Fishing and snorkel tour in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta fishing and snorkel tour is its mix of activities. You fish across Banderas Bay, then stop for snorkeling and swimming, with the chance to use your catch for fresh ceviche. It is less a serious angling charter than a private boat day built around food, water, and family time.

I like the flexibility of a private group, capped at 15 people, and I like that fishing gear, snorkel equipment, bottled water, fruit, and snacks are included. Crews such as Captain Antelmo, chef Francisco, and service team members Cesar and Ruben have helped make past outings feel personal and easygoing.

The main caution is that the boat and crew can matter greatly. Boats have sometimes been changed, and past departures have ranged from excellent yachts to older vessels with poor equipment or unpleasant conditions. Confirm the exact boat, fishing plan, and facilities before paying in full.

Key points to know before booking

• Fishing is only one part of the day: Expect a boat outing with fishing, snorkeling, swimming, food, and time at a beach or quiet anchorage, not a nonstop sport-fishing charter.
• Fresh ceviche can be the reward: If the group catches enough fish, the crew may prepare it with guacamole or other fresh food while you enjoy the water.
• The private format suits families: Your group controls the pace more than it would on a shared excursion, and children, grandparents, and mixed-ability groups can all take part.
• The meeting point is in Nuevo Vallarta: Start and finish at Paradise Village Public Pier, not in central Puerto Vallarta.
• Boat quality deserves a question: The operator uses several boats, and past experiences with substitutions have varied widely.
• The price works best for a full group: At $1,075 for up to 15 people, the per-person cost drops sharply when the boat is filled.

A six-hour day on Banderas Bay

This outing begins at Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. The listed duration is about six hours, and the same pier serves as your return point.

From there, the captain takes you onto the bay in search of local fish. The target list is broad: Jack Crevalle, bonito, tuna, dorado, sailfish, and several types of marlin. That sounds like a serious fishing menu, but you should read it as a list of possible species, not a promise of a catch.

The pace can change with the group. On a family outing, you might spend a short period fishing, move to a snorkeling area, swim from the boat, and later stop near a beach for lunch and more time in the water. On another departure, the crew may give fishing more attention, especially if the conditions are good.

I like that range. A mixed group does not have to spend six hours watching one person work a rod while everyone else waits. At the same time, an experienced angler should know that this format may feel too light if the main goal is to chase large fish.

Fishing for tuna, bonito, and larger game fish

The fishing portion gives you a chance to work with the crew and reel in a fish, but the outcome depends on weather, season, location, and plain luck. One successful outing produced two fish of about 15 pounds and a yellowfin tuna during a roughly seven-hour trip. Another shorter trip brought in tuna and a small shark.

Those catches show what is possible, but they do not set an expected result. You may catch enough for the crew to prepare ceviche, or you may spend more time enjoying the bay than filling the cooler.

The crew can be especially helpful for first-time fishers. The captain and sailor provide the fishing gear and assist on board. Children can take a turn with the rod when conditions allow, and one family group even continued fishing while returning to the marina.

For dedicated anglers, ask direct questions before booking. Is the boat set up for serious fishing? How long will the group spend at the fishing grounds? Are there fighting chairs? One past charter was changed from a boat with two fighting chairs to a boat with one, which affected the experience for a group that had booked specifically for offshore fishing.

This is the difference between a fishing charter and a fishing-themed boat day. The latter gives everyone more to do. The former gives fishing the whole stage.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the best part for nonfishers

After fishing, the boat may head to a snorkeling area or a quiet beach. Snorkel equipment is included, which saves you from renting masks and fins separately. The supplied information does not promise particular reef conditions or a set snorkeling site, so treat the stop as a chance to get in the water rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Some outings have included paddleboarding, kayaking, jumping from the boat, and swimming. Those activities are not listed as standard inclusions, so confirm them if they are important to your group. The sure things are the boat ride, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, captain, sailor, bottled water, fruit, and snacks.

This part of the tour gives the day its broad appeal. A person who does not care about fishing can swim. A child can snorkel or enjoy the boat. A grandparent can stay aboard and take in the views. You get a shared day without forcing everyone into the same activity.

Bring a towel, since towels are not included. Transportation is also not included, so you must make your own way to the pier. The meeting point is near public transportation, but a taxi or other local ride may be simpler if you are staying in a Puerto Vallarta resort.

Fresh ceviche and food prepared on board

The most memorable feature can be what happens after the fishing. If the group catches suitable fish, the crew may prepare fresh ceviche while you snorkel or swim. Past menus have also included guacamole, chopped fruit, sandwiches, and other snacks.

One chef, Francisco, was praised for cutting the ceviche and presenting the food with care. Sebastian was also singled out for excellent guacamole on another outing. These details matter because a fresh meal made from the day’s catch feels tied to the place, rather than like a standard lunch delivered in a plastic container.

Still, the exact meal depends on the boat and crew. The official inclusions list only bottled water, snacks, chopped fruit, and fishing and snorkeling equipment. It does not guarantee a chef, a full lunch, ceviche, guacamole, sandwiches, or unlimited drinks.

