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

Gran Canaria’s best private boat outing is less about ticking off sights and more about having the Atlantic to yourself. From Puerto Rico, you cruise toward Mogán, stop at sea-access-only Perchel Cove, and trade the busy beach for snorkeling, paddleboards, music, and an open bar.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the genuinely private setup, especially for a family or group of friends. I also like the flexible mood: Suso, Ronnie, and the captain keep the trip lively when you want fun, but give your group room to relax. The main caution is that lunch is snack-style rather than a full restaurant meal, and the cava service should be confirmed on the day.

Key points at a glance

• Private yacht from Puerto Rico: The boat is reserved for your group, with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.
• Perchel Cove by sea: Stop at a small cove near Mogán that you cannot reach directly by road.
• Two paddleboards and snorkeling gear: You can swim, look for marine life, or simply float and enjoy the water.
• Drinks included: Beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, juices, and a welcome glass of cava are included.
• Southern Gran Canaria pickup: A van can collect you from many hotels and accommodations between Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, Taurito, and Mogán.
• Optional paid water sports: Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing are available at extra cost when conditions allow.

Why this private Puerto Rico yacht trip works

A private boat changes the feel of a day on the coast. You are not joining a large sightseeing vessel with a fixed social atmosphere. Your group gets the yacht, the music, the seating, and the pace. That makes this a strong choice for birthdays, family days, reunions, or a holiday treat shared by six to twelve people.

The advertised price is $565 per group of up to six. That is not a budget excursion for one or two people, but the cost becomes easier to justify when split among a full group. At six people, it works out to roughly $94 per person before any optional water sports. For a group of 12, confirm the exact pricing before booking, since the price information is given for up to six while the yacht capacity is listed as 12.

I particularly like the combination of activities. You are not stuck sitting on deck for four hours, but you also do not have to spend the whole outing in the water. You can swim, use a paddleboard, listen to music, eat, take photos, and watch the coast slip by.

The crew is another important part of the experience. Suso and Ronnie are named as hosts in the feedback, while the captain handles the boat and the guide provides information about the area. Ana is involved with booking messages. You should expect a friendly, social outing rather than a formal sailing lesson or a detailed marine biology tour.

Pickup from the south of Gran Canaria

The pickup service covers a long list of southern resorts and hotel areas. That includes Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Puerto Rico, Anfi, Patalavaca, Taurito, Puerto de Mogán, and nearby accommodation.

You need to book pickup in advance and provide the name of your hotel, complex, or address. Be ready five minutes before the agreed time. The ride to Puerto Rico is listed as about 20 minutes, though the actual journey can vary depending on your location and other pickups.

This is useful if you do not have a car. It also removes the bother of finding the marina and arranging a taxi after a morning in the sun. One practical point: the included transport is a van, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed inside it. Save the cava and beer for the boat.

If you are staying outside the southern pickup zone, you should plan to reach Puerto Rico independently. The stated departure point is the port at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Leaving Puerto Rico for Mogán

The yacht sets out from Puerto Rico, one of the island’s main boating centers. The opening stretch gives you a view of Gran Canaria from the water, with the warm air and steady Atlantic breeze making the ride feel very different from a day spent beside a hotel pool.

You receive a welcome glass of cava, followed by a short explanation of the outing. This briefing matters because the day mixes relaxed cruising with water activities. Listen for instructions about where to swim, how to use the equipment, and what the weather means for the route.

The trip lasts about three to four hours, with the exact timing affected by sea conditions and the day’s schedule. This is long enough to feel like a proper boat day, but short enough to fit into a holiday itinerary without taking over the entire day.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. A towel is not included, so pack your own. The sea breeze can make the air feel cooler than it does on shore, but the exposed deck still calls for sun protection.

Perchel Cove and time in the water

The main stop is the Perchel cove near Mogán. Its appeal is simple: you see it from the water, and direct access is limited. The yacht provides a comfortable way to reach the cove without a long walk or a crowded beach setup.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you can get in the water without renting equipment separately. The marine life can vary with visibility, weather, and the season. Think of this as a pleasant chance to look below the surface, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Two paddleboards are also provided. Beginners can try them with help from the crew, while experienced paddlers can use them for a little exercise away from the yacht. With only two boards, not everyone can use one at once in a full group, so expect to take turns.

The water stop is also your chance to cool off before the food comes out. If you get seasick easily, take motion sickness medication before departure. The open sea can feel much rougher than the sheltered marina, and the operator specifically advises this precaution.

Drinks, music, and the onboard food

The included drink package covers beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. A welcome glass of cava is also listed as part of the trip. Cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and additional cava are not included, though they are available to buy onboard.

The food is best understood as a generous snack board or light lunch, not a formal meal. The offering can include assorted snacks, and the food described from the outing includes a meat and cheese board and Spanish omelette. One particularly useful detail is the praise for the omelette, which was considered a highlight of the meal.

