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

The best part of this Gran Canaria outing is simple: you have the yacht to yourself. From Puerto Rico, you cruise toward Mogán, stop near the sea-only Perchel Cove, and trade the packed beach for a swim, snorkel, and paddleboard session with your own group. Christian and Ronnie are among the guides named for this experience, while Marcus handles some hotel transfers.

I like the private setting, which makes this a better choice for a family celebration or a day with close friends than a standard shared boat trip. I also like the mix of activities: you can sit with cava and music, then get in the water when the mood strikes. The main drawback is the food. You get snacks and an appetizer, not a full lunch, so hungry adults may want to eat beforehand.

Key points to know before booking

• Private yacht time: The boat is reserved for your group, with a stated price of $650 for up to eight people.
• Capacity needs confirming: The description also says a maximum of 10 passengers, so check the final group limit before paying.
• Perchel Cove stop: This sea-access-only cove is the main swimming and snorkeling area near Mogán.
• Included water fun: Snorkel gear and a paddleboard are included, while jet skis, parasailing, and other activities cost extra.
• South-coast transfers: Hotel pickup and return are available from many resorts, but you must arrange the pickup in advance.
• Sea conditions matter: Bring seasickness medicine if you tend to feel unwell on boats.

A private four-hour cruise from Puerto Rico

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you share a large boat with a crowd. The attraction is having a yacht, captain, and crew focused on your own family or friend group.

The cruise lasts four hours, with Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria as the departure and return point. You head along the coast toward Mogán, with time for open-water views, a swim, snacks, drinks, and water sports. The pace is designed to be relaxed rather than tightly scheduled.

The supplied price is $650 per group, which works out to about $81 per person for eight people, before any optional activities. That is a reasonable figure for a private boat day if you can fill most of the available places. For only two or three people, the cost becomes much harder to justify.

There is one detail to settle before booking. The price information says the group includes up to eight people, while the description says the yacht can take up to 10 passengers. Ask the operator which limit applies to your reservation. That small check can prevent an awkward surprise if you are bringing a large family group.

Hotel pickup across Gran Canaria’s southern resorts

You can request pickup at a long list of hotels and accommodation points in the island’s south. The service covers areas including Puerto Rico, Mogán, Taurito, Amadores, Patalavaca, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, and San Agustín.

The van ride to Puerto Rico takes about 20 minutes. The practical benefit is clear: you do not need to arrange a taxi or find parking near the marina. You also avoid driving after an afternoon of drinks.

Pickup is not automatic. You need to provide your hotel, resort, or address in advance and be ready at the agreed time. The stated waiting time is only five minutes, so do not treat this like a flexible hotel shuttle. Keep your phone handy and wait at the door or designated meeting point.

Some listed pickup points are supermarkets, bus stops, shopping areas, and medical facilities rather than hotels. If your accommodation is not named, give the operator the exact address and ask where to meet. Return transport is also provided, and you can be dropped back at your accommodation or remain in Puerto Rico after the cruise.

Leaving Puerto Rico with cava and sea air

After the short transfer, you board in Puerto Rico. The welcome drink is a glass of cava, a pleasant start that fits the easygoing yacht setting better than a formal briefing.

A guide gives you a short explanation of the outing before the boat heads offshore. English and Spanish are available. The captain is not only there to steer, since the experience is built around a small private group and onboard hosting. Christian is named as a particularly well-liked host, and Ronnie is another captain associated with the trip.

Once underway, you have the Atlantic breeze, music, and room to settle into the afternoon. You can sit back with a drink, take photos, or move toward the water activities. The private format lets your group choose its own mood. One person can paddle while another stays on deck with a soft drink, without forcing everyone into the same activity.

The route includes views toward Mogán, Taurito, and the special bay around Mogán. The scenery is coastal and open, with the boat giving you a different angle on the south of Gran Canaria than you get from a road or hotel terrace.

Perchel Cove is the main water stop

The boat heads toward Perchel Cove near Mogán. The cove can only be reached from the sea, which gives this stop a sense of separation from the usual resort beaches.

This is where the outing shifts from cruise to water day. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately. The advertised aim is to see local marine life, though visibility and sightings naturally depend on weather, water conditions, and the time of day.

You can also use the paddleboard. It is suitable for beginners as well as experienced paddlers, and the private setting means you can try it without feeling watched by a large group. If you have never used one, expect a little wobbling at first. A calm approach works better than trying to stand up quickly.

A swim is part of the plan, but you should be comfortable entering the sea from the boat. The information does not promise a sandy beach stop or a supervised swimming lesson. Bring a towel, and remember that towels are not supplied.

The water stop is likely to be the most active part of the day. If you prefer a quiet cruise, you can stay aboard and enjoy the scenery. If you want more speed, the operator offers paid activities in the area.

