Fishing at sea can swing fast. On this private yacht charter with Mike’s Fishing & Tours, you’re out on classic 42-44 foot Hatteras-style yachts in the Bay of Banderas, mixing fishing with snorkeling time and beach viewing. I also like that it’s set up for your group only, so you are not stuck in a big crowd shuffle.

Two things I really like are the practical onboard setup, fishing gear and snorkeling equipment are included, plus you get bottled water and chopped fruit. The other big win is the wildlife potential, since the Bay of Banderas is the kind of place where dolphins and whales can show up. The one drawback to consider is that fishing outcomes depend on timing and conditions, and a few guests reported issues like bait not being ready or losing valuable fishing time, so you should confirm expectations early with the captain.

Key Points That Matter Before You Go

• Classic 42-44 foot yacht comfort: This is a bigger, more stable-feeling craft than small boats, which helps if you get motion sensitive.
• You get fishing gear and snorkeling equipment: You can plan on both activities without scrambling for rentals.
• Wildlife odds in the Bay of Banderas: Dolphins and whales show up on some trips, and crews sometimes adjust the plan to keep you watching.
• Private-group format (up to 14): The $860 price is per group, which can be a solid deal if you fill it with friends or family.
• Big variance in fishing time and success: Past experiences range from excellent catches to frustrating days, so ask clear questions before departure.

A Classic Hatteras-Style Yacht Day in Puerto Vallarta

If you want a Puerto Vallarta day that feels more like a charter than a floating checkbox, this one aims in that direction. You’re on a Hatteras 42-44 foot classic yacht, a size that tends to feel more relaxed out on open water than the smaller, bumpier boats many people expect for day fishing. The private setup also helps, because you can focus on your group’s pace rather than sharing attention with a larger mix of strangers.

The other reason I’m interested in this kind of outing is that it’s built around the Bay of Banderas. That bay is one of those places where the action is not only about catching fish. Even when the bite is slow, you still get a waterday: sightseeing, snorkeling stops, and chances for dolphins or whales.

One more practical note: the tour is offered in English, and you use a mobile ticket. That makes it easier to handle the paperwork side without stress, especially if you are booking while also juggling hotel plans.

Bay of Banderas: Fishing, Snorkeling, and Beach Stops

The core experience is simple and grounded: the Bay of Banderas has fish, snorkeling spots, and beaches worth seeing. In practice, that means you are not stuck on one narrow activity. If you are there for fishing, your goal is catching species in the bay. If you are there because the water calls your name, you also have snorkeling time and a better shot at enjoying the scenery, even on a slower fishing day.

Snorkeling can be a strong “Plan B,” especially if you know fishing is weather and timing dependent. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you are not paying extra for mask and fins. Still, one piece of advice from the mixed feedback is to do a quick equipment check when you board. That takes two minutes and can save you a lot of frustration if anything is missing or mismatched.

As for beaches, some crews have added a stop on the way back when conditions allow. That kind of add-on can turn a basic fishing trip into a full “we had a day” memory. Just remember it’s not guaranteed in the base description, so set that expectation as an extra bonus, not the main promise.

Wildlife is where people seem to get genuinely happy. Some groups reported dolphins, whales, and even humpback whales breaching. That’s not something you control. But it is exactly the sort of reason to pick a charter that runs in the bay rather than only hauling you to one point and back on autopilot.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and What I’d Pack

This trip is clear about what you get. Included items are fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and chopped fruit. That is a meaningful bundle. Fishing and snorkeling gear on a yacht day can add up fast if you’re paying for rentals separately, and having water plus fruit onboard helps everyone stay hydrated and comfortable without hunting for snacks at the dock.

What’s not included:

• Transportation to the marina
• Tips
• Towels

For your packing list, I’d plan like this is a real day on the water. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If you tend to get seasick, bring what works for you. One rough-sea story in the feedback is a reminder that “day on the water” can mean rolling swells, not just a calm cruise.

Also, don’t assume towels are automatically available. If you want to rinse off after snorkeling or keep sand off your legs, bring a towel. It’s one of the most common small “oops” expenses on boat days.

Finally, if you care about music, say something early. A couple of comments mentioned sound issues. If having your own playlist matters to your group, it’s smart to have a backup plan like a charged phone and small speakers you bring yourself.

How the 4 to 10 Hour Schedule Really Plays Out

On paper, this experience runs about 4 to 10 hours. In real life, the timing is the difference between a day that feels full and a day that feels like mostly travel. Fishing time especially depends on where the captain decides to work the water.

A useful detail from the captain-side explanation in the feedback is this: for longer trips chasing pelagic species, you may spend around 1.5 hours just reaching the outer fishing grounds before lines go down. If your goal is big-game style fishing, that matters. It’s not “wasted time,” but it changes how you experience the day. You’re paying for a longer run, and the first chunk can feel like cruising and waiting.

On the flip side, if you stay closer inshore, you may get more frequent bites, but often with smaller fish. In other words, you’re trading quantity of action for size of fish, or at least that’s the typical tradeoff. If you want a specific outcome, ask the captain before you leave the marina:

• Do you plan to work inshore for action?
• Or head out for pelagics where bites might be less frequent but fish can be bigger?

If you do not ask, you might get surprised by how the day is shaped.

