Nassau: Sport-fishing private charter .

Nassau’s Secret Cays charter lets you set the day’s focus before leaving the dock: chase pelagic fish offshore, work the reefs, or trade the rods for snorkeling and a quiet beach stop. Captain Javano and his crew handle the gear, licenses, and fish-finding while you enjoy a private boat for up to six people. Offshore trolling can target mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish, while inshore and bottom fishing may bring snapper.

I like the freedom to choose your fishing style and the fact that the price is $1,000 per group, not per person. I also like the useful extras: bottled water on ice, a full bathroom in the console, Bluetooth music, fishing tackle, and snorkeling equipment. The main caution is the boat’s condition. One family found the crew friendly and capable but described cracked surfaces and worn cushions, and the fishing may involve rods already set in the water rather than hands-on casting.

Key points before you book

• Captain Javano leads a private boat for up to six anglers, giving your group control over the pace and activity.
• Four hours is the listed trip length, with longer four to eight-hour options described for certain fishing outings.
• Offshore, inshore, and bottom fishing are available, with the target species changing by season and sea conditions.
• Mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, and snapper are among the fish you might pursue.
• Snorkeling gear, bottled water, ice, licenses, and tackle are included, so you need fewer extras.
• Recent catches have ranged from several fish to a mahi mahi and barracuda, but results depend heavily on weather and the bite.

Leaving Paradise Island for Nassau’s fishing grounds

You meet the boat at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, beside the Margaritaville Restaurant on Paradise Island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way there. That is simple enough for a group already staying on Paradise Island, but it matters if you are based elsewhere in Nassau and have assumed transportation was part of the package.

This is a private charter, not a shared excursion. Your group can include up to six anglers, and that number has a real effect on the price. At $1,000 for the boat, six people bring the cost to about $167 each. Four people pay about $250 each, and a smaller group pays more for the same boat and crew. I see the best value for families or friends who can fill most of the six available places.

The advertised trip lasts four hours. The fishing description also refers to four to eight-hour outings, so confirm the exact length you are booking if you want more time offshore. Four hours gives you a manageable half-day on the water, but it leaves less room for long runs, several fishing styles, and a beach or snorkeling stop all in one outing.

Choosing between offshore, inshore, and bottom fishing

The most important decision comes before departure: tell the crew what kind of day you want. Offshore fishing uses trolling techniques and aims at larger, faster fish such as mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish. It is the best match for someone who dreams of a hard run and a memorable pelagic catch, but it is also the option most affected by wind, sea conditions, season, and the location of the fish.

Inshore fishing keeps the action closer to land. Bottom fishing focuses on species such as snapper and can offer a more relaxed approach than chasing offshore game fish. The exact method used on your trip depends on conditions and the captain’s judgment, so your preferred style should be clear when you book or meet the crew.

A French-speaking angler with serious fishing experience found the reef option less exciting and noted that weather may have played a part. That is useful context. A reef trip is not the same promise as a big-game outing, and a four-hour charter cannot guarantee a large fish. If your main goal is a trophy catch, ask specifically about offshore trolling rather than accepting a general fishing trip.

The charter can also shift away from fishing. The boat may be used for reef snorkeling, turtle viewing, a visit to swimming pigs, or a cruise toward white sand beaches. These choices make the trip more useful for mixed groups, especially when one person wants fish and another would rather swim or see the coast from the water.

What the four-hour outing can feel like

The trip begins with an introduction to the boat and the day’s plan. The crew supplies rods, reels, terminal tackle, and the required fishing licenses. You do not need to pack fishing equipment, and the first mate is available to help during the trip.

For a fishing-focused outing, the captain selects a method and location based on your choice and the day’s conditions. Trolling is central to the offshore program, with lines placed to seek pelagic fish. The crew works to find a productive area, and one strong review described the crew explaining the process and including the group in the search for a good spot.

Do not assume every person will spend the whole trip casting. One family found that the crew put three rods in the water while the children watched, then handed the rods over once fish were hooked. That produced a fun moment when the children reeled in the catch, but it was less hands-on than the family expected.

This point may matter more than the species list. If your children or friends want to cast repeatedly, tell the crew ahead of time. If you mainly want the boat ride, ocean views, and the chance to reel in a fish when the line goes tight, the setup may suit you well.

The fishing can be quiet between bites. That is not a flaw unique to this charter. Fish do not follow a schedule, and the crew cannot control the weather or the day’s bite. One German angler had a very productive outing with six fish, while another experienced angler found the reef fishing modest. Those two outcomes show the range you should expect.

The crew and the hands-on help

Captain Javano is the named captain, and a first mate is included to help with the equipment and fishing. The crew has received strong marks for being friendly, competent, and willing to involve the group. One father and son described all three crew members as helpful and said the team explained what was happening rather than leaving them to guess.

That assistance is especially useful if your group includes beginners. Fishing equipment can look simple until you need to set a line, manage a reel, or respond to a strike. Having a mate nearby lets you focus on the excitement instead of worrying about the tackle.

The crew also appears comfortable adapting the outing. You can ask for a fishing-centered trip, or you can use the boat for snorkeling and sightseeing. Since this is a private group, you do not need to satisfy strangers who want a different activity. The tradeoff is that every extra activity takes time away from fishing during a four-hour booking.

Fish you might bring home

The target list changes with the season and conditions. Offshore trolling may seek dolphin fish, commonly called mahi mahi, along with wahoo, marlin, and sailfish. Inshore and bottom fishing may focus on snapper and other reef fish.

