Sport Fishing in the Bay and Open Ocean: Species and Places to Practice It

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are recognized as an excellent place for fishing, either as a hobby or sport, because inside and outside spectacular Banderas Bay you can find a diversity of fish that include deep-sea fishing species. 

A characteristic of these Mexican Pacific coasts is the ease with which these specimens can be found during most of the year; however, the reality is that there are specific seasons and zones in which sport fishing is more advisable.

Places and Species

Marietas Islands (4-6 hours)
Located near the shores of Punta de Mita, the following species can be found in the immediate vicinity of this protected sanctuary:

• Sailfish
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Mahi-mahi
• Roosterfish

El Morro (8 hours)
Located offshore of the Marietas Islands, in this popular site you can capture species such as the following:

• Sailfish
• Striped Marlin
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Mahi-mahi
• Roosterfish

El Faro (8 hours)
To the south of Puerto Vallarta, on the shores of the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, is this place where you can find fish such as the following:

• Sailfish
• Striped Marlin
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Mahi-mahi
• Roosterfish

La Corbeteña (10 hours)
Away from the shores of Banderas Bay, in the open ocean, this site is characterized by huge schools of fish, and some of the species that stand out are the following:

• Sailfish
• Striped Marlin
• Black Marlin
• Blue Marlin
• Large Yellowfin Tuna
• Wahoo
• Mahi-mahi

El Banco (12 to 14 hours)
As it is one of the areas farthest from the coast of Banderas Bay, this place is recognized as the one that offers the largest fish, which represent a challenge for sport fishing enthusiasts. Among them are the following:

• Sailfish
• Marlin
• Yellowfin Tuna
• Mahi-mahi
• Wahoo
• Roosterfish

If you have never tried sport fishing in the open ocean, you will be surprised how exciting this activity can be, as well as being able to appreciate some of Banderas Bay’s most impressive scenery. In addition, taking one of these tours helps bring families and/or friends together to enjoy an outdoor experience that will give them the opportunity to strengthen ties while having fun on a great adventure.