Whales, fishing, and snorkeling in one private outing. This Custom 46-foot boat trip on the Bay of Banderas pairs a hands-on day on the water with the kind of personalized service that feels way better than a crowded group boat. I love the private-by-your-group setup, and I also love how the crew can turn your catch into fresh ceviche right on board. One possible drawback, it is not always a traditional long-cast fishing mission, so if you expect a no-holds-barred angler tournament, you may want to adjust your expectations.

You’ll spend your time cruising for the best fishing and snorkeling spots, then slowing down when wildlife shows up. If you care about whale and dolphin watching, you’ll also get a Whale Watching Certificate included, which is a nice keepsake when you are enjoying Puerto Vallarta from the sea.

Plan around the weather. This experience requires good weather, and the day can run anywhere from about 4 to 10 hours depending on what’s happening on the water and how the crew shapes the route.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Custom 46-foot private boat with captain and sailor, just for your group
• Fishing gear and snorkeling equipment included, so you show up ready
• Bay of Banderas fishing and snorkeling spots, plus beaches you can enjoy from the water
• Whale and dolphin watching, with a Whale Watching Certificate included
• Fresh onboard food using your catch, like ceviche or sashimi
• Bluetooth music setup reported, so you can bring the vibe with your phone

The Custom 46-foot boat experience in Puerto Vallarta

This is the kind of boat day that feels grown-up in the best way: you charter your own space, instead of squeezing into someone else’s schedule. The boat is listed as a custom 46-foot vessel, and you are not sharing it with strangers. The crew includes a captain and sailor, which matters because you want someone actively focused on safety, positioning, and getting your group onto the right water at the right time.

Puerto Vallarta from the water is different. From the shoreline, you get views. From offshore, you get context: how the coastline curves, where the beaches sit, and why the Bay of Banderas is such a magnet for marine life. The outing is designed to use that setting, with time that can include fishing, snorkeling, and whale watching in one continuous day.

If you are traveling with friends, this is also a smart move. Splitting up into smaller activities can turn your day into logistics. Here, it is one boat, one crew, and one shared rhythm.

Fishing gear, real help, and what counts as a good catch day

The tour includes fishing gear, which is a big deal because you do not need to bring rods, tackle, or any of the extra baggage. Bottled water is included too, so you can focus on the fishing rather than managing supplies.

What you can reasonably expect is a guided, hands-on fishing experience. The Bay of Banderas is known for attractive species, so the crew can target fishing opportunities based on conditions. That does not mean every minute turns into nonstop fishing action. But the whole point is that you are not setting off alone, guessing where to go, and then failing to find fish.

One small consideration: a past guest noted it was not a traditional style fishing experience and that the trip leaned more into a broader day on the water than a hardcore fishing-only outing. My takeaway is simple. If you want a mix of fishing plus wildlife plus snorkeling, this boat day fits the mood well.

Also, keep your phone ready. One of the standout details from feedback is that guests were able to connect their phone to the boat’s Bluetooth audio to play music. That kind of small comfort makes the hours feel lighter, especially when you are waiting for the crew to find the next good spot.

Snorkeling equipment included, and how to make snorkeling time worthwhile

You get snorkeling equipment included, and that is the fastest way to turn a boat ride into a real swim day. You do not need to rent gear at the port, and you do not need to guess whether the equipment will fit.

The Bay of Banderas has many snorkeling spots, and the tour is set up so snorkeling is part of the flow rather than an afterthought. You’ll be looking for areas where it’s safe to hop in, and where conditions let you see what’s there. In practice, snorkeling from a boat can be more rewarding than shoreline snorkeling, since you are often starting from farther offshore where visibility and marine life can be better.

What’s not included: towels. Bring one or plan to dry off using what you already have. If you forget a towel, you can still do the snorkeling, but you’ll be dealing with that annoying wet-to-dry transition right after.

Whale watching and dolphin sightings, plus your certificate

This outing includes whale watching, and the tour includes a Whale Watching Certificate. Even if you have seen whales before, having a certificate is a nice little bonus. It turns the experience into something you can remember with a physical item, not just photos.

You might also see dolphins. Multiple pieces of feedback mention dolphins and whales on the water during the day. Of course, wildlife depends on nature, so treat sightings as a high-likelihood highlight, not a guaranteed performance.

The practical value here is how the crew likely builds the route around wildlife opportunities. When you are on a private boat with a captain and sailor, you can typically spend more time where the action is, instead of rushing to the next stop because a larger tour timetable demands it.

If whale watching is a priority for you, this is one of those days where it helps to stay flexible. Keep your expectations open, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy the full surprise of what shows up.

Fresh catch onboard: ceviche, sashimi, and the food factor

One of the strongest reasons people love this experience is the food. Included on the list is chopped fruit, but the bigger story is what happens when the crew catches fish.