Also consider this: a few negative experiences mentioned running out of time for fishing before turning back. That usually comes down to expectations. If you are booking the 8 or 10 hour option, confirm what portion of that time is truly fishing versus transit and setup. It’s an easy question, and it can completely change how you feel about the price.

Fishing Gear, Bait, and How to Protect Your Day

Fishing charters live and die by the small stuff. The big lesson I’d take from the mixed feedback is to treat the first hour like a check-in process, not just a “we will figure it out.” If anything feels unclear, ask.

In some reports, guests said they discovered bait problems only after they were already out in the bay. Nobody wants that. The simplest way to protect your day is to ask upfront, before you leave the dock, what’s being used and whether bait is ready for the planned fishing style. If the captain is still deciding based on conditions, ask what that decision depends on.

You should also expect a learning curve to the process, especially if you are a first-timer. Fishing in the bay can be a rhythm: lines down, slow trolling or positioning, then waiting for interest. If you want help understanding when to reel in, when to adjust, and how to spot a bite, ask early. In the better days reported, the crew was able to get people right on fish and explain what was happening in plain terms.

One more fishing-protection tip: if you are seasick, tell someone immediately. If you feel rough, it’s better for the crew to know early so they can adjust pacing, seating, or positioning where possible.

Crew Quality, Whale Spotting, and the Food Moment

Where this charter seems to win hearts is the onboard crew attitude and safety. In positive accounts, crews have shown up as professional, fun, and careful with guests. Some groups specifically praised the crew’s safety mindset, including during choppy conditions where captains made smart calls to keep people comfortable.

You might meet crew members like Juan, Judith, William, Mariano, and Captain Tony. I cannot promise those names will match your trip, but they show up often enough in past experiences that it’s fair to expect you’ll find a mix of roles, from guides who help with fishing to a captain who steers decisions on the water.

The other stand-out theme is the food. Several groups reported the crew making fresh ceviche from the catch, sometimes described as a captain-turned-sous-chef moment. One group also mentioned tacos and fresh ceviche, along with wrangling a bonita fish onboard and serving it on the return.

That matters more than it sounds. On a charter day, food is not just a snack. It’s a way to turn your effort into a shared payoff. Even if you leave with fewer fish than you dreamed of, good onboard food can still make the day feel like it landed well.

Wildlife adds a wow layer. If humpback whales are around, you might get serious whale time, not just a quick “there it is.” Some trips included humpbacks breaching while guests watched from the yacht. That’s the kind of memory that sticks because it feels rare and alive, not staged.

Price and Value: Is $860 a Good Deal for Up to 14?

Let’s do the math like adults. The price is $860 per group up to 14 people. If your group maxes out at 14, that’s about $61 per person. If you’re a smaller group, your per-person cost climbs fast, but it can still be competitive because you’re paying for a charter-style experience rather than buying multiple separate tickets.

So is it good value? For me, the answer depends on what you want:

• If you want a private yacht day with fishing and snorkeling gear included, this can be strong value, especially for families or groups who can fill seats.
• If you are laser-focused on landing big-game fish and you expect constant action the whole time, the value is only there if the captain’s plan matches your goals and you get enough real fishing hours.

The mixed feedback you should take seriously is that some people felt they did not get the fishing time they paid for, or they had a bait issue that kneecapped the plan. That’s exactly why I recommend you ask questions about fishing strategy and how time is allocated, especially on longer charters.

If you do that homework, the included gear plus the chance of wildlife and fresh food can make the price feel fair. If you do not, you risk paying charter money for a day that feels like mainly cruising and looking.

Who This Charter Fits Best, and Who Should Skip

This is a great fit if:

• You want a private outing with fishing and snorkeling built in.
• Your group includes a mix of interests, like people who fish and people who just want to snorkel and watch whales.
• You can follow a captain’s lead and adapt if fishing slows down.

It may be a tough fit if:

• You only care about catching big fish and you assume the boat will be at the best spot instantly.
• Your group is easily frustrated by rough seas or by waiting for fish to cooperate.
• You have a very specific expectation for on-board amenities like a working sound system, unless you confirm it beforehand.

If you’re prone to seasickness or you want a super smooth ride, you’ll want to pay attention to the weather day-of. The experience requires good weather, and that helps for safety and comfort.

Should You Book Mike’s Fishing & Tours?

I would book this if your idea of a perfect Puerto Vallarta day is a real time-on-the-water charter, not just a fishing checkbox. The included fishing gear and snorkeling equipment, plus the onboard touches that can include fresh ceviche, make it feel like more than a rental boat.

Before you pay, do three simple things:

1. Ask the captain whether you are doing inshore action or a longer pelagic run, and how that affects fishing time.
2. Ask what’s ready for bait and tackle at departure, so there are no late surprises.
3. Do a quick equipment check once you board, especially if snorkeling is a big part of your plan.

If you want a calm, guaranteed fish-festival experience, charter fishing is not that. But if you go in with realistic expectations, this can be a memorable private yacht day in the Bay of Banderas.

FAQ

What is the price and group size for this yacht charter?

It costs $860.00 per group and can host up to 14 people.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 4 to 10 hours.

What’s included for fishing and snorkeling?

Fishing gear and snorkeling equipment are included, along with bottled water and chopped fruit.

What should I bring since it is not included?

Transportation and towels are not included, and tips are also not included.

Is this tour private, and what language is it in?

Yes, it is a private tour, and it is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy and what happens if weather is poor?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.