Gran Canaria: Shared yacht trip with drinks, lunch, and snorkeling

The best thing about this small-group yacht trip is the breathing room. With no more than 12 people aboard, you can sit in the sun or shade, enjoy a cava on departure, and actually hear the crew explain the route. The boat heads from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, stopping near the sea-access-only Perchel cove for swimming and water activities.

I like the reliable hotel pickup and the easy mix of activity and downtime. I also like that the open bar includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, sparkling water, and water, not just one token drink. The main thing to note is that the advertised lunch is really a light tapas-style meal, so eat a little beforehand if you need a full midday feast.

Quick takeaways

• Maximum 12 people: The yacht feels personal rather than like a crowded party boat.
• About two hours in the water: Snorkel, swim, or use one of the two paddleboards near Mogán.
• Puerto Rico departure: The route includes Perchel cove, Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the Tiritaña Cliffs.
• Food is light but useful: Expect breads, dips, fruit, and assorted snacks rather than a large hot lunch.
• Hotel transfers cover southern Gran Canaria: Pickup and return must be arranged in advance.
• Extra water sports cost more: Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing are optional add-ons.

Setting sail from Puerto Rico toward Mogán

The trip begins at Puerto Rico, one of Gran Canaria’s main marinas for boat outings. If you arrange transport, a van collects you at your hotel or accommodation in the south of the island, then returns you after the cruise. The transfer takes about 20 minutes, though the exact timing depends on your pickup point.

At the marina, you board the yacht on Calle Puerto Escala. The boat travels offshore at roughly 8 to 9 knots, a comfortable pace for taking in the coast without turning the outing into a high-speed ride. The crew gives you a short briefing before heading west toward the Mogán area.

I like this opening because it avoids a rushed start. You settle into the boat, get a welcome glass of cava, and have time to choose your spot before the main activity begins. Music plays during the trip, and the atmosphere is designed to be social but relaxed rather than rowdy.

The yacht has seating in both sunny and shaded areas. Several people have found it clean, comfortable, and well maintained, with a roomy sun deck. At the full limit of 12 people, space should still be workable, though a private booking for five or so people gives you noticeably more room to spread out.

Perchel cove and the two-hour water stop

The main stop is near Perchel cove, an attractive inlet that can only be reached from the sea. This is where the excursion shifts from scenic cruise to water time. You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, or try one of the two paddleboards.

The scheduled bathing period lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. That is a generous amount of time for a half-day boat trip. You are not simply jumping overboard for ten hurried minutes before being called back aboard.

The paddleboards are included, which is a real value point. Beginners can have a go without paying an extra rental fee, though the sea may be choppy. One family found the wobbling more funny than graceful, and that is a fair expectation: paddleboarding here is casual play, not a calm-water lesson.

Snorkeling is also included, but keep your expectations sensible. You may see small fish close to the boat, and some departures have found plenty of them. This is not a coral-reef excursion, and there is no guarantee of a dramatic underwater display. One useful improvement would be fins, which are not listed as included. Swimming back to the yacht can take effort without them.

The water temperature can also be a surprise. Even in warm weather, the Atlantic may feel cold at first. Bring a towel, dry off in the sun, and do not feel obliged to stay in the water for the full stop.

Optional jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing

If snorkeling and paddleboarding are not enough, you can pay for extra activities during the water stop. The published prices are:

• Jet ski: €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes
• Sea scooter: €20 per person for 10 minutes
• Parasailing: €35 per person for about 10 minutes

These activities are not part of the $85 base price, so budget separately if you want them. Parasailing and jet skis can change the feel of the outing from quiet coastal cruise to a more active session.

A short jet-ski ride may suit you if you want one clear burst of speed without giving up the rest of the afternoon. The sea scooter is a lower-key option. Ask the crew about availability and payment before setting your heart on a particular activity, since weather conditions can affect what runs.

Tapas, drinks, and what lunch really means

While you swim and paddle, the crew prepares the included food. Expect assorted snacks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, usually in a tapas-style spread with items such as breads, dips, fruit, and other small bites.

The food is generally enough to bridge the gap between breakfast and dinner. It is tasty and practical for a boat stop, but it is not a full restaurant lunch with a large main course. I would eat a normal breakfast and perhaps a small snack before pickup, especially if you have a big appetite or plan to use the water sports.

The open bar is one of the stronger parts of the price. It includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, water, sparkling water, and juices. You receive a welcome cava, but additional cava, wine, cocktails, and mixed drinks cost extra. Do not assume the phrase open bar covers every alcoholic drink on the boat.

The crew has been praised for bringing drinks to people seated around the yacht, rather than making everyone repeatedly queue at a bar. That small touch matters on a compact boat. You can stay settled, watch the coast, and keep the afternoon easy.

Tell the operator about dietary needs in advance. The food is shared, so early notice is the sensible way to handle allergies or special diets.

The return route along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

After the water stop, the yacht heads back toward Puerto Rico. The return passes several coastal sights, including Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the Tiritaña Cliffs.

Mogán Bay gives you a broad view of the southwest coast from the water. Tauro Beach adds another recognizable stretch of shore, while the Tiritaña Cliffs provide the more rugged scenery. A cave along the coast can become a waterfall after rain, although that feature depends on recent weather.

