Private Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau – 55ft Cocorijo

The best part of this Nassau charter is the freedom to shape the day. You can combine snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and island time instead of following a fixed route, with Captain Roscoe and crew members Cleo and Kassandra handling the boat and gear. I like the roomy 55-foot Hatteras and the chance to keep the outing private for up to 10 people. I also like that the crew has a strong track record with children and mixed-age families.

The main caution is value. At $1,650 for about four hours, this is a serious splurge for a small group, and fishing is never guaranteed. If you fill all 10 places, the cost is easier to justify. If only two or three people join, the price per person rises quickly.

Key points to know before you book

• A private 55-foot Hatteras: Cocorijo carries only your party, with room for up to 10 people and a dedicated captain and crew.
• Two activities in one outing: Choose from snorkeling, deep sea or inshore fishing, swimming, sunbathing, beach time, or an island visit.
• A flexible Nassau route: Your group can discuss what to do rather than accept a rigid sightseeing schedule.
• Footprints Beach Bar is an optional stop: Lunch, music, drinks, beach time, volleyball, and billiards are available on Rose Island, but the meal and landing fee cost extra.
• Useful equipment is included: Snorkel gear, fishing equipment, bottled water, ice, and local beer are provided.
• Strong family appeal: The crew has helped young children on board and has been praised for creating a safe, friendly atmosphere.

A private boat day from Sterling Marina

You meet at Carnivale Bahamas, located at 1 Marina Way in Paradise Island’s Hurricane Hole and Sterling Marina. The charter returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location at the end.

The boat is a 55-foot Hatteras named Cocorijo. That matters because this is not a small open skiff built only for a quick run to one reef. The larger boat gives your group more space to spread out, sit in the shade, enjoy the view, and move between activities without feeling packed together.

You get a private charter, not a shared boat. Your party can include as many as 10 people, and the captain and crew stay with your group. That setup is especially useful when some people want to snorkel, others want to fish, and a few would rather stay dry and enjoy the ride.

The boat comes with bottled water and an ice cooler. Local beer is also listed as included. Food and other drinks are not included, so bring your budget and expectations in line before you leave the marina.

How the four-hour charter works

The outing lasts about four hours, but the exact rhythm depends on the two activities you choose. This is not a tour where every boat stops at the same points for the same amount of time.

You might spend the first part cruising out from Paradise Island, then stop at a coral reef for snorkeling. Another group might choose fishing first, followed by a swim and a beach stop. You can also choose two activities from the wider menu, including Gilligan’s Island, inshore or deep sea fishing, sunbathing, and a simple swim in the sea.

That flexibility is the heart of the trip. It lets you match the day to your group rather than forcing young children, keen anglers, and relaxed beach lovers into one narrow plan.

Still, four hours goes quickly. If you want several snorkel stops, a serious fishing session, a long beach visit, and lunch on Rose Island, you may need a longer charter. The four-hour version works best when you pick two main goals and avoid trying to squeeze in everything.

Snorkeling around Nassau’s reefs

Snorkel gear is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or fins. The crew can take you to coral reef areas and explain the marine life and underwater plants you see.

The waters around Nassau offer the main visual reward of this charter: clear tropical water, coral, fish, and the chance to see a different side of the Bahamas beyond the hotel pool. A few outings have included snorkeling between Gilligan’s Island and Rose Island, along with more than one snorkeling location on longer trips.

Conditions matter. Water clarity, wind, waves, and the day’s route can affect what you see. The description promises access to good snorkeling areas, not a guaranteed list of animals or a specific reef. I would book this for the chance to explore the water with a private crew, not because you expect one exact underwater sight.

The crew’s role is important here. Cleo has been praised for helping people on board, while Roscoe and Kassandra have been described as attentive and easy to spend time with. If someone in your group is a first-time snorkeler or a nervous swimmer, a private trip gives you more room to ask questions and set a comfortable pace.

Fishing, with realistic expectations

Fishing is one of the two main choices you can make. The boat carries the necessary fishing equipment, and you can choose inshore or deep sea fishing depending on the plan for the day.

The catch can be memorable. One half-day outing produced a 25-pound grouper and a six-foot reef shark. Another family caught fish and ate the fresh catch later at Anthony’s restaurant after receiving a recommendation from Cleo.

But fishing is fishing. One family booked a deep sea trip for four children and spent much of the half-day traveling without a bite. That is not necessarily a failure by the crew, but it is an important warning for anyone booking mainly for guaranteed action.

For the best odds of enjoying the outing, treat fishing as part of the adventure rather than the only measure of success. The private format helps because you can switch plans, ask to snorkel, or spend time swimming if the fish are not cooperating. Confirm your preferred fishing style when booking, especially if your group wants a serious fishing session rather than a mixed snorkel and swim charter.

