Bertram 38′ Convertible Boat in Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta

Set your own pace on Banderas Bay. This private Bertram 38′ outing gives you a boat, captain, and crew for your group alone, with shoreline sightseeing, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, fruit, and bottled water included. I especially like the private format, since up to eight people can shape the day around their own interests rather than follow a fixed crowd schedule.

I also like the flexible four-to-eight-hour length. A shorter trip works for a relaxed bay outing, while a longer booking leaves room for fishing, paddling, snorkeling, and a possible meal stop such as Ocean Grill. The main thing to consider is that hotel pickup and towels are not included, and the weather can affect the plan.

• Private Bertram 38′ boat: Your group of up to eight people has the boat to itself.
• Flexible four-to-eight-hour outing: Choose a shorter sightseeing cruise or allow more time for water activities.
• Snorkeling at wildlife-rich rocks: You can explore above and below the water at a scenic rocky stop.
• Fishing and kayaking available: Fishing gear and snorkeling equipment are included, while kayaking is highlighted as a popular activity.
• Simple provisions included: Bottled water and chopped fruit are provided.
• Strong satisfaction record: The experience has a 4.7 rating from 46 reviews, with 93 percent recommending it.

A Private Boat Day Instead of a Fixed Group Cruise

The biggest practical advantage here is privacy. You are not sharing the boat with a large party, so your group can spend more time on the activities that suit you. A family may want sightseeing and kayaking, while a group of friends may prefer fishing, snorkeling, and a longer stop for lunch.

The boat holds up to eight people per booking. That makes the $800 price easier to understand. It is not an inexpensive ticket for one person, but split among eight, it works out to $100 each before any optional spending. With six people, the figure is about $133 each, and with four people, about $200 each.

That price includes the boat experience, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, bottled water, and chopped fruit. You are paying for privacy and flexibility as much as for the equipment. For a full eight-hour outing with a full group, the value is considerably better than booking several separate activities.

The price requires more thought for a small party. Two or three people will pay much more per person, although you still receive the benefit of having the boat to yourselves. If your group is small, compare that private experience with a shared cruise before booking.

Following Puerto Vallarta’s Shoreline From the Water

The outing begins with sightseeing along the Puerto Vallarta shoreline. From the water, you get a different view of the city than you do from streets, restaurants, or the beach. The coastline becomes the main subject, and the boat gives you room to watch it without needing to navigate traffic or stop at every viewpoint.

This part of the trip is also useful for settling into the pace of the day. You can take in the views, talk with your group, and decide how much time you want to spend on fishing, kayaking, or snorkeling. Since the duration can be four to eight hours, the sightseeing portion does not have to consume the whole outing.

Do not expect a tightly scripted sightseeing tour with a long list of named stops. The information provided describes shoreline viewing rather than a detailed city tour. If your main goal is historic commentary or a land-based look at Puerto Vallarta, this is not the right format. The attraction here is the bay itself and the freedom to enjoy it from a private boat.

The tour operates in English, though it may also be run by a multilingual guide. Confirmation is received at booking, which gives you the basic details before the day begins.

Snorkeling at the Wildlife Rocks

The main nature stop is a set of rocks where wildlife gathers. You can snorkel there and enjoy views both under and above the water. That combination makes the stop more than a quick swim break. You have the chance to watch the water from the boat, then use the supplied snorkeling equipment when conditions suit.

The snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. You should still bring a swimsuit if you plan to enter the water, along with beach-casual clothing for the rest of the trip.

The wording of the experience leaves the exact amount of snorkeling time flexible. That is helpful for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can remain on the boat and enjoy the views. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, but the information does not provide specific details about water depth, currents, or accessibility at the rocks.

That lack of detail is worth noting if snorkeling is the central reason for your booking. Weather can change the quality of a water stop, and the whole experience requires good weather. If poor conditions lead to cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Fishing, Kayaking, and Time on the Water

Fishing gear is included, so you can try fishing without arranging equipment separately. The available information does not promise a particular species, fishing location, or guaranteed catch. Treat fishing as one of the day’s options, not the sole purpose of the booking.

Kayaking is also part of the experience. One family of seven especially enjoyed kayaking during its sightseeing outing, which makes this a useful option for groups with different energy levels. Some people can paddle, some can snorkel, and others can stay aboard and enjoy the scenery.

The flexibility matters here. A four-hour booking may give you time for a shoreline cruise and one main water activity. An eight-hour booking gives your group more breathing room. You are less likely to feel rushed between sightseeing, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

The tour information does not specify how many kayaks are provided or whether kayaking is included in the listed price. The safest reading is that fishing gear and snorkeling equipment are included, while kayaking is an activity available during the outing. If kayaking is important to your group, confirm the equipment details before paying.

Food, Water, and Possible Stops

Bottled water and chopped fruit are included. That is enough to keep the outing simple and comfortable, especially during a half-day cruise, but it is not described as a full meal service.

