A boat day in Banderas Bay beats a beach day. You ride a Bertram 38′ convertible and get a mix of shoreline sightseeing plus time to use included snorkeling and fishing gear in the water. If you want an easy, custom-feel outing without a big group, this private format is the hook.

I especially like two things: the wildlife rock stop where you can snorkel and look for life both above and below the surface, and the fact that key gear is already there for you. You also get bottled water and chopped fruit, so you are not starting the day hungry.

One thing to consider is simple: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you will need your own ride to the marina area.

Key highlights to look for

• Private group up to 8: just your crew on the boat, no rubbing elbows with strangers.
• Banderas Bay shoreline sightseeing: Puerto Vallarta views from the water, which feels totally different than land.
• Snorkeling at a wildlife rock area: great chance to see the water scene both ways, above and below.
• Fishing and kayaking as watersports options: you can mix-and-match based on what you feel like doing.
• Included snorkeling and fishing gear: fewer rental hassles once you are on the boat.

Your boat day in Puerto Vallarta, what it feels like

This is a straightforward Puerto Vallarta experience: you get on a convertible boat, cruise Banderas Bay, and spend real time in the water instead of just passing by from a dock. The “private tour” setup matters. Up to 8 people means you can keep the vibe relaxed, and you are not stuck waiting for a huge schedule of other groups to load, unload, and gather.

The boat is a Bertram 38 convertible, which signals comfort over roughing it. You are in the open-air style of boating, but with the kind of setup that makes a 4 to 8 hour day manageable. Dress is beach casual. Soft shoes, no heels, and bring a swimsuit if you plan to snorkel.

The price is $800 per group. That is not cheap, but the math gets easier when you fill the boat with 6 to 8 people. If you travel with a small group, you are essentially buying a full, private outing rather than paying per person for a seat on a crowded cruise. It is the kind of day that can replace multiple smaller activities once you factor in boat time plus included gear.

What $800 covers, and why it’s good value

Here is what you get for the group price. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, bottled water, and chopped fruit. That combo is a big deal because snorkeling and fishing can cost extra when you piece them together on your own.

Also, the structure is flexible in practice. The duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours, so you can choose the length based on your energy level and how long you want to stay in the water. A shorter outing works well if you mainly want the best views and one solid snorkeling stop. A longer day makes sense if you want time for both fishing and watersports like kayaking.

What is not included is also worth knowing. Towels are not included, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Those two items are the main “budget surprises” people run into with boat tours. If you plan ahead, this turns into a smooth, predictable day.

Entering Banderas Bay: the shoreline sightseeing part

Your day starts with shoreline sightseeing of Puerto Vallarta. Seeing a coastline from the water changes your whole sense of scale. Buildings look different, the curve of the bay becomes obvious, and you get angles that you cannot easily recreate from streets or viewpoints.

This portion is ideal for anyone in the group who wants the “wow” of the region without committing to being in the water the entire time. If you have someone who is not into snorkeling, they still get a great experience just by being out there on the water and watching the coastline slide by.

Practical tip: this is the part where you want to have your phone or camera ready early. Once you hit the snorkeling stop, your focus shifts quickly. A little preparation pays off.

Also, the tour is offered in English, and it may be guided by a multilingual guide. Even if you do not speak Spanish, you should feel comfortable knowing you can communicate about what you are doing during the day.

The wildlife rock snorkeling stop: the money moment

The best-known feature is the stop at a set of rocks full of wildlife, where you can snorkel and enjoy the views under and over the water. This is the core of the experience because it is where the day goes from sightseeing to actual water time.

Snorkeling here is not just about seeing fish. You are also checking out what is happening at the surface while you are near the rocks, then looking down to see what lives underneath. That “both ways” detail is exactly what you want from a snorkeling stop. It keeps it interesting even if the underwater visibility is not perfect.

Since snorkeling gear is included, you do not have to hunt for rentals or worry that the mask fit will be wrong once you arrive. I would still do one quick check on the boat. Make sure your snorkel and mask feel comfortable before you head in for any longer swim.

If you are new to snorkeling, take it slow. The rocks are the focus, so you want to stay close enough to explore, but not rush. If you are confident in the water, you can use the stop to move around and find where the wildlife activity is most noticeable.

Fishing and kayaking: mix in the watersports

The tour highlights include watersports like fishing and kayaking. That means you should be able to request how you want to spend time on the water during your outing. This is where the private group format becomes helpful. You can shift the order of activities depending on mood.