Gilligan’s Island and Rose Island

Gilligan’s Island is offered as one of the possible stops. It is described as one of the most photographed islands in the world, making it a natural choice for a scenic visit and photos.

The exact amount of time you spend there depends on the other activity you select. If your group wants fishing and snorkeling in the same four-hour window, the island visit may be brief. If you want a slower beach-focused outing, you can make the island stop a larger part of the plan.

On afternoon or full-day charters, you may also choose Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island. The setting includes white sand, turquoise water, music, a stocked bar, lunch, volleyball, billiards, and time to sunbathe. It is a good match for a group that wants a boat outing with a proper break on land.

Footprints is not included in the base price. You pay for lunch and the landing fee separately, and food and drinks generally are not part of the charter cost unless specifically stated. Ask about the current landing fee and meal arrangements before you go so the beach stop does not create a surprise expense.

For a four-hour booking, Rose Island may require a clear choice. You may have enough time for a quick visit, but a relaxed lunch and several water activities could feel rushed. If this stop is your priority, consider asking about an afternoon or full-day option.

The crew and the feel on board

The named crew most often associated with Cocorijo are Captain Roscoe, mate Cleo, and stewardess Kassandra. Their roles give the outing a fuller charter feel than a simple boat ride. Roscoe handles the captain’s duties, Cleo assists with the activities, and Kassandra helps look after the group on board.

The crew’s strongest practical quality is hospitality. They have been praised for being professional, social, welcoming, and helpful with children. One family with young children specifically appreciated the attention given to safety and comfort.

That does not mean the day is formal. The tone is more relaxed than instructional. You can expect conversation, help with equipment, and practical guidance, but this is not presented as a specialist marine biology lesson or a structured fishing seminar.

I would consider the crew a good fit for families, couples traveling with friends, and groups that want help without being micromanaged. If you prefer complete solitude and little conversation, remember that a captain and crew remain with you throughout the private charter.

What the $1,650 price really means

The price is $1,650 per group of up to 10 people. At full capacity, that works out to $165 per person before any extra cost for lunch or a landing fee. For five people, the equivalent is $330 each. For two people, it becomes a very expensive half-day.

The value improves when you have a larger group. A family reunion, wedding party, group of friends, or multi-generation holiday can spread the cost while keeping the boat private. You also avoid the compromises of a shared excursion, such as waiting for strangers, following their preferred pace, or splitting up when interests differ.

The boat, captain, crew, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, bottled water, ice, and local beer are part of the package. That makes the price easier to understand than a bare boat rental, since you are paying for an operated charter with equipment and support.

Still, compare the cost with your actual plans. If your group mainly wants a short swim near Nassau, the charter may be more than you need. If you want a private boat, several activity choices, and the ability to adjust the day on the water, the price is more defensible.

Who will enjoy Cocorijo most

I would recommend this charter for:

• Families who want a private boat and help with young children
• Groups of six to 10 people who can share the cost
• Friends who want to combine snorkeling and fishing
• Couples or small groups seeking a quiet, private splurge
• Cruise ship passengers with enough time between docking and re-boarding
• Visitors staying near Paradise Island who want to start from Hurricane Hole

It is less suitable if your only goal is guaranteed fishing action. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes paying separately for lunch or who wants a fixed sightseeing route with every minute planned in advance.

Cruise ship passengers need to provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. Build in a sensible buffer, since a private boat trip should not leave you racing back to the ship.

Booking details and weather plans

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity offers mobile tickets. Most people can take part, but the supplied details do not give a full accessibility description, so ask the operator about mobility needs before paying.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The charter depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful in the Bahamas, where wind and sea conditions can change the feel of a snorkeling or fishing day.

Should you book this Nassau charter?

Book it if you want a private, flexible boat day and can fill much of the 10-person capacity. Cocorijo gives you more control than a standard shared excursion, and the combination of snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and island stops makes it easy to keep a mixed group happy.

I would be more cautious for a small party on a tight budget, or for anyone expecting a guaranteed catch. The strongest plan is to choose two priorities before boarding, confirm the cost of any Rose Island stop, and keep a backup activity in mind if fishing is slow.

For a full family or friend group that values privacy, helpful crew, and a boat large enough to relax on, this is a worthwhile Nassau splurge. For two people wanting only a quick reef swim, a smaller and less expensive option may make more sense.

FAQ

Where does the Cocorijo charter begin?

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

Where does the activity end?

The charter returns to the same meeting point at the end of the outing.

How long is the charter?

The activity lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private boat can accommodate up to 10 people in your group.

What activities can I choose?

You can choose two activities, which may include snorkeling, coral reef visits, Gilligan’s Island, deep sea fishing, inshore fishing, swimming, sunbathing, or beach time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the use of necessary fishing equipment.

Is food included?

Food is not included unless specifically stated. At Footprints Beach Bar and Grill on Rose Island, lunch and the landing fee are extra.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.