Private Tour 45ft Powerboat to Nearby Islands

The most memorable part of this four-hour Nassau outing is the variety packed into one fast boat ride. You can snorkel near Green Cay, stroll Rose Island’s white sand, visit the tiny photogenic Sandy Cay, stop for lunch at a beach bar, and finish with swimming pigs.

I like the private boat setup, since your group controls the day more than it would on a large shared cruise. I also like the crew-focused service, with Captain Adam, Captain Rico, Ron, Dia, Canaan, and other Aqua Shores staff named in guest feedback for their friendly care and strong communication.

The main catch is price. At $3,800 for up to 10 people, this only makes financial sense for a full group, and the published details about lunch costs are not fully consistent. Confirm exactly what is included before paying.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip different

• Sea turtles at Green Cay: Snorkel and look for turtles around this very small island near Rose Island.
• Five stops in about four hours: The route covers Green Cay, Rose Island, Sandy Cay, a beach bar, and Pig Island.
• A private 45-foot powerboat: Your party has the boat to itself, with space for groups of up to 10 in the advertised rate and up to 22 for an added charge.
• Sandy Cay’s famous photo setting: This three-acre island, also called Gilligan’s Island in the tour description, is only about 15 minutes from Nassau Harbour.
• Beach time with a built-in break: The beach bar offers lunch, ocean views, billiards, volleyball, karaoke, beach chairs, and other activities.
• Helpful crew names to know: Captain Adam, Captain Rico, Ron, Dia, and Canaan have all been praised for their care and communication.

Why this private Nassau boat tour works

This is not a single-stop snorkeling trip. It is a quick sampler of the islands and sandbars around New Providence, built for a group that wants several easy activities without arranging separate rides.

You leave from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas Marina on Paradise Island. From there, the 45-foot powerboat lets you cover ground quickly. That matters because four hours is not a long time once you count boarding, moving between islands, and getting back to the dock.

I like the way the route mixes active and quiet moments. You can get in the water at Green Cay, relax on Rose Island, take photos at Sandy Cay, eat at the beach bar, and then visit the pigs. Nobody has to snorkel at every stop, and the private format gives your group more freedom than a fixed-seat excursion.

The crew is part of the appeal. Captain Adam and Dia are singled out for making one group’s day easy and fun, while Captain Rico and his crew handled another private trip with eight people. Ron, Dia, and Canaan were also praised for their care on the water. Names can change by departure, but the useful point is that this operator puts real attention on the crew experience, not just the boat and route.

Green Cay: snorkeling with turtles

Green Cay is the first stop and lasts about 45 minutes. It is a very small island near Rose Island, surrounded by sea turtles. The stop is built around snorkeling in coral reefs where you may see colorful fish and other sea life.

Snorkel gear is provided, along with bottled water, soda, and some alcoholic drinks for adults age 21 and over. You should still bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sun protection if you use it, and a dry bag for phones and wallets. Those items are not listed as supplied.

This is likely the best stop for people who want actual time in the water. Forty-five minutes is enough to get your mask adjusted and look around, but it is not a long guided marine-life session. Conditions can affect visibility, and sea turtles are wild animals, so sightings are never a guarantee even though the island is known for them.

If you are not comfortable snorkeling, you can still enjoy the setting and water from the boat or island. Ask the crew how much time you have before entering the water, since the schedule moves briskly.

Rose Island: an hour for sand and clear water

The tour visits Rose Island for about one hour, and then returns later for the pig visit. Rose Island is described as a private tropical island with long beaches, powdery white sand, and clear turquoise water.

This is the least structured part of the day, which is a good thing. You can walk along the beach, sit in the sand, or simply swim. After the activity at Green Cay, the slower pace gives you room to relax without a formal program.

The word private needs a little care here. The island may feel more secluded than Nassau, but the information provided does not promise exclusive use of the whole island. Treat it as a beautiful beach stop, not as a deserted island reserved only for your group.

Bring a cover-up if you plan to move between the beach and the boat. The tour provides beach time, but it does not list changing rooms or lockers. Keep valuables to a minimum.

Sandy Cay, or Gilligan’s Island, in 30 minutes

Sandy Cay is a tiny three-acre island about 15 minutes from Nassau Harbour. The tour description also calls it Gilligan’s Island, a name tied to its fame as one of the Caribbean’s most photographed islands.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough for photos, a short walk, or a quick swim in the clear water. It is not enough for a long beach afternoon, so set your expectations accordingly.

This stop will appeal most to anyone who wants the classic tropical-island picture: a small patch of sand, bright water, and a boat nearby. The island’s small size is part of its charm, but it also means limited room and limited time. If your group cares more about swimming than photos, you may prefer to spend your free moments in the water at Rose Island.

The tour uses both Gilligan’s Island and Sandy Cay in its description. To avoid confusion at the dock, ask the crew to confirm the day’s exact stop names and sequence.

The beach bar: lunch, games, and a welcome pause

The beach bar stop lasts about one hour and 15 minutes, making it the longest scheduled stop. You can eat while looking out over the sea, then use the beach chairs or take part in activities such as volleyball, billiards, and karaoke.

This is a practical break in the middle of a water-heavy day. A hot meal is more useful than trying to eat on a moving boat, and the activities give non-snorkelers something to do.

