Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria: boat trip, drinks, food, paddle surfing, snorkeling

The best part of this Puerto Rico boat trip is the generous time spent off the boat. After a scenic cruise past the southern coast and Cueva del Agua, you anchor near Playa del Perchel for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a relaxed tapas lunch. It feels more like a small day on the sea than a quick photo cruise.

I like the included drinks and water gear, which save you from paying extra for the main fun. I also like the boat’s hammocks, shaded seating, bathroom, and life jackets, practical touches that matter when you are sharing the day with children or want a comfortable place to rest.

The main drawback is that the sea can get choppy, and the four-hour schedule may feel short once you have settled into the bay. The trip can also change course when wind or waves make the planned stop less suitable.

Key things to know before you book

• A 45-minute coastal cruise takes you from Puerto de Escala toward Cueva del Agua and the south coast.
• Playa del Perchel is the main activity stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, inflatables, and lunch.
• Tapas and drinks are included, including beer, wine, water, juices, and soft drinks.
• Jet skis, parasailing, and banana rides cost extra, so bring a payment method if you want the faster activities.
• The classic boat has upper-deck hammocks, shaded lower seating, a bathroom, and life jackets for all ages.
• The trip suits families and mixed groups, especially if some people want action while others prefer sun, snacks, and a calm swim.

A relaxed four hours from Puerto de Escala

You meet at Calle Puerto Escala, at the port entrance. The instruction is to call the first ship you encounter, so allow a little time to find the correct boat and crew. The activity is offered in English and Spanish, and the crew is on hand throughout the trip.

The fare is listed at $56 per person. That is a strong price when you count the food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and four hours on the water. Many boat trips charge separately for equipment or offer only a short swim stop. Here, the core activities are part of the ticket.

The boat is a classic-style vessel rather than a high-speed thrill ride. That matters because the journey itself is part of the outing. You can sit in the shade, stretch out on an adjustable hammock upstairs, or use the lower seating when the sun becomes too strong.

A score of 4.6 from 310 ratings suggests a reliably well-received experience, but you should still set the right expectations. This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a long commentary about every cliff. It is a social, easygoing boat day built around the sea, food, and water activities.

The first 45 minutes: cliffs, coves, and Cueva del Agua

The boat spends about 45 minutes cruising along Gran Canaria’s southern coastline. You get open views of the cliffs and rocky shore, with a chance to settle into the boat before the water activities begin.

Cueva del Agua is the scenic target on this part of the route. The boat passes along the coast and reaches the area known as the Water Cave, giving you a memorable natural feature to look out for. The views are best enjoyed from the upper deck, although the lower shaded area is the smarter choice if you burn easily or need a break from the sun.

One point to keep in mind: the trip information promises scenery, but not a detailed running commentary. If you want facts about every headland and rock formation, ask the crew as you go. The main focus is time on the water rather than a lecture.

Wind and sea conditions can affect this section. When the water becomes rough, the crew may adjust the route and choose a calmer bay. That can mean less time at the exact planned location, but it also makes sense for swimming and paddleboarding. A calm swimming stop is more useful than forcing a fixed route in uncomfortable conditions.

Playa del Perchel: the heart of the outing

The main stop is Playa del Perchel, where the boat anchors for roughly two and a half hours. This is where the tour earns its value. You are not rushed through a ten-minute swim before moving on. You have time to try several activities and still spend part of the stop relaxing.

The bay offers the chance to swim and snorkel in clear water. Bring your towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, and use the supplied snorkeling gear once the crew gives you the go-ahead. You may see fish around rocky areas, although marine life and visibility naturally depend on the day.

Paddleboards are also included. The crew prepares the boards and can help explain how to use them, which is useful if you have never tried stand-up paddleboarding. You can paddle around the boat, take turns with family members, or simply use the board as a floating platform.

There are also floating beds and other inflatables. These small additions make the stop work for a mixed group. One person can snorkel, another can paddle, and someone else can stay on deck with a drink. You do not have to take part in every activity to enjoy the trip.

The upper deck is the natural spot for jumping into the sea, and several families particularly enjoyed jumping from the boat. This is not a formal feature I would count on as a scheduled activity, so treat it as something allowed by the crew and conditions, not a guarantee. Children should follow instructions and use the life jackets when required.

Tapas, sangria, and drinks on the way back

Food is served during the stop or before the return journey, depending on the day’s timing. It is Spanish tapas-style food, described by the operator as a light meal rather than a full restaurant lunch. Expect snack-sized portions and simple sharing food, not a long menu or a special dietary program.

That lighter approach has a practical advantage. You can eat without feeling too full before swimming or paddling. The food has been well received for taste and portion size, but one person found the selection more like assorted snacks than a substantial meal. If you need a large lunch or have strict dietary needs, eat beforehand or bring a suitable backup if allowed.

Drinks are one of the strongest parts of the package. Beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are included. The crew serves drinks during the trip, which means you do not have to keep buying refreshments at a beach bar.

