Banderas Bay days beat beach days. This private Bertram 38′ convertible cruise is built for people who want real time on the water, not just a ride past views. I like that the trip mixes shoreline sightseeing with a chance to snorkel at a wildlife-filled rock spot, plus it’s set up so you can fish or kayak without hunting down extra gear. The one thing to think about is practical: there’s no hotel pickup and towels aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll get to the boat dock and what you’ll bring.

The best part is how flexible the day feels once you’re out there. You get included snorkeling gear, fishing gear, bottled water, chopped fruit, and snacks, so your cost-to-fun ratio stays strong even if your group splits up—one person fishes, another paddles, someone else snorkels. The only real drawback to keep in mind is weather: the experience is weather-dependent, and poor conditions can shuffle dates or lead to a refund.

Key Points I’d Plan Around

• Private group on a 38′ convertible means you’re not waiting on strangers or stuck in a rigid schedule.
• Snorkeling at a wildlife rock area gives you underwater and over-water views in the same stop.
• Fishing gear and snorkeling gear included so you can show up and go.
• Kayaking is part of the fun if you want a slower, hands-on way to explore.
• Food and drinks included (bottled water, chopped fruit, snacks), which helps this feel like a true half-day outing.
• Dress is beach casual with soft shoes; plan your swimsuit/snorkel items in advance.

Getting on Board: What the Bertram 38′ Convertible Changes

This tour is a private outing on a Bertram 38′ convertible, which matters more than the boat name. A convertible boat usually means you get better sightlines and more comfort options than a fixed-deck vessel. In plain terms, it’s easier to enjoy the horizon, spot shoreline features, and keep the day feeling like a sightseeing cruise rather than a long, bumpy transfer.

And since it’s private, the “pace” is up to your group. If you want more time at the snorkeling stop, you’re not fighting for turns. If your crew wants to fish first and snorkel later, you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all rhythm.

Practical reality check: you’ll still want to come ready for a boat day. Bring your swimsuit if you plan to get in the water, and wear soft shoes—no heels. That’s the kind of detail that keeps your trip smooth, because you’ll be moving around on deck.

Puerto Vallarta From the Water: The Shoreline Sightseeing Stop

The first main stop is a shoreline sightseeing run around Puerto Vallarta. This is one of those “sounds simple, works great” parts of the day. Seeing the coast from the water changes everything—angles, scale, and how the city sits along the bay. You get a moving postcard view where hotels, hills, and coastline features slide by instead of feeling like you’re standing still and hoping to catch good light.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you an instant sense of place. Even if you only spend a few hours on the water, you’ll start connecting landmarks with the bay shape. It’s also a nice warm-up for the rest of the trip: you’re out there, settled, and then the day naturally transitions into wildlife viewing and snorkeling.

A small consideration: if you’re prone to seasickness, this is the part where you’ll feel the boat movement most. You’re on open water around Banderas Bay, so you’ll want to take that seriously. Plan ahead with whatever usually works for you (food timing, hydration, and motion comfort).

The Rocks Full of Wildlife: Snorkeling With Real Underwater Views

The standout moment is the stop at a set of rocks full of wildlife, where you can snorkel and enjoy magnificent views both under and over the water. That phrasing matters. A lot of tours advertise snorkeling, but you don’t always get a spot that feels alive.

Here, the emphasis is clearly on wildlife at the rock area, and the experience is built around snorkeling time rather than a quick dip. And since snorkeling equipment is included, you’re not stuck bargaining with a rental shop or losing time figuring out gear.

What you should expect:

• You’ll likely get a chance to gear up right at the stop and spend a meaningful chunk of time in the water.
• You’ll also see the spot from the surface, so even if someone in your group doesn’t snorkel, they still get a visual payoff.

Drawback to keep in mind: the tour requires good weather. For snorkeling, that’s not just about comfort—it affects water conditions and what you can safely do. If conditions are poor, the provider may offer a different date or a full refund rather than forcing the experience.

Fishing and Kayaking: Pick Your Adventure On Board

One of the best values in this outing is that it supports multiple interests without making you pay for every “activity add-on.” The experience explicitly includes fishing equipment, snorkeling gear, and snacks, and it also mentions you can enjoy your favorite watersports like fishing and kayaking.

That means you’re not stuck doing only one thing all day. If your group is mixed—some want fish, some want underwater viewing, some want to paddle—this trip gives you a setup where different people can enjoy different parts of the bay.

From a planning standpoint, here’s how I’d think about it:

• If you’re a first-time snorkeler, you’ll appreciate that the snorkeling gear is included and the stop is focused on snorkeling.
• If fishing is the priority, you’ll want to stay close during the fishing window and be ready to use the included fishing gear right away.
• If kayaking sounds perfect, you’ll enjoy the slow, hands-on way it lets you explore at your own speed.

What I’d ask yourself before booking: which activity is your “main event”? The snorkeling rock stop is clearly a highlight. Fishing and kayaking are also part of the plan, but your day still centers on the overall flow of sightseeing and that wildlife snorkeling area.

Included Food, Water, and Snacks: A Small Detail That Keeps the Day Fun

You’re not just buying time on a boat—you’re getting supplies that make the trip feel complete. Included items are bottled water and chopped fruit, plus snacks. That’s the stuff that helps a half-day or longer outing feel enjoyable even if you miss a snack before departure.