Fishing gear is included, so you are not starting from zero. If you want to fish, ask the crew how they recommend using the time at the rock stop versus the cruising time. The key is not wasting your energy on guesswork.

Kayaking is one of the watersports mentioned in the experience description and it also shows up in the type of day people talk about, including a family group that enjoyed kayaking during their time out. If kayaking is part of what you want, plan to go with beach casual gear and keep your swim setup simple.

Practical advice: if you plan to do both snorkeling and kayaking, try to avoid overstuffing your schedule. You can burn energy fast. You want your day to feel fun, not like a workout class you forgot to sign up for.

Food and drinks: what’s included versus what you might want

You get bottled water and chopped fruit included. That is a solid baseline for a boat day, especially in warm weather. It means you can snack without stopping to buy anything.

In practice, people often praise the onboard service when they book a trip like this. I would treat it as a positive sign, but still plan around what is explicitly included. If your group expects full meals, extra drinks, or special add-ons, it is smart to ask ahead of time. You can tell the operator what matters to you and confirm what is actually part of your day.

One detail that comes up as a positive is flexibility around timing. A captain and crew who can help you adjust your trip length makes a big difference. If you want a shorter or longer day within the 4 to 8 hour range, or you are thinking about adding something like a meal stop, put that into your planning conversation early so it fits the day.

Group size and the private vibe, up close

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates. Up to 8 people per group keeps it in the comfort zone where you can talk with the crew, ask questions, and move as one unit.

That private format is also good for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult, which keeps things clear and safer on the water. If you are traveling with mixed ages, consider making the plan centered on the snorkeling stop and letting each person choose their level of participation.

If you are a group of friends, the private setting also helps with photos, timing, and just having a shared experience. There is something about being on a boat with the coastline all around that turns a normal hangout into a real memory, fast.

What to pack so you do not end up annoyed

This is where you can make the day smooth. Towels are not included, so pack one or ask how you want to handle it. Bring your own sunscreen and sunglasses. If you are snorkeling, you will want water-friendly protection for your eyes and face.

Wear soft shoes. No heels. That sounds basic, but boat decks can be slippery when waves kick up. Keep your footwear practical.

Bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel. Even if you think you will only watch, it is common for people to change their mind once they are out there, gear in hand, and the rock stop feels close enough to try.

One more tip: keep your phone protected. You will likely be taking pictures during the shoreline cruise, then switching focus when snorkeling gear comes out. A dry bag or waterproof case keeps you from stressing.

Timing: choosing 4 hours versus 8 hours

The duration is listed as 4 to 8 hours. Picking the right length is about how you want to spend your day.

Choose closer to 4 hours if:

• you want the shoreline views and one main snorkeling stop
• your group prefers a lighter day with earlier downtime
• you are planning other activities later

Choose closer to 8 hours if:

• you want more time for fishing and kayaking
• you want the freedom to linger at the rock stop
• you want a full day on the water without rushing

Either way, the snorkeling rock stop is the anchor point. Build your expectations around that, and the rest of the cruise will feel like bonus time.

Weather matters more than you think

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is exactly what you want to see for a sea-based outing.

So, schedule with realistic expectations. If your itinerary is packed to the minute, you might want a bit of buffer on the day you book. Boat tours are weather-dependent, and you do not want your whole trip plan to collapse if the bay is rough.

A quick reality check: the main limitations

The biggest limitations are not dramatic, they are just practical:

• no hotel pickup and drop-off
• no towels included
• you are dependent on good weather

If you handle those upfront, you will enjoy the day for what it is, a private boat cruise with gear included and time to snorkel and do watersports.

Should you book this private Bertram 38 cruise with Mike’s Fishing & Tours?

I think this is a great booking if you want a private boat day in Puerto Vallarta with built-in gear and an actual water stop. The highlight is the rock area full of wildlife, because it turns the outing into something you can experience, not just watch.

Book it if your group includes people who want different things at the same time. The shoreline cruise keeps non-snorkelers happy, while snorkeling and optional fishing or kayaking gives others that hands-on fun.

I would not book it if you hate logistics or you are relying on hotel pickup. You will want to arrange your own ride to the marina area. Also pack a towel, because that part is on you.

If your goal is a memorable day on Banderas Bay without complicated planning, this hits the right balance of value, included gear, and time on the water.