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

A private yacht, a glass of cava, and a swim off Gran Canaria’s southwest coast make this a strong choice for a family or friend group. You sail from Puerto Rico toward Perchel Cove near Mogán, a sea-access-only spot where snorkeling and paddleboarding are the main events.

I like the private setting, since you are not sharing the boat with a large sightseeing crowd. I also like the easy package: pickup, skipper, drinks, snacks, equipment, and return transport are all included. The main catch is value. At $650 per group, the price makes more sense with a full group, and the food is closer to an appetizer spread than lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Private yacht for up to eight or ten people: The price is listed for a group of up to eight, while the description says a maximum of ten. Confirm the exact passenger limit before paying.
• Four hours on the water: The cruise itself lasts four hours, with about 20 minutes of van transport to Puerto Rico before departure.
• Perchel Cove is reached only by sea: The route toward Mogán includes a stop where you can swim, snorkel, and use the paddle board.
• Cava and an open bar are included: Beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, juices, and a welcome glass of cava are covered.
• Water sports cost extra: Jetskis, a crazy sofa, sea scooters, and parasailing are available for additional fees.
• Seasickness deserves attention: If you get queasy on boats, bring motion sickness medication and keep your first drink modest.

Setting out from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Your day begins with pickup from a hotel, resort, supermarket, bus stop, or other listed point in the south of Gran Canaria. The service covers areas such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, San Agustín, Patalavaca, Arguineguín, Taurito, and Mogán.

The van ride to Puerto Rico takes about 20 minutes. You need to give the operator your exact accommodation or address in advance and be ready at the agreed time. The van waits only five minutes, so this is not the morning for a slow breakfast or a hunt for misplaced sunglasses.

Puerto Rico is the practical starting point because the marina gives the boat direct access to the Atlantic. Once aboard, you receive a welcome glass of cava and a short explanation of the outing. The crew then points the yacht toward Mogán while you settle into the music, sea air, and open bar.

This opening section is less about sightseeing than getting comfortable. You can sit back, take photos, and enjoy the coastline from the water. If you are prone to seasickness, stay in a spot with a clear view of the horizon and consider taking medication before departure.

A private boat changes the feel of the outing

The key difference here is privacy. You have the yacht for your own group, rather than joining a large party boat with strangers. That matters if you are marking a birthday, arranging a family afternoon, or simply want time together without a fixed public-tour atmosphere.

The published price is $650 per group, not per person. At eight people, that works out to about $81 per person. At ten, if the operator confirms that the larger group is accepted, it drops to about $65 per person. For two or three people, the same price becomes much harder to justify.

The supplied details use both eight and ten as the group limit. Treat eight as the safer figure until the company confirms otherwise. This is one of the few points I would settle before booking, especially if your group is planning around the larger capacity.

A private boat also gives you more control over the mood. Music and a cozy onboard setting are part of the plan, but the day still revolves around swimming and water activities. If you want a quiet sailing trip with little movement, this may feel too active. If your group wants a social afternoon with drinks and sea time, it fits better.

Sailing toward Mogán and Perchel Cove

The route heads toward the area of Mogán, including the special bay around Mogán and the coast near Taurito. The main stop is Perchel Cove, which can only be reached from the sea. That restricted access is what gives the stop its appeal: you are not arriving by road or walking in from a beach promenade.

At the cove, you can take a swim, use the snorkeling equipment, and try the paddle board. The description promises marine life, but it does not identify particular fish or guarantee visibility. Snorkeling depends on the day’s water conditions, so think of it as a pleasant chance to look below the surface, not a formal wildlife tour.

The paddle board is included, and beginners are welcome according to the activity description. You do not need to be an expert to have a go, though you should expect the usual learning curve if you have never balanced on one. The crew can provide the equipment, but the information does not specify whether there is formal instruction.

A swim stop is also a useful break from the yacht. You can cool off, move around, and take photos from the water instead of spending the entire four hours seated. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

What is included in the drinks and food

The drink package is generous in range, though not in the cocktail-bar sense. You receive a welcome glass of cava, then have access to beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are available to buy separately.

That distinction matters. If you expect a full premium bar, you will need to budget extra. If you are happy with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and nonalcoholic options, the included selection should cover the basics.

Food comes as an assortment of snacks made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The exact items are not described in the available information, and a photo is referenced, so do not plan on a full meal unless you have confirmed the menu. One recent booking described the snacks as enjoyable but said the portion was not enough for lunch and the drink choice felt limited.

