Nassau: Sport-fishing private charter .

Great fishing starts with the right captain. This private Nassau charter gives you a flexible four hours on the water with Captain Javano and a first mate, plus the freedom to choose offshore, inshore, or bottom fishing. I like the small private format, which keeps your group of up to six together, and I like that rods, tackle, licenses, water, and snorkeling gear are included. The main thing to consider is that fishing success depends heavily on weather, season, and the style of fishing selected.

I also like the range of possible outings. You can target mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, or snapper, or use the boat for reef snorkeling, turtle viewing, swimming pigs, or a run to a white sand beach. This is not a polished luxury yacht experience, though. One recent outing noted cracked surfaces and worn cushions, and children did not get much casting time, so I would book it for relaxed time at sea and a chance at a catch, not a guaranteed trophy fish.

Key points to know before you book

• Captain Javano leads a private group of up to six, with a first mate available to help during the trip.
• Four hours is the advertised duration, while longer four to eight-hour outings are also part of the operator’s fishing program.
• You choose the fishing style, including offshore trolling, inshore fishing, or bottom fishing.
• Mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, and snapper are among the main target species, depending on season and conditions.
• The boat includes a bathroom, Bluetooth audio, bottled water, ice, fishing gear, licenses, and snorkeling equipment.
• The meeting point is the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, near Margaritaville Restaurant, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.

A private boat day from Paradise Island

This charter begins at the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal, where Margaritaville Restaurant provides an easy landmark. You arrange your own way to the meeting point, since hotel transportation is not included. That matters if you are staying elsewhere in Nassau or at a resort on New Providence. Leave enough time to reach Paradise Island without making the boat wait.

The private format is the biggest practical advantage. You are not sharing the boat with a large tour group, and the vessel can take up to six anglers. That works well for a family, two couples, or a small group of friends. You can talk directly with the captain about the kind of day you want instead of accepting a fixed plan made for strangers.

The supplied price is $1,000 per group, not per person. With six people aboard, that works out to about $167 each before any additional personal spending. With two people, the cost is much harder to justify, but you gain privacy and control. The value improves if everyone in your party genuinely wants time on the water and you would otherwise book separate activities.

The listed trip lasts four hours. The operator also describes fishing outings of four to eight hours, so confirm the exact duration when booking. For a first fishing trip, four hours is a sensible length. It gives you time to get out, fish, and return without turning the day into an endurance test, especially if the sea is choppy.

Choosing between offshore, inshore, and bottom fishing

The captain offers three main fishing styles, and the choice shapes the whole experience.

Offshore fishing is the option for a shot at larger pelagic fish. Trolling is used to target species such as mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish. These fish are seasonal and conditions matter, so you should treat a big catch as a possibility, not a promise. The farther-out style also means more time exposed to the open sea.

Inshore fishing keeps the focus closer to shore and may suit you if you prefer a calmer ride or a less demanding outing. The available information does not guarantee particular inshore species, so ask Captain Javano what is running that day. If you have children or first-time anglers, this can be a more comfortable place to begin.

Bottom fishing is aimed at reef and bottom species such as snapper. It may be less dramatic than hunting a marlin, but it can produce steady action. One experienced angler found a reef-fishing day less satisfying because it did not produce large fish, while another group reported catching six fish in one outing. Those different results show why the captain’s choice of location and the day’s weather matter so much.

I would decide before departure what matters most to your group. If you want the excitement of a possible large fish, ask about offshore trolling. If you want regular bites or a family-friendly pace, ask about inshore or bottom fishing. The captain can advise, but he cannot control the fish.

What the four hours may feel like

The precise order depends on your selected activity and the conditions. The basic rhythm is simple: meet at the terminal, board the boat, review the plan with the crew, travel to the fishing area, and spend the bulk of the outing working the lines. A first mate is on hand to help with equipment and the practical tasks that come with fishing.

The crew handles the rods, reels, terminal tackle, and fishing licenses. That means you do not need to arrive with a personal setup or spend time arranging permits. For a newcomer, this removes much of the fuss. You can focus on learning what to do when a fish takes the line.

One important point came from a family outing: the children did not cast the lines themselves, and the three fishing rods were already in the water. When a fish was hooked, the crew handed the rod over so the children could reel it in. That created a fun moment, but it was not a hands-on casting lesson.

If you are booking mainly for children, ask in advance how much they will participate in setting lines and casting. Fishing boats often handle the technical work for safety and efficiency, but families should know what to expect. This charter may offer exciting reeling and boat time rather than a formal instruction session.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. The ocean views and the open-air setting give the outing a clear Bahamas feel, even during a slow fishing period. One recent four-hour trip produced a mahi mahi and a large barracuda. Another group caught six fish, while a different outing produced fewer large catches. The honest expectation is a pleasant boat ride with a real chance to catch fish, not a guaranteed full cooler.

What you can catch, and what you can keep

The main target list includes dolphin fish, commonly called mahi mahi, along with wahoo, marlin, sailfish, and snapper. Species depend on the season and the day’s conditions. The word dolphin here refers to a fish, not a marine mammal.

The most exciting possibility is a pelagic catch. Mahi mahi and wahoo can make a day memorable, while marlin and sailfish offer the kind of offshore encounter many anglers hope for. Yet these fish are never a sure thing. If the wind changes or the bite is slow, the captain may suggest a different approach.

