Great ceviche starts with your catch. This Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta boat day mixes fishing in the bay with snorkeling time, plus a crew that keeps the day moving. If you want ocean views, real water time, and food made with what you catch, this hits the mark.

I love how snorkeling and fishing are built into the same flowing schedule, so you are not stuck choosing one thing and giving up the other. I also love the food focus, with ceviche and guac showing up again and again in the crew stories, including standout chefs like Francisco and Sebastian. The one thing to consider is that boat and photo setups can vary, so double-check what boat you are assigned and how you want photos handled.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Fishing built for everyone, not just hardcore anglers, with crew help and enough hands-on time for groups to reel in fish.
• Bay spotting opportunities, from species like Jack Crevalle, Bonito, and Tuna to trophy targets such as Dorado, Sailfish, and Marlin.
• Food is a major part of the experience, including chopped fruit and often ceviche made from the day’s catch, plus fresh guacamole.
• Crew energy and service style, often described as funny, fast, and attentive, with staff like Chef Francisco and Captain Antelmo mentioned by name.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew supports you in the water so you can focus on seeing fish.
• Photo sales can be a factor, since a photographer is sometimes on board, so decide early if you want that add-on.

The Real Point of This Half-Day Boat Day

This tour is essentially a comfortable boat outing that blends two ocean activities: a chance to fish in the bay, then time to snorkel and swim. The bay is where you are meant to enjoy the scenery and the action, and the crew stays close so you are not left figuring everything out alone.

Here is the honest vibe: you are not signing up for a long, serious offshore expedition where you only fish and nothing else happens. Instead, the day is designed around variety, with fishing time that can lead to food on the boat, then snorkeling and beach time where the focus shifts to being in the water.

Meeting at Paradise Village, Then Back Again

Your starting point is Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico. You return to the same meeting point at the end.

Two practical notes help a lot here. First, transportation is not included, so plan how you will get to the pier. Second, even though the trip is listed as about 6 hours, that does not mean you should show up thinking it will be exactly to the minute. In real life, departures can run a bit late or start promptly depending on the boat and day.

How the Day Flows: Fish, Then Snorkel, Then Swim and Eat

The core rhythm you are looking for is straightforward: head out on the boat, fish for a while as you explore the bay, then move into snorkeling and swim time, often anchored near a beach.

Fishing in the bay: what you can reasonably aim for

The tour description calls out a wide range of possible species, including Jack Crevalle, Bonito, and Tuna, plus trophy fish like Dorado, Sailfish, and Marlin. That is exciting on paper, but the bigger takeaway for your planning is how the experience is framed.

The fishing part is meant to be interactive and shared. On one trip, the crew even prepared ceviche using what the group caught, and the day included enough bites that multiple people got turns. If your group includes kids or people who do not usually fish, this structure is a plus.

Snorkeling: where the crew support matters

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew is there during your time in the water. That matters because it turns snorkeling from a self-guided task into a guided activity. You spend less time troubleshooting gear and more time looking around for fish.

You should also plan for the fact that snorkeling conditions depend on the day. Calm, clear water is the dream, and the tour is weather-dependent, so be ready for “today’s ocean decides.”

The beach stop and the food moment

After snorkeling, the day typically includes time at anchor at a remote beach area where you eat, drink, and swim. In the stories tied to this experience, the food is not an afterthought. The chef role comes up again and again, including people highlighting Chef Francisco cutting ceviche from fish, and another experience crediting Chef Sebastian for guacamole and overall cooking.

Snorkeling Gear, What You Still Need, and How to Make It Comfortable

You get snorkeling equipment and fishing gear included. That is a big value point because you are not shopping or hauling your own gear.

You should still bring a few things to avoid a rough end to the day. Towels are not included, so pack one. Also plan for sunscreen and a hat, because sun and salt water can surprise you even when the breeze feels nice.

If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy. The tour runs on a boat, and even a stable boat day can feel bouncy once you are out on the water.

Food on Board: Why the Chef Gets Mentioned a Lot

Food is where this tour often separates from “just another charter.” The baseline included items list bottled water, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, captain and sailor, and snacks like chopped fruit.

But the real repeat praise centers on the chef. People describe fresh ceviche made from the catch, plus guacamole that gets singled out as a highlight. Names that show up include Chef Francisco and Chef Sebastian, and the way food is served seems to be part of the experience, not just fuel.

