Snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta: Private Boat Charter with Fishing

Your catch becomes lunch, prepared fresh on deck while you're still in the water.

Snorkel Los Arcos National Marine Park from a private 38ft yacht in Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta, with masks and snorkels provided. The boat carries up to eight passengers and includes fishing gear, bait and licenses. If you catch fish, the bilingual crew cleans it and prepares ceviche onboard. You choose between 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8-hour trips, cruising past dolphins and secluded beaches along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Banderas Baypass by
2. Los Arcos National Marine Park1h

Fishing and snorkeling cruise in Banderas Bay

• Board the 38ft Bertram yacht
• Cruise Banderas Bay coastline
• Spot wild dolphins and mountain views
• Snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park
• Fish at seasonal bay spots
• Crew prepares ceviche from catch

The experience

What makes this different from a shared snorkeling tour is the boat itself and what you can do with it. Nicolle is a 38ft Bertram yacht built for stable, comfortable rides in open water, not a crowded catamaran. You pick the length of your day (4 to 8 hours), and the crew builds the itinerary around what you want: snorkeling at Los Arcos, fishing the bay's seasonal hotspots, or anchoring at a quiet beach. Up to eight passengers means you're not competing for deck space or the guide's attention.

Los Arcos is a marine park with coral reefs and tropical fish dense enough that you'll see them within minutes of entering the water. Masks and snorkels are onboard for everyone. The fishing side is fully equipped (rods, bait, hooks and licenses included), and if anyone lands something, the crew doesn't just throw it back. They clean it on deck and prepare fresh ceviche with seasonings and lime while you're still wet from snorkeling. It's not a restaurant trick. It's what happens when a fishing boat has a kitchen.

The day starts from one of two piers: Marina Los Peines in Puerto Vallarta proper, or Paradise Village Pier in Nuevo Vallarta, so you pick the one closer to where you're staying. Bring a swimsuit, soft shoes (no heels), and your own beach towel. Water, fruit and snorkeling gear are onboard. The crew speaks English and Spanish. Local pier access fees are paid in cash at the gate when you arrive. The amount depends on which dock you use, so ask when you book.

What’s included

• Snorkeling masks and snorkels for all passengers.
• fishing rods, bait, hooks and official licenses for anglers.
• fresh ceviche prepared onboard if you catch fish, with seasonings and ingredients provided.
• chilled bottled water throughout the charter.
• seasonal chopped fruit platter served as a courtesy.

Options for this experience

5 options

4 Hours TripGuide in English or Spanish · 33 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 16:00Lasts 4 hours

5 Hours TripGuide in English or Spanish · 31 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 15:00Lasts 5 hours

6 Hours TripGuide in English or Spanish · 29 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 14:00Lasts 6 hours

See 2 more options

7 Hours TripGuide in English or Spanish · 27 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 13:00Lasts 7 hours

8 Hours TripGuide in English or Spanish · 23 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 12:00Lasts 8 hours

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day33 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 16:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 24 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mike's Fishing & Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the length that fits your schedule: a 4-hour trip is a focused snorkel and cruise, while 6 to 8 hours gives you time to fish, visit multiple spots, or simply stay anchored at a quiet beach. The boat carries up to eight passengers, so a family or small group travels together without joining strangers.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling actually like at Los Arcos?

Los Arcos is a marine park with coral reefs and tropical fish. You'll see them within minutes of entering the water with the provided mask and snorkel. The site is a standard stop on the itinerary, and the crew times the visit so you have a solid snorkeling window before moving on or fishing.

Can I fish and snorkel on the same trip, or do I have to pick one?

The charter is 100% customizable, so you can do both. The boat carries full fishing gear with rods, bait, hooks and licenses included for anyone who wants to fish, and snorkeling gear for everyone. The crew will work around whatever mix you want: some passengers fishing while others snorkel, or taking turns.

What happens if we catch a fish?

The crew cleans it on deck and prepares fresh ceviche with seasonings and lime while you're still aboard. It's included as part of the charter, not an extra charge. If nobody catches anything, the crew still serves a seasonal fruit platter as a courtesy.

How long should I book, and what's the difference between the trip lengths?

You choose 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 hours depending on how much time you want at sea. A 4-hour trip is a quick snorkel and cruise. Longer trips give you more time to fish, explore multiple spots, or simply stay anchored at a beach. The crew adjusts the itinerary to fit the time you book.

Where do we board, and is there parking or transport?

You can board from Marina Los Peines in Puerto Vallarta or Paradise Village Pier in Nuevo Vallarta. Pick whichever is closer to your hotel. You're responsible for getting to the pier on your own. Public transportation is available nearby, but the charter does not include ground transport. Local pier access fees are paid in cash at the gate when you arrive.