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

The best part of this small yacht trip is its size. With a maximum of 12 people, you get room to sit in sun or shade, chat with the crew, and enjoy the south coast without the feel of a crowded party boat. The yacht leaves Puerto Rico, heads toward Mogán, and stops at a cove reached only from the sea.

I like the hotel pickup and the easy mix of activity and downtime. Cava on arrival, an open bar, tapas-style food, paddleboards, and snorkeling are all included, while jet skis and parasailing are available if you want extra speed. The one thing to keep in mind is that lunch is a light spread, not a full restaurant meal, and the sea can be chilly or choppy.

Key points at a glance

• Maximum of 12 people: A more personal feel, with enough room to sit in sun or shade.
• Puerto Rico to Mogán: Cruise past Tauro Beach, Mogán Bay, and the Tiritaña Cliffs.
• About 90 minutes to two hours in the water: Snorkel, swim, or use one of the two paddleboards.
• Cava, drinks, and tapas included: Expect bread, dips, fruit, and other snack-style food rather than a large lunch.
• Optional paid water sports: Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing cost extra.
• South-coast pickup: A van can collect and return you to many hotels and accommodation addresses.

Why this Puerto Rico yacht trip feels different

Many boat excursions around Gran Canaria are built around a large crowd, loud music, and a fixed sightseeing route. This one aims for something calmer. The yacht carries no more than 12 people, so the crew can bring drinks to your seat, explain the plan, and help you with the water equipment without turning the trip into a production line.

The boat itself receives plenty of praise for being clean, comfortable, and well maintained. You have a sun deck, cushioned seating, and shaded areas. At full capacity, space may feel less generous than it does on a private booking, but the group limit still keeps things far more manageable than a large shared cruise.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Music plays during the trip, and the crew tends to give you space once everyone knows where things are. That suits you if your ideal afternoon includes a swim, a cold drink, and a view of the coast rather than a tightly packed schedule.

Pickup from the south and departure from Puerto Rico

If you are staying in the south of Gran Canaria, pickup can be arranged from a long list of hotels, resorts, bus stops, and accommodation addresses. The van ride is listed at about 20 minutes, though your actual time depends on where you stay and how many pickups are needed.

You need to book the pickup in advance and give the operator your hotel or address. Be ready at the agreed time, since the stated waiting period is only five minutes. The return service follows the same general arrangement.

The yacht leaves from Puerto Rico, a practical starting point for this stretch of coast. If you prefer not to return straight to your hotel, you can stay in Puerto Rico after the cruise, walk along the promenade, or choose from its restaurants before arranging your own way back.

The cruise toward Mogán

Once aboard, you receive a welcome glass of cava while the guide explains the plan. The yacht travels offshore at around 8 to 9 knots, fast enough to cover the coast but slow enough for you to enjoy the sea breeze and views.

The route heads toward the Mogán area. Along the way, the crew may point out coastal features and explain the stops in English or Spanish. The exact route can change with the weather, so do not treat every named viewpoint as guaranteed.

The return route includes views toward Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the Tiritaña Cliffs. There are also chances to photograph the cliffs, sea caves, and the coastline from a position you cannot get from the road. One unusual feature mentioned on the route is a cave that becomes a waterfall after rain. In dry weather, you will see the cave, but not necessarily the waterfall.

If you are lucky, you might spot dolphins on the way to the cove. That is never promised, so treat it as a welcome bonus rather than the purpose of the cruise.

Swimming at the cove near Mogán

The main stop is near the Perchel area, at a cove accessible from the water. This is where the trip changes from sightseeing cruise to easygoing sea day.

You have roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for swimming and water activities. Snorkeling equipment and two paddleboards are included. You can swim from the yacht, paddle near the boat, or simply remain on deck with a drink while other people use the equipment.

The paddleboards are a good touch because beginners can try them without paying an additional fee. If the sea is calm, they offer a simple way to explore just beyond the yacht. In choppy conditions, standing up can become comic rather than graceful, and some people may prefer swimming or staying aboard.

Snorkeling conditions vary. You may see small fish close to the yacht, and several people report enjoyable snorkeling with plenty of little fish. At other times, the area may not have a reef or much to see below the surface. This is coastal swimming with basic snorkeling, not a dedicated reef expedition.

One practical point matters here: fins are not listed among the included equipment. If you find swimming tiring, especially in moving water, bring your own fins if you have room. A towel is also not provided.

What is included in the open bar and food

The open bar covers beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. The welcome cava is included as well. Cocktails, extra cava, wine, and mixed drinks cost more, so do not assume every drink behind the bar is part of the package.

The food is best understood as tapas-style snacks or a light lunch. Expect items such as bread, dips, fruit, and other fresh seasonal offerings. The selection can be tasty and filling enough to bridge the gap between meals, but it is not a large hot lunch.

