Gran Canaria: Shared yacht excursion with beverages, lunch and snorkeling

The best part of this Gran Canaria yacht trip is its small scale. With a maximum of 12 passengers, you get a calmer, more personal outing than a large party boat, plus time to swim, snorkel, paddle surf, and eat tapas beside the coast. I especially like the hotel pickup and the chance to reach Perchel Cove, a spot accessible only from the sea.

I also like the open bar and fresh snack platter, which turn a simple boat ride into a proper half-day break. The main drawback is that the route is not a long coastal cruise. You spend much of the time anchored for swimming and water sports, and the boat can feel rocky in open water.

Key points

• Small yacht setting: Maximum 12 passengers, with a more relaxed feel than a large excursion boat.
• Perchel Cove stop: Swim and snorkel near Mogán at a cove reached from the sea.
• Food and drinks included: Cava on arrival, unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, sparkling water, and water, plus tapas-style snacks.
• Water activities: Snorkeling gear and two paddle boards are included. Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing cost extra.
• South-coast pickup: Van service is available from many hotels and addresses in southern Gran Canaria when booked ahead.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later.

A Small Yacht, Not a Crowded Party Boat

This is a shared yacht excursion from Puerto Rico, designed for a small group rather than a packed sightseeing vessel. The boat carries up to 12 passengers, which matters more than it may sound. You can move around, find a comfortable place to sit, and get help from the crew without waiting in line.

The mood is meant to be easygoing. Music plays while the yacht travels at roughly 8 or 9 knots, and the crew gives you a short explanation of the route before leaving the harbor. You receive a welcome glass of cava, then settle in as the boat heads along the south coast.

The small group can also shape the day. Several passengers may become friendly during the trip, especially during the shared swim stop and lunch. That social side is part of the appeal, though it also means you cannot control who else books your departure. One departure may feel lively and sociable, while another may be quieter.

The yacht is not a luxury charter in the private, fully customized sense. You are sharing the boat and following a set plan. A private group option is available if you want more control over the atmosphere and schedule.

Pickup Across Southern Gran Canaria

The excursion begins with either hotel pickup or a meeting point at Puerto Rico. Pickup must be arranged in advance, and you need to give the company your hotel, resort, or address. The van waits only five minutes at the agreed time, so be ready at the door rather than wandering through a large hotel lobby.

The pickup area covers much of the south of Gran Canaria. It includes resorts and hotels in Meloneras, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Puerto de Mogán, Taurito, Puerto Rico, Patalavaca, and nearby areas. If you are staying outside the listed locations, do not assume pickup is included. Ask before booking.

The van ride to the port takes about 20 minutes. That transfer is useful because Puerto Rico is not always convenient to reach without a car, especially if you are staying farther along the coast. It also takes away the worry of finding the correct harbor entrance.

The company’s drivers receive praise for being punctual and helpful. Solé is specifically appreciated for pickup and drop-off, while Marcos has helped passengers with extra local tips and even accommodated a drop-off request outside the usual area. Treat that as good service rather than a promise of a custom transfer. The safest plan is to use one of the listed pickup points.

Leaving Puerto Rico at a Gentle Pace

Puerto Rico is the practical starting point, with its marina and sheltered harbor giving you an easy introduction to the trip. Once outside the port, the yacht follows the coast toward the Mogán area.

The speed is leisurely rather than thrilling. At 8 or 9 knots, you have time to enjoy the sun and sea air, take photographs, and watch the south coast from offshore. This is a sightseeing cruise with a swim stop, not a fast boat ride.

The crew explains what lies ahead and helps create a relaxed atmosphere. Ronnie and Johnny are among the crew members praised for their humor and easy manner, while Anna is singled out for helpful service. Crew assignments can change, but the practical point is clear: expect an informal tour with staff who stay involved rather than simply steering the boat.

Bring your camera, but protect it carefully near the water. The return route passes several good photo areas, including Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the cliffs around Tiritaña. You see these places from a different angle than you do from the road.

Perchel Cove and Two Hours in the Water

The main stop is near Perchel Cove, close to Mogán. The cove can be reached only from the sea, which gives the stop a more secluded feel than a standard beach visit. The yacht anchors so you can swim, snorkel, and use the paddle boards.

The bathing period lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. That is a generous amount of time for a half-day trip. You are not being rushed into a quick ten-minute swim before moving on to the next sight.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The water offers a chance to see marine life close to the yacht, though conditions and visibility will vary with the day. The tour promises access to the marine world, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Two paddle boards are also available. This arrangement works best for casual use, with passengers taking turns rather than everyone paddling at once. You do not need to be an expert. The activity is suitable for beginners who want a little movement between swims, as well as confident paddlers who simply want time on the water.

A few practical points matter here. You need swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The boat can rock, and anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully about spending several hours offshore. The swimming area is also the part of the trip most affected by wind and sea conditions.