I would eat a proper meal before pickup, especially if you are booking the afternoon or have children in your group. The snacks suit a boat aperitif, not a hungry day out. This is also sensible if you plan to try a jetski or parasailing, since a heavy meal immediately before active water sports is not ideal.

Optional water sports and extra costs

The yacht includes snorkeling gear and a paddle board. If your group wants more speed or height, the operator offers several paid add-ons:

• Jetski: €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 activities are described as special discounts, but the supplied information does not provide the regular prices for comparison. In practical terms, they are short add-ons rather than separate half-day activities.

The €35 jetski and parasailing options are the costliest extras listed. The crazy sofa is the least expensive per person, but it is a group activity and may not suit everyone. A sea scooter gives you another way to move through the water, though the description does not explain the model or operating rules.

You should decide in advance how much of the budget you want to reserve for extras. At $650, the private yacht already takes up most of the cost. Add-ons can quickly turn an easy group outing into a much pricier afternoon.

The crew and the onboard atmosphere

The crew includes a skipper and a guide who speaks Spanish and English. The exact crew may vary, but the names Christian and Ronnie appear in particularly positive booking feedback. Christian was praised as a great host, while Ronnie was singled out for looking after a family group during the cruise.

Marcus is mentioned as the person who provided hotel transport for one group. This gives you a useful picture of the service: the experience can involve different people for the van and the boat, rather than one guide handling every part of the day.

The tone is friendly and informal. You are not signing up for a history lecture or a tightly scripted sightseeing circuit. The value comes from having the boat, equipment, drinks, and skipper arranged for your group.

That style works best when you want time to talk, swim, listen to music, and enjoy the coast. It may disappoint you if you want detailed commentary about geology, marine biology, or local history. The information promises a short tour explanation, not a specialist naturalist presentation.

Timing, transfers, and practical details

The core activity lasts four hours on the boat. Pickup and return transport are included for accommodation in the south of the island, but you must book the pickup in advance and provide the correct location.

The return van takes you back to your hotel or another listed drop-off point. You can also remain in Puerto Rico after the boat trip and explore the promenade or local restaurants, but this needs to be arranged with care because the standard service includes return transport.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. A camera is worth carrying for the coast, the cove, and group photos, but protect it from spray and accidental drops when you are near the water.

Pets, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Nudity is also prohibited. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and no accessibility details are given for boarding the yacht or moving around the vessel.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date and pickup hour before you build the rest of your day around it.

Who will get the best value

I would recommend this for a group of friends or family members who can share the cost. The private format is the main reason to choose it, and the per-person value improves sharply when the boat is close to capacity.

It suits people who want several elements in one outing: a short coastal cruise, a swim, snorkeling, paddleboarding, drinks, snacks, and optional water sports. It is also a good fit for groups who prefer their own music and company rather than a public boat with strangers.

Families should note that the description welcomes beginners on the paddle board, but it does not list age limits, child prices, or specific safety arrangements for young children. Ask the operator if those details matter to your group.

I would be more cautious about booking this for a couple or a very small party. You are paying for the full private yacht, so the math works against you unless privacy is worth the premium.

Should you book the Puerto Rico yacht trip?

Book it if you can fill the yacht, want a relaxed private afternoon, and will make use of the swim stop, paddle board, snorkeling gear, and included drinks. The strongest parts are the private setting, the friendly hosting associated with Christian and Ronnie, and the simple hotel pickup from the southern resorts.

Think twice if you expect lunch, a premium cocktail menu, or a detailed marine tour. Eat before you go, bring a towel and seasickness tablets if needed, and confirm the maximum group size because the published capacity is inconsistent.

For a full group that values time together more than formal sightseeing, this is a good Gran Canaria splurge. For a small group watching every euro, a standard shared boat trip may offer better value.

FAQ

How long does the yacht excursion last?

The boat cruise lasts four hours. The listed transfer from the pickup area to Puerto Rico takes about 20 minutes.

Where does the yacht leave from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and returns there after the cruise.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from accommodation and other listed locations in the south of Gran Canaria. You must arrange the pickup in advance and be punctual because the van waits five minutes.

What drinks are included?

You receive a welcome glass of cava and access to beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.

Is food included?

An assortment of snacks made with fresh and seasonal ingredients is included. The information does not describe this as a full lunch, so you should eat beforehand if you expect to be hungry.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

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

How much do the optional water activities cost?

Jetski costs €35 for 10 minutes, a 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.