You can keep what you catch as long as it is legal to do so. The charter includes the necessary fishing licenses for the day, but that does not mean every fish can be retained. Follow the captain’s guidance on local rules, size limits, and protected species.

The inclusion of licenses is a useful cost saver and removes one chore from your planning. The same is true of terminal tackle. You do not need to guess which hooks, leaders, or rigs to bring. The crew supplies the fishing setup suited to the chosen method.

The boat’s useful comforts, and its limits

This is a working fishing boat, not a floating resort. It includes a full bathroom in the console, which is valuable on a four-hour trip and especially useful for families. There is also a cooler with bottled water and ice, and you can bring your own drinks or snacks.

Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility give you a way to add music to the ride. Snorkeling equipment is included too, which adds flexibility if the captain recommends a swim or reef stop. Still, the central purpose is fishing, so do not assume snorkeling will replace the fishing plan unless you arrange that before departure.

The boat’s condition deserves a clear mention. A recent account described cracks and torn cushions, with the vessel slowly showing wear. That does not mean the boat is unsafe, and the supplied information says it can safely carry six anglers, but it does mean you should lower your expectations about finish and comfort.

I would bring sun protection, a hat that will stay on, and clothing you do not mind getting wet. Bottled water and ice are provided, but snacks and other drinks are your responsibility. The information does not specify whether food is included, so plan to bring your own if you expect to be hungry.

Beyond fishing: snorkeling, turtles, pigs, and beaches

The private charter can be shaped around more than fishing. Possible activities include snorkeling reefs, swimming with pigs, turtle viewing, and cruising to pristine white sand beaches. These options are appealing if your group includes people who are not committed anglers.

The key is to treat them as choices to discuss with the captain, not as guaranteed stops packed into every four-hour trip. Fishing offshore, visiting a beach, and finding turtles all require different routes and timing. Ask what can reasonably fit into your chosen duration and what conditions allow on the day.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from renting equipment separately. If someone in your group wants a mixed day, you might arrange a shorter fishing session followed by time in the water. The available details do not promise a specific reef, beach, pig encounter, or turtle sighting, so keep the plan flexible.

This variety is where the charter can make sense for a mixed group. One person can enjoy the open water, another can fish, and another can look forward to snorkeling or a beach cruise. Still, six people sharing one private boat need to agree on priorities before leaving the dock. A group that cannot choose between fishing and sightseeing may spend too much of the four hours moving between activities.

How the crew affects the day

Captain Javano is presented as the person directing the trip and adjusting the plan to the weather and fishing conditions. His role matters because a successful charter depends on choosing the right style and location rather than simply putting lines in the water.

The first mate adds practical help. Fishing becomes much easier when someone can assist with rods, tackle, and landing a fish while the captain focuses on the boat. This support is particularly helpful for first-time anglers and families.

The most consistent praise centers on the crew’s friendliness and competence. One father and son described all three crew members as excellent and appreciated being included in the effort to find a good fishing spot. Another group found the crew friendly and helpful even though the boat showed wear.

That human side matters. A slow bite is easier to accept when the crew keeps the mood good and explains what is happening. It cannot guarantee fish, but it can determine whether an ordinary day feels worthwhile.

Who gets the best value from this charter?

I would recommend this outing most strongly to:

• A private group of up to six that wants control over the day
• Families who want a chance to reel in a fish together
• Anglers interested in choosing among offshore, inshore, and bottom fishing
• Small groups that want fishing combined with snorkeling or a beach cruise
• Visitors who value crew support more than a polished luxury boat

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced angler seeking a guaranteed trophy fish or a serious casting lesson. One outing felt more like a relaxing boat ride than a full fishing session, and children did not cast. If catching a large fish is your only reason for booking, weather and seasonal conditions can make the $1,000 price feel steep.

The charter is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, so you need to reach the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal independently.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times because the four-hour duration does not identify one fixed departure time.

Should you book Secret Cays?

Book this charter if your priority is a private, flexible boat day with a friendly crew, included equipment, and a genuine chance to catch Bahamian fish. The strongest reasons are the private group format, Captain Javano’s range of fishing options, the helpful first mate, and the ability to add snorkeling or sightseeing.

Do not book it expecting a luxury vessel or a guaranteed marlin. The boat has signs of wear, children may not do much casting, and the catch can range from several fish to a quieter reef-fishing session. For a family or small group that sees fishing as part of a relaxed day on the sea, the experience offers fair value. For a serious angler demanding a polished boat and nonstop action, ask detailed questions before paying.

FAQ

How much does the private sport-fishing charter cost?

The price is $1,000 per private group of up to six people.

How long is the charter?

The advertised activity lasts four hours. The operator also offers fishing trips ranging from four to eight hours, so confirm the duration you are booking.

Where do I meet the boat?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What types of fishing are available?

You can choose offshore fishing, inshore fishing, or bottom fishing. Offshore trolling may target mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish, while snapper is among the possible bottom-fishing targets.

Are fishing equipment and licenses included?

Yes. Rods, reels, terminal tackle, fishing equipment, and the required fishing licenses for the day are included.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

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

What is included besides fishing equipment?

The charter includes a guide, bottled water and ice in a cooler, a full bathroom in the console, MP3 and Bluetooth compatibility, and snorkeling equipment.