What I think this means for you

If your group is mixed, with some people who want fish and some who mainly want swimming and food, this format is built for that. Even if you do not land a trophy fish, the day still has a payoff because there is a food setup planned for the time you spend on board and at anchor.

Crew and Service Style: The Difference Between a Trip and a Day Out

The tour description promises a crew that supports you on board, in the water, and during the visit. In plain terms, that support is what makes the day feel easy.

From the crew stories attached to this experience, the best moments usually involve constant attention and quick help. There are multiple named crew examples, such as Captain Antelmo, Captain Rigo, and staff like bartender Kevin, with service described as lively and hands-on. Even the photographer role is part of the social rhythm on some boats.

One practical consideration

Because the experience can include a photographer, decide how you want to handle photos before you are already in the moment. If you are not into photo packages, be polite but clear, and plan to use your phone for your own shots.

Boat Comfort and the One Thing to Confirm

Most tours like this advertise comfortable and safe boats, and this one does. Still, one negative experience in the mix includes a boat switch, plus complaints about condition and timing.

So here is the simple, smart move before you go: confirm the boat name tied to your reservation when you book, and ask if there is any chance of switching. If they say it can change for operational reasons, at least you will know you are walking in with eyes open.

Also, boats can differ in how crowded they feel. The tour listing says up to 15 in a group, and there are examples of larger groups boarding a larger yacht. Your experience will feel more relaxing if your group stays within the expected size.

Pricing: What $1,075 Per Group Buys You

The price is listed as $1,075.00 per group for up to 15 people, and the tour runs about 6 hours.

Value is about math and expectations:

• If you fill the group to 15 people, you are looking at roughly $72 per person.
• If you have a smaller group, say 8 people, you are closer to $135 per person.

Now factor in what is included: snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, captain and sailor, bottled water, and snacks like chopped fruit. Then factor in what many of these days add in practice: food service that can include ceviche and guacamole, plus a full day of activity built around swimming and snorkeling.

If your group wants variety and a crew-run day with food, the per-person cost can feel reasonable. If your group truly wants a dedicated fishing expedition and nothing else, you may feel this is priced like a “boat day” rather than a pure fishing-focused trip.

Weather and Timing: How to Stay Chill

This experience requires good weather. That means the sea state matters, both for snorkeling and for general comfort on the boat.

Plan your expectations like this: aim for a smooth, fun half-day, but keep a little flexibility in your schedule in case conditions change. A prompt start or a late start will not ruin the day, but it can change how hungry you are for lunch and how much sunlight you get at the beach.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Not Love It

You will probably love this if you want:

• Families and mixed-age groups, since the day is active but not complicated
• A boat trip that includes both fishing and snorkeling
• A food-focused outing where ceviche and guacamole can be part of the experience
• Crew support in the water, so snorkeling feels manageable

You might want to choose a different style of charter if:

• Your group is only interested in fishing, with minimal snorkeling or swimming
• You are highly sensitive to photo sales, since a photographer can be part of the day
• You expect the exact same boat model and condition every time, since operational changes can happen

A Quick Checklist So the Day Goes Well

Before you arrive, do these three things:

• Bring a towel, since it is not included.
• Have sunscreen and a hat ready, because you are out on the water for hours.
• Decide how you feel about photos. If you do not want photo package pressure, say so early and use your own camera.

Should You Book Mike’s Fishing and Tours in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta?

I would book it if your group wants a private, crew-led day that blends fishing, snorkeling, swimming, and food. The strong repeat theme is service plus a chef-forward meal experience, which can turn a normal boat outing into a memorable day.

I would hold back or ask extra questions first if you care a lot about a specific boat setup, want to avoid photo add-ons, or your group is strictly focused on fishing above all else. Confirm the boat name and your photo preferences, and you will set yourself up for a smoother day on the water.

FAQ

What is the price for this fishing and snorkel tour?

The price is $1,075.00 per group, up to 15 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where do we meet, and does the tour end there too?

You meet at Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the tour?

It includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, captain and sailor, fishing gear, and snacks such as chopped fruit.

What is not included?

Transportation, tips, and towels are not included.

Is this tour private?

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

What languages are offered?

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

What happens if weather is poor or we need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.