Private 38′ Defender Sportfishing/Swim with Pigs in Nassau

Nassau feels best from the water. This private four-hour charter combines bottom fishing, snorkeling, beach time, Rose Island scenery, and an optional visit to swim with pigs. I like the generous 38-foot boat and the fact that your group has it to itself. I also like the family-friendly setup, with fishing gear, snorkel equipment, water, ice, and bait supplied.

The main drawback is the price. The charter costs $850 for up to seven people, before gratuities and the separate $30 swimming-with-pigs fee. That can be fair for a full group, but it gets expensive quickly for two or three people. Weather also matters, since poor conditions can cancel the trip.

Key Points Before You Book

• A private 38-foot boat gives your group room: You are not sharing the charter with strangers, and the larger vessel is better suited to families than a small open boat.
• Rose Island provides two water stops: One is a reef for swimming among colorful fish, and the second allows more snorkeling or beach time.
• Fishing is part of the main plan: Bottom fishing gear, bait, ice, and other equipment are included, so you do not need to arrange a separate fishing charter.
• Swimming with the pigs costs extra: The pig experience is available, but it is on another island and requires a separate $30 fee.
• The outing is built for mixed interests: One person can fish while another snorkels, swims, or relaxes on the beach.
• The meeting point is easy to identify: You start and finish at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, at Paradise Island Marina.

Starting at Paradise Island Marina

Your day begins at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas, located at Marina Drive on Paradise Island. This is both the meeting point and the return point, which keeps the arrangement simple. You do not need to figure out a second pickup location at the end of the charter.

The boat is a 38-foot Defender Express. That size matters. A private charter can feel cramped if everyone is packed onto a small center-console boat, especially when you add fishing equipment, snorkel gear, towels, and children. A larger boat gives you more room to shift between activities and offers a better setting for a family day on the water.

The exact departure time is not provided here, so check your confirmation carefully. The activity lasts about four hours, which is long enough for several stops but not so long that younger children are likely to lose patience. If you have a flight, cruise departure, or another booked activity afterward, leave a generous buffer.

The charter is private for your group of up to seven people. That is a major part of the value. You can spend more time fishing if the fish are biting, move on quickly if someone gets bored, or give children a break without negotiating with another group.

Fishing on a Family-Friendly Charter

Bottom fishing is one of the central activities. Fishing equipment and bait are included, along with ice, so you can arrive without buying a separate set of supplies. The format works particularly well for a group with mixed experience. You do not have to commit to a full day of serious sportfishing.

A family outing associated with the boat included children, close-in fishing, and a trip to swim with pigs. Mike and DeAngelo were named as the crew on that outing, and the setup included a bathroom on the boat. If they are assigned to your charter, you will have a crew with experience handling a kid-friendly day rather than only a hard-core fishing trip.

The bathroom is a small but important feature. Four hours on the water can feel much longer when children have no facilities, and it also makes the boat more comfortable for adults. Still, the supplied information does not describe the bathroom’s size or other onboard facilities, so you should not expect the amenities of a large yacht.

Fishing success is never guaranteed. The boat can provide equipment, bait, and access to fishing areas, but the catch depends on conditions and luck. That is why I would book this as a mixed fishing and water day, not as a promise of a full cooler.

If your group cares most about fishing, tell the operator when you book. The charter also includes snorkeling, sightseeing, and the pig visit, so your time is shared among several interests.

Rose Island’s First Reef Stop

The first Rose Island stop takes you to a large reef where you can swim with colorful fish. This is the most appealing part of the day for anyone who wants clear-water scenery without spending the entire outing in the boat.

Snorkel equipment is included. That saves you from renting masks and fins separately, and it makes spontaneous swimming easier. You can fish first, then switch to snorkeling without carrying a second set of arrangements.

The reef stop also gives the charter a more natural rhythm. Fishing asks you to sit and wait. Snorkeling lets you get into the water and see the area from another angle. For children, this change can make the four hours feel more active and varied.

You should still pack the basics that are not listed as included, such as swimwear, towels, sun protection, and any personal medication you need. Bottled water is provided, but meals and snacks are not listed. If your group needs food during the outing, ask ahead rather than assuming it will be available.

The word reef can mean different things to different people. This experience promises a beautiful reef with colorful fish, but it does not give details about water depth, visibility, current, or the exact time spent in the water. If a particular member of your group has limited swimming ability, ask the operator about conditions before booking.

The Second Reef, Beach, or More Snorkeling

After the first reef, the boat goes to another reef where you can snorkel again or spend time on the beach. This second stop is useful because it gives you a choice rather than forcing the whole group into one activity.

I like this flexibility for families. Strong swimmers can use the water, while someone who prefers dry land can relax on the beach. A child who has had enough snorkeling can still enjoy the setting without ending the day early.

The beach option also helps if sea conditions make one activity less appealing. You may find that the second stop feels quieter and slower than the first, although the information does not specify the beach facilities, shade, food, or restroom access. Treat it as a simple beach stop, not a resort beach day.

