Chasing fish feels better with a captain doing the setup. Out on a private 46-foot boat in Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas day blends fishing, snorkeling, and whale-spotting into one easy, guided stretch of ocean time.
What I like most is how personal it feels: just your group, with crew members focused on you. I also love the payoff of being on the water long enough to actually enjoy it, from fish on the line to time to cool off with snorkeling.
One thing to keep in mind: this isn’t a hardcore “trophy fishing only” style outing. The day can split between fishing and snorkeling, so if you want nonstop casting, you may need to adjust your expectations.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- A private 46-foot boat in Puerto Vallarta: what that really buys you
- Bay of Banderas: where fishing, snorkeling, and whales can overlap
- Fishing with provided gear: how to get the most out of it
- The snorkeling breaks: cool off without wasting time
- Whale watching certificate: a fun keepsake (and a reason to stay alert)
- Onboard service: the crew’s job is to make it feel easy
- Fresh-catch food: ceviche and sashimi-style prep can be a highlight
- What to bring (and what to plan for outside the tour)
- Timing: 4 to 10 hours, and how to choose the right length
- Getting to and from the boat: transportation isn’t included
- Who this is best for in Puerto Vallarta
- Weather matters: what happens if conditions are rough
- Price and value: where your money goes on this private charter
- Should you book Mike’s Fishing & Tours’ 46′ boat charter?
- FAQ
- How long is the Custom 46′ Boat experience in Puerto Vallarta?
- Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?
- What’s included in the boat charter?
- What isn’t included?
- What languages is the tour offered in?
- Do I need to bring a towel?
- When do I get confirmation after booking?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Key highlights at a glance
- Private boat, just your group: only your party joins the day, no mixing with strangers.
- Fishing gear and snorkeling equipment provided: you can show up and go.
- Bay of Banderas route: built around fishing opportunities, snorkeling spots, and beaches.
- Whale watching certificate included: a fun souvenir-style touch if you’re seeing whales.
- Fresh food from the catch: ceviche and sashimi-style prep is part of what the crew can do.
- Small comforts that add up: bottled water plus chopped fruit onboard.
A private 46-foot boat in Puerto Vallarta: what that really buys you
A bigger boat doesn’t automatically mean a better day. What matters here is the “private” part. On this charter, you’re not stuck fitting your plans into a group schedule. Your captain and crew can steer the day around what you want to do most—fishing, snorkeling breaks, or simply cruising for views of Puerto Vallarta from the water.
That flexibility is especially nice in the Bay of Banderas area, where conditions and sightings can change. When you’re sharing space with strangers, you often spend the day compromising. With a private boat, you get a calmer flow and more attention from the crew.
The boat setup also makes the experience feel like a real outing, not just a quick hop. With durations listed from about 4 to 10 hours, you’re choosing between a shorter hit of sun and sea or a longer day that lets you actually settle in.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Puerto Vallarta
Bay of Banderas: where fishing, snorkeling, and whales can overlap
Bay of Banderas is the heart of the trip. It’s where you’ll spend your time looking for fish, taking snorkeling breaks, and searching for marine life. The area is known for attractive species, plus multiple snorkeling spots and beaches you can visit.
Here’s why that matters for you: you’re not betting the whole day on one activity. If fishing is slow, you can still get water time and see the coast from the boat. If snorkeling is calling, the day has room for it. And if whales or dolphins show up, you’re already in the right zone to enjoy it.
In practical terms, expect the crew to manage the day based on weather and what’s happening offshore. You’ll likely rotate between:
- time fishing off the coast,
- snorkeling when conditions allow,
- and scenic cruising between stops.
One review also mentioned seeing multiple whales during the outing. While sightings aren’t something anyone can guarantee, the package is clearly built to make whale watching part of the experience—not an afterthought.
Fishing with provided gear: how to get the most out of it
Fishing is the headline, and you’re not left to figure it out alone. The charter includes fishing gear, plus a captain and sailor who guide you during the session.
What “fishing success” looks like on this type of trip can vary. In a lot of coastal tours, the goal isn’t constant action for hours straight. It’s more about having a fair chance with guidance, then making the day enjoyable no matter what the fish are doing. One potential downside is that this may not feel like a nonstop, traditional casting-and-reeling experience to everyone. If you want a very specific style (like deep, technical fishing), you might find yourself wishing for more time strictly focused on that.
Still, if your goal is to try fishing in real ocean conditions while enjoying the rest of the day, this is a solid setup. You’ll be out far enough to feel like you’re “off the coast,” not stuck in a tiny area. And if you catch fish, the payoff can be big.
The snorkeling breaks: cool off without wasting time
The day includes snorkeling equipment, so you can go straight from boat to water when the crew offers it. The Bay of Banderas area has many snorkeling spots and beaches, which is useful because it means you’re not limited to one quick stop.
Snorkeling on a private charter also tends to be more relaxed. You can spend a bit longer looking around instead of racing a schedule. The crew can also pick spots based on conditions, so you’re more likely to have decent visibility and comfortable water.
Practical tip: if you’re the type who forgets gear at home, this is your moment to double-check your basics. Towels are not included, so plan to dry off on your own. Sunscreen matters too, because you’ll have sun exposure both fishing and out on the water.
Whale watching certificate: a fun keepsake (and a reason to stay alert)
The whale watching certificate is included, which tells you the operator expects whales to be a real possibility on this route. If you see whales, you’re not scrambling for proof that it happened. You’ll also have an easy souvenir to take home.
Even if you don’t catch a whale sighting, the certificate inclusion still makes the experience feel intentionally designed for marine life watching. Keep your eyes up during cruising and when the boat slows down. The crew will generally know when to look—your part is to stay ready with your camera and just enjoy the moment.