This is the time to take photographs. The views are not limited to one famous landmark. Instead, you get a changing series of cliffs, beaches, coves, and open Atlantic horizons while the boat moves at a calm pace.

Keep your camera protected from spray and bring sunglasses with a secure fit. The sun deck has open exposure, and there may be little shade in some seating areas. High-factor sunscreen and a light cover-up are wise, even on a day that begins with cloud.

The route can change with the weather. Wind, swell, and sea conditions may alter the final stop or the order of the outing. That flexibility is normal for a boat trip, but it is worth remembering if you are booking mainly for one exact cove or activity.

Why the small group matters

A limit of 12 people changes the experience more than the marketing language might suggest. You are less likely to spend the whole outing shoulder to shoulder, and the crew can answer questions without shouting across a large deck.

The small scale also makes the trip better for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can paddleboard, and someone else can remain seated with a drink. You are not forced into one activity at one time.

The trade-off is that the social atmosphere depends partly on the other people aboard. Most departures are described as friendly and relaxed, but a small group gives you less anonymity than a large catamaran. If you want total privacy, the private group option is the better choice.

Private bookings have worked well for birthdays, anniversaries, and family outings. A private yacht also gives you more control over the music, seating, and pace, although the same weather limits and extra charges still apply.

Pickup, timing, and practical planning

The experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with the guided boat portion listed at around 4 hours. Pickup is available from a long list of hotels, resorts, bus stops, and addresses across southern Gran Canaria, including areas around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, Puerto Rico, Patalavaca, Puerto de Mogán, Taurito, and nearby resorts.

You must provide the exact accommodation details when booking and be ready at the agreed time. The van waits only about five minutes, so this is not the morning to linger over a final coffee.

After the boat returns to Puerto Rico, you can take the van back to your accommodation or stay in town. Puerto Rico has a promenade and local restaurants, making it easy to turn the excursion into a longer outing.

Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness

Towels are not provided. Pets, bikes, alcohol from outside, drugs, and nudity are not allowed. The crew speaks English and Spanish, and insurance and taxes are included.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Gran Canaria plans are still moving around.

Is $85 good value?

At $85 per person, the price is fair if you use the parts included in the package. The value comes from combining hotel transport, a yacht cruise, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, a guide, and roughly two hours of water time.

The price looks less attractive if you expect a substantial lunch, premium wines, cocktails, or a full set of motorized water sports. Those are either not included or available for an additional fee.

Compared with a basic sightseeing cruise, this outing gives you more active time and a smaller group. Compared with a private charter, it is far less expensive but less flexible. For many people, it occupies a useful middle ground: more polished than a large party boat, but not priced like a private yacht.

The strongest value is for couples, families, and friends who want a half-day on the water without arranging each part separately. If you only want to snorkel seriously, a specialist snorkeling trip may suit you better. If you mainly want scenery and drinks, you may not need to pay extra for the optional activities.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a relaxed coastal outing with a bit of activity built in. It works well for people who enjoy swimming, light paddleboarding, music, simple food, and meeting a small mix of people.

Families can use the flexible format to keep different ages happy. Couples may like the comfortable seating, open bar, and sunset-like coastal mood, though the listed trip is not specifically a sunset cruise. Birthdays and small celebrations also fit naturally, and the crew has provided small personal touches such as a birthday cake.

This may not suit you if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or need a heavy lunch. Take motion-sickness medicine if appropriate, and remember that the sea may be rough enough to make paddleboarding tricky.

The crew is one of the most consistent strengths. Names associated with departures include Mikael, Toni, Ronnie, Susa, Johnny, Jonny, and driver Chris. Staff are described as attentive without hovering, and the best version of the trip seems to come from that balance: help when you want it, then room to enjoy the ride.

Should you book the Puerto Rico yacht trip?

Book it if you want a well-rounded half-day at sea rather than a single-purpose snorkeling lesson. The small group, hotel transfer, open bar, included paddleboards, and attractive southwest coast route make $85 a reasonable price.

Go in with the right expectations. The food is a light tapas lunch, snorkeling conditions vary, and the Atlantic can be chilly or choppy. Bring a towel, eat breakfast, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the optional jet ski and parasailing costs as extras.

For a first boat outing in Gran Canaria, this is a sensible choice. You get scenery, swimming, drinks, food, and enough free time to make the day feel relaxed rather than programmed.

FAQ

Where does the yacht trip depart from?

The boat departs from Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria, but you must book the service in advance and provide your hotel name or address.

How many people can join the shared yacht trip?

The yacht carries a maximum of 12 passengers.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about 3 to 4 hours. The bathing and water-activity period lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. A welcome glass of cava is also included.

Are cocktails and wine included?

No. Cocktails, additional cava, wine, and mixed drinks are available onboard for an extra charge.

Is lunch included?

Yes, assorted snacks are included. The food is a light tapas-style spread rather than a full hot meal.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and two paddleboards are included.

Do jet skis and parasailing cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing are optional activities with separate prices.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour is available in English and Spanish.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route and stops may change depending on weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you get seasick, motion-sickness tablets are suggested.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.