Gran Canaria: Private yacht excursion with Aperitif, drinks and snorkeling

Gran Canaria’s south coast is at its best from the water, and this private yacht trip lets you enjoy it without sharing the boat with a large crowd. From Puerto Rico, you cruise toward Mogán, stop near the sea-access-only Perchel Cove, and have time for snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and simply sitting in the sun with a drink.

I like the private setting and the included hotel pickup, especially if your group is staying around Maspalomas, Taurito, Puerto de Mogán, or Playa del Inglés. I also like the easy mix of activity and downtime: you can get in the water, then return to the boat for snacks, music, and an open bar.

The main consideration is food. The included spread is an assortment of snacks, not a full lunch, and one recent booking found the portions light for a four-hour outing. Also check the final passenger limit before paying, since the information gives both eight and ten as the maximum group size.

Key points to know before booking

• Perchel Cove is reached from the sea: You get a coastal stop that is not accessible by road.
• Snorkeling and paddleboarding are included: Equipment is supplied, so you need to bring only your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• The group is private: The yacht is reserved for your party, with a skipper and guide speaking Spanish and English.
• The open bar is simple: Beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices are included. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.
• Water sports are optional add-ons: Jet skis, a crazy sofa, sea scooter, and parasailing are available at set prices.
• Pickup covers much of southern Gran Canaria: A van collects you at your hotel or accommodation, but you must arrange it in advance and be ready on time.

Four hours from Puerto Rico to Perchel Cove

The outing begins with a van pickup from your accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria. Service is listed for a wide range of places, including Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, San Agustín, Taurito, Puerto de Mogán, Patalavaca, Anfi, and nearby resorts.

The transfer to Puerto Rico takes about 20 minutes. That sounds minor, but it makes the experience easier than arranging a taxi or finding parking near the marina. The pickup must be booked in advance, and the van waits only five minutes at the agreed time, so do not treat this like a flexible hotel shuttle.

At the port, you board the yacht and receive a welcome glass of cava. The guide gives a short explanation of the route and the plan for the afternoon. The boat then heads offshore toward Mogán, with music, sea air, and views of the southern coast.

I like this opening because it gets you into holiday mode quickly. You are not spending half the trip listening to a long safety talk or sitting through several unrelated stops. The format is simple: sail, stop, swim, eat, and sail back.

The private yacht makes the biggest difference

The boat is reserved for your own group, which changes the feel of the trip. You can settle into the music and seating without negotiating space with strangers, and families or groups of friends can set their own pace within the skipper’s plan.

The advertised price is $650 per group up to eight people. That works out to $81.25 per person for a full group of eight, before any optional activities. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, but you are paying for privacy rather than a basic shared boat ride.

There is one point to clarify before booking. The description also refers to a maximum of ten passengers. Since the price summary says up to eight, ask the operator to confirm the allowed group size and the exact price for your party. That small check can prevent an awkward surprise at the marina.

This trip is best value for a group that would otherwise book several places on a shared excursion. It is less compelling for one or two people who mainly want a cheap swim stop. For a birthday, family afternoon, or group celebration, the private format makes more sense.

Sailing south toward Mogán

Once you leave Puerto Rico, the yacht travels along the southern coast toward Mogán. The attraction here is not a long list of formal sights. It is the change in viewpoint. Hotels, resort towns, coves, and the coastline look different from offshore, and you get open water without giving up the comforts of a staffed boat.

The route includes views of Mogán and Taurito, along with the special bay of Mogán. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and do not let photography take over the trip. The most useful moments are often the simple ones: the first clear view back toward the coast, a swim from the boat, or a group photo with the cliffs and coves behind you.

The crew provides an open bar with beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. That is enough for a relaxed afternoon, though the selection is not designed as a full cocktail service. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are available for an extra charge, so budget separately if those are important to you.

A past booking described the captain as friendly and helpful, and specifically praised Ronnie. Christian has also been singled out as a strong host. Marcus handles some hotel transfers. Staff assignments can change, but these names are useful to know when you meet the team.

Perchel Cove is the main stop

The yacht heads to Perchel Cove, an attractive spot that can be reached only from the sea. That gives the stop a sense of separation from the resort towns. You are not walking down from a road or joining a busy beach promenade. You arrive by boat, step into the water, and use the cove as your base for the active part of the trip.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The information does not promise a specific species list or guaranteed visibility, so set your expectations around a casual look at the marine life rather than a formal wildlife tour. Conditions in the water can vary, and the crew will determine what is safe on the day.

The paddle board is also included. It suits beginners as well as people who already know what they are doing, though time on the board will depend on how many people in your group want a turn. If your party is large, agree early on how you will share the equipment.

You can also swim directly from the yacht. Bring your own towel, since towels are not supplied. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential in the open sun, and a shirt or cover-up can be useful while you are waiting between swims.

Optional water sports cost extra

The main package includes snorkeling and paddleboarding, but the operator also offers several paid water activities. The stated prices are:

• Jet ski: €35 for 10 minutes
• Crazy sofa: €20 per person for 10 minutes
• Sea scooter: €25 per person for 10 minutes
• Parasailing: €35 per person for 10 minutes

These can add a burst of action to the stop, but they are not included in the $650 price. If your group has a fixed budget, decide in advance how much you want to spend on extras. The short sessions can become expensive when several people take part.

The optional activities also affect the rhythm of the afternoon. A group focused on snorkeling and swimming will have more unhurried time on the boat. A group adding jet skis, a sea scooter, or parasailing may spend more of the stop rotating through paid activities.

I see this as a useful choice rather than a required upgrade. You can have a complete outing with the included water equipment. Add an activity only if it is one of the main reasons you chose a private boat.

Snacks are a light meal, not lunch

While you swim and use the water equipment, the crew prepares an assortment of snacks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The exact items are not specified in the information, so do not plan around a particular dish.

The snack service is a pleasant break after the water activities, especially with a drink and views of the Atlantic. But plan your day carefully if you have a large appetite. One booking rated the trip highly while still noting that the food was not enough to count as lunch and that the drink selection felt limited.

I would eat a proper meal before pickup or carry a suitable snack if the operator permits it. The rules prohibit alcohol and drugs, but the included drinks and onboard service cover the basics. The boat is not presented as a restaurant, so the food should be treated as a tasting plate rather than a full midday meal.

The return to Puerto Rico

After the cove, the yacht returns to Puerto Rico. The full boat portion lasts four hours, giving you enough time for sailing, the cove stop, water activities, food, and a relaxed ride back. Exact departure times depend on availability, so check the start time when you choose your date.

At the end, the van returns you to your accommodation, hotel, or a listed drop-off point in the south. You can also remain in Puerto Rico and walk along the promenade or eat at one of the local restaurants. That flexibility is handy if you want to make the boat trip part of a longer afternoon rather than return directly to your room.

The route is fairly focused. You are not visiting several ports or touring inland Gran Canaria. This is a sea day, built around one coastal area and a private boat atmosphere. That focus is a strength if you want an easy break from resort time, but it may feel limited if you prefer a packed sightseeing schedule.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The package includes the private yacht, captain, welcome cava, open bar, snacks, snorkeling equipment, paddle board, insurance, taxes, and hotel transport from the south of the island when arranged in advance.

The biggest value comes from combining several services in one booking. You do not need to rent equipment, arrange transport to Puerto Rico, or buy drinks throughout the four hours. The private boat also gives your group control over the social side of the outing.

The missing items are important:

• Towels are not included.
• Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.
• All four motorized or towable water activities cost extra.
• The snack service is not a full lunch.
• The passenger limit needs confirmation because the supplied information gives two different figures.

For eight people, the base price is easier to justify. For a small group, compare it with a shared cruise before booking. If privacy matters more than the lowest possible price, the private format is the reason to choose this one.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for families, groups of friends, and couples traveling together who want a private half-day on the water. It works especially well for people who like a flexible mix of swimming and sitting around with a drink.

It is also a good choice if your accommodation is in the south and you value door-to-door transport. The wide pickup area includes many hotels and resorts, but you still need to provide the exact accommodation and be punctual.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you get seasick easily, bring seasickness tablets, as the operator specifically advises this. The boat is exposed to the movement of the Atlantic, and even a calm-looking day at the port may feel different offshore.

The trip is less suitable if you want a full lunch, a formal sailing lesson, a long list of coastal stops, or a quiet, alcohol-free wellness outing. Music and a social setting are part of the plan.

Practical details to pack

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. A swimsuit is an obvious choice, and you should keep valuables protected from water around the swimming stop.

The boat has snorkeling equipment and a paddle board, so you do not need to bring those items. You can bring a camera, but use a waterproof case or secure it carefully.

Pets, weapons, sharp objects, nudity, alcohol brought from outside, and drugs are not allowed. The operator provides the included drinks, with additional drinks available for purchase onboard.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English. It is a private group experience, and a live guide or crew member gives the route explanation and manages the boat activities.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your southern Gran Canaria schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Puerto Rico yacht trip?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private sea day with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, drinks, and hotel transport. The friendly crew, private setting, and access to Perchel Cove give the outing more character than a simple ride around the harbor.

Before booking, confirm the passenger limit, ask what the snack assortment includes, and decide if you want to budget for optional water sports. Eat beforehand if you expect a full meal, and bring seasickness medicine if you are prone to motion sickness.

For a group of eight, this is a good-value way to spend four hours on Gran Canaria’s south coast. For one or two people, the price is harder to defend unless privacy is your top priority.

FAQ

How long does the yacht excursion last?

The boat experience lasts four hours. The listed van transfer from the pickup area to Puerto Rico takes about 20 minutes, with return transportation afterward.

Where does the boat leave from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de 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, resort, or address.

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. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle board are included in the excursion.

How much do the optional water sports cost?

Jet skiing costs €35 for 10 minutes. The crazy sofa costs €20 per person for 10 minutes, a sea scooter costs €25 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs €35 per person for 10 minutes.

Can wheelchair users join the excursion?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.