That is worth understanding before you build your expectations around the food. Ask what is included on your assigned boat. If fresh ceviche is the main reason you are booking, ask what happens if the group catches nothing.

Crew service can shape the whole outing

The listed crew includes a captain and sailor. Some larger-boat outings have also included a chef, bartender, extra service staff, and a photographer.

Captain Antelmo was described as friendly and willing to let the group shape the day. Kevin, a bartender on one larger yacht, kept drinks moving even when people were swimming. Cesar and Ruben handled fishing, food, and general service. Those roles can make a big boat day feel easy, especially when you have children or a large family group.

The service style is not identical on every boat. A six-hour outing at the base price may have a simpler crew than a larger yacht charter with food and bar service. The guide may also be multilingual, but English is the listed language for the booking.

Photography is another variable. Some boats have had a photographer taking natural photos and videos, and one group liked the results enough to buy a package. Another paid $175 for photos and was unhappy with cropped faces and fish.

You are not required to buy photos based on the information provided, but ask about the price before agreeing. If a photographer joins the trip, you may prefer to take your own pictures and skip the extra package.

Boat changes and comfort concerns

The operator uses different boats, and the exact vessel can make a major difference. Some past groups had a comfortable yacht with plenty of room. Other departures involved older boats, mismatched snorkel gear, an unpleasant bathroom, or engine smoke.

I would not ignore this point. A boat swap can happen for mechanical reasons, but it should be explained before departure. One past change occurred because the originally booked boat had developed problems and was removed from service. That is understandable, but a substitute boat should still match the promised experience as closely as possible.

Before you book, ask:

• Which boat is assigned to your group?
• Can the boat be changed?
• How many fighting chairs does it have?
• Does it have a working bathroom?
• Is the snorkel equipment in good condition?
• Is food prepared on board, and by whom?
• Are drinks beyond bottled water included?
• Will a photographer be present?

These are not fussy questions. A private boat tour costs enough that basic comfort and clear communication matter.

What $1,075 means for your group

The price is $1,075 per group for up to 15 people. That makes the cost about $72 per person if you fill every place, or about $134 per person for eight people.

For a full family group, that can be good value. You get a private boat, captain, sailor, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fruit, and snacks. You also avoid sharing the schedule with strangers. The value improves if the crew prepares your catch and the group spends a full day swimming and eating together.

For two or three people, the price feels much steeper. You are paying for the boat and crew, not simply for seats. A smaller shared tour may suit a small party better, though this private option gives you more control.

Remember the extras. Transportation, tips, towels, and any photo package are not included. The base description also does not promise a full meal or open bar. Get the food and beverage details in writing if they affect your decision.

Who should book this private boat day

I would point this tour toward families and groups with mixed interests. It works well when some people want to fish, others want to snorkel, and everyone wants time together on the water.

It also suits groups with children and grandparents. The private setting allows people to take breaks without worrying about holding up a larger shared group. A child can try fishing, swim for a while, and return to the boat when tired.

Casual anglers should be happy with the format. You get genuine fishing time and a chance to catch dinner, but the day also includes water activities and food. Serious anglers should look at a dedicated fishing charter instead, especially if they want long hours at offshore grounds, specialized equipment, or multiple fighting chairs.

This tour may also fit you if you care more about a relaxed day than a strict schedule. The captain may adjust the order of fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and lunch around the group and conditions.

Timing, weather, and practical details

The tour operates for about six hours, but exact timing can change with the day’s plan. The start and finish are at Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta. You arrange your own transportation, and you should arrive with a towel and any personal items you need for time in the sun.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded for a late cancellation.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is private, so only your group takes part. Confirmation is provided at booking, and a multilingual guide may operate the trip.

I would confirm the final boat and inclusions shortly before departure. That one step could prevent the biggest surprises.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta fishing and snorkel tour?

Book it if you want a private day on the bay with fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and the possibility of fresh ceviche. It is a strong choice for a group of eight to 15 people, especially when not everyone wants the same activity.

Do not book it as a pure sport-fishing expedition. The fish list includes impressive species, but the tour is built around a varied day, not guaranteed catches. Also, ask carefully about the boat, bathroom, gear, crew, food, drinks, and photo service before you commit.

For a full group that values time together, the $1,075 price can make sense. For a small party or a serious angler, the value is less clear. Get the boat details in advance, bring a towel, and keep your expectations focused on a flexible Mexican boat day rather than a guaranteed trophy-fishing mission.

FAQ

Where does the fishing and snorkel tour start?

The tour 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, Paradise Village Public Pier.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

How much does the private tour cost?

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

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in this activity.

What fish might I catch?

Possible species include Jack Crevalle, bonito, tuna, dorado, sailfish, and different species of marlin. The specific catch is not guaranteed.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing gear is included, along with a captain and sailor.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is food included?

Bottled water, snacks, and chopped fruit are included. The description does not guarantee a full lunch, ceviche, guacamole, or other prepared dishes, although some boat outings have included food made from the catch.

Are transportation and towels included?

No. Transportation and towels are not included. You must make your own way to the pier and bring a towel.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather may also lead to a different date or a full refund.