The available information does not promise a particular species or a guaranteed catch. That is important when comparing this charter with a fixed sightseeing tour. The value here is access to a private boat, crew, equipment, and the chance to fish in Bahamian waters, not a guaranteed cooler full of fish.

Recent results show both the possibility and the limits. One four-hour trip produced a beautiful mahi mahi and a large barracuda. Another outing brought six fish, described as an exhilarating day. A different trip concentrated on reef fishing and produced a less impressive result.

You may keep anything you catch if it is legal to do so. That gives you the option of taking home a catch, but the decision depends on the species and applicable regulations. The crew can help with the practical side of the catch during the outing.

Boat comfort and the condition to expect

The charter includes several practical comforts that make four hours easier. A cooler is filled with bottled water and ice, and you can bring your own drinks or snacks. There is a full bathroom in the console, a welcome feature on a fishing boat, especially for families or anyone who does not want to plan around a quick trip back to shore.

The boat also has an MP3 and Bluetooth-compatible sound system. That lets your group choose the mood instead of relying on whatever music happens to be playing. Snorkeling equipment is included if you switch from fishing to the water.

The less polished side is the boat’s physical condition. A recent passenger described cracks and torn cushions, with the boat slowly showing wear. The crew and the ride were still viewed positively, but the vessel should not be booked by someone expecting a spotless, luxury yacht.

I would treat the boat as a practical working charter. It is designed to get you onto the fishing grounds and support a day on the water, not to provide a high-end finish. Bring a relaxed attitude, protect your belongings from spray, and judge the boat by its function rather than its appearance.

How the price works for families and groups

The $1,000 rate covers a private group of up to six. That makes the math attractive when you can fill the boat. Six people sharing the cost pay far less per person than a couple booking alone, while still having exclusive use of the charter.

The fee also covers items that can add cost on other fishing trips: the guide, rods and reels, terminal tackle, fishing licenses, bottled water, and ice. Snorkeling equipment is included too. You still need to provide your own transportation to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, plus any personal food and drinks beyond the supplied water.

For a family, the value depends on expectations. If everyone wants serious fishing, the price buys private attention and the ability to choose offshore, inshore, or bottom fishing. If only one person fishes and the rest want a beach cruise or snorkeling, the private format may still work, but compare the cost with a simpler sightseeing boat before booking.

The crew’s role adds value for beginners. You are not expected to bring a rod, buy a license, or assemble terminal tackle. You pay for the boat and support as much as for the fish.

Who should book Secret Cays

I would put this charter high on the list for a group of fishing friends, a family that wants a private outing, or a mixed group that needs more than one activity. The ability to combine fishing with snorkeling, turtle viewing, swimming pigs, or a white sand beach gives you room to adjust the day.

It also suits beginners. The first mate can help, the equipment is supplied, and the crew can hand over a rod when a fish is on. A father and son had a particularly good day with the crew, and the shared excitement of landing a fish can make the trip worthwhile even if you spend part of the time waiting.

It is less suitable for someone who needs full physical accessibility. The activity is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women. The boat’s worn cushions may also be a concern if comfort and presentation are your top priorities.

Experienced anglers should book with precise expectations. Ask for the fishing style you want, and understand that reef fishing may not produce large fish. If you want to cast constantly, confirm how the crew handles the rods. If you want a relaxed ride with a few serious chances at a catch, the format may be a better fit.

Practical details that can save trouble

English is the tour language, and the group is private. The meeting point is the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal at the Margaritaville Restaurant on Paradise Island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Bottled water and ice are supplied, but you can bring snacks and other drinks. Fishing equipment, licenses, and terminal tackle are included, as is snorkeling gear. The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

You should check the available start times before committing, especially if you want to combine the charter with another Nassau activity. A four-hour boat trip can fill much of a day once you add the journey to the meeting point and time around the harbor.

Should you book this Nassau fishing charter?

Book it if you value a private boat, a flexible plan, and a crew that works well with beginners. It is especially good value for six people sharing the $1,000 price, and the included gear, licenses, water, ice, bathroom, and snorkeling equipment remove many small costs.

Book with caution if your only goal is a guaranteed trophy fish or a polished luxury boat. The catch can be excellent, but it can also be modest, and the vessel shows wear. Before paying, confirm the trip length, ask for offshore trolling if that is your priority, and tell Captain Javano how much hands-on casting your group expects.

For a relaxed half-day on the Bahamian water with a real chance at mahi mahi, wahoo, snapper, or another catch, Secret Cays offers a useful mix of fishing and flexibility. The best version of this trip is the one you plan clearly before the boat leaves the dock.

FAQ

Where does the charter meet?

You meet at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, beside the Margaritaville Restaurant on Paradise Island.

How long is the fishing trip?

The listed activity lasts four hours. The fishing description also refers to four to eight-hour trips, so confirm the exact duration when booking.

How many people can join the private charter?

The vessel can safely take up to six anglers, and the booking is for a private group.

What types of fishing are available?

You can choose offshore, inshore, or bottom fishing. Offshore trolling may target mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish, while bottom fishing may target snapper.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included, along with the necessary fishing license for the day.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

You can keep anything you catch as long as it is legal to do so.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat can also be used for reef snorkeling, turtle viewing, swimming pigs, or cruising to white sand beaches.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transportation to and from the Paradise Island meeting point.