Snorkeling, Swim with Turtles & Beach Day

The Bahamas look best from the water. This private four-hour boat trip gives you your own vessel around New Providence Island, with time for turtle swimming and snorkeling rather than a crowded group outing. I like the personal setup, and I like that snorkel gear and non-alcoholic drinks are included. The main consideration is timing: one outing ran late, though the captain kept the group informed and still provided the full four hours.

I also like the choice of a morning or afternoon departure, which makes this easier to fit around a cruise or Nassau hotel stay. Captain Ted is praised for careful safety explanations and for helping children feel at ease. Rose Island can add beautiful beaches and waterfront dining, but the swimming-with-pigs stop costs extra, so the final price can rise.

Key points to know before booking

• A private boat for up to six: Your group does not share the vessel with strangers, giving the captain room to shape the day around snorkeling, turtles, fishing, or beach time.
• Captain Ted receives especially warm praise: He explains the safety rules, shares information about the island, and has a gentle approach with children.
• The reef stop can be full of marine life: You may see colorful fish, rays, barracudas, and several large turtles, depending on conditions and location.
• You get more than one stop: One outing visited four different locations, including reef water and a beach.
• Rose Island is an optional extension in spirit and cost: You can sail there for beaches and waterfront restaurants, with swimming pigs available for an additional fee.
• The price works best for a full group: At $700 for up to six people, the cost is about $116.67 per person when six people share it.

Why a private Nassau boat makes sense

Nassau has no shortage of water excursions, but many place you on a larger boat with a fixed schedule. This trip takes a different approach. You book the whole boat for your own party, up to six people, and spend about four hours moving around the waters of New Providence Island.

That private format matters most if your group includes children, swimmers with different comfort levels, or people who want a mix of activities. One person can snorkel while another stays aboard. You can spend more time at a beach if that suits your group, or move on if the water is not appealing.

I also like the social side of a small boat. Captain Ted and his son have helped young children feel comfortable in the water, and another crew member named China was singled out for making a family feel safe and well cared for. Those details suggest a relaxed, hands-on style rather than a rushed, one-size-fits-all outing.

The tradeoff is that private tours cost more than a shared excursion. The $700 price is for the group, not each person. Six people bring the cost to about $117 each, while a couple would pay $350 per person. For a family or group of friends, the math is reasonable. For two people, you need to place a high value on privacy.

Starting at Prince George Wharf

The stated meeting point is Prince George Wharf at 2 Charlotte Street in Nassau, with the boat returning there at the end. Pickup is offered, but you should confirm the exact pickup instructions before the day of departure. One account referred to meeting Captain Ted at the Margaritaville Pier, so the wharf and pier wording may matter if you are arriving from a cruise ship.

This is a useful tour for cruise passengers because the activity begins and ends in Nassau. Still, allow enough time to find the correct pier and meet the captain. The boat was late on one reported outing, but the group received updates and still got the promised four hours. That is reassuring, though it also shows why you should not schedule a tight activity immediately afterward.

The tour offers morning and afternoon sail times. A morning departure may leave you with the rest of the day free, while an afternoon trip can fit better around a slow start or another Nassau plan. The best choice depends on your schedule, but both options give you a half-day on the water rather than taking over your entire day.

First minutes aboard the private vessel

Once aboard, expect a safety briefing before the boat heads out. Captain Ted has been praised for taking time to explain the rules and for sharing useful information about the island as he goes.

That opening matters. A boat day is more enjoyable when you know where to sit, how the stops will work, and what to do around the water. If you are bringing children or anyone who feels unsure about swimming, use this time to tell the captain. His reported approach with young children is one of the strongest reasons families may prefer this trip over a large public boat.

The exact vessel size and onboard facilities are not specified, so do not assume there is a restroom, shaded seating, or a full meal service. The confirmed inclusions are snorkel equipment and non-alcoholic drinks. You should plan the rest of your personal needs accordingly and clarify anything important before booking.

Snorkeling over the reef

The snorkeling stop is the heart of the outing. The Bahamian water is clear, and the boat takes you to areas where you can look below the surface for fish and other sea life.

The marine life described from one trip was impressive: colorful fish, five large turtles, rays, and barracudas were seen around the reef. That is a strong sign of what the right conditions can offer, but sea life is never guaranteed. The captain may choose different locations depending on weather, water conditions, and what makes sense for the group that day.

Snorkel gear is included, which saves you from renting equipment separately. You still need to be comfortable in the water, since the main activities involve swimming and snorkeling. The tour information says most people can participate, but it does not provide more specific mobility guidance. If you have concerns, ask before booking.

I would treat the snorkeling as an opportunity to explore, not as a staged animal encounter. Turtles may appear, along with rays, fish, or barracudas, but you should not expect every creature on every trip. The captain’s local knowledge can help put you in the best possible area.

Swimming with turtles

The turtle stop gives this trip its name and its strongest appeal. Being in clear Bahamian water near turtles can be a memorable part of a Nassau visit, especially for children who may not have had that chance before.

