Custom 46′ Boat in Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta

A private 46-foot boat gives you the Bay of Banderas on your own terms. You can fish, snorkel, look for whales and dolphins, or simply stretch out on the water with your group instead of sharing the day with strangers. When the catch cooperates, the crew may prepare fresh ceviche or sashimi onboard.

I like the personal service and the fact that fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, water, fruit, and a captain and sailor are included. I also like the flexible length, since four hours can suit a half-day plan while up to ten hours allows time for fishing, beaches, and a longer run across the bay.

The main consideration is that this may not feel like a traditional, highly structured fishing charter. One party expected a more formal fishing and snorkeling program and found the experience more casual. The boat is private, but your day depends on weather, sea conditions, fish activity, and what the crew finds along the coast.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 46-foot boat: Your group has the vessel to itself, with a captain and sailor serving your party.
• Bay of Banderas variety: The route can include fishing grounds, snorkeling areas, beaches, whale watching, and views back toward Puerto Vallarta.
• Fresh catch may become lunch: Fish caught onboard has been prepared as ceviche or sashimi, though the catch is not guaranteed.
• Wildlife sightings are possible: Dolphins and whales have been seen, and a whale watching certificate is included.
• Bring towels and arrange transport: Towels, tips, and transportation are not included.
• Good for flexible groups: Choose roughly four to ten hours, depending on how much time you want on the water.

A private boat day on the Bay of Banderas

This experience is best understood as a flexible boat outing rather than a tightly scripted tour. The Bay of Banderas offers several possible activities in one broad area: fishing, snorkeling, beach stops, wildlife watching, and coastal sightseeing.

That variety is the main appeal. You are not locked into a single purpose for the entire day. If the fish are slow, you can focus on the scenery or move toward a snorkeling area. If whales or dolphins appear, the day can turn into a wildlife trip. If your group wants quiet time, you can simply enjoy the water and the view of Puerto Vallarta from offshore.

The boat is for your group alone. That matters more than it may sound. You can talk, play music through the boat’s Bluetooth connection, and adjust the pace without negotiating with a large crowd. One group also had the crew drop them near their cruise ship, but transportation is not part of the standard inclusion, so you should arrange pickup and drop-off details before the day begins.

The trip is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, but that does not mean transportation to the marina is included.

What four to ten hours feels like

The wide time range lets you match the outing to your holiday schedule. A four-hour charter works well if you want a taste of the bay, some fishing, and perhaps a swim or short snorkeling stop. It also leaves room for another activity in Puerto Vallarta later in the day.

A longer charter gives the crew more time to search for fish and wildlife and to reach more of the bay’s beaches and snorkeling spots. Ten hours can make this feel like a full day on the water, especially for a group that wants fishing to be the main event.

The tradeoff is simple: the longer the charter, the more important it becomes to know what your group actually wants. If only some people fish, make sure the others are happy with the sightseeing and time aboard. A private boat gives you control, but it does not create a different activity for every person at every moment.

I would choose the shorter option for a mixed group that mainly wants a pleasant boat ride with some fishing. I would consider the longer option for committed anglers, families or friends who want a full day together, or anyone hoping to combine fishing with several stops around the bay.

Fishing with equipment provided

Fishing is one of the central reasons to book this outing. Gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own rods or tackle. The Bay of Banderas has several attractive species, and the captain can help your group make use of the conditions on the day.

Still, set your expectations correctly. This is not presented as a specialized trophy-fishing charter with a guaranteed catch. Fish activity depends on nature, timing, and weather. One group had everyone catch fish, while another found the fishing and snorkeling less traditional than expected.

That difference is useful to keep in mind. If your priority is a serious, technical fishing program, ask questions before booking about the target species, equipment, fishing method, and expected time spent fishing. If you want an easygoing outing where beginners can try their luck while the boat also offers sightseeing, this format makes more sense.

The best part can come after the line is reeled in. When fish are caught, the crew has prepared fresh ceviche and sashimi onboard. That turns the catch into a shared meal and gives the fishing a clear reward beyond the activity itself. It is also one reason to tell the crew about food preferences or restrictions before leaving the dock.

Snorkeling, beaches, and time off the rod

The Bay of Banderas has many snorkeling locations and beaches to visit. These are included as possible parts of the day, not as a fixed sequence with named stops and guaranteed conditions.

That flexibility can work well for a private group. You can spend more time in the water if the conditions are pleasant, or move on if snorkeling is not the highlight for your party. Equipment is provided, which keeps the outing simple and saves you from packing your own mask and snorkel.

You should bring a towel, since towels are not included. Bottled water and chopped fruit are supplied, but you may want to plan around the food you personally need for a long day. The information provided does not include a full meal service, so do not treat the fruit and possible fresh catch as a complete catering plan.

The snorkeling experience may feel secondary to the boat ride and fishing. One group expected a conventional fishing and snorkeling program and felt some disappointment, even though the day remained enjoyable. I would book this with a relaxed attitude rather than expecting a dedicated snorkeling excursion with a detailed reef itinerary.