Onboard service: the crew’s job is to make it feel easy
A private boat lives or dies by the crew. Here, the service seems to be a major strength: attentive, friendly, and quick to make you feel welcomed.
One review also highlighted the crew’s flexibility around where people are dropped off. If you’re cruising, the crew can drop you near a dock close to your cruise ship. That’s not always guaranteed on every boat tour, but it’s a useful sign that logistics are handled with care.
On a more personal note, the onboard vibe includes little touches that make the day feel modern. One group mentioned being able to connect their phone to the Bluetooth to play music. That’s a simple thing, but it changes the mood—suddenly the boat feels like your private floating hangout instead of a silent tour bus.
Fresh-catch food: ceviche and sashimi-style prep can be a highlight
One of the most memorable parts described is what happens at the end of the fishing. The crew can prepare fresh fish onboard, including ceviche, and at least one experience also mentioned sashimi made from the catch.
Even if you’re not sure you’ll eat everything, this is one of those “only on the water” moments. You’re not buying seafood from a restaurant and calling it a day. You’re seeing the catch become part of the experience.
Also included onboard:
- Bottled water
- Chopped fruit
That’s helpful because it cuts down on the small costs and hassle of planning food for a half-day outing.
What to bring (and what to plan for outside the tour)
The tour includes fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, water, and fruit. It does not include towels, and transportation is also not included. So you should plan on arriving and departing under your own logistics.
For a smoother day, I’d bring:
- A towel (you’ll want it after snorkeling)
- Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be exposed for hours)
- Swimwear under your clothes
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- Cash for tips (tips aren’t included)
If you hate carrying things, bring minimal items. You want room for hands-free comfort while you’re fishing and snorkeling.
Also remember that the tour is offered in English, so if you prefer clear instructions and explanations in English, you’re covered there.
Timing: 4 to 10 hours, and how to choose the right length
Duration runs from about 4 to 10 hours. Picking the right length is less about your schedule and more about your style.
Choose around 4 hours if:
- you want sun and ocean without committing a full day,
- you’re pairing this with other Puerto Vallarta activities,
- you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets restless.
Choose 8 to 10 hours if:
- you want real time for both fishing and snorkeling,
- you want a stronger chance at whale and dolphin sightings,
- you’d like a full “boat day” feel where you’re not constantly packing up.
Because this is private, longer time tends to pay off more. You spend less time “transitioning” and more time actually doing the fun stuff.
Getting to and from the boat: transportation isn’t included
Transportation isn’t part of the package. You’ll need to handle getting to the departure area on your own.
One practical comfort: the experience is listed as near public transportation. That matters if you’re not renting a car. If you’re using taxis or rideshare, build extra time for pickup and any check-in.
If you’re on a cruise, one group said the crew dropped them off at a dock near their cruise ship. That’s a strong sign the operator thinks about cruise schedules. Still, I’d confirm your exact return dock timing when you book.
Who this is best for in Puerto Vallarta
This charter fits best if you want an active, ocean-based day without having to micromanage details.
You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:
- want private service and a calmer day at sea,
- want to try fishing and snorkeling in one outing,
- care about being on the water for views of Puerto Vallarta,
- like the idea of fresh-catch food if you’re able to catch fish.
It’s also described as suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. If your group includes mixed experience levels—some who fish, some who snorkel—that flexibility is a big advantage.
Weather matters: what happens if conditions are rough
This is an experience that requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words, you’re not stuck “hoping for the best” with no safety net.
If you’re traveling during a weather-uncertain window, consider booking on a day you can swap easily. A private boat day is too good to do on a day you can’t afford to risk.
Price and value: where your money goes on this private charter
You might not be thinking about value when you’re staring at the water, but it’s worth a quick reality check.
Even without a price listed here, the value story is clear because the package covers a lot that would normally cost extra:
- Private boat for your group
- Fishing gear and snorkeling equipment
- bottled water and chopped fruit
- captain and sailor
- whale watching certificate
- and the possibility of fresh fish being prepared into a meal
That’s a real difference from cheaper tours where you’d pay separately for equipment, upgrades, and food. Here, the “extras” are built in. The tradeoff is that you still need to plan for towels and transportation, plus tips.
If you want an active, guided boat day without having to rent gear or hunt down refreshments, this is priced like a proper charter experience rather than a barebones excursion.
Should you book Mike’s Fishing & Tours’ 46′ boat charter?
I’d book this if you want a private boat day that covers more than one ocean activity, with crew support and a real chance to see marine life. The best reasons are practical: gear is included, the crew handles the day, and the experience includes those “this feels special” touches like the whale watching certificate and fresh-catch prep.
Pass or at least ask questions before booking if:
- you’re looking for nonstop, traditional, technical fishing only,
- you don’t want the day split with snorkeling and sightseeing,
- you don’t have an easy way to handle transportation or you can’t bring a towel.
If you’re flexible and you want one memorable day out on the Bay of Banderas, this charter fits the bill.
FAQ
How long is the Custom 46′ Boat experience in Puerto Vallarta?
It runs for about 4 to 10 hours.
Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?
This is a private tour/activity, so only your group will participate.
What’s included in the boat charter?
The included items are fishing gear, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, a whale watching certificate, a captain and sailor, and chopped fruit.
What isn’t included?
Transportation, tips, and towels are not included.
What languages is the tour offered in?
The experience is offered in English.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Yes. Towels are not included, so plan to bring one.
When do I get confirmation after booking?
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Weather can also affect the plan, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