The best approach is to let the animals set the pace. Stay calm, listen to the crew, and avoid treating the stop like a guaranteed photo session. The available accounts describe multiple large turtles, but wildlife sightings depend on nature.

Captain Ted’s patient manner is important here. He has been praised for explaining safety rules and making younger swimmers feel comfortable. That does not replace adult supervision, but it can make the water feel less intimidating for a family.

The tour also gives you a choice in how active you want to be. You can swim, snorkel, or spend more time enjoying the boat and beach. A private outing is useful for this because your group does not have to match the pace of a large crowd.

Beach time and the appeal of Rose Island

Beach time breaks up the water activities. After snorkeling and turtle swimming, you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy one of the area’s beaches. This is a simple part of the itinerary, but it may be exactly what you need after an active morning or afternoon.

Rose Island is available as a destination option. It offers beautiful beaches and waterfront restaurants, giving you a chance to trade reef time for a more leisurely stop. The supplied details also mention a swimming-with-pigs experience there, but that activity costs extra.

That extra fee is worth noting because the advertised price does not cover every possible add-on. If the pigs are your main reason for booking, ask about the current cost before committing. If you mainly want turtles, snorkeling, and a beach, you may prefer to keep the day focused on the included activities.

The itinerary is not described as a fixed list of named stops, so the captain may adjust the route. One outing included four different locations, suggesting a varied day rather than one long stop in a single place. That flexibility is a benefit, but it also means you should not expect a precise guarantee of every site.

Fishing may be part of the day

Fishing was included in one reported outing, along with snorkeling and beach time. The crew helped children catch fish, which made the activity especially engaging for that family.

However, fishing is not listed among the formal highlights or guaranteed inclusions. I would view it as something that may fit into the day, not something to book solely for. Ask Tevaughn Adventures if fishing equipment and time are available for your preferred departure.

This is another place where the private format helps. A family that enjoys fishing may be able to request it, while a group focused on swimming can spend more time in the water. The captain’s flexibility appears to be one of the better features of the trip.

Captain Ted and the crew

The crew can shape a boat trip, and Captain Ted receives particularly strong praise. He is described as conscientious, careful with safety, and passionate about Nassau and the surrounding island areas.

That combination is valuable. You get practical guidance before entering the water, plus local information while cruising between stops. The crew also appears willing to work with families, helping children catch fish and feel at ease.

Captain Ted’s son and crew member China are also named in the positive accounts. The names matter because this does not sound like an impersonal operation where you are simply moved from one stop to another. The service is a major part of what you are paying for.

Still, no captain can control weather, marine life, or exact arrival times. A delay happened on one outing, although the crew communicated and preserved the full tour length. Build in patience and avoid planning a hard deadline right after the boat returns.

Is $700 a fair price?

The $700 group price is easiest to justify with five or six people. At the maximum group size, the cost is about $116.67 per person for four hours on a private boat, with snorkel gear and non-alcoholic drinks included.

That is not the cheapest way to see Nassau’s water. Shared boat trips can cost less per person, but they also bring a fixed group, less privacy, and less room to adjust the pace. Here, the value comes from keeping your party together and having a captain who can give more direct attention.

For four people, the price works out to $175 each. For two, it becomes $350 each, which is a significant amount for a half-day. I would book it for a family celebration, a small group that values comfort, or anyone who wants to avoid a crowded excursion. I would compare other options if you are mainly looking for the lowest-cost snorkeling trip.

Remember that a Rose Island pig encounter costs extra. Waterfront restaurants are also not part of the stated tour price. The included package is centered on the boat, snorkeling, turtle swimming, beach time, gear, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Who should book this tour?

I think this is a strong match for:

• Families with children who need patient guidance
• Friends who want a private boat instead of a shared excursion
• Cruise passengers looking for a four-hour Nassau activity
• Groups that want snorkeling, turtles, and beach time in one outing
• People who value a flexible day over a rigid sightseeing schedule

It may be less suitable if you dislike swimming, need a precisely timed itinerary, or want a full meal and drinks included. The tour information says most people can participate, but it does not give detailed accessibility information, so ask direct questions if that affects your decision.

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

My verdict: book it for privacy and personal service

I would book this Nassau excursion if I had a group of four to six people and wanted a relaxed day on the water. The combination of turtles, reef snorkeling, beaches, and a private boat gives you a useful mix of activity and downtime.

The strongest reason to choose it is not simply the clear water. It is the personal attention from Captain Ted and his crew, especially if children are part of your group. Confirm the pier, ask about the route, and check the cost of any Rose Island pig activity before you go.

For a couple on a tight budget, $700 is harder to defend. For a small group that wants its own captain, its own boat, and a flexible half-day around Nassau, the price can make good sense.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The stated starting point is Prince George Wharf, 2 Charlotte Street, Nassau, The Bahamas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to six people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel gear is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The tour offers a morning or afternoon sail time.

Is the boat shared with other groups?

No. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

Is Rose Island included?

Rose Island is presented as an option, with beaches and waterfront restaurants. The swimming-with-pigs activity there costs extra.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time.