Puerto Vallarta fishing charters offer some of the best opportunities for sport and deep-sea fishing trips in Mexico. Below are all our favorite fishing spots in and around Banderas Bay, the local fishing calendar, some great Nuevo & Puerto Vallarta fishing charters, prices, and deep-sea fishing tours ranging from 2-12 hour expeditions.
Fishing Calendar & Seasons
Regarding a general Puerto Vallarta fishing season calendar, Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year. There are also many opportunities to catch Sailfish and giant Yellowfin Tuna. So, if you are looking for the best time to fish in Puerto Vallarta, the answer is year-round! Check out the Puerto Vallarta fishing report below.
The waters in and around Banderas Bay are teeming with a variety of fish species. Here are some of the most common types of fish you can catch in Puerto Vallarta:
- Mahi-Mahi: This is a popular game fish that is prized for its fighting ability and its delicious taste. They can be found in the waters around Puerto Vallarta throughout the year, but the best months for this species are September to March.
- Tuna: Yellowfin Tuna is a prized catch for sport fishing enthusiasts. These powerful fish can be found in the waters around Puerto Vallarta from July to February.
- Marlin: Puerto Vallarta is known for its large Marlin population. Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin are all commonly caught in these waters.
- Snapper: Snapper is a popular fish species in Puerto Vallarta, with several different varieties available including Red, Yellow, and Cubera Snapper.
- Roosterfish: This unique-looking fish is a favorite of many anglers. Roosterfish can be caught in the waters around Puerto Vallarta year-round, with the peak season being from June to October.
- Sailfish: The Sailfish is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, and it is a popular catch for sport fishermen. These fish can be found in the waters around Puerto Vallarta from August to January.
- Wahoo: This is a fast and powerful game fish that is known for its tasty flesh. Wahoo can be caught in the waters around Puerto Vallarta from October to February.
Puerto Vallarta Fishing Charters & Prices
Bahia de Banderas is recognized worldwide as an excellent destination to practice this exciting activity, either as a hobby or as sport.Prices vary depending on the length of the excursion, the fishing boat, and the type of fishing. To give an example, a 4-hour fishing charter inside the bay of Puerto Vallarta will probably be around $400 USD for up to 6 people, and a 12-hour deep sea fishing trip could cost $1000 USD. Below are some of the best Puerto Vallarta fishing charters:
Epi Gilligan
4hrs, $280USD | 6hrs, $350USD | 8hrs, $450 | 10hrs, $650USD (Deep Sea) | Full-day, $780USD
Captain Epifanio has been fishing in Puerto Vallarta his whole life, and he would never trade it for anything else. Join him on his 27′ Super Panga center console powered by 2x 120HP Yamaha engines that accommodates up to 5 guests. It is also equipped with a fighting chair, trolling equipment, a live bait tank, and navigational electronics with a fish finder. To make the trip more comfortable, there’s a private toilet.
This fishing charter definitely delivers bang for your buck. Depending on the length of your trip, the season, and the distance you are able to go out, you’ll be able to target all kinds of reef and offshore species, including Amberjack, Snapper, Roosterfish, Marlin, Tuna, Jack Crevalle, and Sailfish.
Calypso Charters
5hrs, $300USD | 6hrs, $420USD | 8hrs, $700 (Marietas) | 9–10hrs, $850USD (Corbeteña)
Captain Ariel grew up on these waters, so he’ll be able to show you some of the best fishing spots near Puerto Vallarta. Each trip and excursion can be customized, so if you are targeting a specific fish of your dreams, let him know and he’ll do everything in his power to get you to reel in that bucket-list capture: Wahoo, Tuna, Snook, Cubera Snapper, Sailfish, Marlin, Roosterfish, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, and more!
There’s an on-board toilet for your convenience. All the fishing equipment is provided, including live bait and even a fighting chair so you can reel in a monster. Starting at $75 USD / hr.
- 28’ center console boat custom-built by the Captain
- Powered by twin 115 HP Yamaha engines
- It can accommodate up to 4 anglers
High Tides Fishing Charter
6hrs, $500USD (inshore) | 8hrs, $600USD | 12hrs, $800USD (offshore)
High Tides is one of the absolute best fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This father-and-son company run by the Canadian Captain, Michel Langelier, specializes in fishing with light and heavy tackle, trolling, popping, and jigging. They will show you the best spots to land your very own Sailfish, Roosterfish, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Blue and Striped Marlin.
All trips and excursions come with everything you need: fish-finding electronics, rods, reels, tackle, bait, lures, drinks, and a fish cleaning service. Starting at $67 USD / hr.
- 30’ Super Panga center console
- Twin 90 HP Suzuki engines
- Up to 4 anglers.
Lucina III Fishing Charters
4hrs, $546USD | 6hrs, $740USD | 8hrs, $940USD (offshore) | 12hrs, $1450USD
Captain Alfredo Ocaranza offers top-notch quality, professionalism, experience, and plenty of fish! He started out his fishing career at the age of 12, when he would help out his dad, and now he uses his years of knowledge to adapt each trip to your requirements or desires. It truly is a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests of all ages and angling abilities.
Although the boat is decked out with spacious seating spots, a lounge area, and higher-end finishes, she was built to fish. Lucina III is equipped with 10 sport fishing lines, GPS, fishfinder, life jackets, downriggers, and a fighting chair. After you catch something, your captain will be able to prepare a ceviche! Can’t get any fresher than that.
- 38’ sportfishing vessel
- Up to 7 anglers
Fishing Are Us
Their options range from short fishing charters within the bay to serious 12-hour deep-sea fishing for big game fishing expeditions in Puerto Vallarta. The boats they offer ar the Belugas 32′, Cachi I 28′, Pami I 27′, Loyal Sea 33′, and the budget-friendly Lucky I 28′.
Puerto Vallarta fishing charter prices on the 28 ft Lucky boat (see image below) go for:
- 4 hrs: $400
- 6 hrs: $500
- 8 hrs: $630
- 10 hrs: $800
- 12 hrs: $1000
Viking Fishing Charters
4hrs, $300USD | 6hrs, $400USD | 8hrs, $600USD (Offshore 20) | 15hrs, $1200USD
We recently took the 4-hour bay fishing tour with Manuel Santana, and they were excellent. 6 of us fit perfectly on the boat, and we caught 3 Jack Crevalle that put up a great fight. We also caught about a dozen Bonitos.
They also offer a 10-hour deep sea fishing expedition to catch Marlin, Swordfish, and Yellowfin Tunas, which, in my opinion, is the tour that offers the most best bang for your buck. They also can customize your tour and include things like whale watching, snorkeling, or tours to Yelapa. They are a great Nuevo Vallarta fishing charter as they can pick you up in the Paradise Village marina.
Below are their Puerto Vallarta fishing charter prices. All tours include water, sodas, and Corona beers. All the sport fishing equipment, bait, snorkeling equipment, and licenses are included.
Chuck’s Tours
Chuck’s Tours was named BEST TOUR GUIDE by the Vallarta Tribune for two consecutive years (2018 & 2019). This is a great La Cruz fishing charter option if you want to leave out of Marina Riviera Nayarit!
Puerto Vallarta Fish
The “My Marlin” team at Puerto Vallarta Fish set the record for the largest Marlin ever caught in a tournament in Puerto Vallarta. It was 709 lbs!
They offer boats from 28-36ft long. They are all experienced captains that speak both English and Spanish and have fished in Puerto Vallarta Mexico their whole lives.
On their 29ft Super Panga, their most affordable boat, bay and deep-sea fishing prices start at:
- 4 hrs: $270 USD (inside the bay)
- 6hrs: $325 USD (inside the bay)
- 8 hrs: $425 USD (18-22 miles)
- 10hrs: $525 USD (22-36 miles)
- 12 hrs: $650 USD (36-50 miles)
Mike’s Fishing Tours
This is a great La Cruz fishing charter option if you want to leave out of Marina Riviera Nayarit: private fishing tours, ideal for large groups, family, or special events. For a private Puerto Vallarta fishing charter on their Dora boat (28 ft), prices are:
- 4 hrs: $600 USD
- 6 hrs: $790 USD
- 8 hrs: $980 USD
Best Puerto Vallarta Fishing Trips
Banderas Bay Inshore Fishing Trips
Ameca River Outlet
The Ameca River is the boundary between Jalisco and Nayarit on its way to the Pacific Ocean, where it drains into the Bahía de Banderas. This spot is full of nutrients and is a great fishing spot. You will need at least a 4-hour fishing charter in Puerto Vallarta for this spot. The following species are very common in this area:
- Jack Crevalle
- Mahi-mahi
- Roosterfish
- Spanish Mackerel
- Red Snapper
Marietas Islands
You will need at least a 4-6 hour fishing charter for this fishing spot. The following species are very common in this area:
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Mahi-mahi
- Roosterfish
- Red Snapper
Deep-Sea Fishing in Puerto Vallarta
El Morro
You will need at least a 8 hour fishing charter for this fishing spot. The following species are very common in this area:
- Sailfish
- Striped Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Mahi-mahi
- Roosterfish
El Faro
You will need at least a 8 hour fishing charter for this fishing spot. The following species are very common in this area:
- Sailfish
- Striped Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Mahi-mahi
- Roosterfish
La Corbeteña
You will need at least a 10-hour fishing charter for this fishing spot. The following species are very common in this area:
- Sailfish
- Striped Marlin
- Black Marlin
- Blue Marlin
- Large Yellowfin Tuna
- Wahoo
- Mahi-mahi
El Banco
You will need at least a 12-14 hour fishing charter for this fishing spot. The following species are very common in this area:
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Mahi-mahi
- Wahoo
- Roosterfish
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