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

The best part of this Gran Canaria outing is simple: the yacht is reserved for your group, so you can set the music, choose your pace, and enjoy the sea without sharing the boat with strangers. From Puerto Rico, you sail toward Mogán, stop for swimming near Perchel Cove, and take in the cliffs and beaches from the water.

I like the included hotel pickup and open bar, which remove much of the day’s fuss. I also like the mix of easy water fun, with snorkeling and paddleboards, plus paid options such as jet skis and parasailing if your group wants more speed. The main consideration is that the advertised group capacity and price need checking: the price is listed for up to six people, while the experience description allows as many as 12.

Key points at a glance

• Private yacht from Puerto Rico: Your group has the boat to itself for a more relaxed, sociable trip.
• Perchel Cove by sea: Stop near a cove in the Mogán area that is accessible only from the water.
• Snorkeling and paddleboards included: Gear is supplied, along with two paddleboards for shared use.
• Cava, drinks, and tapas: The package includes a welcome glass of cava, an open bar, and assorted snacks.
• South-coast hotel pickup: A van collects you from listed hotels and areas, then returns you after the boat trip.
• Weather shapes the day: The route and water activities can change with sea conditions.

A private boat day with a social feel

This is less a formal sightseeing cruise and more a private sea party with a scenic route attached. You board in Puerto Rico, settle in with music and a welcome drink, and spend roughly three to four hours sailing, swimming, eating, and taking photographs.

That private setup matters. A group of friends or family can dance, talk, sunbathe, or sit quietly without having to fit the mood of a larger public excursion. The crew gives an introduction at the start, then generally lets the group enjoy the boat while remaining available when you need help.

The yacht is described as a luxury vessel, and the experience places a strong emphasis on comfort. Still, you should picture a compact boat outing rather than a full-day yacht charter with multiple formal courses and endless room. The food is assorted snacks or tapas, not a restaurant-style lunch. One family particularly enjoyed the Spanish omelet, while another booking found the food tasty but limited in quantity.

The most consistently praised part is the crew. Suso and Ronnie are named in the feedback, with special mention of their friendly, attentive approach. The captain and guide are also praised for being helpful and good company. That balance is important: you can ask about the island and coastline, but you are not required to listen to a nonstop lecture.

From your hotel to Puerto Rico

Pickup is available from many accommodations and meeting points in the south of Gran Canaria, including areas around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, Anfi, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Mogán. You must arrange the pickup in advance, provide your hotel or address, and wait at the agreed point five minutes early.

The van transfer is listed as about 20 minutes, although the actual time depends on your starting point and the number of pickup locations. This is a useful feature if you are staying away from Puerto Rico, since you do not need to arrange a taxi or find parking near the marina.

For larger groups, transport may require more than one van. A group of 12 was collected in two minibuses, so do not assume that everyone will travel in one vehicle. If your group is spread across different hotels, confirm the pickup plan before booking.

The transfer ends at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, one of the island’s main boating centers. This keeps the day straightforward: van to the marina, yacht time, then van back to your accommodation. You can also choose to remain in Puerto Rico after the cruise, walk along the promenade, or find a local restaurant instead of taking the return transfer immediately.

Sailing out from Puerto Rico

Once aboard, you receive a welcome glass of cava and a short explanation of the plan. The route heads west toward the Mogán area, giving you a different view of Gran Canaria than you get from the road.

The coast here is best appreciated from offshore. You see beaches, rocky slopes, and resort towns from a wider angle, with the Atlantic opening out around you. Bring your phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep a firm grip when the boat is moving.

Music is part of the atmosphere. This can make the trip lively for a birthday, family celebration, or group holiday, especially if everyone enjoys a relaxed party mood. If your ideal boat trip is quiet and centered on wildlife or detailed guiding, this may feel more casual than you expect.

The guide speaks English and Spanish. The commentary is not presented as a major educational program, but you can ask about the coast and the places you pass. The crew’s approach appears to suit people who want a little local information without turning the outing into a classroom.

Perchel Cove and the water stop

The main stop is near Perchel Cove, a small coastal spot in the Mogán area that can be reached only from the sea. This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing to activity.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The water stop gives you time to swim and look for marine life close to the boat. The description promises a chance to see local sea life, but the number of fish and clarity of the water can vary with weather and conditions. It is best to treat snorkeling as a pleasant part of the stop, not a guaranteed wildlife show.

Two paddleboards are included. That is enough to give people a turn, but a group of six or 12 will need to share. Paddleboarding works well here because you can choose a gentle pace and stay near the boat. Beginners are welcome, and experienced users can have fun without needing a formal lesson.

You should bring your own towel. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel are specifically recommended, and there is no indication that towels are supplied. Wear swim clothing under your regular outfit if you want to get into the water without fuss.

Extra water sports may be available at discounted prices, depending on conditions:

• 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

The listing also mentions a crazy sofa ride, but no price is provided for it. Ask the crew what is operating that day before counting on a particular activity. These extras can add energy to the outing, but they can also change the cost quickly for a large group.

Drinks, tapas, and time to relax

The included drinks are beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. You also receive assorted snacks and a welcome glass of cava. Cocktails, additional cava, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.

The food is designed for grazing after the swim. Expect a snack board or tapas-style spread with fresh, seasonal ingredients rather than a plated three-course lunch. A Spanish omelet was singled out as especially good, and another group enjoyed a meat and cheese board with cava.

This is enough for a light midday break, but I would not book it expecting a large meal. If you have a big appetite, dietary restrictions, or children who need particular foods, tell the operator in advance. The experience specifically asks guests to provide dietary information ahead of time.

One practical note: the package says cava is included, but one booking reported not receiving it. That may have been an isolated service mistake, but it is worth confirming the welcome drink when you board. If the cava matters to your celebration, mention it politely at the start rather than waiting until the end.

The open bar is a strong value for a private boat trip, especially if your group would otherwise buy drinks individually. It also means you can settle into the afternoon without keeping track of every bottle of water or soft drink. Alcohol is not allowed in the vehicle, so wait until you are on the yacht.

The return route past Tauro and Tiritaña

The way back offers more coastal viewing, with the route passing through or near Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the Tiritaña Cliffs. These places give the cruise a useful sense of progression rather than making it feel like a simple trip out and back to one swimming spot.

Mogán Bay is a scenic section of the south coast, and seeing it from the water lets you understand how the beaches and cliffs fit together. Tauro Beach adds another coastal reference point, while the Tiritaña Cliffs provide the most dramatic rock scenery named in the route.

The crew encourages you to take photographs on the return. This is a good time to capture group pictures, coastline views, and the yacht itself, since you are no longer focused on getting in and out of the water.

Wildlife is possible but not guaranteed. One group saw a pod of dolphins, which made a memorable ending, but you should treat that as luck rather than a promised part of the itinerary. The same applies to sunshine. Cloud cover did not ruin one group’s day, but the boat trip is still weather-dependent, and the route can change when sea conditions are poor.

What $565 means for your group

The listed price is $565 per group up to six people. At six passengers, that works out to roughly $94 per person before any paid water sports. That is not a budget boat ride, but it includes hotel transportation, a captain and guide, the private yacht, drinks, food, insurance, snorkeling gear, and two paddleboards.

For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises. For a group of four, it is about $141 per person; for two people, it becomes a costly private outing. The value improves sharply when six people share the charter and when you make good use of the included drinks, food, and water equipment.

There is an important capacity question. The description also says the yacht can hold up to 12 passengers, and a group of 12 completed the trip using two minibuses. Since the displayed price is specifically for up to six, ask how pricing works for seven to 12 people before paying. Do not assume the same $565 rate covers a dozen passengers.

Compared with a shared cruise, you are paying for privacy and control. That makes sense for a family celebration, birthday, reunion, or group of friends who want the boat to feel like their own space. It makes less sense if you mainly want a cheap way to see the coast or spend most of the day at the beach.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for a group that wants several kinds of fun in one outing: a little sailing, a swim, casual snorkeling, paddleboarding, drinks, food, and music. Families with older children, couples traveling with friends, and groups marking a special occasion are a natural fit.

It also works well for people who value an easy day. The pickup service, onboard drinks, and supplied equipment mean fewer separate arrangements. The crew can be attentive without hovering, which suits groups that want help when needed and private time the rest of the day.

You may want a different experience if you are looking for a serious snorkeling excursion, a long sailing charter, or a quiet nature cruise. The duration is only three to four hours, and the food is a light spread. Seasickness is another concern. If you get motion sickness easily, bring suitable medication so you can enjoy the trip.

The yacht is private, but the group size can still affect the feel of the day. Six people will have more room and more turns on the paddleboards than 12. For a larger group, confirm the boat layout, seating, pickup arrangements, and exact price before booking.

Booking details worth knowing

The experience is offered in English and Spanish, with a live guide and a private group format. Pickup must be booked in advance, and you should be at the agreed hotel entrance or meeting point five minutes early.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability. The route and water activities can change with weather, so keep your schedule somewhat flexible.

Pets are not allowed. Nudity, drugs, and alcohol in the vehicle are also prohibited. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel, and remember that extra drinks such as cocktails and wine are not part of the open bar.

Should you book the Puerto Rico yacht trip?

Book it if you have a group of up to six that wants a private, easygoing day on the water with a friendly crew, included drinks, tapas, and simple water activities. The strongest value comes from filling the group, using the pickup service, and treating the boat as both a sightseeing ride and a social space.

Before booking, confirm three points: the exact price for your group size, whether cava is included on your departure, and what food will be served. If you want jet skis, parasailing, or a sea scooter, ask which activities are running and budget for them separately.

For a private half-day celebration with coastal scenery and plenty to do, this is a compelling choice. For a bargain outing, a full meal, or a specialist snorkeling trip, the price and short duration may not suit you.

FAQ

How long does the private yacht excursion last?

The experience lasts about three to four hours, not including the hotel transfer. The van ride to Puerto Rico is listed as approximately 20 minutes.

Where does the yacht leave from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Pickup is available from many hotels and accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria when arranged in advance.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off to accommodation in the south of the island are included, but you must provide your hotel, complex, or address when booking and wait five minutes before the agreed time.

What drinks and food are included?

The package includes a welcome glass of cava, beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, juices, and assorted snacks. Cocktails, wine, extra cava, and mixed drinks are not included. Dietary needs should be provided in advance.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and two paddleboards are included. Towels are not provided, so you should bring one.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.