The boat can move around in rougher water, so getting up repeatedly may be less comfortable on a windy day. If you are prone to seasickness, keep water close, choose a stable seat, and be sensible about alcohol while the boat is moving. The shaded lower area may be more comfortable when the sea is unsettled.

Optional jet skis and other water sports

Jet skis are not included in the $56 price. They are an optional extra, along with parasailing and banana rides. The exact current charges should be checked before booking, but examples given for the trip include about €15 per person for an inflatable ride and around €35 for two people on a jet ski.

These extras can be a good fit for teenagers and adults who want more speed. Families particularly enjoyed the jet ski option, while younger children may prefer snorkeling, paddleboards, floating beds, or jumping from the boat. You are not pressured to buy an add-on, which helps keep the base price clear.

Parasailing and banana rides are listed as available options, but the supplied details do not confirm the exact operating arrangements, age rules, or prices. Ask the crew on the day. If your main reason for booking is one particular paid activity, confirm that it is running before you count on it.

The crew helps set up the equipment and explains how to use it. Their relaxed, attentive approach is a major part of the appeal. Alberto is one crew member singled out for personal thanks, and the staff generally receive strong praise for helping with boards, snorkeling gear, drinks, children, and the extra rides.

Comfort, safety, and family details

The boat has adjustable hammocks on the upper deck and comfortable seats below in a shaded area. This gives you a choice between sun and shelter, which is more important than it sounds on a four-hour trip.

There is an onboard bathroom, another useful feature when you are away from shore for several hours. Life jackets are available for all ages. The crew also helps people board and has been especially considerate with children and families carrying bulky items.

The boat is described as clean and well maintained. Capacity can vary, but one outing had about 30 people and still felt spacious rather than cramped. You should not assume every departure will have exactly that number, yet the design gives you more room than a tightly packed excursion boat.

This is a good choice for families with children, couples wanting a low-key sea day, and groups with mixed energy levels. It is less suitable if you want a quiet private charter, a serious wildlife trip, or a detailed guided tour of the entire island coast.

The trip is also not a party boat. You can have beer, wine, and sangria, but the feel is relaxed rather than loud or club-like. That balance suits many people, especially families and anyone who wants a drink without spending four hours beside a thumping sound system.

What to bring and how to plan your day

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Sunscreen is especially important because you will be exposed on the upper deck, around the swimming area, and while paddleboarding. A cover-up is useful for the ride home after swimming.

Choose practical footwear for boarding and moving around the boat. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, so beach clothing is the sensible choice. Keep valuables to a minimum and secure anything loose before the boat gets underway.

The activity lasts four hours, with roughly 45 minutes of coastal cruising and a long water stop. Check the available departure time carefully. One departure time was changed at short notice in a reported case, and the replacement did not suit someone who had specifically wanted a later ride. If your schedule depends on a particular time, confirm it close to the date.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, but they do not remove the need to check the weather and sea conditions.

How the value compares with a simple beach day

A beach day costs less if you already have access to a good shore, but it does not give you the coastal cruise, onboard bathroom, open-water views, equipment, or included drinks. The $56 price is easiest to justify when you plan to use several parts of the package.

If you only want to lie in the sun, you may not need this excursion. If you want to snorkel, paddleboard, eat tapas, and have drinks without arranging each item separately, the value improves quickly.

The included gear also reduces the usual holiday hassle. You do not need to rent a snorkel set, locate a paddleboard, find lunch, and then pay for drinks one by one. You can use the time at Playa del Perchel as a flexible block and decide what sounds good once you arrive.

Should you book this Puerto Rico boat trip?

Book it if you want a family-friendly half-day on the sea with a good mix of scenery, swimming, food, and included refreshments. It is particularly useful for groups with different interests because nobody has to spend the whole stop doing the same thing.

Book with care if you need a fixed late-afternoon departure, dislike choppy water, or expect a large restaurant meal and detailed coastal commentary. The route can change for weather, the food is light tapas, and some of the most exciting activities cost extra.

For most visitors staying in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, this is a well-priced way to spend four hours away from the resort pool. Bring sunscreen, do not overeat before getting into the water, and keep a little extra money aside if the jet ski or inflatable rides appeal to you.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico. At the port entrance, call the first ship you encounter.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts four hours. The coastal cruise takes about 45 minutes, followed by an extended stop for food and water activities before returning to Puerto Escala.

What food is included?

Spanish tapas and local snacks are included. The food is intended as a light meal rather than a large restaurant-style lunch.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, wine, water, juices, and soft drinks are included during the trip. Sangria is also mentioned in the activity feedback.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it during the swimming stop at Playa del Perchel or another bay selected by the crew.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards are included, and the crew helps prepare the equipment.

Do jet skis and parasailing cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis, parasailing, and banana rides are not included in the ticket price. Ask the crew for the current prices and availability.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Life jackets are available on the boat, including sizes for children and adults.