Tapas, Cava, and an Open Bar

While you are swimming, the crew prepares the food. The included spread is described as an assortment of snacks and tapas made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Examples shown in the supplied material include cheeses, cured meats, fruit, and other small plates.

This is not a restaurant lunch with multiple courses. Think of it as a generous grazing platter that works well after swimming. Several passengers find there is plenty for the group, and the food is presented rather than handed out as a basic packaged snack.

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. You can order a drink, sit back, and eat while the yacht remains surrounded by Atlantic views. The welcome cava is included, but other cavas, wine, cocktails, and mixed drinks cost extra.

That distinction is worth noting before you book. The included drinks cover the basics very well, especially if you want beer, sangria, juice, or soft drinks. If you are expecting cocktails or premium wine to flow freely, you will pay more onboard.

If you have dietary needs, tell the company in advance. The food can be adjusted only when the crew has prior notice. Do not wait until lunch is being served.

Extra Water Sports and What They Cost

The included activities are snorkeling and paddle boarding. The operator also offers access to additional water sports at special prices, but these are not part of the $78 package.

Current extra charges 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 options can add excitement, but they also change the feel of the trip. A jet ski or parasailing session takes time away from the relaxed swim stop, and the group may wait while another passenger finishes an activity. One useful criticism of the trip is that the route can feel less efficient when the yacht pauses for paid water sports.

I would book this excursion for the included swimming, food, and small-group setting first. Add a paid activity only if it is a real priority for you. The basic trip already has enough variety to fill the time.

The Return Along Mogán, Tauro, and Tiritaña

After lunch and the water stop, the yacht returns toward Puerto Rico. This is when you get a better look at the coast from offshore, including Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the cliffs of Tiritaña.

The return leg is less structured than the first part. You can take photographs, listen to music, finish a drink, and enjoy the views. If you prefer a trip packed with stops, this may feel slow. If you like having time to sit without another scheduled activity, it is a welcome change.

The route does not cover a huge stretch of the island. This is important when comparing it with longer sailing excursions. The value is in the quality of the stop and the comfort of the small yacht, not in ticking off every coastal landmark.

At the end, you return to Puerto Rico. You can take the van back to your accommodation, or stay in town for a walk along the promenade and a meal at one of the local restaurants. That flexibility is useful if your hotel is nearby and you want to make an afternoon of the port.

Is $78 Good Value?

At $78 per person, the trip sits above the price of a basic shared boat ride, but it includes more than a simple cruise. You receive hotel pickup and return from much of the south, a captain and guide, cava, an open bar, food, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, insurance, and taxes.

The maximum group size is the biggest value point. A larger boat may offer a lower price, but it usually gives you less space and a less personal experience. Here, you are paying for a smaller group and a more comfortable pace as much as for the food and drinks.

The price makes the most sense if you plan to use the included activities. Someone who only wants to sit on a yacht and look at the coast may find the cost high. Someone who swims, snorkels, eats lunch, and uses a paddle board gets much more from the package.

Private groups are available, though the price and exact arrangement are not provided here. Ask for the private rate if you are traveling with family or friends and want to avoid sharing the boat with other bookings.

Who Will Enjoy This Yacht Trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting a small group. The crew keeps the mood social, and the food and drinks make it easy to spend several hours together without planning extra activities.

It also suits you if your ideal sea day includes a little of everything: a gentle cruise, a swim, snorkeling, paddle boarding, lunch, and time in the sun. You do not need advanced water skills.

I would be more cautious if you dislike boat movement, want a long-distance coastal cruise, or expect a completely private experience. The yacht may rock, the group atmosphere depends partly on the other passengers, and paid water sports can slow the schedule.

The tour is conducted in English and Spanish. The crew members praised for their friendly approach include Ronnie, Johnny, Anna, Solé, and Marcos, though the exact team may vary by departure.

Booking is flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your plans are still shifting. The excursion is generally 3.5 to 4 hours, with starting times shown when you check availability.

Should You Book This Excursion?

Book it if you want a small-group sea day with swimming, tapas, and drinks already arranged. The combination of a maximum 12 passengers, hotel transfer, Perchel Cove, and a long bathing stop gives you more than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Skip it if you want a private yacht at the listed price, a long voyage around the island, or a nonstop schedule of adventure sports. For most visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria, though, this is a sensible way to enjoy the coast without arranging transport, food, equipment, and drinks separately.

FAQ

Where does the yacht excursion depart from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico, with the meeting point listed at Calle Puerto Escala.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours. The water stop lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. You also receive a welcome glass of cava.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An assortment of snacks or tapas is included. Tell the company about dietary needs in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with two paddle boards.

Do jet skiing and parasailing cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing are optional paid activities. 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 sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets, bikes, alcohol, drugs, and nudity are not allowed.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.