Bertram 38′ Convertible Boat in Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta

A boat day feels like a mini escape. On a private Bertram 38′ convertible in Puerto Vallarta, you cruise Banderas Bay and get shoreline views from the water. I like that you can swim at a wildlife-rock spot with snorkeling equipment plus try watersports like kayaking and fishing.

The plan is built around two money shots: a shoreline sweep of Puerto Vallarta and a stop at rocks where wildlife hangs out and you can snorkel while looking both above and below the surface. Just plan for logistics: there’s no hotel pickup, and towels are not included.

Key things I’d mark on your map before you book

• Private group size (up to 8): more room for conversation and easy pacing.
• Snorkeling plus fishing gear included: you don’t waste vacation time hunting for equipment.
• Banderas Bay from the water: you get the best angles for shoreline views.
• Wildlife-rock snorkeling stop: a specific spot where you can see life both over and under the water.
• Dress and packing are simple: beach casual, soft shoes, and bring your own towel.
• Strong track record: a 4.7 rating with 93% recommending it.

The Bertram 38′ convertible: comfort on the water

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta outing that feels different from a bus tour because you’re on the water for the main event. The boat is a Bertram 38′ convertible, and the convertible style matters more than people expect: it helps you deal with sun and wind while you’re moving along the bay. If the morning starts bright, you can stay comfortable as the day warms up.

You’re also booking it as a private tour for your group (up to 8). That’s a big deal in practice. It usually means less “line management,” fewer waiting gaps, and more flexibility if your group wants to slow down for photos, take extra time with the snorkeling, or go from sightseeing to watersports at a pace that feels right.

And the mood is practical. This isn’t about dressing up. It’s beach casual and water-ready.

Price and value: $800 for a group that can actually move together

The price is $800 per group, with a maximum of 8 people. That sounds steep on a per-person basis until you do the math with how boat days usually work: you’re paying for a boat and crew, not a seat on a crowded ride. With up to eight people, the cost can work out in a way that’s often competitive with “tour buses plus add-ons,” especially when snorkeling and fishing gear are included.

The included items also help justify the price. You get snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, bottled water, and chopped fruit. Add in that the trip is built around sightseeing plus optional watersports like kayaking and fishing, and you’re not just paying to look from shore—you’re paying to do the water part too.

The other value lever is time. The schedule runs about 4 to 8 hours, and at least one group had the cruise adjusted to about 6 hours with a stop at Ocean Grill. That tells me the crew may be open to tailoring the day, within reason, so you’re not stuck with a rigid checklist.

My quick rule: if your group wants real water time and you can share the cost across up to eight people, this becomes a solid buy.

Setting off in Puerto Vallarta: shoreline sightseeing that actually feels close

The first phase is a shoreline sightseeing run around Puerto Vallarta. This matters because Puerto Vallarta’s best angles come from water level. From the bay, you get cleaner sightlines than you do from land where buildings and hills can block the view.

You’ll spend this time cruising and settling in. It’s also a good “warm-up” segment before you switch gears to snorkeling and watersports. If your group has different comfort levels—some people want to snorkel right away while others just want the views—this part gives everyone something to enjoy without forcing an immediate commitment.

One small consideration: since this is not hotel pickup, you’ll want to make sure your group can reach the departure area easily. The listing notes it’s near public transportation, but you’ll still want to plan your timing so nobody shows up flustered.

The wildlife-rock snorkeling stop: seeing life over and under water

The highlight stop is a set of rocks full of wildlife, where you can snorkel and enjoy views both under and over the water. That wording is telling. This isn’t just a “hop in, look at a coral patch, hop out” scenario. It’s a specific type of stop where the water and the rock formation do the work for you.

Here’s what you should expect in practical terms:

• You’ll have access to snorkeling equipment.
• You’ll have time to get in the water and see what’s happening underwater.
• You’ll also be able to enjoy the scenery from the boat while you’re waiting for your turn or after you surface.

The snorkeling itself may feel different from spot to spot in Banderas Bay, but the key is that you’re going to a place chosen for wildlife, not random coastline. If snorkeling is on your list, this is the moment that justifies booking a boat over a purely land-based plan.

What to keep in mind: snorkeling takes a little coordination—put your gear on, get used to the water, then move slowly. If your group includes first-timers, it helps if you start with an easy pace and give people a chance to relax.

Kayaking and fishing: the watersports part, without the equipment hassle

The trip is designed for watersports like fishing and kayaking, and the included gear keeps things simple. You’re not just watching others do it—you can get hands-on.

Fishing gear is included, and snorkeling equipment is included, which means your main job is showing up ready to use it. That matters on vacation. You don’t want your afternoon to turn into a gear-run or a “sorry, we don’t have the right size” problem.

