Fishing and snorkel tour in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta

The best catch may be lunch. This private fishing and snorkeling trip gives you six hours on Banderas Bay, with time for fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing aboard a comfortable boat. I like the freedom of a private outing and the chance to turn your catch into fresh ceviche. The main drawback is that this is not a serious offshore fishing charter, so dedicated anglers may find the fishing time too limited.

I also like that the price covers the whole group, up to 15 people, rather than charging each passenger separately. The crew handles the boat, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, water, and fruit snacks. Just remember that transportation, towels, and tips are extra, and the boat assigned to you can matter a great deal.

Key points to know before booking

• Fishing is only part of the day: Expect a mixed boat outing with fishing, snorkeling, swimming, food, and time at the coast.
• Your catch may become lunch: Previous outings included fresh ceviche and guacamole prepared aboard the boat.
• The private format is the big value: Your group controls the pace more than it would on a shared excursion.
• The meeting point is in Nuevo Vallarta: You start and finish at Paradise Village Public Pier, not in central Puerto Vallarta.
• The boats and service can vary: Boat substitutions and uneven equipment have caused problems on some past trips.
• The $1,075 price works best for a full group: At 15 people, the cost is about $72 per person before tips and transportation.

Six hours between Nuevo Vallarta and the bay

This tour begins at Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. That location matters. Nuevo Vallarta is across the Ameca River from Puerto Vallarta, so you need to arrange your own way to the pier. Transportation is not included, although the meeting point is near public transportation.

Once aboard, you can expect the crew to provide bottled water, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, and chopped fruit. A captain and sailor operate the boat and help with activities in the water. A multilingual guide may operate the trip, which is useful for mixed-language groups.

The advertised duration is about six hours. That is enough time for a relaxed combination of activities, but it is not a long-range fishing expedition. You may spend part of the outing traveling between fishing grounds, snorkeling areas, and a quiet place to anchor. The exact order can change with weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment.

I would treat the schedule as a framework rather than a strict list of timed stops. That is a good thing for a private boat. If your group wants more swimming, less fishing, or extra time with the children, you have more room to shape the day than you would on a large shared boat.

Fishing for jack, bonito, tuna, and bigger game

The bay holds several types of fish. Depending on conditions, the crew may look for Jack Crevalle, bonito, tuna, dorado, sailfish, or different types of marlin. The mention of trophy fish adds excitement, but you should not book this trip expecting a guaranteed marlin or a full cooler.

A useful way to think about the fishing is as an active part of a broader boat day. Some people have caught enough fish for everyone to reel one in, including tuna and fish around 15 pounds. Other outings produced smaller catches. Fishing is fishing, and the bay will not follow your vacation schedule.

The captain and sailor supply the gear, which keeps you from having to pack rods and tackle. If you are an experienced angler who wants hours of focused fishing, ask detailed questions before paying. One past fishing group expected a dedicated charter and found the mixed fishing and snorkeling format disappointing.

For families, the format may work better. Children can have a chance to handle a rod without spending the entire day waiting for a bite. The fishing also gives the trip a purpose between swims and meals. If the catch is good, it can become part of the freshest lunch you will have in Nuevo Vallarta.

Fresh ceviche can make the trip special

One of the most appealing details is the possibility of eating the day’s catch. On some outings, the crew prepared fresh ceviche and guacamole while the group snorkeled or swam. That turns the fish from a simple souvenir catch into part of the experience.

The food has received especially strong praise. Past crews have prepared ceviche with care, served guacamole, and offered fruit and sandwiches during the day. Some larger outings also included a light breakfast, lunch, and drinks, but you should not assume every food item or beverage is included in this specific package. The listed inclusions are bottled water and chopped fruit snacks.

The cooking may depend on the boat and crew assigned to you. A chef named Francisco was praised for preparing and presenting ceviche, while Sebastian received praise for his guacamole on another outing. Those names do not guarantee that either person will be aboard your boat, but they show the kind of service the company has provided on some trips.

I would ask before departure whether your catch can be prepared, what food is included, and if there is enough for your whole group. If anyone has food allergies or does not eat raw or marinated seafood, make that clear before leaving the pier.

Snorkeling, swimming, and a little freedom

The snorkeling portion gives the day its easygoing rhythm. After fishing, the captain can take you toward a swimming or snorkeling area where you can use the provided masks and snorkels. You may also have time to jump from the boat, paddle, or kayak on certain boats, but only snorkeling equipment is specifically included in the package.

Past groups have enjoyed swimming near pretty beaches and spending time at a remote beach after anchoring. The exact beach is not named, so you should not book this expecting one guaranteed cove or landmark. The charm comes from being out on the bay and adjusting the day to conditions.

Bring a towel. It is specifically excluded, and you will want one after snorkeling or swimming. You should also bring sun protection, although the listed inclusions do not mention sunscreen. Keep your phone protected from spray, and do not assume the boat will have a dry storage space for every personal item.

The equipment deserves a practical warning. Some past outings had good experiences with the snorkeling gear, while one complaint described mismatched masks and snorkels and life vests that were awkward for snorkeling. Equipment quality may vary from boat to boat. If snorkeling is your main goal, check the gear before leaving the pier and ask for a replacement if something does not fit.

