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

The best part of this small-group yacht trip is its scale. With a maximum of 12 people, you get room to sit in the sun or shade, move around the boat, and enjoy the Atlantic coast without being packed onto a party vessel. The route from Puerto Rico toward Mogán includes a sea-only cove, swimming, paddleboarding, and time to simply watch the cliffs slide past.

I especially like the included drinks and water activities. Cava starts the outing, then beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are available while you cruise. The crew, including guides such as Mikael, Toni, Ronnie, and Johnny, has earned strong praise for being friendly and attentive without hovering.

The main point to understand is the food. It is a tasty tapas-style spread of bread, dips, fruit, and seasonal snacks, but it is a light lunch rather than a large meal. Snorkeling can also vary with sea conditions, and the open boat has limited shade, so bring sunscreen and a towel.

Key points to know before you book

• Maximum 12 passengers: The yacht feels personal and spacious, though a full boat will naturally feel busier than a private charter.
• Puerto Rico to Mogán: The route includes Perchel Cove, Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the Tiritaña Cliffs.
• About two hours in the water: You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, or take one of the two paddleboards into the cove.
• Tapas, not a banquet: The food is fresh and well suited to a morning or afternoon outing, but eat beforehand if you need a substantial lunch.
• Paid water sports available: Jet skis cost €35 for 10 minutes, sea scooters €20 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing €35 per person.
• Hotel pickup in southern Gran Canaria: A van can collect and return you to many hotels, but you must arrange it in advance and be ready at the agreed time.

From your hotel to Puerto Rico

The day begins with pickup from accommodation in southern Gran Canaria, provided you book the service in advance. The operator covers a wide spread of resorts, from Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés to Puerto de Mogán, Taurito, Puerto Rico, Meloneras, and nearby areas.

This is a useful part of the package. You avoid arranging a taxi to the marina, and the included return transfer means you can enjoy the open bar without worrying about driving back. The van ride is listed as about 20 minutes, although the exact time depends on your pickup point and the other stops.

Be punctual. The stated waiting time is only five minutes, and the pickup must be arranged with your hotel name, resort, or address. The transfer is part of the value here, particularly if you are staying away from Puerto Rico.

The yacht leaves from Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico. The marina gives you a straightforward start, with little fuss before you step aboard and settle into the seating.

A welcome glass of cava and a calm start

Once on board, you receive a welcome glass of cava as the yacht heads offshore at roughly 8 to 9 knots. That speed is comfortable for taking in the coast, rather than racing from one stop to the next.

Music plays during the cruise, but the atmosphere is described as relaxed rather than loud. You can sit on cushions, find a place in the sun, or look for shade. The boat has a sun deck and enough seating for the advertised group size, although one private-party booking noted that a full boat would feel less roomy than a smaller group.

The yacht itself is one of the stronger parts of the experience. It is described as clean, well maintained, comfortable, and in excellent condition. That matters on a short cruise. A tired boat or cramped deck would quickly take the shine off the sea views, while this one is set up for both lounging and getting wet.

The crew gives you a short explanation of the route and activities. English and Spanish are available. Names connected with the crew include Mikael, Toni, Ronnie, Susa, Johnny, Jonny, and Chris, though the exact team may vary by departure.

Perchel Cove, the main water stop

The yacht heads toward the Mogán area, with a stop near Perchel Cove. This small cove is accessible from the sea, which gives it a different feel from the beaches reached by road. The boat stop is the heart of the trip, with roughly one and a half to two hours set aside for swimming and water activities.

You can use the included snorkeling equipment and two paddleboards. Paddleboarding is open to beginners, but conditions matter. One departure had choppy water that made the boards harder to handle, while another found the activity funny and enjoyable precisely because the sea was lively.

Snorkeling is best treated as a chance to look around in clear water, not as a reef expedition. Some outings have produced plenty of small fish, while one account found little to see because there was no reef in the area. Sea conditions, visibility, and the exact stop can change the experience.

Fins are not listed among the included equipment. That is worth noting. Swimming back to the boat can take effort, especially if the water is moving, so confident swimmers will be more comfortable. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay close to the yacht and follow the crew’s instructions.

The water temperature can also be brisk, even in Gran Canaria’s warm climate. Bring a towel and something dry to put on afterward. You are not provided with towels.

Optional jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing

The basic trip includes swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards. If you want more speed, the operator offers extra activities for an additional charge:

• 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 options can add a clear thrill to the stop, especially if different people in your group want different levels of activity. One family used the jet ski and found 10 minutes was enough, while another group added parasailing to its yacht outing.

The extras are not included in the $85 price, so budget for them before you board. You also should not assume every activity will run in every condition. The route and stops may change with weather and sea conditions.

