Custom 46′ Boat in Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta

If you’re considering a private boat trip around the Bahía de Banderas, this 46-foot vessel operated by Mike’s Fishing & Tours offers a flexible, intimate way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and waters. Whether you’re after fishing, snorkeling, whale sightings, or simply relaxing with friends and family, this tour promises a tailored experience that lets you set the pace.

What we love about this experience is its exclusivity — it’s just your group on a spacious boat with a captain and crew dedicated to your enjoyment. Plus, the chance to see marine life up close, including dolphins and whales, makes it a standout. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the lack of included transportation, meaning you’ll need to arrange your own way to reach the dock.

This tour suits travelers who value personalized service, versatility, and natural beauty. It’s especially good for groups who want a customized day out on the water, whether that’s fishing, snorkeling, or wildlife watching.

Key Points

• Private and customizable experience, tailored to your group’s interests
• Includes fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, and a whale watching certificate
• Flexible duration from 4 to 10 hours, depending on your preferences
• Stunning views of Puerto Vallarta and Los Arcos, perfect for photography
• Cost per group offers good value for up to 15 people
• Not included: transportation, tips, towels, so plan accordingly

An Overview of the Experience

This private boat tour provides a unique way to explore the waters of Bahía de Banderas. Priced at $860 for your group (up to 15 people), it offers a flexible day out that can last anywhere from four to ten hours. The vessel is a comfortable 46-foot boat, perfect for groups seeking privacy and tailored activities.

The tour’s core attraction is its flexibility: you choose whether to fish, snorkel, or visit beaches. The boat is equipped with fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and chopped fruit, ensuring comfort and convenience. A captain and sailor are included, and the experience is designed to be intimate and personalized, unlike larger, more regimented excursions.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Bay of Banderas is the highlight of this tour, offering a diverse mix of activities and scenic highlights. Here’s how a typical day might unfold, based on available information and reviews:

Fishing: Many guests find fishing to be a major highlight. The boat comes with gear, making it easy to try your luck off the coast. As one reviewer noted, “We all caught fish and had fresh fish on the boat,” which adds a special touch of authenticity to the experience. The crew is friendly and attentive, helping even beginners feel confident.

Snorkeling: The boat stops at various snorkeling spots. While the exact locations aren’t specified, the beauty of the bay means you’ll likely see vibrant marine life, with opportunities to get into the water and explore.

Wildlife Watching: Many travelers report sightings of dolphins, whales, and other marine creatures. One reviewer exclaimed, “We saw about 6 whales and dolphins, which was amazing.” The boat even comes with a whale watching certificate, adding a tangible souvenir to your adventure.

Visiting Beaches: Depending on your group’s interests and time, the captain can take you to around the many beaches in the area, offering opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing with stunning views.

Evening or longer trips can include additional activities or more time at each stop, making the experience adaptable.

What Travelers Say — Authentic Insights from Reviews

Multiple reviews praise the tour for its friendly crew and excellent service. Danielle called it “such a great activity,” highlighting that the captain caught fish and made ceviche for everyone — a true mark of engaging, personal service.

Dawn appreciated the wildlife sightings, noting the “dolphins and whales,” which made the trip memorable. She also enjoyed the photography offered by the staff, capturing special moments.

Some reviews mention minor surprises, like the fishing experience not being traditional. “We thought we’d do fishing and snorkeling, but it’s not a typical fishing trip,” said Ron. However, he still rated it highly, emphasizing the clean boat and good overall time.

The reviews also reflect the value of flexibility; some guests found the trip more about the scenic and wildlife experience than pure fishing or snorkeling, but all agreed the stunning views of Puerto Vallarta from the water made it worthwhile.

Analyzing the Value and Practical Considerations

At $860 per group, this experience offers a lot of value for groups of up to 15, especially if you’re interested in combining multiple activities like fishing, snorkeling, and wildlife watching. The inclusion of fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a whale watching certificate adds tangible perks.

However, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own way to meet at the dock. The tour is near public transportation, which helps, but it’s worth planning ahead. Also, towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or sunbathe.

The flexible duration allows you to customize your day — the 4-hour option might suit a quick escape, while a 10-hour trip offers a full-day adventure. Remember that the experience is weather-dependent; if poor weather cancels the trip, you get a full refund or a reschedule.

The Experience Provider: Mike’s Fishing & Tours

Operating out of Puerto Vallarta, Mike’s Fishing & Tours has a solid reputation for friendly service and personalized trips. Their focus on private experiences means you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, tailored outing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat trip is ideal for families, friends, or couples looking for a private, flexible day on the water. It’s particularly appealing to those who enjoy wildlife watching, fishing, or simply soaking in stunning bay views. If you’re after a more traditional, guided tour with fixed stops, this might not be the best choice, but if a customized adventure sounds appealing, it’s a winner.

Final Thoughts

This private 46-foot boat trip in Puerto Vallarta strikes a nice balance between adventure and relaxation. Its personalized approach, friendly crew, and scenic highlights make it a strong choice for those wanting to escape the crowds and craft their ideal day at sea. The chance to see whales and dolphins, catch your own fish, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters ensures a memorable experience.

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that many guests leave with stories of stunning wildlife encounters and fresh ceviche made from their catch. For travelers who value authenticity, flexibility, and beautiful scenery, this tour offers excellent value and a genuine taste of Mexico’s coastal waters.

FAQ

How many people can join this tour?
Up to 15 people can participate, making it perfect for small groups or families wanting a private experience.

What’s included in the tour?
The price covers fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a whale watching certificate, a captain and crew, and chopped fruit.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the dock is not included, so you’ll need to organize your own way to meet the boat.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 10 hours, depending on your chosen length and interests.

Can I customize the activities?
Yes, the tour is private and can be tailored to your preferences, whether that’s fishing, snorkeling, or beach visits.

What should I bring?
Towels are not provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim. Also, consider sun protection and any personal gear you might need.

Is this experience suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s accessible for service animals. Check with the operator if you have specific needs.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of poor weather, the tour will be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I book?
You can book through the provided link or contact Mike’s Fishing & Tours directly via phone or email.

To sum it up, this private boat tour in Puerto Vallarta offers a flexible, intimate way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. With its combination of wildlife sightings, fishing opportunities, and scenic views, it’s well-suited for travelers seeking a personalized and authentic experience. Just be prepared to organize your transportation and bring essentials like towels, and you’re set for a memorable day on the water.