Private 38′ Defender Sportfishing/Swim with Pigs in Nassau

Fish, reefs, pigs, and a private boat. This Nassau outing gives you four hours on the water aboard a 38-foot Defender Express, with room for up to seven people. I like the family-friendly setup, including a bathroom, fishing gear, snorkel equipment, water, ice, and bait. I also like the freedom to shape the day around fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, beach time, or swimming with pigs.

The main catch is the extra pig-swimming charge. The boat trip costs $850 per group, but swimming with the pigs requires a separate $30 fee on the island. You should also keep the weather policy in mind, since poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled trip or refund.

Key things to know before you book

• A private 38-foot boat keeps your group together: The charter is for up to seven people, with no strangers sharing your boat.
• Rose Island brings two water stops: You visit a large reef for fish viewing, then continue to another reef where you can snorkel or spend time on the beach.
• Fishing is designed for families: The trip can include bottom fishing, and one family outing reported catching plenty of fish close to Nassau.
• Swimming with pigs costs extra: The pig activity is available, but its $30 fee is not included in the charter price.
• The boat has useful family comforts: Fishing gear, snorkel gear, bait, ice, bottled water, and a bathroom are provided.
• The schedule stays flexible: The captain can focus on fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, beach time, or the pigs, depending on your group’s wishes.

What the $850 private charter really buys you

The price is $850 per group of up to seven people, not $850 per person. That makes the math quite different for a full group. Split seven ways, the boat portion works out to about $121 per person before gratuity and the separate pig fee. A smaller group will pay more per person, but you still get the comfort and privacy of a dedicated boat.

I see the strongest value here for families or close-knit groups who want several activities in one outing. A shared excursion might offer a lower individual price, but it would not give your group the same control over the day. If some people want to fish while others prefer snorkeling or beach time, a private charter makes that easier.

The four-hour length is also useful. You get enough time to leave Nassau, reach Rose Island, fish or snorkel, and return without giving up an entire day. Still, four hours is not an unlimited schedule. If your group wants a long fishing session, a reef stop, beach time, and swimming with pigs, you may need to keep moving.

The $30 pig fee is easy to overlook when comparing prices. Treat it as an added cost for the people who want that activity. Gratuities are not included either, so leave room in your budget for a tip if the crew gives you a good day on the water.

Meeting at Paradise Island Marina

The trip begins at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2 Marina on Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence. The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end, which keeps transportation simple once you reach the marina.

Your ticket is mobile, so you do not need a printed voucher. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the tour is often reserved about 20 days ahead, I would not wait until the last minute if your Nassau dates are fixed.

The meeting point matters because this is not a hotel pickup service. You need to make your own way to the marina. The supplied details do not specify a hotel transfer, so plan around reaching Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2 Marina on time.

A 38-foot Defender built for a mixed group

The 38-foot Defender Express is large enough to feel practical for a group of seven. The bathroom is a particularly useful detail for families, since a four-hour boat outing is long enough for comfort to matter. A family trip with Mike and DeAngelo aboard the Strikezone was described as kid-friendly, with close-in fishing and plenty of catches. The boat name in that outing differs from the Defender description, so I would confirm the exact vessel name when your booking is confirmed.

The setup is less bare-bones than a simple boat ride. Snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, ice, bottled water, and bait are provided. That means you can spend less time arranging separate rentals and more time enjoying the water.

You should still bring personal basics that are not listed as provided, such as sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and any snacks you want. Since only bottled water is specifically included, do not assume that meals or a full supply of drinks are part of the trip.

The private format is the biggest comfort advantage. Only your group participates, so you can talk with the crew about how to divide the four hours. That works well when children have different interests or when one person wants fishing while another wants to swim.

First stop: the reef at Rose Island

At Rose Island, the first water stop takes you to a large reef filled with colorful fish. This is the main snorkeling highlight described for the trip. You receive the gear on board, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

The appeal is simple: you get a chance to see marine life in clear Bahamian water without spending the whole day on a dedicated snorkeling cruise. The reef gives the group an active stop after the boat ride, and people who prefer to stay out of the water can enjoy the surrounding scenery from the boat.

I would treat this as a good introduction to snorkeling rather than a specialized reef expedition. The trip also includes fishing, sightseeing, beach time, and optional pigs, so the reef is one part of a varied outing. The description does not promise a particular species of fish, water visibility, or exact snorkeling time.

That uncertainty is not necessarily a problem. Sea conditions and the group’s wishes can shape the stop. If the fish viewing is your main reason for booking, tell the crew early so snorkeling receives enough time.

The second reef and your choice of beach time

After the first reef, the boat goes to another reef. Here, you can snorkel again or spend time on the beach. This second stop gives the itinerary a useful change of pace.

A second snorkeling location may appeal to people who want more time in the water. The beach option is just as important for families, non-swimmers, and anyone who would rather dry off after the first reef. You do not have to make the entire outing about snorkeling.

The details provided do not identify the beach by name or describe beach facilities. I would not assume loungers, food, changing rooms, or shade are included. Think of it as a natural stop where you can relax, not a fully serviced beach club.

This is also where private touring helps. A large public boat may need to follow a fixed timetable, while your group can tell the crew if you want to stay longer at the reef or move on to the sand.

