Private Fishing Charter in Puerto Vallarta for up to 6 people

Fish, sea, and a small crew make a good morning. This private Puerto Vallarta charter keeps things simple: you meet at Los Peines on Isla Iguana, board with your own group, and fish inside Banderas Bay for Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Skipjack Tuna, small Mahi Mahi, and other fish in the 5 to 20 pound range. I like the private boat setup and the fact that live bait, ice, a fishing license, a captain, and a deckhand are included. I also like that the fishing stays inside the bay, which gives the trip a clear four-hour focus rather than turning it into a long offshore run.

The main drawback is the firm booking policy. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, except when poor weather forces the operator to cancel. You will also pay a $3 port fee per person, bring your own food and drinks, and normally budget 10 to 20 percent for tips. The exact charter price is not provided here, so value depends on how many people share the boat and how much you care about having a private fishing crew.

Key Points at a Glance

• Fish inside Banderas Bay: The trip targets fish weighing roughly 5 to 20 pounds, including Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Skipjack Tuna, and small Mahi Mahi.
• Private group of up to six: You fish only with your own party, a useful setup for families, friends, or anglers who want control over the outing.
• Fishing basics are covered: Live bait, a cooler with ice, a fishing license, a captain, and a deckhand are included.
• A proven backup plan: When one boat developed a motor problem, the company moved a couple to a larger boat at no added charge, helping preserve their fishing day.
• Four hours is a manageable length: You get a focused half-day on the water without giving up an entire vacation day.
• Bring a separate budget: Food, drinks, tips, and the $3 per-person port fee are extra.

Leaving Los Peines for Banderas Bay

Your meeting point is Los Peines, Isla Iguana, at 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The activity ends back at this same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from another marina.

The meeting area is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in Puerto Vallarta and prefer to make your own way there. The available information does not give a pickup service, a recommended arrival time, or a precise boarding procedure, so you should confirm those details after booking. Your confirmation is issued at the time of booking, and the mobile ticket makes it practical to keep the reservation on your phone.

Once aboard, the plan is straightforward. You spend the roughly four-hour outing fishing inside Banderas Bay, then return to Los Peines. There are no listed sightseeing stops, beach visits, meal breaks, or shore excursions. That narrow focus is a strength if you want to fish, but it may feel limited if you are hoping for a full sightseeing cruise.

What Fishing Inside the Bay Means

Banderas Bay gives this charter a practical middle ground. You are not being promised a major offshore expedition with large game fish. Instead, the target range is about 5 to 20 pounds, with species such as Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, small Mahi Mahi, and Skipjack Tuna.

That range can make the trip appealing to mixed groups. You do not need to be a serious sport angler to understand the goal. The captain and deckhand handle the working parts of the outing, while you get the chance to take a rod, watch the lines, and try to bring in a fish of respectable size.

The word small before Mahi Mahi matters. This is not a promise of trophy fish. The charter is better understood as a chance to catch several lively species in the bay. One successful outing produced 10 fish in total, including Mackerel, Skipjack, and Trevally. That is a strong result, but fishing remains dependent on conditions and luck. No charter can guarantee a catch.

The bay setting may also suit families and first-time anglers better than a longer trip in open water, though the supplied information does not specifically describe sea conditions. If anyone in your party is prone to motion sickness, ask the operator about the expected conditions before you commit, since the cancellation policy is strict.

The Captain, Deckhand, and Working Boat

The package includes a captain and deckhand, so you are not expected to manage every part of the fishing operation alone. The captain runs the boat and directs the fishing plan. The deckhand, also described in one account as a first mate, provides hands-on help with the fishing setup and the catch.

That crew support is important on a private charter. With only your group aboard, the captain can focus on your party rather than balancing several unrelated groups. You can ask questions, request help, and set the pace around your own interests, although the details of the onboard routine are not specified.

A motor problem on one booking provides a useful look at how the operator handles trouble. Instead of canceling the outing, PV Charters placed the couple on a larger boat at no extra charge. Their captain and first mate were praised, and the group caught 10 fish, including Mackerel, Skipjack, and Trevally. You should not treat that catch as a promise, but the boat switch shows a willingness to protect the booking when equipment causes a problem.

A larger replacement boat may also change the feel of the outing. Since the original boat’s size and facilities are not described, you should not assume that every booking uses the same vessel. Ask about the boat model, seating, shade, and restroom access if those details matter to you.

What Is Included, and What You Still Need

The included items cover the basic working needs of a fishing trip:

• Live bait
• Cooler with ice
• Fishing license
• Captain
• Deckhand

The cooler with ice is useful, but it does not mean food and drinks are supplied. Lunch, food, and beverages are not included. You should plan ahead rather than assume there will be a meal stop. The information does not specify whether you should bring snacks, bottled water, or a packed lunch in a separate bag, so confirm any cooler rules with the operator.