At the same time, one booking found the quantity limited. If you are planning this as your main meal of the day, keep your expectations in check and consider eating something beforehand. Tell the operator about dietary needs in advance. The food is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, but the exact selection can change.

The social side is a big part of the value. Music, dancing, drinks, and a relaxed deck setup suit groups that want a celebration. If your ideal boat trip is quiet and highly educational, this may feel too casual. If you want a private party with time to swim, it is much better matched.

Optional jet skis and other water sports

The yacht trip includes snorkeling and paddleboards, but you can add paid activities if they are operating on the day. Listed prices are:

• Jet ski: €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes
• Sea scooter: €25 per person for 10 minutes
• Parasailing: €35 per person for 10 minutes

A crazy sofa ride is also mentioned as an available option, though no price is provided. Ask the crew about current availability and cost before committing.

These activities are not the heart of the excursion, and they can change with weather and sea conditions. They are best treated as optional extras for people who want a burst of speed. The rest of the group can remain on the yacht, swim, paddle, or enjoy the drinks.

The return route past Tauro and Tiritaña

The return gives you a different view of the southern coast. The route passes through Mogán Bay, by Tauro Beach, and toward the Tiritaña Cliffs. These are good moments for photographs, especially when the light shifts across the rocky coast.

Do not book this specifically for a guaranteed sunset. One outing had overcast weather and no sunset, but the day still worked well because the boat, activities, food, and company carried the experience. That is good advice for you: choose this for the private time on the water, not for one exact weather-dependent picture.

Dolphins are possible but not promised. A pod was spotted during one outing, which would be a wonderful bonus, but wildlife sightings depend entirely on nature. Keep your camera ready, but do not build the value of the trip around seeing animals.

The yacht returns to Puerto Rico, where you can board the van back to your accommodation. You can also stay in Puerto Rico, walk along the promenade, and eat at one of the local restaurants. This gives you useful flexibility if your return hotel transfer feels too early.

How the crew affects the day

The crew earns strong praise for being helpful, friendly, and attentive without hovering. Suso and Ronnie are specifically associated with making the experience enjoyable, while the captain contributes to the easygoing atmosphere and safe handling of the boat.

That balance matters on a private trip. Some groups want constant conversation and jokes. Others want music, drinks, and a little privacy. The crew appears comfortable adjusting their approach rather than forcing one mood on everyone.

The guide speaks English and Spanish. The information is likely to be practical and light, focused on the route and the island rather than a long lecture. You can ask about the coast as you go, but this is not presented as a specialist sightseeing cruise.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this for a group that values private space and shared time. It suits families, couples traveling with friends, birthday groups, and larger parties that want a boat to themselves.

It also works well for mixed-age groups because nobody has to do every activity. Some people can snorkel while others stay aboard with a drink. Confident paddleboarders can use the boards, while beginners can try them with support.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, sun, or open water. Seasickness is the biggest practical concern. You should also avoid booking it if your priority is a substantial gourmet lunch, a long sailing route, or guaranteed wildlife and sunset views.

The maximum group size is 12, but the stated price is for up to six. Confirm the cost for larger groups before you pay. That one question will help you judge the value accurately.

Booking details and practical tips

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Starting times depend on availability. Pickup must be requested in advance rather than assumed.

Pets, nudity, drugs, and alcohol in the transport vehicle are not allowed. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and wear clothing suitable for getting wet. Tell the operator about food requirements ahead of time.

Weather may change the itinerary. The route, water activities, and optional extras can all be affected by sea conditions. Build your expectations around a flexible coastal outing rather than a fixed checklist.

Should you book the Gran Canaria private yacht excursion?

Book it if your group can share the cost and you want a relaxed private day with drinks, swimming, paddleboards, and a social crew. The strongest parts are the hotel pickup, private yacht, friendly hosting, and the chance to combine activity with downtime.

I would not book it for a full restaurant lunch or a guaranteed sunset cruise. Treat the food as light onboard fare, the dolphins as a lucky extra, and the route as weather-dependent. With those expectations, this is a well-rounded way to see the southern coast from the Atlantic and spend a few easy hours with your own people.

FAQ

How much does the private yacht excursion cost?

The price is $565 per group of up to six people. The yacht can carry up to 12 passengers, so confirm the price for a group larger than six before booking.

How long does the yacht trip last?

The experience lasts about three to four hours, including the boat trip and water activities.

Where does the yacht depart?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria, but you must book the pickup service in advance.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

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.

Is lunch included?

Assorted snacks are included. The food may include items such as a meat and cheese board and Spanish omelette. Dietary needs should be provided in advance.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and two paddleboards are included.

Are jet skis and parasailing included?

No. Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing cost extra. The listed prices are €35 for a 10-minute jet ski ride, €70 for 20 minutes, €25 per person for a 10-minute sea scooter ride, and €35 per person for 10-minute parasailing.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Motion sickness pills are also suggested if you get seasick easily.