat details: The boat is described as large enough for families and includes a bathroom.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, while ordinary cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

A private Nassau charter with room to change plans

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise where every minute is locked in. Hunter Charters gives your private group a 38-foot Defender Express and about four hours on the water, with several possible activities built into the outing.

That flexibility is the real selling point. You can focus more on fishing if the group is keen to catch something, or use the time for snorkeling and beach stops if younger children lose interest in fishing. Sightseeing is also part of the mix, though the supplied details do not promise a specific route or named sights beyond the Rose Island area.

The boat leaves from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas at Marina Drive on Paradise Island and returns to that same meeting point. That is useful if you are staying around Nassau or Paradise Island and want a straightforward start and finish without arranging a separate island transfer.

Because this is a private activity, the pace belongs to your group. That matters with children, mixed-age families, and friends who do not all want the same thing. You are not asking a whole boatload of strangers to wait while one person fishes or changes into snorkeling gear.

Leaving Margaritaville for Rose Island

The marina meeting point is at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2, Marina Drive, Paradise Island. Your booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not leave this reservation until the last minute if your schedule is tight. The activity is often booked about 20 days ahead.

The exact order of stops may change. The available plan begins around Rose Island, where you reach a large reef known for colorful fish and swimming. The description is strongest here: this is the place to get into the water and look for marine life rather than simply view the reef from the boat.

You receive snorkeling equipment as part of the price. That saves you from packing or renting the basic gear separately, though you will still want to bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and any personal items you prefer for a half-day outdoors. Those personal items are not listed as included, so pack simply and keep valuables to a minimum.

The water stop is also a practical test of how well your group handles a boat day. If everyone is comfortable snorkeling, the reef can become the main event. If not, you still have fishing, sightseeing, and the later beach option.

Two reef stops, two different ways to enjoy the water

The first Rose Island stop is described as a large reef where you can swim with colorful fish. This is the most active water stop, and it should appeal to anyone who wants a proper snorkeling session rather than a quick photo stop.

I like that the second reef gives you a choice. You can snorkel again, or you can use the time at the beach. That small choice makes the outing easier for families. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water while others take a break on shore.

Do not expect the listing to promise a particular beach, exact reef location, or guaranteed wildlife sighting. Marine conditions change, and the operator does not give a detailed naturalist program. You are booking access to reef and beach time, not a scientific tour with a fixed species list.

The supplied information also does not state how long the boat remains at each stop. With only about four hours for the full outing, you may need to choose your priorities. If fishing matters most, tell the crew early. If snorkeling and the beach are the reason you booked, make that clear as well.

Bottom fishing for a hands-on half-day

Fishing is not an afterthought here. The boat comes with fishing equipment and bait, and the charter specializes in bottom fishing. Ice is also provided, which is useful for keeping anything caught cool and for making the ride more comfortable.

One detailed account describes a kid-friendly fishing outing with Mike and DeAngelo, including plenty of fish caught close to Nassau before the group went to swim with pigs. The same account identifies the boat as the Strikezone, while the main experience description identifies the vessel as a 38-foot Defender Express. Since the supplied details use both names, confirm the exact boat name with Hunter Charters before departure if that distinction matters to you.

The fishing format sounds suited to beginners and families because equipment and bait are ready to use. You do not need to arrive with a complete tackle setup. Still, fishing results are never guaranteed, and the available material does not state what species you may catch or how far offshore the boat will go.

For children, fishing can give the trip a clear purpose. They have something to do while the boat moves between locations, and even a short session can break up the day. If the group is made up of serious anglers, ask how much of the four-hour window can be devoted to fishing before you book. The charter also includes snorkeling, sightseeing, reefs, beach time, and optional pigs, so this is best understood as a mixed activity rather than a dedicated full-day fishing expedition.

Adding the swimming pigs stop

Swimming with pigs is optional and costs an additional $30. The fee is separate from the $850 private charter price, so include it when working out the final cost. The supplied information does not specify whether the $30 is charged per person or for the group, so ask Hunter Charters to clarify that point before you commit.

This add-on is likely to be the most memorable part for children and anyone who wants a playful island stop. It also changes the value calculation. If your group of seven wants to add the pigs, the boat price divides nicely, but the extra admission can add up depending on how the fee is applied.

