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Puerto Vallarta sits right on the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and Bay of Banderas, which provides totally unique day trips! You can spend an afternoon scuba diving or catch a sunset cruise on a catamaran. Not to mention the world-class whale watching that happens in these waters as well.
But one of my favorite ways to experience Puerto Vallarta’s marine tourism is through a fishing charter. Fish are abundant in these warm waters, from large, trophy fish like marlin, to the plentiful mahi mahi, making Puerto Vallarta one of the best sport-fishing locations in the entire world!
Fishing tours are an awesome day trip from Puerto Vallarta for expert fishermen or complete newbies. It’s a fun excuse to get on the water and hopefully eat some freshly caught seafood afterward!
I had a lot of questions before embarking on my fishing trip, and I’m sure you do too! So I’m here to answer everything you need to know before booking a fishing charter, as this has easily been one of my favorite activities in Puerto Vallarta to date.
- Our Top Choice
- 1. About fishing in Puerto Vallarta
- 2. What fish can you catch in Puerto Vallarta?
- 3. How much does a fishing charter cost in Puerto Vallarta?
- 4. Inshore vs. Offshore fishing tours in Puerto Vallarta
- 5. What are the best fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta?
- 6. Do you need to book fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta in advance?
- 7. Are fishing charters suitable for children in Puerto Vallarta?
- 8. Are you guaranteed to catch fish on a Puerto Vallarta fishing tour?
- 9. Are fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta safe?
- 10. Are fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta worth it?
- Other Activities to do While You’re in Puerto Vallarta
- Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Our Top Choice
If you don’t have time to read this entire blog post but want to jump on a fishing boat right now, here is our top choice! This 4-hour private fishing charter is a great way to get a taste of Puerto Vallarta’s incredible fishing scene. This tour is inshore, so you stay within the Bay of Banderas and will likely catch more small fish, but sometimes a big marlin might make its way to the shallower waters.
This tour includes all of your fishing equipment, and your expert captain, for $399 USD for four people – it’s the most affordable tour option on this list! So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get out on the water and see what you can catch, book this tour online here!
1. About fishing in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places in Mexico to go fishing. Sitting right on the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta’s waters are full of trophy-sized fish, just waiting to be reeled in!
Puerto Vallarta has been a top fishing destination for years because of the variety of fish you can catch and all the different spots you can go. There is even an international fishing competition held here annually!
Banderas Bay is great for small-game fishing and a quick afternoon trip, which is perfect if you are trying to fit in a few more tours and activities in Puerto Vallarta! During the summer, you can find a plethora of mahi mahi or sailfish, and during the winter you might find a Spanish Mackerel. Banderas Bay is probably the most popular inshore fishing location because it’s so accessible. This is also the best snorkeling in the area, so most tours in Banderas Bay will also include a snorkeling session!
If you’re looking for one of those big worthy-of-bragging sport fish, then you’ll have to head into the ocean. Many fishermen have luck near El Morro or Isla Maria where the water is gorgeously blue and a nice temperate 23-26°C (73-79°F). This is perfect for marlin, sailfish, and giant schools of tuna! Fishing around Isla Mara is ranked as some of the best fishing in the entire world and a true bucket list experience for those die-hard fishermen.
Once you catch the fish and return to shore, the crew will either cook it up for you or take it to a restaurant to be cooked so you can enjoy the fruit of your labor. Or shall I say, the fish of your labor!
You can go fishing in Puerto Vallarta any time of year, but the winter months are peak fishing season. A lot of this has to do with the weather, as the winter months bring beautiful sunny days and calm waters. The fish are more apt to be out and about, doing their fish thing, rather than hunkering down lower in the ocean as they do during the storms of the rainy season. And of course, the best fishing happens before the sun rises, so you can expect an early morning!
Another big draw for fishing in Puerto Vallarta is the massive amount of wildlife you can see while out on the boat! Puerto Vallarta is widely known for its whale-watching during the winter months, so on your fishing trip, you’re likely to see humpback whales as they are migrating! There are also manta rays and dolphins swimming around, which just makes the whole experience even more unique. You get the perks of a whale watching tour, but it’s even better because you’ll be fishing instead of just cruising on a boat.