There is an important pricing wrinkle here. One part of the published information says food and drinks at the beach bar are not included in the charter cost. Another says lunch for 10 people is included, along with the pigs package. Because those statements conflict, ask Aqua Shores to confirm in writing whether lunch is covered, what menu applies, and whether drinks or bar purchases cost extra.

The included drinks are listed as beer and grapefruit Raddlers for adults age 21 and over, with non-alcoholic drinks for younger participants. That makes the tour workable for mixed-age groups, but minors will not be served alcohol.

Dietary needs such as vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be accommodated. Tell the operator before departure, not when you are already sitting down to eat.

Pig Island: a short, memorable finish

The final Rose Island stop lasts about 30 minutes and includes the swimming pigs interaction for 10 people. This is a popular kind of Bahamas activity, but the short time limit matters.

You will want to keep phones and cameras protected from water and curious animals. The supplied information does not specify feeding rules, safety instructions, or how close you may get, so follow the crew’s directions closely.

The pigs package is included for 10 according to the supplied details. Larger parties, up to 22 people, can be added for an extra charge, with extra costs also connected to lunch and the pig package. Get a precise quote if your party has more than 10 people.

For families, this may be the most exciting stop. For adults looking for quiet swimming, it may feel more like a brief photo opportunity. That difference is worth discussing with your group before booking.

What $3,800 means for your group

The listed rate is $3,800 per group, with the standard price covering up to 10 people. Split evenly, that is $380 per person for a full party of 10. A smaller group pays much more per person, although you still get a private boat and private activity.

That price can make sense for a birthday, family reunion, wedding party, or group of friends that values privacy. You are paying for the boat, crew, route, gear, drinks, and the ability to keep your own group together. A full group gets the strongest value.

The price is harder to justify for two or three people. You would need to care a lot about having a private powerboat rather than joining a shared excursion. The tour’s variety also helps the value: snorkeling, beaches, a bar, and pigs are bundled into one outing.

The larger-group pricing needs careful checking. The boat can accommodate up to 22 people, but extra charges apply, including costs connected with lunch and the pigs package. Ask for the total price before adding anyone.

Timing, pickup, and what to bring

The tour begins and ends at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas Marina, 2 Marina Drive, Paradise Island. Atlantis visitors can use the hotel shuttle to reach the marina, which is a useful perk if you are staying there.

Transportation to the dock is not included. The stated cost is about $10 to $40 depending on distance. Build that into your budget, especially if your hotel is away from Paradise Island.

The full outing lasts approximately four hours. Since the boat returns to the same meeting point, leave enough time afterward for your next plan. I would not schedule an airport transfer, formal dinner, or another timed activity too close to the return.

Pack lightly:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection
• Dry bag or waterproof phone case
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• Cash or card for purchases not covered by the charter
• Any required medication

Confirmation is normally sent at booking. If you book within two hours of departure, confirmation may arrive later and remains subject to availability.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The operator also notes that the boat operates near public transportation. The experience requires good weather, and a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

The cancellation policy is strict for personal changes: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking. That makes a weather check and a firm head count especially important.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for a group that wants a full island day without committing to one activity. Families can split their time between the beach, pigs, and boat. Friends can make the most of the private format, drinks, music, and beach games.

It also suits people who want a polished outing with a crew handling the details. The names most often associated with especially strong service are Captain Adam, Dia, Captain Rico, Ron, and Canaan, though the exact team may differ.

I would think twice if you dislike a quick schedule. Five stops in four hours means transitions, short visits, and little room to linger. If your ideal day is one quiet beach with several hours in the water, a simpler charter may suit you better.

The price also demands a full or near-full group. A party of eight to 10 can spread the cost sensibly. A couple or small family may find the per-person rate too high.

Should you book the Aqua Shores powerboat?

Book it if you have a group, want privacy, and like the idea of combining turtles, snorkeling, beaches, Sandy Cay, lunch, and swimming pigs in one half-day. The private boat, friendly crew reputation, and broad mix of stops give you more variety than a basic snorkel cruise.

Before booking, confirm three things: the final price for your group size, exactly what lunch includes, and whether Sandy Cay and Gilligan’s Island are the same stop on your departure. Also check the weather, since your own cancellation will not be refunded.

For a full group that wants a lively, flexible day on the water, this is a strong choice. For a small party or anyone wanting a slow beach escape, the cost and fast pace may outweigh the benefits.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas Marina, 2 Marina Drive, Paradise Island, New Providence, Bahamas.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bahamas Marina.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The advertised group price is for up to 10 people. The boat can accommodate up to 22 people with an extra charge.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, soda, beer, and grapefruit Raddlers are listed as included. Alcohol is served only to people age 21 and over. Younger participants receive non-alcoholic drinks.

Is lunch included?

The supplied details state that lunch for 10 people is included, but another part says food and beverages at the beach bar are not included in the charter cost. Confirm the exact lunch arrangement and any extra charges before booking.

Can the tour accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs can be accommodated.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Transportation to the dock is not included. The stated cost is about $10 to $40 depending on the distance. Atlantis visitors can use the hotel shuttle to reach the marina.

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal cancellations or amendments.