I would eat something before pickup if you tend to get hungry after swimming. That is especially sensible for families, active swimmers, or anyone planning to add a jet ski or another paid activity. Tell the operator about dietary needs in advance so the crew has time to plan.

The setup is informal. Food is shared, and one person noted an issue with shared serving utensils being handled carelessly. It is a small point, but if hygiene standards matter greatly to you, keep it in mind.

Optional jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing

The included activities are enough for a pleasant outing, but you can add more action at the stop. The listed prices are:

• 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 activities are not part of the $85 base price. You should budget for them separately, and availability may depend on conditions and the operator on the day.

The jet ski is the clearest choice if you want a short burst of speed. Ten minutes can be enough for a first try, while 20 minutes costs twice as much. Parasailing adds a completely different view over the water, but it is a brief extra rather than a major part of the cruise.

If your aim is relaxation, you do not need to buy anything extra. The paddleboards, swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks already fill the main stop.

The crew and the tone onboard

The crew is central to the experience. Names connected with the trip include Ronnie, Johnny, Jonny, Toni, Mikael, Susa, and driver Chris. The exact team varies, but the service style is consistent: friendly, attentive, and informal.

The guides explain the plan, help with activities, and keep an eye on the group without hovering. Some trips have included small personal touches, such as helping with birthday celebrations or allowing a child to sit in the captain’s seat for a photo.

You should expect a social setting, though not necessarily a party atmosphere. The music and open bar can make the boat lively, but the small group also allows for a quiet corner. If the other people onboard are chatty, you may make new holiday acquaintances. If they are quiet, the yacht still works as a peaceful place to watch the coast.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, the value is strongest when you use the whole package. Hotel pickup and return remove the need for a taxi, while the boat, crew, cava, open bar, food, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, insurance, and taxes are included.

The trip lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with a substantial portion spent at the swimming stop. That makes the price reasonable for a half-day outing, especially compared with paying separately for transport, a boat seat, drinks, and water equipment.

The value is weaker if you want a full meal, a long sailing day, or serious snorkeling. The food is light, the underwater life is not guaranteed to be dramatic, and optional activities increase the final cost. You are paying for a comfortable small-group boat experience with drinks and a coastal swim, not a specialist marine tour.

Private group bookings are also available. For a birthday, anniversary, or family outing, paying for the whole boat may make sense if having your own space matters more than finding the lowest price.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this trip for couples, small groups of friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a polished half-day on the water without a large crowd. It also works well for a special occasion, since the crew has shown flexibility with birthday touches and private bookings.

It is a good fit if you want to combine several low-effort activities. You can paddleboard for 20 minutes, swim, try snorkeling, eat, and then spend the ride back resting in the sun.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick. The boat moves offshore, and the sea can be rough enough to make paddleboarding difficult. Bring motion sickness tablets if you normally need them, and choose a sheltered seat when possible.

This is also not the right pick if you need a substantial lunch, want guaranteed marine wildlife, or expect a quiet boat with no music. Bring sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and something to cover your shoulders. Much of the boat is open to the sun.

Booking details worth knowing

The activity is offered in English and Spanish. Pickup must be requested in advance, and the start time depends on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available.

The itinerary may change because of weather. That is especially important for the swimming stop, paddleboards, and paid water sports. Sea conditions can also affect how much you enjoy snorkeling, so keep your plans flexible.

Pets, bikes, alcohol brought from outside, drugs, and nudity are not allowed. The onboard bar provides the drinks included in the package.

Should you book the Puerto Rico yacht cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group coastal cruise with drinks, light food, swimming, and easy water activities. The clean yacht, hotel transfer, limited group size, and attentive crew give it a more personal feel than a standard large boat outing.

Go in with the right expectations. Lunch is tapas-style, snorkeling may produce small fish rather than a dramatic reef scene, and the sea can be cold or choppy. With those points understood, the $85 price is fair, and this is one of the better choices for a relaxed half-day around Gran Canaria’s south coast.

FAQ

Where does the yacht trip leave from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico, at Calle Puerto Escala.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about 3 to 4 hours. The swimming and water-activity stop lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria, but you must request the service in advance and provide your hotel or address.

How many people can join the shared yacht?

The yacht has a maximum of 12 passengers on the shared trip. Private group bookings are also available.

What drinks are included?

The package includes a welcome glass of cava, beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, extra cava, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.

Is lunch included?

Yes, assorted tapas-style snacks made with fresh seasonal ingredients are included. It is a light lunch rather than a large full meal.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

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

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, and parasailing costs €35 per person for about 10 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. If you are prone to seasickness, bring motion sickness medicine so you can enjoy the cruise more comfortably.