The fishing license is included, which removes one chore from your planning. The port fee is not included and costs $3 per person. Tips are also separate, with 10 to 20 percent listed as the normal range. Tipping is based on service, so consider the captain’s instruction, the deckhand’s help, and how well the crew handles the day when deciding what to give.

Is a Private Charter Worth the Price?

The charter’s price is not provided in the available information, so I cannot judge the exact dollar value. I can explain where the value comes from.

A private boat is usually most practical when six people share the expense. The price then covers the group rather than putting you into a larger mixed party. If only two people book, the per-person cost may feel higher, but you gain privacy and do not have to share the fishing time with strangers.

The included license, live bait, ice, captain, and deckhand also reduce the number of separate costs you need to arrange. That makes the charter easier to plan than an outing where you must buy bait and handle licensing yourself. Still, you should add the $3 port fee for each person, food and drinks, and a possible 10 to 20 percent tip before deciding.

The four-hour length adds value for people with limited time. You can fish in the morning or afternoon and still keep part of the day open. On the other hand, a serious angler looking for a full-day trip or larger offshore species may find the duration and bay location too modest.

Who Will Enjoy This Fishing Trip Most?

I would point this charter toward a small group that wants a private, uncomplicated fishing outing. It suits friends splitting the cost, families looking for a short activity, and vacationers who want to fish without giving up a full day.

It is also a reasonable choice for mixed-experience groups. The captain and deckhand are included, and the target species are substantial enough to make the catch interesting without turning the trip into a specialized expedition.

You may want another option if your main goal is a trophy catch, a full-day offshore trip, or a package that includes lunch and drinks. The description does not promise large Mahi Mahi, marlin, sailfish, or other major game fish. It gives you bay fishing for several species in the 5 to 20 pound range, and that is the standard you should use when comparing it with other charters.

The private format can also be less useful if you are traveling alone or with only one other person and want the lowest possible cost. The best value comes from filling the boat with people you know.

Weather, Cancellations, and Practical Risk

Good weather is required for the activity. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That is the main protection built into the policy.

Your own cancellation options are much narrower. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. I would not book this until your group is confident about its schedule.

That strict policy also makes travel timing important. Since the meeting point is fixed and the activity returns there, check your transportation plan before booking. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the mobile ticket is convenient, but it does not remove the need to verify the exact meeting instructions.

Most people can participate, and the experience is near public transportation. The available details do not describe accessibility equipment or specific limits, so anyone with mobility concerns should contact PV Charters before paying.

The Best Way to Judge Your Day on the Water

Do not judge this charter only by the number of fish caught. A fishing day includes the boat ride, changing conditions, time spent waiting, and the crew’s ability to keep the outing organized. The example of 10 fish, including Mackerel, Skipjack, and Trevally, shows what a good day can look like, but it does not set a guaranteed result.

I would also pay attention to the private nature of the trip. Your group has the boat to itself, which gives the outing a more relaxed social feel. You can share the experience with family or friends without worrying about the preferences of a larger group.

At the same time, keep your expectations grounded. Four hours passes quickly, especially if the boat must move between fishing areas. There are no listed meals, sightseeing stops, or special extras. The appeal is the fishing itself, supported by a captain, deckhand, bait, ice, and licensing.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Charter?

Book it if you want a private four-hour fishing trip inside Banderas Bay and your group can share the cost of a boat for up to six people. The included live bait, license, cooler with ice, captain, and deckhand make the planning easy, while the reported catch of 10 fish shows that the outing can produce a lively day on the water.

Skip it if you need flexible cancellation, included meals, or a guaranteed trophy fish. Add the $3 port fee per person, food and drinks, and a 10 to 20 percent tip to your budget. If those terms work for you, PV Charters offers a focused fishing experience with a sensible half-day schedule and a useful backup response when equipment trouble appears.

FAQ

How long is the private fishing charter?

The activity lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the fishing trip begin?

It begins at Los Peines, Isla Iguana, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Where does the activity end?

The charter ends back at the meeting point at Los Peines.

How many people can join the private charter?

The boat can accommodate up to six people, and only your group participates in the activity.

Where does the fishing take place?

The fishing takes place inside Banderas Bay.

What fish might I catch?

The target fish include Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, small Mahi Mahi, Skipjack Tuna, and other fish in the 5 to 20 pound range.

What is included in the charter?

Live bait, a cooler with ice, a fishing license, a captain, and a deckhand are included.

Are food, drinks, and lunch included?

No. Lunch, food, and drinks are not included.

What happens if poor weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.