Discover Hobie-Cat Sailing and Fish your own Lunch

Getting a Feel for the Open Sea: Our Take on the Hobie-Cat Sailing and Fishing Tour in Puerto Vallarta

While we haven’t personally hopped aboard this adventure, it’s easy to see why this tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating from travelers. This experience combines learning to sail, fishing your own lunch, and spotting marine wildlife, all in a relaxed two-and-a-half-hour window.

What we love about this trip is its unique blend of practical skills and fun—you’re not just sitting back and soaking up views, but actively participating in controlling the boat, spotting dolphins, and catching fish. The chance to prepare and enjoy a meal with your own catch adds a satisfying, almost primal element to the adventure. The small group sizes (up to four people per boat) promise personalized attention and a more intimate connection with the ocean.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a weather-dependent experience, so poor conditions could lead to cancellations. It’s worth planning on a flexible schedule or checking the forecast. This tour best suits those with a curious spirit, eager to try something hands-on, and who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and culinary reward.

Good To Know

• Hands-on sailing: Learn to interpret wind and sail a Hobie-Cat yourself, not just watch others.
• Wildlife encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, and whale sightings (Dec-April) add excitement.
• Fishing for lunch: Spot schools of fish with the help of seabirds, then catch your own dinner.
• Authentic experience: Prepare fresh ceviche or sashimi from your own catch—delicious and satisfying.
• Expert guidance: Certified guides teach and support, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Value for money: For $225 per group, you get a personalized, memorable half-day with activities that many find worth every peso.

Why You’ll Love This Experience

This tour is a fantastic way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta beyond the usual beach lounging. The emphasis on learning a new skill—sailing—is especially appealing for those who want to turn their beach day into an active adventure. The guides, who are certified and experienced, take the time to teach you the basics of sailing, including how to read the wind and maneuver the boat. As one reviewer said, “They are really patient and easy to understand,” which makes it approachable, even for complete novices.

Wildlife sightings are a highlight—dolphins often surf alongside the boat, and on some days, you might see turtles or even whales during the season. Such encounters elevate this trip from a simple sailing lesson to a genuine nature experience. Catching your own fish and then having it prepared as ceviche or sashimi is a culinary capstone that many find rewarding, especially because it’s all done with the freshest possible ingredients.

The quality of the equipment—a well-maintained Hobie-Cat 16-foot sailboat, life jackets, fishing gear, and a cooler with refreshments—ensures comfort and safety throughout the trip. The included snacks of fruit and nuts, along with bottled water, keep you energized for the adventure.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Details

Your journey begins at the designated meeting point: Quetzal 108 in the Zona Hotelera, Puerto Vallarta. The tour operates as a private activity for your group, meaning you’ll have undivided attention and a personalized experience. The guides, highly qualified or certified, will welcome you and provide an overview before setting off.

Learning to Sail

The first part of the experience is educational. The instructor will teach you how to interpret the wind’s direction—a crucial skill in sailing. Expect explanations about the parts of the Hobie-Cat, how to position it relative to the wind, and basic sailing maneuvers. We loved the way the guides make sailing accessible: “They let everyone try to steer and turn the boat around,” which is perfect for beginners.

Sailing Practice and Exploration

Once you grasp the basics, you’ll get to sail the boat yourself. This hands-on approach is both empowering and fun. The guides encourage participation, sometimes letting you take the wheel, and demonstrate how to change course or adjust sails. The experience is designed to give you a real sense of freedom on the water.

Wildlife Encounters and Fish Spotting

As you sail, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, which often leap alongside the boat, and olive ridley turtles, frequently seen swimming nearby. During whale season (December to April), luck might have you spotting a whale or two—an awe-inspiring bonus. Seagulls flock over schools of fish, providing natural cues for fishing opportunities.

Fishing and Catching Your Lunch

Fishing lines are set during the tour, and the guides teach you how to spot schools of fish—an activity made easier by the presence of seagulls circling overhead. The thrill of catching your own fish is a highlight; many reviewers, including Natalie, mention how satisfying it is to see their kids “try to steer and turn the boat” while also catching dinner. Afterward, you’ll decide whether to enjoy ceviche or sashimi made from your catch—fresher seafood you won’t find anywhere else.

End of the Tour

The trip concludes back at the starting point, with optional assistance from the guides if you wish to keep practicing or explore further. The entire experience, from sailing to fishing and eating, lasts about 2.5 hours—just enough time to feel accomplished without it becoming tiring.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Included:

• The Hobie-Cat 16-foot sailboat, life jackets, fishing gear, cooler, snacks (fruit and nuts), bottled water, and a licensed guide.
• The experience is private, so your group gets dedicated attention.

Not Included:

• Towels are not provided, so bring your own if you want to dry off afterward.
• Optional extras like meal upgrades or additional activities are not listed.

Pricing and Value

At $225 for up to four people, the cost covers a personalized, skill-building adventure filled with wildlife and culinary rewards. Many travelers find it worth the price, especially considering the quality of instruction, the chance to catch fish, and the memorable photos of wildlife encounters.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for water activities; quick-drying options are best.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
• Sea sickness medication might be wise if you’re prone to motion sickness.
• Towels are not provided, so pack your own if needed.
• Consider bringing a waterproof camera or phone case to capture wildlife and scenic views.

The Sum Up: Who will love this tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous souls eager to learn sailing skills while enjoying the beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s waters. Families with kids, like the reviewer who said it was a “highlight of their trip,” will appreciate the hands-on approach and wildlife sightings. It also suits those interested in culinary experiences, as catching and preparing a fresh meal adds a unique satisfaction.

The small group size and personal guidance make it ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxed, intimate adventure. Keep in mind it’s weather-dependent, so flexibility is wise if planning around uncertain conditions. Overall, it offers a fantastic mix of active fun, nature, and gastronomy—a memorable way to connect with the ocean.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including sailing, fishing, and enjoying the meal.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, including children, as evidenced by reviews mentioning an 8-year-old.

What should I wear?
Light, comfortable clothes and water-friendly gear. Sunscreen and hats are recommended.

Do I need prior sailing experience?
No, the guides teach all the basics, making it approachable for beginners.

Will I see wildlife?
Yes, dolphins, turtles, and sometimes whales during whale season (Dec-April) are commonly spotted.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is provided.

Are tips included?
Tipping is not included but appreciated if you feel the guides did a good job.

Do I need to bring anything?
Towels, if you plan to swim afterward. Otherwise, just bring water, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

How many people can join?
Up to four per boat, making it a cozy, more interactive outing.

This tour offers a wonderful balance of activity, education, wildlife, and culinary delight. Whether you’re a first-time sailor or a seasoned beachgoer looking for something new, it’s a memorable way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s waters in a small-group setting.