Tapas and an open bar on the Atlantic

While you swim and paddle, the crew prepares a snack spread using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The food is generally tapas-style, with items such as bread, dips, fruit, and other small plates. It is a pleasant match for a boat trip, and the portions can be enough to bridge the gap between breakfast and dinner.

Still, plan honestly. This is a light lunch, not a full restaurant meal. If you usually need a substantial midday meal, eat something before pickup or bring your expectations down to snacks and shared tapas. Dietary needs should be given to the operator in advance.

The included drink list is generous for this price. You get beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, juices, and the welcome cava. Cocktails, wine, additional cava, and mixed drinks cost extra.

The crew is often praised for bringing drinks to people seated around the boat, rather than making everyone constantly return to one serving point. That small detail makes the outing feel more relaxed. Drink sensibly, of course, since you may still want to swim or use a paddleboard.

The return route past Gran Canaria’s cliffs

After the water stop and food, the yacht turns back toward Puerto Rico. The return is not just a straight run to the marina. The route can pass Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the Tiritaña Cliffs, giving you more time to take photographs from the deck.

A cave along the coast can become a waterfall after rain, though it will not necessarily be flowing on a dry day. This is a good example of why the scenery is best enjoyed as a coastal cruise rather than a fixed checklist. The weather decides what you see.

The return leg is also your quietest chance to enjoy the boat. After swimming and paddleboarding, you can dry off, have another drink, and watch the cliffs and coves from the water. Keep your camera protected from spray, and remember that much of the deck is exposed to the sun.

The yacht returns to Puerto Rico. From there, you can take the van back to your accommodation or stay in town. Puerto Rico has a promenade and many restaurants, so staying behind can work well if you want to extend the afternoon instead of returning directly to your hotel.

Is $85 a good value?

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Gran Canaria. It is also not simply a short sightseeing cruise. The price includes hotel pickup and return in the south, a captain and guide, cava, an open bar with several included drinks, tapas-style food, snorkeling gear, two paddleboards, insurance, and taxes.

The group limit is important to the value. A larger boat might offer a lower headline price, but the experience would likely be less personal and more crowded around the swimming stop. Here, you are paying for the boat, food and drink, transport, and a more controlled group size.

The value is strongest if you use the included activities and appreciate a comfortable yacht. It is weaker if you want a full lunch, a serious snorkeling site, or a long sailing voyage. It is also worth remembering that the paid activities can push the total cost higher.

For a birthday, Christmas outing, or relaxed half-day on the water, the package makes sense. A private group is also available, which can be useful for a family celebration or small group of friends. One private booking involved five people and found the extra room worthwhile.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

I would choose this for couples, families, and small groups who want a polished but easygoing afternoon. It suits people who like a little activity, followed by time in the sun with food and drinks.

It is particularly good for:

• People staying in southern Gran Canaria who want hotel transport
• Families with older children who can enjoy paddleboards and swimming
• Couples looking for a quieter alternative to a large party boat
• Birthday groups and private celebrations
• Anyone who wants coastal views without spending a full day at sea

You should think twice if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or need a full meal at lunchtime. Motion-sickness tablets are specifically suggested for people who are prone to seasickness. Bring high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a cover-up for the ride back.

The trip is not suitable for pets, bikes, alcohol brought from outside, drugs, or nudity. The itinerary can change according to weather, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

Final call: book it for the boat, not just the snorkeling

I would book this yacht trip if you want a comfortable small-group cruise with a good mix of swimming, light water sports, scenery, food, and drinks. The immaculate boat, friendly crew, included transfers, and maximum of 12 passengers make it feel more personal than a standard sightseeing cruise.

I would not book it expecting a large lunch or a guaranteed underwater spectacle. The snorkeling may be simple, the sea may be choppy, and much of the deck is sunny. Bring your own towel, eat a little beforehand, and take seasickness precautions if needed.

For most people, the strongest reason to go is the overall balance: two hours of water time, a clean yacht, generous included drinks, coastal views, and enough freedom to join activities or simply relax. At $85, that is a fair package for a half-day at sea from Gran Canaria’s southern coast.

FAQ

Where does the yacht trip depart from?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria, but you must arrange the service in advance.

How long does the experience last?

The yacht outing lasts about four hours. The water activities and swimming stop last roughly one and a half to two hours. The van ride is listed as about 20 minutes.

How many people can join the shared yacht trip?

The yacht accepts a maximum of 12 passengers on the shared trip. A private group option is also available.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. You also receive a welcome glass of cava.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a tapas-style snack spread is included. It may include bread, dips, fruit, and other seasonal items. It is described as a light lunch, not a full meal.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and two paddleboards are included in the price.

Do towels come with the tour?

No. You need to bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

How much do the extra water activities cost?

Jet skis cost €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes. Sea scooters cost €20 per person for 10 minutes. Parasailing costs €35 per person for about 10 minutes.

What languages are available?

The live tour is available in English and Spanish.