Optional water sports cost extra

The included package covers snorkeling and paddleboarding. You can add several faster activities, but these are not part of the $650 price:

• Jet ski: €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 short sessions can make the trip more exciting, but they can also push up the final bill quickly for a large group. A family of eight, for example, could spend much more if several people choose paid rides.

The main value of this excursion does not depend on buying extras. You already have a private boat, paddleboard, snorkeling gear, drinks, and food included. Treat the optional sports as add-ons for people who want them, not as necessary parts of the experience.

Drinks are generous, but food is light

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

That selection works well for a casual afternoon, especially if your group includes people who do not drink alcohol. The open bar also means you can refresh yourself after swimming without carrying a cooler onto the boat.

Food is more limited. The crew prepares an appetizer using fresh, seasonal ingredients, along with an assortment of snacks. The exact selection is shown by the operator, but you should not book this expecting a restaurant meal.

This matters because four hours on the water can build an appetite. One person who enjoyed the trip still felt that lunch should have been included and found the snack selection too light. My advice is to eat a proper meal before pickup, then treat the onboard food as a pleasant extra.

If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, ask before booking. No special dietary arrangements are stated in the available information, so do not assume the snack assortment will suit everyone.

What the private format changes

A private yacht makes the experience feel personal in ways a shared cruise cannot. You choose who comes along, you can talk without shouting over a crowd, and you can decide how much time to spend swimming or sitting in the sun.

That is especially useful for families with different energy levels. Teenagers can focus on snorkeling and paddleboarding while older relatives enjoy the open bar and views. Friends celebrating a birthday or reunion also get a more social setting than they would on a large public boat.

The private format does not mean unlimited space or complete control of the route. The boat still follows the planned four-hour outing, and the captain decides where conditions are suitable for swimming. Weather and sea state can affect the water activities.

The yacht is also not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone with limited mobility should check access details before booking, since the activity involves boarding a boat and getting into the sea.

The boat ride back to Puerto Rico

After the swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and food stop, the yacht returns to Puerto Rico. You get another stretch of coastal views before reaching the departure point.

You can then take the van back to your hotel or stay in Puerto Rico. This flexibility is useful if you want to walk along the promenade or have dinner in one of the local restaurants rather than return straight to your accommodation.

Remember that the cruise itself lasts four hours, not counting the transfer from your hotel. If you have an evening reservation, allow extra time for the return van. The listed van journey takes around 20 minutes, but pickup timing and traffic can vary.

Who will get the best value

I would choose this for a group of friends or family members who can fill most of the yacht. At eight people, the price becomes much more attractive, and the cost per person compares better with separate boat charters and multiple paid activities.

It suits you if you want a mix of comfort and action. You can enjoy music, drinks, and sun, then snorkel or paddleboard near Mogán. It also works well for a special occasion where privacy matters more than a strict sightseeing schedule.

I would think twice if you are looking for a full meal, a long snorkeling session, or a budget boat trip for one or two people. The food is snack-based, the organized cruise lasts four hours, and the extra water sports can add to the price.

I would also be cautious if you get seasick. The operator specifically suggests bringing seasickness pills. Take that advice seriously, especially if you are not used to open-water trips.

Booking details worth checking

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your southern Gran Canaria plans are not fixed.

Pickup must be booked ahead of time. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Pets, weapons or sharp objects, alcohol brought from outside, drugs, and nudity are not allowed.

The activity has a 4.7 rating from 53 reviews, with especially strong praise for the friendly hosting. Christian and Ronnie are names to remember, and Marcus is associated with the hotel transfer service. The overall message is that the crew makes a real difference to the day, not just the yacht itself.

Should you book this private yacht trip?

Book it if you can gather a good-sized group and want a private day on the water with several options built into one outing. The best value comes from the combination of yacht access, hotel transfers, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboarding.

Before paying, confirm the passenger limit, ask about the snack selection if food matters to you, and decide how many optional water sports you are willing to add. If everyone expects lunch or premium drinks, budget for those separately.

For a family or friend group that wants an easy, social cruise near Mogán, this is a strong choice. For a small party seeking a cheap boat ride, the price is less convincing.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht excursion?

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

Where does the yacht depart?

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 available from many hotels and accommodation points in the south of Gran Canaria. You must book the pickup in advance and provide your hotel or address.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The price is stated for a group of up to eight people, while the activity description gives a maximum of 10 passengers. Confirm the correct limit with the operator before booking.

What drinks are included?

You receive a welcome glass of cava plus beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are available at an additional cost.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included. Jet skis, crazy sofa rides, sea scooters, and parasailing cost extra.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Seasickness pills are also suggested if you tend to feel unwell on boats.