2. What fish can you catch in Puerto Vallarta?
Marlin – The king of offshore fishing, marlin are monstrous creatures that can reach up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) and 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms)! You’ll find blue, black, and striped marlin off the coast of Mexico, and can easily spot them as they are known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water.
Mahi Mahi – While these are not the prettiest fish to look at, they taste pretty good! Mahi Mahi are plentiful and inhabit Puerto Vallarta’s waters year-round, so they are the most common fish to catch inshore.
Sailfish – Sailfish look very similar to marlins, but they are quite a bit smaller and have a more pronounced dorsal fin. Sailfish are actually the fastest fish in the ocean and can reach up to 112 km/h (70 mph)!
Tuna – Offshore, there are schools of tuna running in the thousands! The average size of a tuna is anywhere from 80-350 pounds (35-160 kilograms), so you’ll definitely get a lot of meat out of these big boys.
Mackerel – These little fish won’t necessarily make you scream “holy mackerel” as you reel it in, but there are a lot of them inshore. The most common type you’ll find is the Spanish Mackerel.
Snappers – These reef fish are plentiful in Puerto Vallarta’s Banderas Bay. You’ll find northern red, cubera, and normal snappers. You can find large snappers offshore, but the best-tasting meat actually comes from the smaller inshore fish!
Roosterfish – You will find Roosterfish all through Central America and it’s definitely the most common inshore fish to catch. They are distinguishable by their long spiky fins that come off their backs, just like a mohawk!
3. How much does a fishing charter cost in Puerto Vallarta?
The price for a fishing charter really depends on which one you select. The cost varies depending on the size of the boat, how long you spend on the water, and if it’s an offshore tour or an inshore tour.
Inshore tours are shorter and don’t go as far, so on average these tours are $400-$500 USD for four people. These tours usually only last for 4 hours and hang around Banderas Bay.
Offshore tours head out into the ocean further, using more fuel and equipment, making them more costly. But, it really depends on what is included and the time on the water, so the low end of an offshore tour is around $1,000 USD and the high end is about $1,400 USD. The group sizes range from 4-10 people, so it does break up the cost if you have a bigger group!
Related Read: If you’re looking for another tour on the more affordable side, there are some budget-friendly food tours in Puerto Vallarta! Our favorite was around $50 USD and took us to great local spots.
4. Inshore vs. Offshore fishing tours in Puerto Vallarta
Inshore
Inshore fishing is when you stay close to the shore, only 15-20 kilometers (about 10 miles) off the shoreline. This is an excellent option for those who don’t want to commit to a full-day experience, but still want to get on the water and enjoy a beautiful day fishing.
If you get motion sick, I recommend taking an inshore charter, as the water will stay much calmer. These tours often include snorkeling too, so it’s a good option if you aren’t a die-hard fisherman but still want to go on the tour!
You’ll still find some good-sized fish while inshore fishing, but not nearly the trophy fish that you’ll get offshore. This is the only drawback for inshore fishing, in my opinion. Otherwise, it makes for a fun and relaxed experience!
During the summer, there are a lot of Spanish Mackerel and California Bonita, both of which are on the smaller side. In the winter, the best time of year for fishing in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have mahi mahi and sailfish. Rarely does a marlin come into the bay, but it’s happened before so you might get lucky!
Offshore
Offshore fishing will take you further out into the ocean for deep-sea fishing. If you’re looking for the catch of a lifetime, offshore fishing will be a fantastic experience.
This is a great option for those who want to spend hours on the water, learn new tactics from the experts, and use high-grade equipment. As I mentioned earlier, Puerto Vallarta has world-class fishing, so if you’re a diehard fisherman an offshore fishing trip is a must!
The biggest con is that there is no guarantee that you’ll catch a fish. While the odds are good, I have been on fishing charters and came back empty-handed. It’s a bit of a bummer, but it’s still an all-around amazing experience.
You’ll be able to catch marlin, sailfish, and tuna, during both the summer and winter seasons. However, winter fishing is much better! Many more fish are biting during this time of year and the weather is in your favor. You’ll see more of the large fish, like marlin or big tunas, during the winter months. In the summer months, you will be more likely to catch smaller fish like mahi mahi.