Whale and dolphin watching from the water

The bay also brings the possibility of wildlife watching. Dolphins and whales have been seen during these outings, including one trip with about six whales. A whale watching certificate is included, which adds a nice keepsake to the day.

Wild animals do not follow a schedule, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The certificate should not be read as a promise that whales will appear during your particular departure. It is better to see wildlife watching as one of the possible rewards of being on the bay.

This is a strong feature for families and mixed-interest groups. Someone who is less interested in fishing can watch the horizon, enjoy the scenery, and look for marine life. A whale or dolphin sighting can also give the day a memorable focus when the fishing is quiet.

The coast looks different from offshore. You get views back toward Puerto Vallarta, along with a changing perspective on the beaches and water. The experience is not only about what you catch. It is also about spending several hours in a place where the scenery, weather, and wildlife shape the day.

The crew, food, and onboard atmosphere

A captain and sailor are included, and the crew’s role goes beyond steering the boat. They handle the fishing equipment, help with the day’s activities, and can prepare fish when there is a catch.

The service has been warm and attentive, with the crew making people feel welcome and accommodating special arrangements when possible. One group was dropped at a dock near its cruise ship, which shows useful flexibility, but again, you should confirm any such request in advance rather than assume it is part of the standard plan.

The boat has been described as clean and in good condition. A Bluetooth connection lets you play music from your phone, a small feature that can make a long private charter feel more personal. Bring your own phone with enough battery if music matters to you, since the supplied information does not mention charging facilities.

Fresh ceviche and sashimi are among the most distinctive touches. Fish prepared shortly after being caught can make the day feel connected to the place and the activity. At the same time, the crew cannot serve a catch that never happens, so bring a backup plan for anyone who does not eat raw fish or seafood.

A photographer has also been present on at least one outing, and one group chose to buy the pictures. Photography is not listed as an inclusion, so treat it as an optional extra rather than part of the charter price.

What the private format is worth

No price is provided here, so I cannot judge the exact peso or dollar value. The right comparison is not a standard shared boat trip. You are paying for exclusive use of a large boat, a captain and sailor, equipment, and the ability to shape the day around your own group.

That can be good value for families or friends who would otherwise book several separate activities. Split among a group, a private charter may also offer more comfort and control than individual seats on a crowded excursion. The value is strongest when everyone wants roughly the same kind of day.

For a couple or a very small group, the private format may be harder to justify unless privacy and flexibility matter more than keeping costs low. Before booking, compare the total charter price with shared fishing tours and ask what is included in each. Pay particular attention to transportation, food, fuel charges if any, and the length of the actual time on the water.

The included gear, water, fruit, and snorkeling equipment reduce the number of extras you need to organize. Tips are not included, and towels are not included. Transportation is also outside the package, so factor those costs and practical details into your decision.

Planning the day without surprises

Arrange transportation to the departure point yourself unless the operator confirms another plan. The experience is near public transportation, but that is not the same as door-to-door service.

Wear clothing suitable for sun and water, and bring a towel. The supplied information confirms bottled water and chopped fruit, but it does not describe a full lunch, so you should ask about additional food if you are booking a long charter.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, changes are not accepted and the amount paid is not refunded.

That policy makes an early decision important, especially during a short stay in Puerto Vallarta. Check the forecast, confirm the meeting details, and make sure the trip fits your group before the 24-hour deadline.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this boat for a group that values privacy and wants several possible activities in one day. It suits friends who want to fish, families who want wildlife watching and fruit on the boat, and cruise passengers who need a flexible private outing near Puerto Vallarta.

It is also a good choice for people who prefer a personal day rather than a fixed group excursion. The ability to connect music, pause for scenery, and adjust the balance between fishing and snorkeling gives the outing a relaxed feel.

I would be more cautious if you want a highly specialized fishing trip, a guaranteed whale encounter, or a formal snorkeling itinerary with named sites and fixed timing. The day is shaped by conditions and by what your group chooses to do.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta boat tour?

Book it if you want a private day on the Bay of Banderas with fishing, possible whale and dolphin sightings, snorkeling, beaches, and a chance to eat fish caught by your own group. The crew, clean boat, supplied equipment, and flexible four to ten-hour format make it easy to tailor the outing.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife, a serious sport-fishing program, or a fully catered trip with transportation and towels included. For everyone else, this is a flexible way to get beyond the shoreline and build a day around your group, not around a crowded schedule.

FAQ

How long is the private boat experience?

The experience lasts approximately four to ten hours, depending on the option you book.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

What activities are available?

The Bay of Banderas offers fishing, snorkeling, beach visits, whale watching, dolphin watching, and views of Puerto Vallarta from the water.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing gear is included, along with snorkeling equipment.

What else is included onboard?

The package includes bottled water, chopped fruit, a captain and sailor, and a whale watching certificate.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included. The experience is near public transportation, and any special drop-off arrangement should be confirmed in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted and are not refunded. Poor weather may result in a different date or a full refund.