Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay fishing forecast
Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay is a saltwater fishing spot in Jalisco Mexico, Mexico. Anglers here target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Atlantic Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi. The most productive months are typically November, December, January, February, March, April, May.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 30.9 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 6 km/h from NE |
| Wave height | 0.7 m at 10 s |
| Current | 0.01 m/s toward W |
| Pressure | 1011 hPa |
| Depth | 55 m |
| Cloud cover | 48% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay
Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay currently scores 78 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 30.9 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
Approximate bottom depth: 55 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
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Istiophorus platypterus
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Makaira nigricans
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Acanthocybium solandri
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Coryphaena hippurus
Best months by species at Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay
| Indo-Pacific SailfishIstiophorus platypterus | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Blue MarlinMakaira nigricans | ||||||||||||
| WahooAcanthocybium solandri | ||||||||||||
| Mahi-MahiCoryphaena hippurus |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indo-Pacific Sailfish | 1/day | — | — |
| Mahi-Mahi | 2/day | — | — |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Federal sport-fishing permit (permiso de pesca deportivo-recreativa) required for everyone aboard a vessel fishing in Mexican waters, regardless of age or whether they personally fish. Fishing from shore or a pier does NOT require a permit. Permit terms: daily ~$127 MXN, weekly ~$318 MXN, monthly ~$476 MXN, annual ~$635 MXN. Buy from CONAPESCA online or authorised vendors., non-residents Same federal permit applies to visiting anglers and is sold online by CONAPESCA and by state tourism portals (e.g. Baja California). Charter/panga operators usually arrange permits for clients — confirm before departure. Underwater (spearfishing) requires an individual permit.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only and are not a legal source. Mexican sport-fishing rules are set federally by CONAPESCA (NOM-017-PESC) but daily limits, reserved species and protected natural areas (ANPs, e.g. Cabo Pulmo, Revillagigedo, Banco Chinchorro) carry extra restrictions, and rules change. The overall limit is 10 organisms per angler per day, maximum 5 of one species. Always carry a valid permit when fishing from a vessel and verify current rules with CONAPESCA before fishing.
Check Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 507 km of Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay.
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Manzanillo Pacific
Lake Chapala Mexico
Lake Chapala Mexico
Mazatlan Pacific Mexico
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Pacific
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay?
Anglers at Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Atlantic Blue Marlin, Wahoo and Mahi-Mahi.
When is the best time to fish Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay?
The most productive months at Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay are typically November, December, January, February, March, April, May.
What is the fishing forecast for Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay right now?
Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay currently scores 78 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay?
Fishing at Puerto Vallarta Banderas Bay follows the local rules for Jalisco Mexico, Mexico. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Wahoo: Chasing the Ocean's Fastest SprinterHow to Catch Mahi-Mahi / Dorado: Chasing the Electric-Green Ghosts of the BluewaterHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.