The crew makes the day

A fishing boat works best when the crew stays active, friendly, and organized. Several past crews earned praise for being attentive and flexible. Captains allowed groups to shape the day, helped children fish, and kept the activities moving without making the schedule feel rigid.

Different boats have had different crews. Names connected with past trips include Antelmo, Rigo, and John among the captains, along with Francisco, Sebastian, Kevin, Cesar, and Ruben in food and service roles. I would not count on a particular person unless the operator confirms it in writing.

The strongest service stories involve small acts of care. On one larger boat, the bartender delivered drinks while people were swimming. On another outing, the crew helped everyone land a fish. These details matter because a private boat day can feel awkward when nobody explains what to do. A crew that watches the fishing lines, checks the swimmers, and serves food at the right moment makes the six hours feel much longer in a good way.

There are also important cautions. Past complaints described cigarette smoke, poor boat maintenance, a late departure, and a captain who appeared disengaged. Another group was switched to a different boat without advance notice. The company responded to those complaints and said it would address the problems, but you should still confirm the boat and departure details shortly before the tour.

Boat quality is worth asking about

The experience description promises comfortable and safe boats, but the company uses more than one boat. That means the boat you receive can shape the day.

A larger group once used the Florero Yacht and found it spacious, comfortable, and well staffed. Another group enjoyed the Canuwa II with a crew that handled snorkeling, swimming, food, and drinks well. Smaller boats have also worked successfully for groups that wanted a simpler outing.

Past complaints, however, described older boats, engine smoke, a dirty bathroom, and changes made without notice. These were not minor annoyances for the affected groups. Diesel smoke caused headaches, and limited seating or a single fighting chair mattered to people who had booked a serious fishing trip.

Before your day, confirm:

• The boat name and approximate size
• Whether the boat has a bathroom
• How many people the boat will carry
• Whether snorkeling gear fits adults and children
• What food and drinks are included
• Whether fishing or snorkeling will receive more time
• Whether the boat has changed since booking

The advertised experience is private for your group, with a maximum of 15 people. That is a useful limit for families and friend groups. The past account of a 19-person party involved a different, larger yacht arrangement, so do not use that outing as proof that this six-hour package accepts more than 15.

What $1,075 buys your group

The price is $1,075 per group, up to 15 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $72 per person. For a group of 10, it is about $108 each. For only five people, the effective cost rises to $215 each, before transportation and tips.

That structure makes the tour most attractive for a family reunion, a group of friends, or several couples sharing one boat. You pay for privacy, crew attention, fishing equipment, snorkeling gear, and a flexible day on the water. A shared tour may cost less for a small party, but it will not give your group the same control over timing.

The value depends on what you want. If your ideal day includes a little fishing, a swim, snorkeling, fresh food, and time together, the price can make sense. If you mainly want to chase dorado, tuna, sailfish, or marlin, a dedicated fishing charter may be a better use of your money.

Tips are not included. Transportation is also not included, and neither are towels. Add those costs when comparing this outing with another Puerto Vallarta boat trip.

Who will enjoy this private boat day

I would recommend this trip most strongly to groups that want several activities in one outing. Families with children and grandparents can enjoy the varied pace, especially if some people want to fish while others prefer swimming or sitting in the shade.

It also suits people who value privacy. You are not sharing the boat with unrelated passengers, so you can spend more time together and adjust the day to your group’s energy. That can be worth a lot when one person wants to snorkel and another would rather eat fruit and watch the water.

Experienced anglers should read the description carefully. The chance of catching impressive fish is real, but this six-hour trip is built around fishing and snorkeling, not nonstop angling. If you need multiple fighting chairs, a particular boat, or a long run to offshore fishing grounds, confirm those details before booking.

The tour may also work for mixed-language groups because a multilingual guide may operate the boat. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Still, you should ask the operator about your specific mobility or medical needs before departure, since the provided details do not explain boarding arrangements.

Booking, weather, and practical planning

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the activity is offered with a mobile ticket. The tour ends where it starts, at Paradise Village Public Pier.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

I would plan to arrive with enough time to find the pier and meet the crew without rushing. Since transportation is not included, leave room for traffic and any delay getting across from Puerto Vallarta. The activity is booked, on average, about 15 days ahead, so reserve earlier if your group has fixed vacation dates.

Pack a towel, sun protection, a waterproof phone pouch, and any personal medication. Wear clothing you do not mind getting wet. If you want a particular boat or captain, request that before booking, then confirm it again before departure.

Should you book this fishing and snorkeling tour?

Book it if you want a private day that mixes fishing, snorkeling, swimming, food, and time on the bay. The fresh ceviche possibility, helpful crews, and group pricing give it real appeal, especially when 10 to 15 people share the cost.

Skip it if you want a specialized fishing charter or if you need a guaranteed boat, fighting chair, or exact itinerary. The strongest caution is boat consistency. Confirm the vessel, equipment, departure time, and food before you go.

For the right group, this is less about landing a trophy fish and more about building a full day around the water. If the crew is attentive and the boat is in good shape, the catch becomes a bonus, and the shared time becomes the main event.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $1,075 per private group of up to 15 people.

Is transportation included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from Paradise Village Public Pier.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

What fishing equipment is provided?

Fishing gear is included, along with a captain and sailor to operate the boat and assist your group.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water and chopped fruit snacks are included. Tips, towels, and transportation are not included. Other meals or drinks should be confirmed before departure.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund.