Saltwater days beat shore plans. This Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta trip pairs bay fishing with snorkeling, and you get snorkeling equipment handled for you.

I also love the way the crew runs the day end-to-end, from getting you set up to supporting you in the water. When you catch fish, the onboard food can be a highlight too, with chefs like Francisco turning fresh catch into ceviche and guacamole-style extras.

The one thing to weigh is that boat and photo setups can vary by departure and group size, and a few past experiences flagged issues with boat condition or photographer behavior.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private boat time for up to 15 people from the Paradise Village Public Pier area
• Fishing in the bay with chances at species like tuna, jack crevalle, dorado, sailfish, and marlin
• Crew support all day, including help once you’re in the water and during the snorkel/swim stops
• Food included on board (bottled water and chopped fruit for sure; ceviche-type meals can happen when there’s a catch)
• Bring a towel since towels aren’t included
• Photo packages can be a flashpoint, so decide what you want before the day gets busy

Why This PV Fishing + Snorkel Day Works for Families

This is a boat-focused experience that’s built to keep the whole group moving, without you needing to micromanage gear or timing. You start at the Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta, then head out to fish and explore the bay before turning the day into a snorkeling-and-swimming outing.

I like that it’s not just “go swim and hope for the best.” The crew is explicitly there to support you on board, while you’re in the water, and during your visit at the stops. That matters if you’re traveling with kids, mixed ages, or anyone who wants help with the basics.

You’ll also appreciate the pace if you’re not an all-day angler. The format is often a mix: fishing long enough to get excited, then snorkeling to see what’s going on underwater, then anchoring at a beach-style spot to relax.

Price and Group Size: What Your $1,075 Actually Buys

The price is $1,075 per group for up to 15 people, and the duration is about 6 hours (approx.). If your group fills closer to 15, the per-person value looks much better than if it’s only a couple of travelers.

Here’s what you’re getting for that group price: captain and sailor time, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and chopped fruit plus snacks. On top of that, your day is shaped around two activities—fishing and snorkeling—so you’re not paying for just one segment of the experience.

One practical note: transportation is not included. If you’re staying at a resort, expect to add the cost of a taxi or your own ride to the marina area. A quick taxi ride is common for people staying around Nuevo Vallarta.

Meeting at Paradise Village Pier: Getting Started Without Stress

Check in starts at Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico. This tour is round-trip, so the activity ends back at the meeting point.

There’s a simple truth here: with charter-style days, timing matters. If the boat is ready and everyone shows up on time, the whole afternoon feels easier. If you’re late, you’ll feel it, because you’re on a schedule tied to water conditions and the day’s plan.

It’s also offered in English, and a multi-lingual guide may operate depending on the day. You’ll get a mobile ticket after booking, which usually makes check-in smoother once you’re at the pier.

Fishing in the Bay: From Jack Crevalle to Trophy-Fish Dreams

The fishing portion is designed around exploring the bay for different species. The tour description calls out fish like jack crevalle, bonito, and tuna, plus trophy possibilities such as dorado, sailfish, and different marlin species.

What that means for you in real life is that success can be thrilling—or it can be “fun fishing with sightings.” Fishing results depend on what’s around that day. The good sign is that the crew’s job is to search for species in the bay rather than just take you out and drop a line with no plan.

One detail I’d keep in mind: this is often structured as a boat day that includes fishing time on the way to other stops. Some groups have described catching fish for the cooking part of the day and then moving on to snorkeling and beach time, not turning it into a long, dedicated angling expedition.

If you’re truly trophy-focused and need a fishing-first trip, you might find this format is better for “fishing as part of a full day.” The snorkeling and swim stops are built into the schedule.

Snorkeling Equipment, Crew Support, and Swim Stops You’ll Remember

Snorkeling gear is included, along with bottled water and chopped fruit. The crew is there to support you in the water, which is a big deal when you’re dealing with buoyancy, mask fit, and the simple reality that everyone moves at a different speed.

Once you’re in the water, you’ll be exploring the bay for underwater life connected to the day’s fishing theme. You’re not just looking for fish; you’re looking for the “different species” the crew expects may be around.

Some groups have also talked about extra water activities beyond the core snorkeling—like paddle boarding, kayaking, and even jumping off the boat. Those extras weren’t listed as guaranteed, but they do show the tour’s “active day” vibe when conditions allow.

The best part of snorkeling on this kind of itinerary is that it tends to feel like one continuous day. You’re not waiting around all morning, then doing a rushed swim, then leaving. You’re on the water, then in the water, then back into the relaxed stretch of the day.

