Private 38′ Defender Sportfishing/Swim with Pigs in Nassau

The best part of this Nassau charter is its mix of bottom fishing, reef snorkeling, and Rose Island beach time in one private outing. You are not locked into a single activity, so a fishing fan, a child who wants to swim, and a parent hoping for a quiet boat ride can all get something from the same four hours.

I like the large 38-foot boat with a bathroom, especially for families, and I like that fishing and snorkel gear, bait, ice, and water are already supplied. The main consideration is the extra $30 fee for swimming with the pigs, plus the fact that four hours gives you a sampler of Nassau’s waters rather than a full-day charter.

Key points to know before you book

• Rose Island is the main setting: You visit a large reef for fish viewing, then continue to another reef or beach area.
• The boat suits families: The 38-foot Defender Express has room for up to seven people and includes a bathroom.
• You can choose your pace: Fish, snorkel, beach, sightsee, or combine several options.
• Pig swimming costs extra: The listed additional fee is $30, separate from the charter price.
• The price is per group: The $850 rate covers up to seven people, not one individual seat.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

A private Nassau boat day with room to change plans

This is a four-hour private charter from New Providence Island, built around flexibility. You start at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2 Marina on Paradise Island, board the 38-foot Defender Express, and head out with only your own group aboard.

That private setup matters. You do not need to match the pace of strangers or explain why one person wants to fish while another wants to snorkel. The boat is intended for groups of up to seven, so you can make the outing as active or relaxed as your group prefers.

The advertised activities include bottom fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, and swimming with pigs. You should think of the trip as a custom half-day on the water, not as a tightly scripted cruise with every minute fixed.

The captain and crew can adapt the day to your group’s wishes, within the limits of weather and sea conditions. If fishing is the priority, you can focus more time there. If the children are eager to swim, the reef and beach stops give them a change of pace.

Leaving from Margaritaville Bahamas2 Marina

Your meeting point is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2 Marina Drive location on Paradise Island. The activity ends back at the same marina, which keeps the day simple if you are staying nearby or arranging your own transport.

The meeting point is worth checking carefully before departure. A marina can have several docks, entrances, and nearby businesses, so plan to arrive with enough time to locate the boat without turning the start of the day into a scramble.

Because the tour is private, the boat is reserved for your group rather than filled with a mixed crowd. That is useful for families and small celebrations, and it also gives you more control over the balance between fishing and swimming.

The boat is called a 38-foot Defender Express in the main description. A supplied fishing account refers to a vessel named Strikezone and to guides named Mike and DeAngelo. Since those details do not perfectly match the main boat description, confirm the vessel and crew names when your booking is confirmed. The important practical point is that the boat is a sizable private fishing vessel with a bathroom, not a small open runabout.

Rose Island reef snorkeling

The first major water stop is at Rose Island, where you reach a large reef with colorful fish. This is the part of the trip to focus on if you want a straightforward introduction to the marine life around Nassau without committing to a full-day snorkel charter.

Snorkel equipment is included. That saves you from renting masks and fins separately, and it also means you can decide on the day whether you want to spend time in the water. Bottled water is included as well, a small detail that matters under a strong Bahamian sun.

The reef stop is also a good family compromise. Strong swimmers can use their time in the water, while others can stay aboard or simply enjoy the setting. The description says the reef is suitable for swimming among colorful fish, but it does not promise a particular species, water depth, or visibility level. Those conditions can change with weather and the day’s sea state.

You should bring your own swimwear, towel, sun protection, and any personal snorkel items you prefer. Only the equipment listed by the operator is included, so do not assume that items such as prescription masks, flotation devices, or underwater cameras are supplied.

A second reef or beach stop

After the Rose Island reef, the boat heads to another reef where you can snorkel again or spend time at the beach. This second stop gives the outing a useful change of rhythm.

If your group has already had enough time in the water, a beach stop can make the trip feel less repetitive. If the first reef was the highlight of your day, you can use the second stop for another look below the surface.

The wording allows for either snorkeling or beach time, so you should not treat both as guaranteed full-length stops. With only about four hours total, the captain has to divide time between travel, fishing, the reefs, and any pig activity.

That short duration is both a strength and a limitation. You get several Nassau-area highlights without giving up an entire day. At the same time, each activity receives a shorter window than it would on a dedicated fishing, snorkeling, or beach charter.

Bottom fishing with gear and bait provided

Fishing is one of the central options, and the charter supplies fishing equipment, bait, and ice. For a first-time or casual fishing group, that keeps the planning easy. You do not need to arrive with rods, tackle, or a cooler full of bait.

