Offshore Sport Fishing Tournaments in Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta (Banderas Bay)
Sport fishing in Puerto Vallarta is internationally recognized for offering some of the best big game fishing experiences along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Every year, anglers from Mexico, the United States, and Canada travel to Banderas Bay to compete in prestigious offshore tournaments where species such as marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and mahi-mahi (dorado) provide the ultimate challenge.
Beyond the thrill of competition, these tournaments have become gathering events for business professionals, sport fishing enthusiasts, families, and international teams looking to combine world-class fishing with a luxury vacation.
Whether you’re planning to compete or simply experience the excitement, booking one of the best Puerto Vallarta fishing charters or fishing boats in Puerto Vallarta can make all the difference.
Why Is Puerto Vallarta One of the World's Best Sport Fishing Destinations?
Banderas Bay offers exceptional fishing conditions almost year-round thanks to its:
- Quick access to deep offshore waters
- Tropical climate with excellent boating conditions
- Incredible variety of pelagic game fish
- Experienced local captains with decades of expertise
- World-class marinas
- International tourism infrastructure
Just a few miles offshore lie some of Puerto Vallarta’s most legendary fishing grounds, including:
- La Corbeteña
- El Banco
- Marietas Islands
- El Morro
- Punta de Mita
These offshore hotspots are internationally known for producing trophy-sized blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, Pacific sailfish, and mahi-mahi.
The Top Sport Fishing Tournaments in Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay
1. Puerto Vallarta International Marlin & Tuna Tournament
Dates: November 11–14, 2026
Organizer: Puerto Vallarta Sport Fishing Club (Club de Pesca Deportiva de Puerto Vallarta A.C.)
Location: Marina Vallarta
Target Species
- Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Sailfish
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
Widely considered the region’s most prestigious and historic fishing tournament, this event has been held for more than six decades and attracts professional and recreational anglers from across Mexico and abroad.
Competing boats head to world-famous offshore fishing grounds such as La Corbeteña and El Banco, where trophy fish are regularly landed.
Each edition features substantial cash prizes and optional jackpot categories that raise the competitive level of the tournament.
For many Mexican anglers, participating in this Puerto Vallarta fishing tournament has become a family tradition passed down through generations.
2. Banderas Bay International Marlin & Tuna Tournament (BaDeBa)
Organizer: Banderas Bay Sport Fishing Club (Club de Pesca Deportiva Bahía de Banderas A.C.)
Locations:
- Marina Paradise Village
- Vallarta Yacht Club
Season: July
Target Species
- Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
Known simply as BaDeBa, this tournament attracts nearly one hundred boats from both Mexico and the United States.
In addition to offering significant prize purses, the event includes Catch and Release categories that promote responsible and sustainable sport fishing.
Held during the summer, BaDeBa is an excellent opportunity for anglers who want to combine a Riviera Nayarit vacation with one of the Pacific Coast’s premier offshore fishing competitions.
3. Playa Los Muertos Traditional Sport Fishing Tournament
Dates: November 6–7, 2026
Starting Point: Los Muertos Pier
Target Species
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
- Sailfish
- Marlin
Although the tournament begins at one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmarks, participating boats quickly head offshore in search of trophy game fish.
This event maintains a strong sense of community, with a portion of the catch often donated to local charitable organizations, combining competitive sport fishing with tradition and social responsibility.
4. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Sport Fishing Tournament
Date: First or second week of October
Location: Marina Riviera Nayarit
Target Species
- Marlin
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
This tournament welcomes both traditional panga fishing boats and larger sport fishing yachts, making it one of the most important fishing competitions in the northern region of Banderas Bay.
Departing from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, competitors head into productive offshore waters where trophy catches are frequently recorded.
Choosing the Right Boat for Competition
One of the greatest advantages of booking a private yacht charter in Puerto Vallarta is the variety of breathtaking destinations you can explore throughout Banderas Bay. Your itinerary can be customized based on the length of your charter, your group's interests, and the type of celebration you're planning.
Panga Fishing Boats
Modern panga fishing boats deliver excellent performance for small groups and are a popular choice for anglers looking for an efficient and affordable offshore fishing experience.
They’re ideal for:
- Full-day fishing trips
- Teams of two to four anglers
- Recreational offshore fishing
Sport Fishing Boats in Puerto Vallarta
Modern sport fishing boats in Puerto Vallarta are fully equipped for offshore competition, featuring advanced technology, live bait wells, professional-grade fishing gear, state-of-the-art electronics, and experienced crews.
They are an excellent choice for:
- Local fishing tournaments
- Offshore sport fishing adventures
- Anglers seeking the best value for their investment
These boats provide the ideal balance of performance, comfort, and affordability for most tournaments held throughout Banderas Bay.
Sport Fishing Yachts
For anglers seeking the highest level of comfort and performance, sport fishing yachts are the ultimate choice for competitive offshore fishing.
Most include:
- Professional captain
- Experienced first mate
- Advanced navigation and fish-finding electronics
- Private restroom
- Fully equipped galley
- Air conditioning
- Spacious fishing cockpit and deck areas
Sport fishing yachts are the preferred option for international teams and serious anglers planning extended fishing days at legendary offshore destinations like La Corbeteña and El Banco.
Fishing Boat Rentals in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta
If you’re visiting the region without your own boat, you’ll find a wide range of fishing boat rentals in Puerto Vallarta designed to accommodate different group sizes and budgets.
At PV Fishing and Sailing, we offer fully equipped fishing boats ready for tournament competition or unforgettable recreational fishing trips, all operated by experienced local captains with extensive knowledge of the most productive fishing grounds throughout Banderas Bay.
Whether you’re looking for a well-equipped panga fishing boat or a fully outfitted sport fishing yacht for one of the region’s prestigious international tournaments, we recommend booking well in advance—especially during July and November, when demand for fishing charters is at its highest.