Kayaking is also specifically called out in the experience highlights and praised by people who’ve done it. That’s a good sign: kayaking usually needs just enough organization that it can go wrong if the crew isn’t paying attention, and the feedback here points to a smooth experience.

Also, the onboard snack situation is handled. Chopped fruit and bottled water are included, and snacks are part of the overall experience. If your day tends to run long on tour time, these small items help you stay comfortable between activity blocks.

One more useful detail: there’s mention of a photos service being worth it for at least one group. The listing doesn’t clearly say what’s included or whether it’s free, so I’d treat it as a possible extra and ask on the spot what you’re getting and how you’ll receive the results.

Food, pacing, and customizing your day

This is a half-day style cruise that can stretch. Your duration is 4 to 8 hours, and the cruise can be adjusted—at least one group described a captain and crew helping customize a 6-hour trip with an Ocean Grill stop.

That tells you something important about how the day may be run: it’s not just a “set it and forget it” route. The crew seems willing to work with the reality of your group and the day’s rhythm.

Food and drinks also come up in positive feedback. The listing explicitly includes chopped fruit and bottled water, while people also speak highly of the food and drinks service. I’d interpret that as a good onboard setup rather than a basic snack-and-go. Still, don’t assume a full restaurant menu unless the crew confirms what’s available that day.

Pacing wise, the structure helps. You get:

1) shoreline sightseeing

2) snorkeling at the wildlife-rock stop

3) time for watersports like fishing and kayaking

4) food and downtime between

If you get motion-sick easily, bring what helps you on boats. The data doesn’t mention a motion-sickness policy or medication availability, so it’s on you to come prepared.

Getting there, what to wear, and what to bring

This is a “show up and go” style tour. There’s no hotel pickup and drop-off, but the departure point is noted as near public transportation, which is useful if you’re already in Puerto Vallarta for the day.

Dress code is beach casual:

• Soft shoes (no heels)
• Swimsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel

Also, bring a towel. Towels are not included, and that’s one of those small misses that can matter a lot right after you get out of the water. If you forget, you might end up drying off with a shirt or waiting until you can find a place to rinse and dry.

Since it’s a private group up to 8, you’ll also want to coordinate basics inside your group. If one person shows up without a swimsuit or soft shoes, the whole day can get slowed down while everyone waits.

Language-wise, the tour is offered in English, and it may be operated by a multi-lingual guide. That’s helpful if your group has mixed comfort levels.

And if you’re traveling with a child: children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed too.

Who this private Banderas Bay cruise is best for

This tour shines for groups who want variety in a single outing: sightseeing plus real water activities. It’s also a smart choice for couples and friend groups who want privacy more than “see the sights and move along.”

It’s especially good if:

• you care about snorkeling and want the gear taken care of
• you want a chance to try kayaking and fishing without extra rental steps
• you’d rather spend time on a boat than on land for the whole trip
• you’re traveling with up to 8 people and can share the boat cost

It might not be your best fit if:

• your group depends on hotel pickup and hates dealing with meeting points
• you don’t want any water time at all (even though snorkeling is optional, the day is built around it)
• your group is very strict about towel availability or you tend to pack light and forget basics

The good news: the logistics are straightforward once you plan around them.

Weather and timing: the one thing you can’t control

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Boat days in Banderas Bay can change with wind and water conditions, so it’s smart to keep your schedule flexible around this. If you’re doing a tight itinerary, try not to schedule this as your only “open-water” activity.

Timing also matters because the trip duration is 4 to 8 hours. If you have dinner plans later in the evening, you’ll want to choose a shorter option or confirm how the crew is timing the segments.

Should you book Mike’s Fishing & Tours?

I’d book this if your group wants a private boat day in Puerto Vallarta with snorkeling and watersports that are handled with included equipment. The value holds up best for parties closer to 8 people, and the structure gives you both sightseeing and active time.

Also, the overall feedback points to a crew that keeps things fun and runs the day smoothly, with the captain and crew getting strong praise for service. With a 4.7 rating and 93% recommending, this isn’t a “hope for the best” booking.

The main reason not to book would be if you really need hotel pickup and you’re not willing to bring your own towel. If you can handle the simple packing list and make it to the departure point, you’re set up for a genuinely enjoyable Banderas Bay outing.

FAQ

What’s the group size for this boat tour?

This is a private tour/activity with only your group participating, and the group size is up to 8 people.

How long is the Bertram boat experience?

The duration is about 4 to 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, bottled water, and chopped fruit.

Do I need to bring towels?

Yes. Towels are not included.

Is hotel pickup provided?

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

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English, and it may also be operated by a multi-lingual guide.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What should I wear?

Wear beach casual. Bring soft shoes (no heels) and a swimsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel.