Private 38′ Defender Sportfishing/Swim with Pigs in Nassau

Nassau’s best boat days often combine more than one island pleasure, and this private 38-foot Defender does just that. You can fish near shore, snorkel at two Rose Island reef sites, visit a beach, and add a swim with pigs for $30. With room for up to seven people, it feels more personal than a large excursion boat.

I like the family-friendly setup, especially the onboard bathroom, fishing gear, snorkel equipment, water, ice, and bait. I also like the freedom to shape the day around your group instead of following a fixed public-tour schedule. The main drawback is that the pig swim costs extra, and four hours can feel short if you want to fish, snorkel, beach, and visit the pigs all in one outing.

Key points to know before you book

• Two Rose Island reef stops: You get one reef for swimming among colorful fish, followed by another reef where you can snorkel or spend time on the beach.
• Private boat for up to seven: The $850 price is for the group, so the value improves when you fill most of the available spots.
• Fishing is part of the plan: Bottom fishing gear, bait, and ice are supplied, making this more than a sightseeing cruise.
• Pig swimming costs $30 extra: The activity is optional and is not included in the advertised group price.
• A practical boat for families: The 38-foot vessel has a bathroom, which matters on a four-hour outing with children.
• Weather can change the schedule: Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund, while cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead receive a full refund.

A private Nassau boat day with several ways to spend it

This charter works best if your group cannot agree on just one activity. One person can fish, another can snorkel, and someone else can simply enjoy the ride and the island views. That flexibility is the real point of booking a private boat.

The trip lasts about four hours and begins at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas Marina on Marina Drive, Paradise Island. From there, you head out toward Rose Island aboard a 38-foot Defender Express. The boat is large enough to feel useful rather than cramped, yet the private format keeps the day centered on your own group.

The crew associated with this outing includes Mike and DeAngelo. A family-focused account also identifies the boat as Strikezone, so you may see that name used when discussing the vessel or charter. The important practical detail is the boat’s size, its bathroom, and the fact that your group does not share the activity with strangers.

Why the $850 group price can make sense

The listed price is $850 for up to seven people. That is not a cheap solo activity, but it can be fair for a private four-hour charter when several people share the cost. At seven passengers, the base price works out to about $121 per person before gratuity and the extra pig-swimming charge. A group of four pays much more per person.

The price includes several items that can otherwise add friction to a boat day: bottled water, ice, bait, fishing equipment, and snorkeling equipment. You do not need to organize separate gear for fishing and reef swimming. That makes the charter easier for families and mixed-interest groups.

I would compare this with the cost of separate fishing and snorkeling outings before booking. Here, you are paying for a private boat, crew time, equipment, and the ability to switch activities during the trip. If your group of six or seven plans to fish and snorkel, the value is stronger. If only two people want to participate, the price is harder to justify.

Gratuities are not included. The swim-with-pigs fee is also separate at $30. The supplied information does not state whether that fee is charged per person or for the group, so confirm that detail before you commit to the stop.

Leaving Paradise Island for Rose Island

You meet at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas Marina on Paradise Island, then return to the same point at the end. This simple out-and-back arrangement is useful because you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from another island.

The ride itself is part of the outing, but the schedule is built around the stops rather than a long sightseeing cruise. Since the tour lasts about four hours, I would arrive ready to move between activities. Every extra stop uses time that could otherwise go toward fishing, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach.

The vessel is described as a 38-foot Defender Express. That gives the boat enough room for a private party of seven, fishing equipment, snorkel gear, and a bathroom. For families, the bathroom may be one of the most useful features on the entire trip. It can also make the outing more comfortable for anyone who does not enjoy being on a small open boat for several hours.

Fishing near Nassau with gear and bait supplied

Bottom fishing is one of the main options. The charter supplies fishing equipment and bait, and ice is available for the outing. That means you can arrive without putting together a separate fishing kit.

Fishing gives the day a clear activity even if sea conditions or personal interest make snorkeling less appealing. Children can also have something to do while adults enjoy the ride or prepare for the next stop. The available account describes a kid-friendly fishing trip that produced lots of fish, but results naturally depend on conditions and luck.

I would ask the crew at the start how much fishing time is realistic once the reef and pig stops are included. A four-hour charter can support several activities, but it cannot provide a full fishing session, a long beach break, extended snorkeling, and a leisurely pig visit without some tradeoff.

If fishing is your top reason for booking, tell the crew before departure. If your group mainly wants Rose Island and the pigs, treat fishing as an enjoyable extra rather than the main event.

The first Rose Island reef and its colorful fish

At Rose Island, the first planned stop is a large reef where you can swim among colorful fish. This is the strongest underwater part of the itinerary for anyone who wants more than a quick look from the boat.

Snorkel equipment is provided, so you can get in without bringing your own mask and fins. The description does not specify the exact reef depth, current, water temperature, or how long you stay in the water. I would ask the crew about conditions that day, especially if younger children or less confident swimmers are joining you.

The reef stop also gives your group a chance to spread out. Some people can snorkel while others stay on the boat. That matters on a private charter because you are not forced to follow a single pace or remain in the water for a set period.

Keep your expectations sensible. A reef stop is not the same as a dedicated full-day snorkeling expedition. You may see colorful fish and enjoy clear island water, but the quality of the experience depends on weather, visibility, and sea conditions.

The second reef, beach time, or more snorkeling

The itinerary then moves to another reef. Here, you can choose between snorkeling and spending time on the beach. This second stop is a useful change of pace, particularly for families with children who may tire of swimming.

I like this choice because it gives you a land option without removing the reef experience. A beach break lets you dry off, rest, or simply enjoy Rose Island without keeping your face in the water. If your group includes different ages and energy levels, that flexibility may be more valuable than adding another formal attraction.

The tradeoff is time. The more you switch between boat rides, fishing, reef swimming, and the beach, the shorter each activity becomes. I would decide in advance which two activities matter most to your group. That keeps the day from becoming a rushed checklist.

The information provided does not name the beach or describe facilities on shore. Do not assume there are changing rooms, food service, shade, or other amenities unless the operator confirms them. Bring only what you need for a short beach stop and keep valuables secure.

Adding the swim with pigs

Swimming with pigs is an optional addition and costs $30 beyond the charter price. It takes place on an island that charges a separate fee, so it is not part of the base $850 rate.

This stop can be the highlight for children and for anyone who wants a distinctly Bahamian photo opportunity. It also gives the boat day a playful ending after fishing and snorkeling. The supplied account describes a family outing that combined kid-friendly fishing with a pig swim, which suggests that the mix can work well for a group with young passengers.

Still, I would not book this charter only for the pigs without confirming the exact arrangement. The provided details do not identify the island, explain how long you stay, or clarify if the $30 is charged per person or per group. Those details affect the real cost and the amount of time available for the other stops.

If the pig swim is essential, ask the operator to confirm availability when you book. The charter description says it is a separate fee on that island, and your wish is the crew’s priority, but the weather and timing still control what can happen during a four-hour trip.

The family details that matter

The onboard bathroom is a major practical advantage. Four hours is not a long time for a boat excursion, but it is long enough for a bathroom to matter, especially with children.

The included water, ice, and gear also reduce the number of things you need to pack. I would still bring swimwear, towels, sun protection, and any personal items your group needs, since only bottled water and the listed equipment are specifically included.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied details. That does not provide a full accessibility assessment, so you should contact Hunter Charters with questions about boarding, getting in and out of the water, or any mobility needs. The activity involves a boat, reef stops, and swimming, so personal comfort in those settings is important.

Because the boat is private, you can make reasonable choices for your own group. You can spend less time fishing, skip the second swim, or take a longer beach break if the crew and conditions allow. That control is a stronger benefit than it may first appear.

Booking timing, weather, and cancellation

This charter is booked about 20 days ahead on average. I would not wait until the last minute if your Nassau dates are fixed, especially if you need a particular day for a group of seven.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity uses a mobile ticket, which keeps the check-in process simple.

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

That weather rule is worth considering when planning your wider Nassau schedule. Keep a little flexibility around the charter day if possible, since a bad-weather replacement may not fit neatly into a tightly packed holiday.

Who should book this private Defender charter?

I think this outing suits families, couples traveling with friends, and groups with mixed interests. The private format is especially useful when some people want to fish while others prefer snorkeling or a quiet beach stop.

It is also a good match for anyone who values convenience. Gear, bait, water, and ice are included, the boat has a bathroom, and the trip begins and ends at the same Paradise Island marina.

I would be more cautious if you want a long, specialist fishing session or a full day on the water. Four hours gives you variety, not unlimited time. I would also think twice if only one or two people plan to join, since the group price becomes less attractive when divided among fewer passengers.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you want a private, flexible Nassau boat day that combines fishing, reef snorkeling, a beach option, and the chance to add swimming with pigs. The strongest reasons are the private group format, the family-friendly boat, the included equipment, and the choice of activities at Rose Island.

Before paying, confirm the pig fee, the expected time at each stop, and what your group wants to prioritize. If you fill most of the seven seats and enjoy several activities, the $850 price can offer solid value. If you mainly want one focused activity, a more specialized charter may suit you better.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas Marina, 2 Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence, The Bahamas. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The private boat experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The $850 price covers a private group of up to seven people.

Is swimming with pigs included?

No. Swimming with pigs costs an additional $30. The supplied details do not state whether that fee is per person or for the group, so confirm it before booking.

What equipment and refreshments are included?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.