Food on Board: Snacks, Fruit, and Why the Catch Matters

Your inclusions include bottled water, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, captain and sailor, and snacks (chopped fruit). So even if nothing is biting, you’re not going out empty-handed on the food side.

Where this tour can really become a standout is what happens when fish are caught. Multiple firsthand accounts describe fresh preparation—often ceviche made from the catch—and chef-led finishing with fresh guacamole-style sides.

In particular, people have named chefs such as Francisco and Sebastian as standout parts of the day, with guests describing how watchable and well-presented the food prep was. If you’re the type who hates wasted effort on vacation, you’ll like that the day’s “catch” can feed the meal rather than feeling like separate activities.

One more plus: the food is timed into the flow of the outing. It’s not always a sit-down restaurant moment. It’s more of a “boat table” setup where you’re eating while the rest of the group rests, drinks, and swaps stories.

The Crew Makes or Breaks the Day (Meet the Names)

The tour’s promise is crew support on board, in the water, and during the visit at stops. That’s not just marketing—people have named crew members who shaped the experience with constant attention and good energy.

You’ll see examples like Captain Antelmo running the day smoothly and letting groups shape the timeline. Others have praised bartender Kevin for hustling drinks even after the boat drops anchor. Service crew members like Cesar and Ruben have been credited with keeping everything running while guests fish, snack, and swim.

On the fishing side, a “we caught fish and didn’t travel far” story includes Captain Rigo and deck hand John. That matters because it hints at practical local expertise: finding the right spots so you spend time doing the fun part, not just cruising.

If you care about service quality, pay attention to how the crew communicates during check-in and once you’re on the water. When the crew is organized, the whole day feels calmer—even when the boat is busy with multiple people in and out of the water.

The Photo Package Factor: Great When It Works, Awkward When It Doesn’t

There’s a photographer element in the mix on this tour, and it can go either way. Some experiences describe natural, candid photo coverage and a photo package that people felt was worth buying because the shots looked real.

Other experiences have been less happy. One complaint focused on photo editing quality, like cropping in ways that missed faces or cut out too much of the fish. Another pointed to photographer awkwardness and added friction when the photographer’s setup interfered with space during longer charter time.

Here’s how to protect yourself: if photo packages are offered, treat them like a menu item, not an automatic add-on. Decide early what you want. And if you have a group with strong privacy needs, ask how the photographer operates before you leave the dock, so there are no surprise moments.

Also remember towels are not included. If you’re planning to change after swimming, your comfort level will matter more than you think, especially if the day runs long.

What to Pack (Only What the Tour Doesn’t Provide)

From the tour details, the clearest “you supply this” item is towels—they’re not included. Everything else core to the two main activities is included: snorkeling equipment and fishing gear, plus bottled water and chopped fruit.

You should also plan for the fact that transportation is not included. If you’re not already close to the meeting point, you’ll need a taxi or your own ride to get to Paradise Village Public Pier.

And since tips aren’t included, decide how you want to handle that as part of your day’s spending plan. The crew attention is a big part of the experience, so budgeting for gratuity is reasonable if you’re happy with service.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Want a Different Trip

This works especially well for families and mixed-age groups. One big theme from firsthand accounts is that kids and grandparents both fit comfortably into the day’s rhythm—fish a bit, snorkel a bit, eat, swim, repeat.

It also fits well if you want a “vacation day” rather than a pure fishing mission. People have described it as a boat day where fishing is part of the fun, then you pivot into snorkeling and a remote beach-style rest.

If you’re an experienced angler who wants hours of fishing at a high intensity, you might find the schedule shifts toward swimming and beach time more than you prefer. In that case, you may want a fishing-first charter instead of a combined day.

Should You Book Mike’s Fishing & Tours for Puerto Vallarta Bay Days?

I’d book this if your goal is a well-rounded day: fishing chances in the bay, a guided snorkeling component with included equipment, and a crew that keeps the energy moving. The math works best when your group size is closer to the top end of 15, because the price is per group.

Before you commit, I’d do two smart checks. First, confirm what boat you’ll be on for your specific departure, since there have been reports of boat swaps and gear differences. Second, clarify the photo approach and whether you’re comfortable with it, especially if your group is sensitive to being photographed.

If you’re going in with the right expectations—this is a combined water-and-food day—then it can be a memorable way to spend time on the Pacific side of Mexico without turning the trip into a logistics project.

FAQ

How much does the fishing and snorkel tour cost?

It’s $1,075 per group, up to 15 people.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, snorkeling equipment, captain and sailor, fishing gear, and snacks (chopped fruit).

What isn’t included?

Not included are transportation, tips, and towels.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and cut-off times are based on local experience time.