5. What are the best fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta?
Inshore Fishing 4-Hour Puerto Vallarta Charter
This inshore fishing charter is perfect for a chill day out on the water. This would be my top pick for beginners or those who are on a tight timeline!
You will meet your captain at Dock K in Marina Vallarta, and since this is just a private tour, you won’t have to wait for anybody else and can get on the water as soon as you arrive! Your fishing vessel will be a 28-foot (8.5 meter) Super Panga, which is just about the perfect size for a small group in calm, bay water.
On this inshore fishing charter, you will stay in the Bay of Banderas fishing for roosterfish, small mahi mahi, jack crevalle, skip jacks, and others. From my experience fishing in Puerto Vallarta, I really enjoyed the relaxed nature of staying in the Bay of Banderas. The water is calm and you still feel like you’re quite a ways out, as the bay is rather large. Plus, you don’t have to spend as much time boating out to the deeper water, so you have more time with your lines in the water which means more of an opportunity to get a bite!
This 4-hour tour includes your fishing license and gear, the captain and crew, and live bait! All you have to do is show up at 7:30 am and be excited to catch a fish. They don’t provide any drinks or snacks but have a cooler available, so I suggest bringing something to eat and a few Coronas for the trip. There is also a $5 USD dock fee (per person) that you’ll need cash for.
This inshore fishing experience is a flat rate of $399 USD and can accommodate 4 travelers. So even if you have a party of two, the price doesn’t change. Grab some friends and spend the morning exploring the Bay of Banderas on a fishing charter! You can reserve this tour online here.
Private Inshore Fishing Adventure in Puerto Vallarta with Snacks
What’s better than a day on the water with a private fishing charter? One that includes alcoholic beverages and snacks! This 4-hour inshore fishing excursion is very similar to the tour listed above, except it adds a little bit more to the whole package. So if you really don’t want to plan anything (like packing snacks or drinks) this tour is a great option for you!
This tour meets at Marina Vallarta, which is just about 10 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The captain and crew will take you out into the Bay of Banderas for a morning of trolling for fish. The type of fish varies depending on what time of year you are visiting, but you’ll most commonly see mahi mahi, bonitas, wahoos, and maybe some tuna.
These guides are experts, so while they don’t guarantee you’ll catch a fish, they do a fantastic job of teaching and doing whatever they can so you don’t leave empty-handed. They really make the whole experience possible, not only because they have the boat, but because of their expertise and overall passion for the ocean and fishing. It makes the time fly by.
This tour includes fishing gear, snacks (fresh guacamole – yum!), alcoholic beverages, and other drinks. This tour is $500 USD for a 4-hour excursion and you can have up to 4 people in your group. Be sure to book this tour in advance, as it certainly fills up during the peak season!
4hrs Fast Fishing Boat Fishing
While fishing in Puerto Vallarta is fun in itself, this fishing tour takes it to the next level by adding snorkeling into the mix! You’ll spend 4 hours on the Bay of Banderas, trolling around for fish, soaking in the sunshine, and stopping to snorkel through the famous Puerto Vallarta reef.
This boat is a Mazatlan 28-foot (8.5 meter) center console from 2015, which in the boating world, is a pretty nice boat! It also has all the gadgets that make fishing a little easier, like a GPS, sonar, outriggers, a fighting chair for the big fish, a live bait tank, and they use high-quality gear. The Shimano rods with custom-built reels set this boat apart, as the top-tier gear means great fishing!
If you’re a diehard fisherman, all of the flashy equipment will be a huge bonus. This tour is also great if you have others in your group who aren’t quite as into fishing, as the snorkeling and the comfy boat will make this experience fun for any person. So, as some people are throwing out lines for fish, others can swim with the fish as you snorkel through the reef!
This tour includes all fishing and snorkeling equipment and has a whale permit, so if you visit during the whale watching season you can hang out a bit longer and see the spectacular natural show! The tour includes some snacks and two dozen beers for your group as well as a mini fridge if you want to pack some more. You will also need to pay the $5 USD (about 80 MXN) dock fee per person, so bring some pesos!
This private inshore fishing excursion is $752 USD for up to 4 people and leaves in the morning at either 7 am or 7:30 am (remember the earlier the better for fishing!). It is sure to be an amazing day out on the water, and hopefully, you’ll come back with fresh fish for lunch! You can reserve this experience online here.
6hrs Fast Fishing Boat Fishing
This 6-hour Fast Fishing Boat Tour is operated by the same captain and crew as above. The major difference is the length of time (6 hours vs. 4 hours) and you will be able to venture into offshore waters on this tour. You’ll still have the nice 28-foot (8.5-meter) Mazatlan boat with the highest quality of gear, and have a chance to go after the big marlins and tunas in the deeper waters!
This is also a private tour, so your group of up to four people will meet the captain at Marina Vallarta at 7 am to get an early start. It’s nice having a private tour as the captain can customize the experience to fit your group vibe. Whether that is staying closer to shore to catch more small fish or boating further out and searching for the big monstrous fish that live in the deeper waters.
Throughout the six hours, you will spend most of it fishing (and hopefully catching), enjoying the gorgeous Puerto Vallarta waters, and getting a chance to jump in and snorkel. The crew is awesome and if you catch a fish, they will prepare fresh ceviche onboard! They will provide all fishing, snorkeling, and safety equipment for this tour. There are also light snacks on board and two dozen beers to share with your group. You will be out on the water a bit longer, so pack some additional snacks to put in the mini-fridge if you think you’ll need them! As well, have some cash on hand to pay the $5 USD dock fee per.
This fishing charter out of Puerto Vallarta is $1,436 USD for 4 people. While this is the most expensive tour on the list, it is also one of the longest tours and a highly-rated experience, so you will certainly get a quality fishing trip! This fishing charter is available daily and you can reserve this tour online here!
4hrs Private Boat Fishing
If you have a bigger group visiting Puerto Vallarta, this private fishing tour is a great option, and it’s very affordable! This boat accommodates up to 8 travelers (most tours are only 4) and is a flat rate of $1,255 USD, so roughly $155 USD per person. For four hours of sport fishing in one of the best locations in the world, this is a fantastic deal!
This tour is also pretty flexible to meet your group’s needs. When you book the tour, you will let the captain know your objectives for the fishing experience, where you want to fish, and if possible, what boat to take out. The captain will use his experience and expertise to try and meet all of those objectives, which will hopefully end in a nice big catch!
It’s fun having an option that can accommodate a bigger group, so the whole family or whole travel crew can enjoy this experience. You certainly don’t have to be an expert fisherman yourself, as the crew is great at teaching the basics of fishing, so it really is fun for anyone. Plus, there is snorkel equipment on board if you’re feeling up to going for a swim with the fish!
This tour includes all of your fishing, snorkeling, and safety equipment. It also includes some light snacks and beers, plus the crew can help direct you to a local sushi restaurant to prepare your catch for lunch once you get back! You will have to pay the $5 USD (80 MXN) dock fee per person and can bring additional snacks for the mini-fridge.
Book this private fishing tour out of Puerto Vallarta online here!
Fishing and snorkel tour in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta
Our last fishing charter out of Puerto Vallarta is another customizable option that is well-suited for larger groups. This private fishing tour can accommodate 10 people, is the largest tour on the list, and spends 6 hours circling the Bay of Banderas and beyond to find the catch of a lifetime!
Lots of people travel to Puerto Vallarta with big groups, so I can see this tour being a super fun option if you have a bunch of friends on board! This tour option is great for long-time fishermen or those who are brand new. Even though I have been fishing plenty of times, I was so thankful to have the expertise of the guides. They are out on the Pacific every day, so they know all of its quirky patterns and best fishing spots.
These six-hour tours have more flexibility if you want to head into deeper waters, which is where you are more likely to catch a big fish. Really, with that much time and a private captain, you can go where the fishing is best!
This tour also includes snorkel equipment to take a break from fishing and enjoy the cool water. The crew also makes fresh guacamole and, if you catch anything, fresh ceviche! All of your fishing gear and any safety equipment are included in the tour price. You can simply show up and be ready to fish!
This tour is $1,075 USD and can fit 10 people, so that’s about $107 USD per person – not too bad! Check your Puerto Vallarta itinerary and then book this fishing excursion online here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Do you need to book fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta in advance?
Yes, you do need to book a fishing charter in advance. As I mentioned earlier, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best sport-fishing destinations in the world, so tours book up fast! Most companies only have one boat and demand is high during peak season, so booking in advance is a must, especially to ensure you get a reputable tour operator.
There are a lot of tours out there, but many of them are not insured or don’t have the proper permits. While fishing charters are generally very safe, there is always a margin for error and you don’t want to be in a situation where you are not insured and something bad happens. This is why we book through Viator, as they ensure the tours are legit operations and you can read the reviews from others who have taken the tour previously.
Related Read: Another popular destination nearby is to head to Sayulita! It’s also important to book a Sayulita tour from Puerto Vallarta in advance so you don’t miss out on this charming beach town.
7. Are fishing charters suitable for children in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, fishing charters are a very fun family activity! I would recommend booking an inshore tour as they don’t go out quite as far and are generally shorter. Kids enjoy these tours, but any more than 4 hours on a boat will become boring to most children.
I appreciate that many of these tours include snorkeling, so it mixes up activities a bit and keeps it exciting the whole time! But, hopefully, you will be so busy catching fish that the kids won’t even have time to get bored!
8. Are you guaranteed to catch fish on a Puerto Vallarta fishing tour?
No, you are not guaranteed to catch a fish but the chances are great! Puerto Vallarta is recognized worldwide for its amazing fishing for a reason, but booking a tour during peak season will increase your odds even more.
Peak season is during the winter months, starting as early as October and running through February/March. Peak season depends on what type of fish you’re looking for, so you can double-check with the guides before booking.
Of course, catching a fish is the main objective of booking one of these tours. However, even if you hit a bad fishing day and come home empty-handed, these fishing tours are still a really fun experience! You can learn a lot from the guides and have a day out on the water, so it’s a win-win either way.
9. Are fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta safe?
Yes, fishing charters are a very safe activity in Puerto Vallarta. The boats are held to a high standard and are required to have safety equipment on board, and the proper licensing and permits to operate as a tour.
The captains have a big investment in the boat and all the equipment, so you’ll rarely find a shoddy tour. However, they are out there! Some won’t have insurance, which in the off chance something bad happens, you want to ensure your boat is insured.
This is why we try to book our tours on Viator whenever possible, as they uphold a higher standard and you can read reviews of people who have already taken the tour, so you know if it will be good or not. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Puerto Vallarta, so safety is a high priority to make sure tourists have a great time and will keep coming back!
10. Are fishing charters in Puerto Vallarta worth it?
Yes, I had a great time fishing in Puerto Vallarta. Although we didn’t get any big game fish, we were fortunate to catch a lot of smaller fish, which still made for an action-packed day!
Our hotel restaurant in Puerto Vallarta cooked them up for us, so we got to enjoy the fresh fish that we caught ourselves. The tour was a good excuse to get out on the water and enjoy the gorgeous Puerto Vallarta weather, and we had a blast hanging out with our guides throughout the day.
I will absolutely take another fishing tour when we’re back in Puerto Vallarta, and maybe next time I’ll get one of those big guys!
Related Read: If you’re traveling as a couple, check out all our ideas for a romantic trip or honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Puerto Vallarta
There’s a good reason why Bailey and I keep coming back to Puerto Vallarta – there are a ton of fun things to try! So why not take your trip to a whole new level with a few more of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta! Here are some of our must-do activities:
- Explore the jungle on an ATV tour – One of my all-time favorite activities in Puerto Vallarta was going on an ATV tour. We went on this half-day Jorullo Bridge ATV experience that takes you to some of the most scenic natural spots in the area, as well as over the longest suspension bridge in Latin America!
- Take a luxury cruise – You’ll feel like absolute royalty on this all-inclusive luxury yacht tour that’s surprisingly affordable! It involves sailing across the stunning Banderas Bay to the secluded beach town of Yelapa, hiking to a waterfall, and snorkeling for only $135 USD. There’s even an open bar on board, as well as a complimentary massage. It’s like an all-in-one vacation package!
- See the Rhythms of the Night show – When it comes to the best dinner shows in Puerto Vallarta, the Rhythms of the Night is a tough one to beat! It takes place on a secluded island with incredible dancing, acrobatics, music, and, of course, the food is amazing too. You also get to enjoy a beautiful catamaran cruise to and from the island! You can book your ticket online here.
- Walk the Puerto Vallarta Malecon – The Malecon Boardwalk is absolutely full of amazing museums, some of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, and more shops than you can count! This is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs for the folks back home, have a go at making your own chocolate, or simply enjoy a drink at Señor Frogs!
- Go whale watching – Going whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is a pretty popular activity (and a favorite of mine!). Not only is it one of the best places to see humpback whales, but you might even see grey or blue whales too. This 4-hour whale-watching tour is ideal for those on a budget but is also capped at just 12 passengers per tour!
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
It’s no secret that Puerto Vallarta is a very popular tourist destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great deals on accommodation (especially if you take a look at hotels early!). You’ll find a whole range of hotels here that cater to an equally wide range of budgets.
So whether you’re a backpacker looking to save money or a family looking to enjoy a little luxury, let’s take a look at some of our favorite places to stay in Puerto Vallarta!
Oasis Hostel – $
Who said you couldn’t live the dream on a budget? The Oasis Hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, which all have air conditioning with traditional Mexican decor. It’s around 5 km (3 mi) to get downtown, but that’s really easy with a taxi, or you can also rent a bike straight from the hostel.
Rooms here are super affordable, starting at just $19 USD including breakfast! Whether you’re backpacking through Puerto Vallarta or prefer to spend your money on experiences over accommodation, this is a great choice. You can book your space on either Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Posada de Roger – $
Another superb budget choice is the Hotel Posada de Roger that’s right in the heart of the Romantic Zone. All rooms here have AC, and they even have an outdoor pool that gets tons of sun. If you fancy making up some packed lunches, they also have a shared kitchen which is free for guests to use. No wonder it’s our go-to place to stay in Puerto Vallarta!
A one-night stay here at Posada de Roger starts at $64 USD per night, but it is pretty popular, so I’d recommend making your reservation in advance on Booking.com. You can always cancel the stay for free if you change your mind, so it’s a win-win!
Amapas Apartments Puerto Vallarta – $$
The Amapas Apartments in Puerto Vallarta are a series of adult-only, self-contained apartments, located in my favorite area of town – the Romantic Zone. It’s really close to the beach, restaurants, as well as tons of shopping and nightlife options. They even have a pool, with all rooms being air-conditioned too!
With one and two-bedroom apartments available, a stay here typically starts around $96 USD per night, which I think is a great deal considering the size of the apartment and its location! This is another really popular spot though, so don’t forget to book your stay online in advance.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera – $$$
The Hilton Vallarta Riviera is one of the best resorts in town – it’s all-inclusive, so you’re free to have plenty of peaceful downtime. They also have 7 restaurants, a private beach, a pool, a spa, and a gym. Rooms have super comfy beds and can include a terrace, balcony, and a private jetted tub overlooking the ocean! There’s evening entertainment and a kid’s club to keep the little ones happy
Rooms here at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera average around $350-$650 USD per night, but you can often get a good deal (on the lower end of that range) if you book in advance.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Going fishing in Puerto Vallarta is such a fun addition to any vacation! There’s something about getting out on the water and the excitement of the catch that I really enjoy. Whether you reel in a huge snapper, some mahi mahi, or some smaller mackerel, it’s sure to be a fun time. If you decide to go, make sure you come back and let me know what you caught on your fishing tour!
As you plan a trip to Puerto Vallarta, have a look through our other Mexico blogs. We’ve lived and traveled throughout the country and are back often, so we keep up-to-date on all the best things to do and see. Here are a few related articles to get you started!
7 BEST Tequila Tours in Puerto Vallarta +Tips BEFORE Booking
21 BEST Beaches in Mexico (that you have to visit!)
12 Things to KNOW Before Going Scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta