Gran Canaria: Private Yacht Excursion with Drinks, Lunch, and Snorkeling

The Atlantic is your afternoon playground. This private yacht trip from Puerto Rico combines swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, drinks, food, and a scenic cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. I like the exclusive boat setting and the easy hotel pickup, especially for families or friends who want their own music, pace, and space. The main thing to check is the pricing: the advertised rate is $565 per group of up to six, while the yacht can carry up to 12 people.

I also like the mix of active and lazy time. You can paddle out, snorkel near a quiet cove, or simply sit with cava and watch the cliffs pass by. The possible drawback is that this is only three to four hours, and the food is described as assorted snacks or tapas rather than a large lunch. One booking also reported missing cava, so it is sensible to confirm the inclusions before setting off.

Key points at a glance

• Puerto Rico departure: The yacht leaves from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, a handy starting point for the island’s southern resort area.
• Private group format: Your group has the boat to itself, with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.
• Perchel cove stop: This sea-access-only cove near Mogán is the main place for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
• Food and drinks included: You receive a welcome glass of cava, an open bar with beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, and water, plus assorted snacks.
• Extra water sports: Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing cost extra and depend on conditions.
• Strong service record: The crew receives especially high praise for being friendly, attentive, funny, and helpful.

Setting out from Puerto Rico with your own boat

The day begins with pickup from accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria, provided you book it in advance. The service covers a long list of hotels and meeting points around Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, Patalavaca, Taurito, Mogán, and nearby areas.

You need to give the operator your hotel, complex, or address and wait outside five minutes before the agreed pickup time. The van ride to Puerto Rico is listed at about 20 minutes, though your actual ride will depend on where you are staying and how many pickups are scheduled.

Puerto Rico is a practical departure point. Its marina puts you quickly on the open sea, so you are not spending half the outing motoring from a distant harbor. The cruise itself lasts about four hours within the stated three to four-hour total duration, depending on the final schedule and conditions.

The private format makes a real difference here. You are not joining a large party boat with strangers and a fixed social mood. Your group can settle into the music, talk, swim, or take part in the activities without having to fit someone else’s idea of a perfect afternoon.

The listed maximum is 12 passengers. That is useful for a large family group or a holiday with friends, but note the price wording carefully. The stated $565 rate covers a group of up to six, so a party of seven to 12 should confirm the final cost before paying.

Cava, sea air, and the first coastal views

Once on board, you receive a welcome glass of cava while the captain and guide explain the outing. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, sparkling water, juices, and still water are included in the open bar.

Cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and additional cava are not included. They may be available to buy on board. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, so keep anything you bring for the van at home or in your accommodation.

The early part of the cruise is less about checking off sights and more about settling into the sea. Music, sun, and the cool breeze create the right mood for a relaxed group outing. You might prefer to sit at the front for open views, while anyone prone to motion sickness should take the warning seriously and bring suitable tablets.

The crew’s style is one of the strongest reasons to book. Sam described the staff as informative when needed while still leaving the group alone at the right times. That balance matters on a private boat. You get help with the activities and local information without having a guide narrate every minute.

Several bookings specifically praised the captain and guide for being kind, funny, and attentive. The names Suso and Ronnie were singled out for making one group’s day enjoyable, while Ana handled booking messages. Staff names and assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: friendly service is central to the experience.

Perchel cove: snorkeling and paddleboarding near Mogán

The boat heads toward the Mogán area and Perchel cove, a spot accessible only from the sea. This is the main activity stop, with snorkeling gear and two paddleboards supplied.

The cove gives you a chance to get off the seating area and into the water. Snorkeling is included, and the operator describes the area as having plenty of marine life. You should expect a casual recreational snorkel rather than a specialist wildlife excursion. Conditions, visibility, and sightings can change from day to day.

The two paddleboards work well for a mixed group. Confident paddlers can head out for a bit of exercise, while beginners can try a short session close to the boat. You do not need to be an expert to take part, though anyone nervous in the water can simply swim or remain on board.

Towels are not provided, so bring your own. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also listed as essentials. A waterproof phone pouch would be sensible if you want photographs near the water, though it is not included in the package.

This stop is also where optional activities may be available. Jet skiing costs €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes. A sea scooter costs €25 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs €35 per person for 10 minutes. These activities depend on weather and sea conditions, and they are not part of the basic price.

The activity list is broad enough to keep a group with different energy levels happy. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can stay dry with a drink. That flexibility is more valuable than a long list of included equipment.

Tapas, snacks, and a generous drink package

After swimming, the crew prepares food using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The exact selection can vary, but the experience includes assorted snacks, often described in terms of a tapas-style spread. One family particularly enjoyed the Spanish omelette, while another group praised a meat and cheese board.

I would treat this as a substantial snack or light lunch, not a guaranteed full restaurant meal. One booking found the food tasty but limited in quantity. If you have a large group, a big appetite, or strict meal requirements, tell the operator about dietary needs in advance and ask what will be served.