In feedback, guests describe the crew making fresh ceviche and also preparing sashimi using fish caught during the trip. That is not a generic catering add-on. It’s a real part of the day’s payoff, because it connects your fishing effort to something you can taste.

This matters for value. A lot of boat tours throw in snacks, then send you home. Here, you get a more complete experience that feels like a full day event, not just time on water. And if you are a food person, it’s one of the most memorable ways to experience local flavors without hunting for a separate meal plan afterward.

If you have dietary restrictions, the tour data you provided does not spell out specific accommodations. So if that matters for you, I’d suggest contacting the provider before booking so you know what the crew can do with food choices.

Crew service, privacy, and the little details that make the day feel easy

The tone from guests is consistently positive about the crew. People describe the captain and crew as attentive and friendly, and the boat as clean. That combination matters because on a long day at sea, small issues become big ones. A calm, organized crew keeps the experience feeling relaxed.

Privacy is another big piece. This is a private tour/activity, meaning your group is the only group on the boat. In real life, that often translates into:

• A pace that can match your group’s comfort level
• More flexibility to spend extra time on the best water
• Less waiting around for other groups to finish

One extra detail that can be useful if you are on a cruise: a past guest noted the crew dropped them off at a dock near their cruise ship. Your exact dock situation can vary, and the tour data does not promise that every time, but it’s a good sign that the crew understands how cruise schedules can work.

Timing, water comfort, and what to bring (since towels are not included)

The trip duration is listed as 4 to 10 hours (approx.). That wide range is normal for sea days, since weather, wildlife, and how the fishing is going all affect timing. When you book, you’ll want to plan your day with some buffer around the start time, especially if you are connecting to another activity later.

Here is what you should bring based on what is not included:

• Towels (explicitly not included)
• Any personal sun items you like (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• A change of clothes or a way to keep your things dry

What you should know is that transportation is not included. So you’ll want to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

Good news for practical access: the experience notes it is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. That makes it easier for more visitors to plan without feeling stuck.

Also, you receive mobile confirmation at booking time, and you use a mobile ticket. That saves time once you are at the port.

Price and value: why this day often beats a pick-and-choose schedule

There’s no price listed in the details you provided, so I’m going to talk about value instead of pretending. The value here comes from bundled inclusions that would cost extra if you booked separately.

You get:

• Fishing gear
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Chopped fruit
• A captain and sailor
• A Whale Watching Certificate

On a typical vacation, fishing gear rental and snorkeling gear rental are separate purchases. Food is also usually separate. So even if you compared this trip to taking a boat taxi plus renting equipment plus finding whale watching, you’d often be paying more while having less coordination.

The other value lever is the private format. A private boat day costs more than a shared group tour, but for families and friend groups, the cost often becomes easier to justify because everyone is together and the crew can focus only on your comfort and goals.

The tradeoff is time flexibility. Because this experience requires good weather, your day can shift plans. If you are flexible, this setup is a great way to squeeze in multiple highlights without running around town.

Who should book this private boat fishing and whale watching day

This is a strong match if you want a single, relaxing day with multiple highlights:

• Fishing plus snorkeling plus wildlife in one outing
• A private boat feel, without the stress of coordinating separate tours
• Fresh food as part of the payoff, not an optional add-on

It also tends to suit:

• Friend groups who want shared time and a laid-back pace
• Families who like the idea of equipment being handled for them
• Cruise passengers who want to maximize time at sea, if the provider can coordinate a convenient dock drop-off

If you are only interested in hardcore fishing and nothing else, you might feel the day is too broad. But if you want a sun and ocean day that includes fishing attempts and the possibility of whales and dolphins, this fits the brief well.

Should you book Mike’s Fishing & Tours from Puerto Vallarta?

If your top priorities are privacy, included gear, and a day that can mix whale watching, snorkeling, and fishing, I’d book it. The included Whale Watching Certificate, the focus on Bay of Banderas marine opportunities, and the reported fresh ceviche or sashimi experience make it feel like a complete outing rather than just transportation to a spot.

I would only hesitate if you are very specific about your fishing style, because the trip is more about a whole day on the water than a classic, all-day fishing-only format. Also, if you are traveling on a tight schedule, keep in mind it requires good weather.

If you can be flexible and you want an authentic ocean day with a crew that seems to care, this is the kind of boat experience that turns into a vacation highlight fast.

FAQ

How long is the Custom 46-foot boat experience?

The duration is listed as about 4 to 10 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included for fishing and snorkeling?

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

Do you get whale watching documentation?

Yes. A Whale Watching Certificate is included.

Are towels and transportation included?

No. Towels and transportation are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.