I also like that this is planned as a group experience. One recent family of seven called out food service and drinks as a highlight, along with kayaking and the overall entertainment value. Another group customized a longer trip and mentioned adding a stop at Ocean Grill, which hints at how flexible the day can feel depending on what you want.

One practical note: towels aren’t included. If you plan to snorkel and you don’t want to deal with wet gear all day, bring a towel. It’s simple, and it keeps your comfort level high.

Private Group Dynamics: Best Fit for Couples, Families, and Friends

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates, which changes the feel right away. You can move at a pace that works for your people, and you’re less likely to deal with the friction that happens when everyone has different comfort levels with boats and water activities.

It’s also described as suitable for most travelers, and children must be accompanied by an adult. That combination usually works well for family groups who want a shared activity with enough variety for adults and kids to enjoy at least part of the time.

Based on the ratings, the experience seems to land well with groups. Couples and larger family groups both gave strong feedback for fun and service quality. One group specifically described the captain and crew as fantastic and praised the day trip enough to recommend it strongly.

A thoughtful consideration: since it’s private and group size can go up to 8, the vibe depends on your group makeup. If you’re with friends who want to run around and maximize activities, you’ll probably love it. If your group includes members who prefer a slow, low-energy experience, plan that snorkeling time and fishing time thoughtfully so everyone gets something they enjoy.

Price and Value: What $800 Per Group Really Buys

The price is $800.00 per group, up to 8 people. That price structure is key. Instead of per-person ticketing that can get pricey fast, you’re paying for a private boat experience by the group.

So when does it feel like value?

• When you’re traveling with 3–8 people and you want privacy on a real boat.
• When you’ll actually use the included gear—snorkeling equipment and fishing gear—plus snacks and bottled water.
• When you want time on the water that includes sightseeing, not just one activity.

If you’re a solo traveler or only two people, the price may still make sense if you want privacy and flexibility. But if you’re mainly looking for a low-cost snorkeling stop with minimal frills, you might compare against other public tours.

There’s also a hint from the feedback that the experience can include extras like a photo service. Since you don’t have pricing details here, I’d treat that as something to ask about when you book. If it’s available, it could add value if you want professional-style pictures from the day.

Duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours (approx.). That range can affect value, too. A longer day gives more time for fishing/kayaking and for you to enjoy both the shoreline and the wildlife rock snorkeling stop without rushing.

Weather, Timing, and Dress: The Details That Avoid Hassle

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a big deal for a snorkeling-focused outing. It’s worth planning for flexibility—don’t book this as the only activity you can’t reschedule.

Dress code is beach casual:

• Soft shoes only; no heels
• Swimsuit for anyone who plans to swim or snorkel

I’d also add a very practical mindset: pack like you’ll get wet. Even if you’re not the one snorkeling, you’ll likely be close to water activities. Bring a dry change of clothes if you can, because you don’t want to end the day uncomfortable.

Also, there’s no hotel pickup and drop-off. The listing says it’s near public transportation, so you might be able to reach the dock area easily depending on where you’re staying. Just don’t assume someone will collect you from your hotel room.

How to Make the Most of Your 4 to 8 Hours

Because the day can run from about 4 to 8 hours, you’ll want to think about how you want the time to feel. Here are a few ways to “plan the flow” without overcomplicating it:

• Start with the shoreline sightseeing so you get bearings fast.
• Treat the wildlife rock snorkeling stop as your fixed point—use it for the main underwater time.
• Use fishing and kayaking as your flexible sections. If you’re having a great time, you can usually lean into it during the water activity windows.

One tip from how people describe the trip: the captain and crew shape the day, and people clearly respond to that. If you’re customizing (like extending the trip or adding a meal stop), communicate your preferences early so the crew can build the schedule around your group.

Should You Book the Bertram 38′ Boat Day With Mike’s Fishing & Tours?

Yes—if you want a private boat day in Puerto Vallarta that mixes sightseeing with real water time, this is a strong choice. The combination of shoreline sightseeing, a wildlife-focused snorkeling stop, and included snorkeling equipment and fishing gear creates a lot of value inside a single booking.

Book it if:

• Your group size is closer to 6–8 people and you want to split the group cost.
• Snorkeling is a priority and you want the gear handled for you.
• You want flexibility to enjoy fishing or kayaking without extra rentals.

Skip it or think twice if:

• You need a guaranteed fixed plan regardless of weather.
• You don’t want to manage your own transport to the dock area.
• You forget essentials like towels, since towels aren’t included.

If you line up a swimsuit-ready day, show up with soft shoes, and keep an eye on weather, you’ll probably love how this trip feels: like a proper day on Banderas Bay, not just a short detour.

FAQ

How much does the Bertram 38′ Convertible Boat tour cost?

It costs $800.00 per group, up to 8 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 4 to 8 hours.

What activities are included?

You’ll get half-day sightseeing cruise in Banderas Bay, with options for watersports like fishing and kayaking, plus snorkeling at a wildlife-rock stop.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment (including snorkelling gear as listed), fishing gear, bottled water, and chopped fruit.

What isn’t included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off and towels are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Are children allowed?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s the cancellation and weather policy in plain terms?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour private?

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