The supplied fishing account describes a kid-friendly outing with fish caught close in. That is a useful clue for families: this is not presented as a hard-core offshore pursuit with long runs and a narrow focus on large game fish.

You should still keep expectations measured. The information does not specify target species, fishing spots, catch guarantees, or whether your catch can be kept. Fishing depends on conditions and luck, even with a capable crew and prepared gear.

I like the way fishing can work here as a flexible activity rather than the only reason to board. Children can try it for a while, then switch to snorkeling or swimming if their attention wanders. Adults who want more fishing time should make that clear when the trip begins.

Swimming with the pigs, with an extra fee

Swimming with pigs is available, but it is not included in the $850 private charter price. The additional charge is listed as $30. Because the supplied information does not say whether that amount applies per person or to the group, confirm the fee before you go.

This stop takes place on the island associated with the pig swim, separate from the reef and beach activities. It adds a novelty factor that can be especially appealing to children and makes the charter more than a standard Nassau fishing trip.

Still, the pig swim should be treated as an optional add-on, not the only reason to book. The day already includes fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, and beach possibilities, so you still have a useful outing if your group decides not to pay the extra charge.

Ask about the exact timing of the pig stop as soon as you board. Since the entire trip lasts about four hours, you will want to know how much time remains for fishing and snorkeling after adding it.

What the $850 group price really buys

The $850 price covers up to seven people. At the full group limit, that works out to about $121 per person before gratuity and the pig swim fee. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, but you are paying for a private boat rather than individual seats on a shared excursion.

That distinction makes the price easier to judge. A group of six or seven friends or family members can split the cost and gain privacy, flexible activity choices, included gear, water, ice, and bait. A couple or trio may find a shared tour cheaper, if one is available for your preferred date.

The price also includes the convenience of a bathroom aboard the larger boat. That can be a real advantage for families, older adults, and anyone who does not want to spend four hours on a small vessel with limited facilities.

Gratuities are not included. Set aside extra money if the crew provides the service you expect, and remember to add the pig fee if that activity is part of your plan.

The charter is often booked about 20 days ahead. That does not mean you must reserve exactly three weeks in advance, but it does suggest that popular dates can fill. If your Nassau visit has fixed cruise or hotel dates, book early enough to leave room for weather changes.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would look first at this trip for a family or private group that wants options. The boat accommodates up to seven, includes a bathroom, and lets you mix fishing with swimming instead of asking everyone to commit to one pursuit.

It also suits people who want a private outing but do not need a full day on the water. Four hours can fit neatly into a Nassau schedule, leaving time before or after for other plans.

This is a good match for:

• Families with children who may tire of one activity
• Small groups splitting a private charter price
• Casual fishers who want equipment and bait supplied
• Swimmers who want reef and beach stops
• Groups interested in pigs but not willing to spend a full day on that one attraction

I would look elsewhere if your top goal is serious offshore fishing, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet beach day with no schedule pressure. The charter covers several activities, but that means none of them is likely to receive the entire four-hour period.

Practical details that affect your day

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Keep the confirmation easy to access on your phone, and verify the meeting instructions once the booking is accepted.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied information, but you should consider your group’s comfort in the water and ability to move around a boat. Specific accessibility details are not provided, so contact Hunter Charters directly if anyone needs special assistance.

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Pack lightly but sensibly. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof way to protect phones and other valuables. Water, ice, fishing gear, bait, and snorkel equipment are supplied, so you do not need to duplicate the main activity gear.

My take: book it for flexibility, not for one perfect stop

This private Nassau charter earns its strong reputation for a clear reason: it lets one group combine several easygoing water activities without sharing a boat with strangers. The large vessel, bathroom, included equipment, and kid-friendly fishing setup give it a practical edge for families.

I would book it if your group wants a private half-day with choices and can agree that fishing, reefs, beach time, and pigs will share the clock. The $850 price makes the most sense when six or seven people split it.

I would hesitate if you are a very small group watching every dollar, or if you want a specialist fishing trip with a guaranteed target species. For the right group, though, this is a well-rounded way to spend four hours around Nassau, with enough variety to keep different ages interested.

FAQ

Where does the private charter begin and end?

It begins at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2 Marina Drive on Paradise Island, New Providence Island, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The charter lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The $850 group price covers up to seven people, and only your group participates.

Is swimming with the pigs included?

No. Swimming with the pigs has an additional listed fee of $30. The supplied information does not specify whether that fee is charged per person or per group, so confirm it before booking.

What equipment and supplies are included?

The charter includes bottled water, ice, fishing equipment, bait, and use of snorkeling equipment.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes the activity to be canceled, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund.