Before your trip

Meeting points, what is included, what to bring, and what happens if the weather turns.

• Where do I meet the captain?Your departure point is on the trip page and on your confirmation. Most trips in this bay leave from Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Los Muertos pier or Boca de Tomatlán.
• What is included in the price?Each trip lists its own included items on the trip page. On most Puerto Vallarta charters that means the boat, crew, fuel, rods, tackle and bait, with food, drinks and fish cleaning varying by operator.
• Is fuel included in the price?On effectively every trip listed here, yes. Fuel is built into the price and you should not be asked for a fuel surcharge at the dock.
• What should I bring and what should I wear?Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, a light long-sleeved layer and soft-soled shoes. Leave anything you would hate to lose in the room, and take seasickness tablets before you board if you are prone to it.
• Can I keep my catch?Usually yes for table fish like dorado, tuna and snapper. Billfish are released on almost every boat in this bay. Your captain decides what comes home, and their word governs on the day.
• Is fish cleaning included?Most crews will fillet and bag your catch at the dock. Whether it is included or tipped for varies by boat, and no captain can store fish for you afterwards.
• What happens if the weather is bad?The captain decides, and safety comes before the trip. If the captain cancels for weather you are not left out of pocket — you are offered another date or your money back.
• Can I bring children?On most trips yes, and many captains price children separately. Minimum ages are set by the individual boat, so check the listing and tell the captain the ages when you request.
• Is there a toilet on board?Larger offshore boats normally have one. Smaller inshore pangas often do not. The trip page is the place to check, and it is a fair question to ask before booking.
• Can I bring alcohol on board?Usually yes in moderation, and it is the captain's call. Some trips include beer, others are happy for you to bring your own, and offshore fishing days are not the place for heavy drinking.
• How much should I tip the crew?Between 15% and 20% of the trip price is the normal range in Puerto Vallarta for a crew that has worked well. Tips are given directly to the crew at the dock, in cash, and are never taken through this site.
• How do I know what will be biting when I visit?Each species in the bay has a season, and the site shows which are running in the current month. Your captain is the best source for the last few days specifically.
• How far offshore will we go?It depends on the trip length. Short trips stay inside the bay, full days reach the Marietas and El Morro, and the long bluewater runs go out to Corbeteña and El Banco.
• What if I get seasick?Take medication an hour before you board rather than once you feel unwell, and choose an inshore trip if you are unsure. Seasickness is not grounds for a refund once the boat has sailed.
• Can the captain pick me up from my hotel?Some operators offer transfers and some do not. It is not a marketplace-wide service, so check the trip page and ask the captain before you book.
• Is there parking at the marina?Yes at the main marinas, and it is usually a small paid car park. Boca de Tomatlán is the exception and is tight, so arrive early or take a taxi.
• What time does the trip leave, and what if I am late?Your departure time is on your confirmation. Arrive at least fifteen minutes early — boats leave on time because tides, bookings and daylight do not wait.
• Can I bring my dog?That is entirely the captain's decision and most fishing charters say no. Ask before booking rather than turning up with a dog.
• How do I contact my captain?Contact details are shared once your trip is confirmed and are on your booking in your account. If you cannot reach the captain and your trip is close, contact us.
• What do I do if I cannot reach the captain?Contact us with your PV- booking reference. We are in the same market as these operators and can usually reach a captain far faster than a visitor calling from abroad.