Fabulous Fishing on the Bay

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit

When you are ready to land some seriously impressive fish, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, Banderas Bay —home to Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Costa Alegre— is among the best places in the world to do just that.

Deep sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings is a thrilling activity that is made even more incredible when you take advantage of the local know-how with a private chartered outing complete with professional guides who will make sure your experience is fantastic. The waters that fill the Banderas Bay play host to spectacular fish including Red Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Wahoo, Bass and so many more. The fish here are so impressive, in fact, that two Mexican fishing records have been established locally, with a 184-pound razor tooth Wahoo and a 709-pound Marlin, respectively.

Fishing is King

The fantastic climate and warm sea conditions in Banderas Bay make this area of the Pacific coast one of the most favored in all of Mexico for fishing trips. Fishing charter services are scattered all along the coastline and some even offering overnight trips that include meals and sleeping accommodations. Whatever type of experience you are after, from basic beach pangas to sizable fishing charters, you can find options for excursions that run from an hour, to half and full day outings. Some companies feature entire vacation packages that focus strictly on catching “the big one”.

Where to Fish on Banderas Bay

Among of the top areas around the bay for fishing include Nuevo Vallarta (famed for huge Marlin and Tuna), Bucerias and Punta Mita (Tuna, Amberjack and Roosterfish), while Sayulita and San Pancho lie just beyond the northern edge of the bay and attract fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.

Timing is Everything

While there is a clear abundance of fish species living in the waters of the Banderas Bay all year long, including Red Snapper and Crevalle Jack, there are certain times of year that are better than others depending on what you want to focus on. It makes sense to plan your fishing trips around the type(s) of fish you are most interested in. From January through March, you will encounter lots of Mahi Mahi, Crevalle Jack, Sailfish and Wahoo. From April through June, you’ll find plenty of Yellowfin Tuna, Amberjack, Sailfish, Snapper, Mackerel and Grouper. July through September brings schools of Roosterfish, Tuna, Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Wahoo and Sailfish. October through December are popular times for Black, Blue and Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish and Wahoo. Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a fishing adventure in Banderas Bay, where fishing is a way of life!