You should also think about time. A four-hour charter has to cover the ride, fishing, one reef, another reef or beach, and the pig stop. If pigs are essential, tell the operator when booking and again at the start of the trip. If your group mainly wants reef time, do not assume you can fit every option into long, leisurely visits.

The pig stop is not included in the private charter. That is the clearest extra cost in the package, along with gratuities, which are also not included.

What the $850 price really buys

At $850 for up to seven people, the base cost works out to about $121 per person if you fill every place. For a smaller group of four, it is about $212.50 each. That makes the trip much better value for a full family or friend group than for only two people.

The price includes a private boat, captain and crew service, snorkel equipment, fishing equipment, bait, ice, and bottled water. You are paying for use of the boat and a custom half-day rather than buying several separate activities. A group that wants fishing, snorkeling, and sightseeing can avoid booking different excursions.

The value is less convincing if only one person wants to fish and the rest of the group wants a simple beach visit. In that case, compare the total private cost with a shared boat trip before booking. The advantage here is control and privacy, not the lowest possible individual fare.

A bathroom on the larger boat is a practical benefit, especially for families and anyone who does not want to plan a half-day around shore facilities. That detail comes from the fishing account, so confirm the boat setup if a restroom is essential for your group.

Comfort, supplies, and family fit

The boat is presented as welcoming to families and children. The larger 38-foot size should make the outing more manageable than a very small skiff, though the supplied details do not provide seating measurements, shade information, or a full list of onboard facilities.

Water and ice are included. Snorkeling equipment and fishing gear are included too, which keeps the packing list short and the day easy to arrange. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sun protection, and any medication you need. Those items are not listed as supplied.

Most people can participate, according to the activity information. That is broad guidance rather than a detailed medical or mobility assessment. If someone in your group has a condition that affects swimming, balance, or boat access, contact the provider before paying.

The private format also helps with family timing. You can keep the day moving if children are restless, or pause longer at a stop if the group is enjoying it. The tradeoff is that you need to communicate clearly. A private boat does not automatically mean every preferred activity will fit into four hours.

Weather and cancellation details

This activity needs good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is important in Nassau, where an attractive forecast can still change your water plans.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Make sure you use the local time cut-off, especially if you are booking from another country.

The mobile ticket format makes the booking easy to carry on your phone. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the activity is commonly reserved around 20 days ahead, I would book once your Nassau schedule is firm, then watch the forecast as departure approaches.

Who should book this Nassau boat trip

I would recommend this charter to a family or friend group of five to seven people that wants several activities in one private outing. It is especially useful when some people want to fish, others prefer snorkeling, and the children are excited about pigs.

It also fits you if privacy matters more than finding the cheapest seat on the water. Your group controls the conversation, the general pace, and the balance between fishing, reef time, beach time, and sightseeing.

I would be more cautious if you want a long fishing session, a highly structured wildlife tour, or guaranteed time at every stop. Four hours is a useful half-day, but it is not enough for unlimited time at each activity. Ask the operator to map out the order and approximate stop lengths before departure.

The trip may also be a poor match if the $850 price would be shared by only one or two people. The strongest value appears when a larger group fills most of the seven available places.

Should you book it?

Book this private Nassau charter if you want a flexible family day with fishing, Rose Island snorkeling, beach time, and the option to add swimming with pigs. The large boat, bathroom, supplied equipment, and private format make it practical for a mixed group.

Before paying, confirm three details: the exact boat name, how the $30 pig fee is charged, and how the four hours will be divided among your chosen stops. If those answers fit your priorities, the $850 group price can be sensible, especially with seven people sharing it. If you want one activity done at length, choose a more specialized charter instead.

FAQ

Where does the Nassau boat tour begin?

The tour begins at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2, Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence Island, The Bahamas.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Margaritaville’s marina.

How long does the private charter last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private tour accommodates one group of up to seven people.

What activities are available?

The charter offers bottom fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, Rose Island reef stops, beach time, and optional swimming with pigs.

Is swimming with pigs included in the price?

No. Swimming with pigs costs an additional $30, and the fee is separate from the charter price.

What equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, bait, ice, and bottled water are included.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Can children participate?

The activity is described as family-friendly, and most people can participate. Specific age limits are not provided.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can receive a full refund or choose a different date if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.

Can I cancel my booking?

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