Fishing close to Nassau

Bottom fishing is one of the main activities offered. A family-friendly outing with Mike and DeAngelo included fishing close to Nassau, and the group caught lots of fish. That detail makes this option more appealing to families who want a real fishing experience without committing to a long offshore charter.

The term bottom fishing suggests a calmer, hands-on style of angling rather than a specialized pursuit of large game fish. The available information does not promise a certain species, catch size, or guaranteed success. Fish are wild, and conditions vary.

The practical advantage is that the boat supplies fishing gear and bait. You do not need to pack rods or arrange a separate rental. Ice is also included, which is useful for the day’s catch and for keeping drinks cold.

Fishing can be a good way to occupy children between water stops. It gives the outing a clear activity, while the reef and beach stops prevent the day from feeling like four straight hours of sitting with a fishing rod. If your group has mixed interests, this combination is one of the strongest reasons to choose the charter.

Swimming with pigs and the extra fee

Swimming with the pigs is an optional part of the experience. The boat takes you to the island where that activity is available, but the pig-swimming fee is separate and listed as $30.

I would decide in advance who actually wants to participate. Some people will consider the pigs the main event, while others will be perfectly happy with fishing, snorkeling, or the beach. Since this is a private trip, the group can build the day around the activity, but everyone should understand that the fee is not included in the $850 boat price.

The supplied information does not state whether the $30 fee applies per person or to the group, so confirm that point before departure. It also does not specify how long the pig stop lasts. Ask the operator how the timing works if swimming with pigs is a priority.

The pig activity adds a memorable and unusual element, but it should not be the only reason you book without checking the details. The boat trip already offers several activities, so the charter can still work well for someone who decides not to enter the pig area.

How the four-hour schedule may feel

Four hours sounds generous, but the clock includes the boat ride between Nassau, Rose Island, the reefs, the beach, and any pig stop. Fishing, snorkeling, and beach time can easily fill the period.

I would think of this as a sampler of Nassau’s nearby water activities rather than a slow, all-day cruise. You get several experiences in one compact outing. That is useful for a family with limited vacation time, but it means you should choose your priorities before boarding.

A sensible group plan might be:

• Begin with bottom fishing while everyone is fresh.
• Stop at the main Rose Island reef for fish viewing and snorkeling.
• Use the second reef or beach as the flexible part of the day.
• Add the pig swim if it matters to your group and the timing works.

The exact order can vary. The important point is to tell the crew what matters most. If your children mainly want the pigs, say so at the start. If fishing is the priority, protect that time before adding too many extra stops.

Who will enjoy this Nassau boat trip most

I think this charter fits families, groups of friends, and small parties who want privacy. The bathroom, included equipment, kid-friendly fishing format, and mix of activities make it easier for different ages to enjoy the same outing.

It also suits people who dislike rigid group schedules. Your group can discuss fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, the beach, and pigs with the crew and make the four hours work for you.

It is less ideal for someone seeking a long, specialized fishing charter. The trip includes several stops, and the description does not promise offshore sportfishing, large catches, or a particular target species. It may also disappoint if you expect a full beach day or an all-day snorkeling excursion.

The boat is a good choice for an active group, but you should be comfortable with the weather. This experience requires good conditions. If bad weather cancels the outing, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What to pack and what to confirm

The supplied equipment covers the main activities, but I would still pack lightly and practically:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• A waterproof phone pouch
• Any snacks or extra drinks you want
• Cash or another way to handle gratuity and the pig fee

Confirm the pig fee details before the boat leaves. Ask how much time is planned for each stop, especially if fishing or pig swimming is the main goal. It is also sensible to confirm the vessel name, since one family account refers to the boat as the Strikezone while the tour description identifies a 38-foot Defender Express.

The charter receives a 4.9 rating from 50 reviews, with 98 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on the family-friendly boat, the bathroom, the friendly crew names Mike and DeAngelo, the close-in fishing, and the ability to combine fishing with swimming pigs.

Cancellation and booking details

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted and are not refunded.

The cut-off follows local Bahamas time. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the experience is often booked about 20 days ahead, reserve early if you need a particular date.

Should you book this private Nassau charter?

I would book it if your group wants a private half-day on the water with several choices built in. The value is strongest for up to seven people, especially families who appreciate the bathroom, supplied gear, close-in fishing, and freedom to switch between reef time, beach time, and the pigs.

I would pause if your main aim is serious offshore sportfishing, a long snorkeling session, or a full beach day. The four-hour format is designed to give you a taste of several Nassau activities, not to specialize in just one.

For most small groups, this is a practical and flexible way to see more than one side of New Providence Island. Confirm the pig fee, clarify the vessel name, protect your top priority in the schedule, and watch the weather. Do that, and the $850 private rate can make good sense.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas2 Marina on Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private charter accommodates up to seven people per group.

Is this a shared tour?

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

Is swimming with pigs included in the price?

No. Swimming with pigs requires a separate $30 fee.

What equipment is included?

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

Is a bathroom available on the boat?

Yes. The 38-foot boat has a bathroom.

Can children participate?

Most people can participate, and the fishing format is described as kid-friendly.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.