Fish, snorkel, and whales in one private day. I love how the crew handles the fishing setup and can turn your catch into fresh ceviche. I also love that this is a true private charter for your group. The one thing to consider: it’s more hands-on guided fun than a traditional, DIY-style fishing outing.

From the water, Puerto Vallarta’s coastline hits different. You’re spending the day in the Bay of Banderas area, with chances for dolphins and whales and plenty of ocean time to relax. One bonus I really like: you can connect your phone to play music via Bluetooth.

You’ll have snorkeling gear and fishing gear waiting for you, plus bottled water and chopped fruit. A whale-watching certificate is included, and the captain and sailor run the show. Just remember towels and transportation aren’t included.

Key things to know before you go

• Private 46-foot boat means you don’t share the day with strangers.
• Fishing gear and snorkeling gear are provided, so you can travel lighter.
• Fresh ceviche and even sashimi may be prepared from your catch.
• Dolphins and whales can show up, and you get a whale watching certificate.
• Bluetooth music from your phone is available for the ride.
• Towels and transportation are not included, so plan ahead.

A Custom 46-Foot Boat Day in Puerto Vallarta (What It Feels Like)

This is the kind of day that’s built around one big idea: you’re out on the ocean with your own boat, your own pace, and a crew doing the practical work. The custom 46-foot setup also helps make it feel like more than a quick excursion. You get a full day window, listed at about 4 to 10 hours, depending on how the day shapes up.

I like the format because it’s simple for you to decide. You can focus on fishing, you can take breaks to snorkel, and you can just enjoy the views from the waterline. If you’re traveling with friends or family and you want the freedom to stay together, this is exactly that kind of setup.

Bay of Banderas: Where the Plan Stays Simple

The heart of the itinerary is time in the Bay of Banderas area. That’s where you get a mix of what you came for: fishing opportunities, snorkeling spots, and beaches you can visit from the boat. It’s not written as a rigid checklist of tiny landmarks. Instead, it’s an ocean day with several possible styles of fun, all in one place.

What this means for you: you’re not bouncing around to lots of far-off stops. You’re using your time on the water well. The tradeoff is that the exact feel of the day depends on sea conditions and where the captain chooses to work that day’s chances.

Expect this to be scenic. Even if you’re not a die-hard nature person, staring out at the coastline from a boat is a quick mood reset.

Fishing Off Mexico: Gear, Coaching, and Fresh Food on the Water

Fishing is the headline, and the setup is very practical. Fishing gear is included, and the boat crew (captain and sailor) is part of what makes it work. I like that you’re not arriving and immediately figuring out equipment basics. Instead, the day is structured so you can actually spend time fishing.

One thing to know: it doesn’t always feel like classic, gritty sport fishing. There’s at least one documented experience where the activity felt more guided and less like a traditional fishing outing. That might matter if you’re expecting the kind of hands-on, every-cast training you do on your own gear. If you’re there for fun, fish, and a great time on the water, it still lands well.

Now for the part that elevates the day: food from the catch. Multiple experiences describe the crew preparing fresh ceviche right on the boat. Some groups also mention sashimi made from the fish at the end of the day. That turns your morning effort into an actual meal experience instead of just a souvenir story.

Snorkeling and Beach Breaks: Ocean Time You Can Switch Into

Snorkeling gear is included, which makes it easy to switch gears mid-day. You’re not hunting for rentals or trying to make do with random gear. When the captain moves toward snorkeling spots, you’re ready.

Because the itinerary also calls out beaches to visit, you can get a break from constant water activity. I like that mix. If fishing gets tiring, snorkeling gives you variety. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you still get that “on a boat” feeling plus the option to check out beaches along the way.

One practical note: towels are not included. If you plan to get in the water and then dry off before you head back, bring what you’ll need or arrange it through your own travel logistics.

Whale and Dolphin Watching (Plus a Certificate)

Whale watching is built into the experience with a whale watching certificate included. That’s a clear sign this isn’t just a fishing day where animals are a lucky bonus. It’s part of the intended ocean program.

You should also know the wildlife side can happen in a memorable way. Experiences shared from the boat day include dolphin sightings and whale sightings, including reports of multiple whales on the water. Nothing is guaranteed the way it would be at a zoo, but the program is set up for wildlife spotting rather than ignoring it.

If seeing whales and dolphins matters to your trip plan, this charter checks that box while still giving you active time fishing and snorkeling. You don’t have to choose between “lazy wildlife watching” and “hands-on ocean action.”

Crew and Boat Vibe: Private Service That Stays Attentive

A huge part of why people rate this so highly is how the crew shows up. The captain and sailor are part of the included package, and you feel the difference when service is attentive and friendly. That matters because you’re out there for hours. When the crew keeps the day running smoothly, it helps you relax instead of managing the details.

Another small detail that can make the day feel more personal: music. One shared experience specifically mentions connecting a phone to the boat’s Bluetooth to play music. That’s a simple upgrade, but it turns the ride into something you can shape.

There’s also mention of photography on the day. One experience praises a photographer and says they bought the pictures. That suggests you may have an option to capture the day beyond your own camera. If photos are important to your group, it’s worth asking how that works when you’re on board.

Timing, Weather, and How Long Your Day Really Takes

The tour length is listed as approximately 4 to 10 hours, and that range is there for a reason: ocean time depends on conditions. Also, the experience requires good weather. If the trip gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This is one of those tours where going with a flexible mindset helps. If you book it on a day where the forecast looks rough, you’re risking a reset. On the other hand, when the weather cooperates, the longer window gives you real breathing room to fish, snorkel, and still end the day satisfied.

Included vs Not Included: What You Need to Plan For

Here’s what’s covered so you can budget your brain space for the fun part. The experience includes fishing gear, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, the whale watching certificate, chopped fruit, and the captain and sailor.

What’s not included:

• transportation
• tips
• towels

Those missing items are small but important. Transportation matters because the tour doesn’t include getting you to the boat. Towels matter because you’ll likely get wet if you snorkel or visit beaches. Tips are always a personal choice, but since the crew is central to the value here, plan for it.

If you’re traveling with a phone and music matters to your group, charge it and bring it along. Bluetooth music is mentioned as part of the experience vibe, so having your device ready helps.

Value Check: Why a Private 46-Foot Boat Can Be Worth It

Even without seeing a specific price in the details you provided, you can judge value by what you’re buying. This isn’t just “a boat ride.” You’re paying for:

• a private setup for your group
• equipment for both fishing and snorkeling
• crew time throughout the day
• included water and chopped fruit
• and the chance at standout moments like whale and dolphin sightings

The food element is a real value signal. When the crew prepares ceviche (and sometimes sashimi) from what you catch, that turns the experience into something you eat and remember, not just something you watch from the rail.

The other value angle is convenience. Because the gear is included, you’re not spending time hunting rentals or wasting time sorting out equipment. That’s one less friction point between you and time on the water.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want to Think Twice)

This charter is a great match if you want an ocean day that mixes active time (fishing and snorkeling) with scenery and the chance to see whales and dolphins. It also fits groups that want privacy—your own boat, your own pace, and no strangers adding chaos.

You might think twice if you’re expecting a very traditional, hardcore fishing trip with a totally DIY feel. One experience described it as not quite traditional in the way some anglers expect. If you want that exact style, be sure you’re comfortable with guided fishing fun rather than solo method practice.

Also, since good weather is required, this is best scheduled with a day that has at least a decent forecast.

Should You Book Mike’s Fishing & Tours’ Custom 46-Foot Charter?

I’d book this if your priority is a full, private day at sea in the Puerto Vallarta area—especially if you want fishing, snorkeling gear handled for you, and the extra wildlife possibility that comes with the whale watching certificate. The fresh-catch food angle (ceviche, and sometimes sashimi) is the kind of detail that turns a tour into a story.

Skip it or reconsider if you’re traveling with a tight weather window or if towels and transportation planning would be a headache for you. And if you’re the type who needs a very traditional fishing style, understand the experience may lean more guided and social than independent.

If you want a day that feels special without being complicated, this one is built for you.

FAQ

How long is the boat experience?

The experience is listed as 4 to 10 hours (approximately).

Is this a private tour?

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

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included with the charter?

Fishing gear, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, a whale watching certificate, captain and sailor, and chopped fruit are included.

What is not included?

Transportation, tips, and towels are not included.

Do I get confirmation after I book?

Yes. Confirmation will be received at time of booking.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes. A mobile ticket is provided.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if weather is bad or I cancel?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; within 24 hours there is no refund.