One group arranged a custom six-hour trip with a stop at Ocean Grill. This gives you a useful sense of the boat’s flexibility, but you should not assume a restaurant stop is automatically included. Ask about custom stops, timing, and any additional cost before booking.

Another group praised the food service, drinks, entertainment, and picture service during its outing. Those extras may be available as part of the operator’s service, but the stated inclusions only list water and fruit. I would plan around the confirmed inclusions and treat restaurant meals, additional drinks, entertainment, or photos as items to clarify.

That approach keeps the price clear. You do not want to assume a meal is covered, then discover that it is separate. Bring any personal snacks you need, and ask what is available if your party wants lunch during a longer eight-hour booking.

What the Crew and Service Add

The captain and crew received particularly strong praise. One six-hour outing was custom designed around the group’s wishes, including the Ocean Grill stop. That suggests the crew can help shape the day rather than simply follow a rigid route.

A family of seven also praised the service, food, entertainment, and photo service. Another group of three couples said it had used the experience before and enjoyed it again. Those details point to a service style suited to social groups and family occasions.

Still, the supplied information does not name the captain or crew. You should not book this expecting a specific guide by name. The tour is offered in English and may be operated by a multilingual guide, which can be useful for mixed-language groups.

The private format also changes the social feel. You can celebrate, chat, or keep the day quiet without worrying about a boatload of strangers. If you prefer a structured tour with a guide delivering constant commentary, the open format may feel less directed.

Why the Four-to-Eight-Hour Choice Matters

The duration is approximate and ranges from four to eight hours. That wide range is one of the tour’s best features, but it also means you should decide what kind of day you want before booking.

Choose around four hours if you mainly want shoreline sightseeing, a short snorkeling stop, and a taste of the boat experience. This shorter plan may suit families with younger children or anyone fitting the cruise between other Puerto Vallarta plans.

Choose closer to eight hours if you want several activities. Fishing can take time, kayaking adds another pace to the day, and snorkeling is more enjoyable when you are not watching the clock. A longer booking also leaves room to discuss a restaurant stop such as Ocean Grill.

The best use of the longer option is a group with shared interests. Eight hours can feel excessive if only one or two people want to swim, fish, or paddle. With a group of friends or a family that enjoys being on the water, the extra time can make the $800 group rate more worthwhile.

Clothing, Access, and Practical Planning

Dress in beach-casual clothing. Soft shoes are recommended, and heels are not suitable on the boat. Wear a swimsuit if you plan to snorkel or swim, and remember that towels are not provided.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The experience is near public transportation, so you will need to arrange your own way to the departure point. The available details do not identify the exact meeting location, so check the confirmation carefully after booking.

Service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, though children must remain with an adult. The boat and snorkeling stop may not suit everyone with mobility concerns, and no detailed accessibility information is provided, so ask before booking if you need specific assistance.

Mobile tickets make the booking easy to carry on your phone. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking, and the experience is often reserved about 30 days ahead. If your dates are fixed, booking early is sensible.

The cancellation policy is generous if you plan ahead. You can receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted. If your cruise ship arrives late or does not arrive, no refund is issued for a missed tour, so cruise passengers should allow plenty of margin.

Who Will Get the Most From This Boat Trip

I would recommend this outing most strongly to groups of four to eight people who want a private day on the bay. Families can divide their time between sightseeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. Couples or friends can use the boat for a more social day, especially if they want to arrange a meal stop.

It also suits people who dislike fixed group schedules. You are not simply checking off stops. You have room to decide how active the day should be, and the captain and crew appear able to adjust the plan.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a low-cost solo activity, a detailed historical tour of Puerto Vallarta, or a guaranteed fishing catch. It may also disappoint if you expect a full lunch, unlimited drinks, towels, or hotel transportation to be part of the $800 price.

The 4.7 rating from 46 reviews and 93 percent recommendation rate support the idea that the experience delivers good service and enjoyable time on the water. The strongest praise centers on the crew, the private setup, kayaking, snorkeling, food and drink service, and the ability to shape a longer outing.

Should You Book the Bertram 38′?

Book it if you have a group ready to share the $800 cost and you want a flexible private day in Banderas Bay. The best value comes with six to eight people, especially if you choose a longer outing and make use of several activities.

Before booking, confirm the departure point, kayaking details, restaurant options, and any food or photo services not listed among the inclusions. Bring soft shoes, a swimsuit, and your own towel. If the weather is uncertain, keep the cancellation rules in mind.

I would choose this for a family celebration, a group of friends, or anyone who wants Puerto Vallarta sightseeing with time to fish, paddle, and snorkel. If you prefer a simple, cheap boat ride, the group price may be too high. If you value privacy and control over the day, the Bertram is a strong choice.

FAQ

How much does the private Bertram boat tour cost?

The price is $800 per group for up to eight people.

How long does the boat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

What activities are available?

The outing includes shoreline sightseeing, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is fishing gear provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Bottled water and chopped fruit are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though the experience is near public transportation.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.