REVIEW · PUERTO VALLARTA
Fishing and snorkel tour in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta
Book on Viator →Operated by Mike's Fishing & Tours · Bookable on Viator
One day at sea can feel like a whole vacation. This Puerto Vallarta fishing and snorkeling trip mixes time on the line with time in the water, plus a meal that follows whatever you catch. If you’re aiming for that classic bay day—cruise, fish, snorkel, eat, repeat—this is built for it.
I especially like the setup: you get snorkeling equipment and fishing gear included, so you’re not spending your trip inventory-hunting. I also like that the crew role isn’t just “drive and watch”—they support you on the boat, in the water, and during your visit to the swim spots.
One consideration: boats and onboard details can vary by day. Some people loved the boat and service; a few had issues after a boat switch or with the photo setup, so it’s smart to clarify what boat you’ll be on and how photography works.
In This Review
- Key Points Before You Go
- How This Puerto Vallarta Bay Day Really Works
- Starting at Paradise Village Public Pier (Nuevo Vallarta)
- Fishing Time: What Species You Can Hope For
- Snorkeling and the Swim Stops You’ll Actually Use
- The Food: Why Ceviche Here Feels Like the Main Event
- Crew on Board: Support, Timing, and the Real Service Level
- Boat and Day-to-Day Variations You Should Expect
- Price and Value: What $1,075 Gets You
- Who Should Book This Fishing and Snorkel Tour?
- Should You Book It?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the fishing and snorkeling tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do I need transportation to get to the pier?
- Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
- Is this a private tour?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- Does the tour depend on weather?
Key Points Before You Go

- Private group experience up to 15: only your party joins, which is great for families and groups who want control of the vibe.
- Fish-and-snorkel combo, not just fishing: the “catch for ceviche” angle matters, and it shapes the day.
- Crew-led support in and out of the water: you’re not left alone with a life vest and hope.
- Fresh food tied to the catch: chopped fruit is included, and multiple reviews highlight exceptional guacamole/ceviche.
- What you might need to bring: towels aren’t included, so pack one (or plan to buy one).
How This Puerto Vallarta Bay Day Really Works
This isn’t a fast, get-out-there-and-grab-a-ticket kind of tour. The day is paced around the bay: cruise time to fishing areas, then snorkeling and anchored swimming time, with food built into the flow. The result is a trip that works even if you don’t all want the same level of fishing intensity.
The menu logic is simple. If fish are caught, the chef prepares ceviche from your catch while you’re snorkeling, then you’ll eat after at a remote swim stop. Even when catches vary, you’re still getting a boat day with equipment, snacks, and crew service.
Timing is listed as about 6 hours. In real life, days can feel a little different depending on where the fish are and how the swim breaks line up, so I’d plan this as a primary activity day, not a “squeezed in” extra.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta
Starting at Paradise Village Public Pier (Nuevo Vallarta)

Your meeting point is Paradise Village Public Pier on Blvrd Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t need to solve a separate return plan.
This matters because local logistics can eat up half your energy if you’re not close. Paradise Village is a known area for boat tours, and the tour listing notes it’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying in Nuevo Vallarta and don’t want to rely on taxis all day.
Plan for check-in time. Even if the tour is smooth, you’ll still want a little buffer so you can find the right spot and get settled before departure.
Fishing Time: What Species You Can Hope For

The bay fishing focus is wide. The tour highlights possible catches like Jack Crevalle, Bonito, and Tuna, plus trophy fish such as Dorado, Sailfish, and different types of Marlin.
Here’s the practical truth: you’re fishing in open water where things change fast. So think of this as a “try to catch your lunch” mission more than a guaranteed trophy outing. What’s included is your best shot—fishing gear, captain support, and a route designed to find fish.
Also note the style of fishing. Several details point to fishing being part of a larger day, with the food experience tied to the catch. If your group is made up of serious anglers who want a long, quiet, technique-heavy fishing session, you may find this is more “boat day with fishing” than “stand-stare-fish-for-hours” fishing.
Snorkeling and the Swim Stops You’ll Actually Use

You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, and the crew supports you in the water. That support is a big deal for confidence. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, having someone help you get situated (and keep track of the group) makes the experience feel calmer.
You should expect multiple swim moments: snorkel time in the bay and time at an anchored beach or remote swim area. Reviews also mention that people were able to jump off the boat, which gives you options beyond slow-floating.
What to bring: towels aren’t included. If you want to dry off comfortably after your swim, bring one or plan to purchase locally.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it seriously. A 6-hour boat day can mean waves, and snorkel time adds movement. The tour doesn’t list medication or motion support, so pack what works for you.
The Food: Why Ceviche Here Feels Like the Main Event

Chopped fruit and bottled water are included. But the real highlight is what happens when fish are caught.
Multiple reviews talk about a chef preparing fresh ceviche and guacamole, with strong attention to presentation. In one detailed account, the chef was shown cutting fish for ceviche and putting real care into the flavors. Another review calls out standout guacamole as a favorite moment of the day.
This is valuable because the food isn’t just a box lunch. It’s tied to the experience you’re doing—catch something, snorkel while it’s prepared, then eat. That makes it more satisfying than a typical “here’s snacks, thanks for coming” boat tour.
One practical tip: if your group has mixed appetites (some want fish, some want only swimming), the food structure still gives everyone something to look forward to.
Crew on Board: Support, Timing, and the Real Service Level

This tour leans hard on crew involvement. The description promises support onboard, in the water, and during your visit to the swim spots. That aligns with the strongest praise in the feedback.
Several crew names come up in reviews, and they’re worth noting because they signal how staffing can shape the day:
- Antelmo and Francisco are mentioned in connection with an excellent service setup and meal prep.
- Kevin is described as moving fast to keep drinks coming while the group is swimming.
- Cesar and Ruben are mentioned as helping run the day smoothly.
- Ed is mentioned as a photographer who captured moments in a natural way rather than constantly posing people.
Here’s the balanced caution. A small number of experiences complained about awkward photography pressure and photo cut-offs (like missing parts of fish or faces). If you dislike the idea of paying for photos after the fact, it’s smart to manage expectations early and decide ahead of time whether you want the photo package.
Also, a negative review mentions the captain and crew behavior not matching the standard expected by that group. Most people describe the crew as helpful and accommodating, but that’s the one recurring “could be better” thread: crew execution can vary by day.
Boat and Day-to-Day Variations You Should Expect

This is a private tour/activity, up to 15 people. Private helps because your group isn’t squeezed in with strangers. But it doesn’t guarantee the exact boat you pictured at booking.
One negative experience specifically called out a boat switch after a charter booking (including frustration about equipment condition and speed/engine smoke). That kind of issue is not something you want to gamble on if you’re sensitive to strong smells, noise, or comfort.
So here’s what I’d do if I were booking:
- Ask which boat you’re assigned for your date.
- Confirm whether the fishing setup matches what you expect (for example, any special seating or fishing chairs if that matters to your group).
- Ask how photography is handled—whether it’s optional, when it’s taken, and whether the crew is expected to prompt purchases.
If your group values comfort and you’re booking for a special day, clarifying these points early is the best way to avoid surprises.
Price and Value: What $1,075 Gets You

The price is $1,075 per group, for up to 15 people, and the tour runs about 6 hours. That pricing only feels expensive until you divide it.
If you fill the group close to 15, you’re looking at roughly $72 per person (give or take). If you have fewer people, the per-person cost rises quickly, which is why this tour tends to make most sense for families or groups who can actually share the private boat cost.
Value-wise, the tour wins because it includes equipment and meaningful service:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Fishing gear
- Captain and sailor
- Bottled water and chopped fruit
- Snacks/food experience that, when fish are caught, turns into fresh ceviche
Add in that you’re in the Puerto Vallarta bay system where you can hit different species, then snorkel and swim at anchored locations, and the overall day feels more complete than a short “just snorkel” trip.
If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, ask yourself if you can justify a private charter price for the level of fishing included. If you want variety—fishing plus snorkeling plus food tied to the catch—this can still be worth it. But if you only want one of those, you may find better value elsewhere.
Who Should Book This Fishing and Snorkel Tour?
This tour fits best when your group wants a single shared day at sea and not everyone has the same priorities.
It’s a great pick for:
- Families who want swimming, boat time, and snacks/food, with some fishing action for kids and adults
- Groups where some people fish and some people just want snorkel time
- People who like fresh food experiences tied to real activity (catch becomes meal)
It might not be the best fit if:
- Your group wants a long, serious fishing-only trip with zero distraction
- You’re very photo-purchase averse and don’t want an onboard photographer routine (clarify how that’s managed)
- You’re comfort-sensitive and want zero chance of boat/date variation—ask which boat you’ll be on
Should You Book It?
I’d book this if you want the classic Puerto Vallarta combo: fish in the bay, snorkel with included gear, then eat something fresh that’s tied to the catch. The strongest signal from the feedback is the crew service and the food experience, especially when ceviche and guacamole are prepared right after fishing.
I would hesitate only if your trip is extremely sensitive to boat conditions, timing, or photography pressure. If any of those are deal-breakers, do the quick pre-trip checks—boat assignment and photo approach—then you’ll feel a lot more confident.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the fishing and snorkeling tour?
It runs for about 6 hours (approx.).
What’s included in the price?
The listing includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, the captain and sailor, fishing gear, and snacks (chopped fruit).
Do I need transportation to get to the pier?
No. Transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.
Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
Meet at Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What language is the tour offered in?
It’s offered in English, and it may be operated by a multi-lingual guide.
Does the tour depend on weather?
Yes. It requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.





