Because the charter lasts about four hours, the time at each location may be limited. A private boat gives you control, but it does not create extra hours. If your group wants long fishing sessions, extended snorkeling, and a leisurely beach stay, you may need to decide which matters most before you leave the marina.

Adding the Swim-with-Pigs Visit

Swimming with pigs is an optional addition, not part of the base price. The fee is listed as $30, and the pig stop takes place on another island. I would confirm whether that charge applies to each person or to the group, since the supplied details do not make that clear.

This add-on changes the focus of the day. The reef and fishing stops are included in the main charter, while the pigs offer a more unusual, photo-friendly experience. If your group has already seen pigs on another Bahamian island, you may prefer to use the time for fishing or snorkeling.

If children are excited about the pigs, the extra fee may be worthwhile. The separate charge also means you should budget more than the $850 charter price. Gratuities are not included either.

The practical point is to decide before departure. Your captain can help fit the pig visit into the four-hour outing, but every additional stop reduces time available for fishing, the reef, or the beach. The phrase your wish is our command suggests a flexible approach, but it does not mean every activity can receive unlimited time.

What the $850 Charter Really Buys

The price is $850 per group, with up to seven people included. At full capacity, that works out to about $121 per person before the pig fee and gratuity. For four people, it is $212.50 each. For two people, the same boat costs $425 per person.

That math explains who gets the best value. A family or group of friends filling most of the seven spaces receives a much better deal than a couple booking alone. You are paying for private use of a large boat, not simply for admission to a reef.

The included gear adds practical value. You receive bottled water, snorkel equipment, ice, fishing equipment, and bait. These inclusions reduce the small extra costs that can pile up on a water excursion.

The strongest value is flexibility. Your group can combine fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, beach time, and the pig visit without booking separate tours. You also avoid spending the day with an unrelated group that may want a different pace.

Still, the price is not a bargain for a small party. If your group has only two or three people, compare the total cost with other Nassau boat trips before committing. If you have six or seven people, the private format becomes much easier to justify.

Comfort, Boat Size, and Family Use

The 38-foot Defender Express is a practical match for this itinerary. A boat of this size offers more room than a small fishing skiff and is better equipped for a day that includes both fishing and swimming.

The bathroom is especially useful for families. You may also appreciate the extra space when wet snorkel equipment, fishing rods, and beach items all need a place. The boat is described as suitable for families and children, but the data does not provide details about shade, seating layout, steps into the water, or life jackets.

That missing information is worth checking if anyone in your group has mobility concerns or is not a confident swimmer. The activity states that most people can participate, but it does not provide a detailed accessibility description.

The boat is not simply transportation between attractions. It is your base for the whole four hours. You will fish from it, use it to reach the reefs, keep your water and gear aboard, and return to the same marina.

Weather and Planning Details That Matter

The charter requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

That policy is helpful, but do not wait until the last minute if the forecast looks poor. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the cutoff follows local Bahamas time.

Booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The experience is often booked about 20 days ahead, so I would not leave a popular vacation date until the last moment, especially if your group needs a particular morning or afternoon slot.

Bring a mobile ticket and keep the meeting details handy. Since the tour begins and ends at Margaritaville Bahamas on Paradise Island, the logistics are straightforward. You still need to allow time to reach the marina and locate the correct meeting area.

Who Will Like This Nassau Boat Trip

I would recommend this charter to a family that wants several activities in one outing. It is also a good fit for friends who want a private boat and do not all share the same idea of fun.

The trip suits you best if you want:

• A private boat for up to seven people
• A mix of fishing and snorkeling
• A reef stop with colorful fish
• A beach option for people who do not want to remain in the water
• A possible pig encounter
• A family-friendly boat with a bathroom
• Equipment and water supplied

I would think twice if you want a dedicated fishing expedition, a full-day sailing trip, or a luxury cruise with meals and extensive onboard service. The four-hour format is active and varied, but it is not designed for long, slow stops at every location.

Should You Book the 38-Foot Defender?

Book it if your group can fill much of the boat and wants a private, flexible half-day on the water. The combination of bottom fishing, Rose Island snorkeling, beach time, and optional swimming with pigs gives you more variety than a single-purpose charter.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the spacious 38-foot boat, family-friendly design, included fishing and snorkel gear, and private format. The bathroom is another meaningful advantage for a four-hour outing with children.

Skip it, or compare alternatives, if only two people are going and the total cost feels steep. Also ask about the pig fee, timing, swimming conditions, shade, and accessibility before paying. For a full group looking for an easy Nassau water day with plenty of choice, this charter offers a practical and enjoyable plan.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Margaritaville Bahamas.

How long does the private charter last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private boat can accommodate a group of up to seven people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the charter price.

Is swimming with the pigs included?

No. Swimming with the pigs requires a separate fee listed as $30.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.