The drinks package is one of the stronger inclusions. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, sparkling water, and water are covered, along with the initial cava. That means you are not constantly reaching for your wallet during the cruise.

At $565 for up to six people, the basic rate works out to about $94 per person if the boat is filled to six. For a full group of 12, if the operator confirms a suitable group price, the per-person cost could be much lower. The value improves when you use the boat privately, enjoy the included equipment, and make good use of the drinks and food.

Still, do not compare the price only with a standard shared boat cruise. You are paying for privacy, hotel transport, a captain and guide, water equipment, insurance, taxes, and a flexible social setting. For two people, the cost is harder to justify. For six or more, it becomes a more convincing group splurge.

The return route through Gran Canaria’s southwest

The return journey gives you a different reason to stay on deck. The route passes through Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the Tiritaña Cliffs. These views are best enjoyed slowly, with your camera ready and your drink in hand.

The coast here is a strong part of the outing because you see it from the water rather than from a resort road or a crowded viewpoint. The cliffs and beaches take on a different scale from the boat. A clear day should offer the best conditions, but cloud can appear, especially on a changeable afternoon.

One group saw a pod of dolphins, which made the trip especially memorable. That is a fortunate sighting, not a promised part of the excursion. Keep your expectations focused on the boat ride and coastal scenery, and treat wildlife as an extra.

Weather can change the route and activities. The operator may adjust the itinerary if sea conditions are poor. You should also understand that a private boat does not control the Atlantic. Choppy water, cloud, or lower visibility can affect snorkeling, paddleboarding, and the comfort of the ride.

The trip finishes back in Puerto Rico. You can take the van to your accommodation or remain in town for a walk along the promenade and a meal at one of the local restaurants. That option is useful if you want to turn the boat trip into a longer afternoon rather than return straight to your hotel.

Who will enjoy this private yacht trip most

This outing fits a family celebration, a group of friends, or anyone marking a birthday or special holiday. The private setting makes it easier to combine children, older relatives, confident swimmers, and people who simply want to sit in the sun.

It is also a good match for a group that values service. The captain and guide are praised for being attentive without hovering, and the transport team is part of the same easygoing package. The staff helped one group of 12 with two minibuses, which suggests that larger parties can be accommodated, though you should confirm the transport arrangements.

The trip may suit you less if you want a full-day sailing adventure, serious snorkeling instruction, or a formal gourmet lunch. It is a short, social cruise with water activities and casual food. You should also think twice if you get seasick easily, since the operator specifically advises bringing motion sickness pills.

The alcohol package means this can become a lively outing, complete with music and dancing. That atmosphere will appeal to many groups, but it may be less suitable if you want a quiet nature cruise. Because the boat is private, the mood is largely shaped by your own group.

Practical details before you reserve

Pickup and drop-off cover many southern Gran Canaria hotels and listed meeting points, but you must request the service in advance. Check that your accommodation appears on the pickup list or provide the exact address when booking.

The tour operates in English and Spanish. Some written or booking material may appear in its original language, so ask questions ahead of time if you need to confirm food, pickup, or optional activities.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• A camera or waterproof phone protection

Pets are not allowed. Nudity, drugs, and alcohol in the vehicle are prohibited. The activity includes insurance and taxes, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your southern Gran Canaria plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Puerto Rico yacht excursion?

I would book this if you have a group of six or more and want a relaxed private day on the water rather than a formal sailing lesson. The combination of hotel pickup, cava, an open bar, tapas-style food, snorkeling, paddleboards, and coastal views gives you a lot to do in a short outing.

The strongest reasons are the private boat and the crew. Suso, Ronnie, and the wider team received especially warm praise for their humor, care, and timing. Just confirm the final cost for more than six passengers, ask about the food for your date, and remember that cava, weather, dolphin sightings, and optional water sports can vary.

For a small group on a tight budget, a shared cruise may make more sense. For a family or friend group that wants its own music, its own pace, and a good chance of plenty of laughs, this is a persuasive way to see Gran Canaria from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the yacht trip depart?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria, but you must book the pickup service in advance and provide your hotel, complex, or address.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The yacht can take up to 12 passengers. The advertised price of $565 is stated for a group of up to six, so larger groups should confirm the final rate.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is three to four hours. The Puerto Rico portion of the itinerary is listed as about four hours, with a van ride of approximately 20 minutes before reaching the port.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a welcome glass of cava, beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Assorted snacks are included, with food such as tapas, a meat and cheese board, or Spanish omelette possible. Dietary needs should be shared in advance.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and two paddleboards are included. The main activity stop is Perchel cove near Mogán, subject to weather and sea conditions.

What optional water sports cost extra?

Jet skis cost €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes. A sea scooter costs €25 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs €35 per person for 10 minutes. Availability depends on conditions.