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

The best part of this Gran Canaria outing is simple: the yacht is reserved for your own group. From Puerto Rico, you sail toward Mogán and the sea-access-only cove of Perchel, with time for snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and a relaxed drink on deck. The welcome cava and open bar help set the holiday mood fast.

I like the small private setting, which lets your group choose between a quiet cruise and a more active afternoon. I also like the practical extras: hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, a paddle board, snacks, and a crew that takes care of the sailing. Christian and Ronnie are named hosts, and Marcus handles some hotel transfers.

The main catch is value. At $650 for up to eight people, this can work well for a full group, but it is not a cheap way to spend four hours if only two or three people book. The food is an assortment of snacks, not a full lunch, and cocktails, wine, and paid water activities cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Private yacht from Puerto Rico: Sail with your own family or friends rather than sharing the boat with a large public group.
• Perchel Cove by sea: Reach a cove near Mogán that can only be accessed from the water.
• Snorkeling and paddleboarding included: Equipment is supplied, giving you active options beyond sitting on deck.
• Cava and open bar: Start with a welcome glass of cava, then choose from beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices.
• Southern Gran Canaria transfers: Pickup and return are available from a long list of hotels and addresses in the south.
• Extra water sports available: Jetski, crazy sofa, sea scooter, and parasailing can be added for separate fees.

Setting out from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in southern Gran Canaria, if you arrange it in advance. The list covers resorts and addresses around Puerto Rico, Mogán, Taurito, Patalavaca, Maspalomas, San Agustín, and Playa del Inglés. A van ride of about 20 minutes brings you to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Pickup is one of the useful details here. You do not need to sort out a taxi to the marina, but you do need to give the correct hotel or address and be ready at the agreed time. The van waits only five minutes, so this is not the moment for a leisurely search for room keys.

At the port, the captain and guide explain the plan before you leave. The listed languages are Spanish and English. You receive a welcome glass of cava, then head offshore with music, sun, and sea air around you.

The private format changes the feel of the trip. You can talk with your own group, take photos without worrying about strangers in every frame, and settle into the boat at your own pace. It is a good choice for a birthday, family outing, or a group of friends who want time together away from the resort pool.

Sailing toward Mogán and Perchel Cove

The cruise heads toward the Mogán area, passing the coastal views around Mogán and Taurito. The boat gives you a different angle on the south coast, with the Atlantic opening around you and the bays becoming the main scenery.

The highlight is Perchel Cove, which can only be reached from the sea. That detail matters because it gives the stop a more secluded feel than a standard beach visit. You do not arrive to wander through shops or take a long walk. You arrive by boat, swim, and use the water as your main playground.

I would bring a phone or camera in a waterproof pouch. The outing offers plenty of photo chances, from the yacht itself to the coastal views and the special bay areas around Mogán and Taurito. Keep your camera secure, though. The itinerary includes swimming and water sports, and a dry bag is more useful than a loose phone on deck.

The exact amount of time spent sailing, swimming, and eating can vary with the group and sea conditions. The trip lasts four hours in total, so you should expect a pleasant half-day rather than a full-day cruise with several long stops.

Snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding

At the cove, you can get into the water with the supplied snorkeling equipment. This is not sold as a specialist marine wildlife trip, so I would set expectations at a fun look beneath the surface rather than a guided wildlife survey. The appeal is the chance to see local marine life in a sea-access-only cove, with the boat serving as your base.

The crew also provides a paddle board. Beginners can try it close to the boat, while stronger paddlers can enjoy more time standing and moving across the water, provided conditions allow. You do not need to arrive as an expert. The activity is included, and the private group setup makes it easier to take turns without a crowd waiting behind you.

A swim is another central part of the stop. If you prefer a slower afternoon, you can remain on deck with a drink while others use the water. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private excursion. Your group does not have to follow the same activity schedule every minute.

Bring your own towel. It is specifically not supplied. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also on the essential list, since you will spend time in direct sun on the water. Seasickness pills are worth considering if boat travel often bothers you. The open Atlantic can feel very different from a sheltered hotel pool.

Snacks, drinks, and the limits of the open bar

The food consists of an assortment of snacks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The exact selection is shown with the booking material, but it is not presented as a full lunch. Plan accordingly, especially if you are booking around midday or have a group with big appetites.

One piece of feedback from Elaine makes this point clearly: the trip was enjoyable, but the snacks did not replace lunch for her, and the drink selection felt limited. That is a fair warning. You are paying for a private boat, skipper, activities, transfers, drinks, and a relaxed setting, not for a restaurant meal at sea.

The included drinks cover beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. You also get the opening glass of cava. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are available on board but are not included in the base price.

I would think of the drinks package as a useful refreshment service rather than a premium bar. It works well for a group that wants beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. If your group is mainly interested in cocktails or wine, budget extra and check the onboard pricing before ordering.

Optional water sports and extra costs

The included paddle board and snorkeling equipment give you enough to stay active without adding to the bill. The paid activities are for groups that want a little more speed and noise.

Current listed prices are:

• Jetski: €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 add-ons can make the afternoon more exciting, but they also change the price quickly. A family of four choosing several activities may spend much more than the headline booking rate. I would decide in advance how much your group wants to spend, especially if children or teenagers are eager to try everything.

The base excursion already includes swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, drinks, and snacks. You do not need the extras to make the trip worthwhile. They are best treated as optional treats, not hidden requirements.

What $650 means for your group

The listed price is $650 per group up to eight people. Divided eight ways, that is $81.25 per person for four hours, before any optional water sports or premium drinks. At that size, the private format can be good value, especially with hotel transfers and a skipper included.

For four people, the same price works out to $162.50 each. For two people, it becomes a much more expensive outing. I would book this for a properly sized group if possible. The boat’s promotional wording also refers to a maximum of 10 passengers, while the stated group price is for up to eight, so confirm the exact passenger limit and price for your party before paying.

The private setting is the main value, not the meal. A shared cruise may offer a lower per-person price, but it will not give your group the same control over music, seating, swimming breaks, or conversation. If privacy matters, the calculation looks better.

If you mainly want a large lunch, a long sightseeing cruise, or a luxury drinks menu, this may disappoint. If you want an easy half-day on the water with friends or family, the package makes more sense.

The crew and the pace of the afternoon

The captain sails the yacht and helps manage the activities. You are not expected to know how to handle the boat. The crew also prepares the snacks while you swim, so the experience has a clear rhythm: sail, stop, swim, eat, drink, and return.

The named hosts include Christian and Ronnie. Henry’s booking described Christian as a great host, while Anita’s family outing was led by Ronnie. Marcus is named as the person who provided hotel transport for that group. Staff assignments can change, but these names give you a useful sense of the personal service attached to the experience.

The trip is designed for fun rather than formal sightseeing. You will get coastal views and a guide’s explanation of the route, but this is not a detailed geography or history tour. The best moments are likely to come from your own group sharing the boat, jumping into the water, and relaxing after the swim.

Music and a cozy onboard atmosphere are part of the plan. That may suit a social group, but it is worth knowing if you want a silent sailing experience. The mood is casual and celebratory, helped by the cava and open bar.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most

I would recommend this outing for:

• Families who want swimming and simple water activities in one package
• Groups of friends celebrating a special occasion
• Couples or small groups who value privacy and do not mind paying more per person
• Visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria who want hotel transport included
• Mixed groups where some people want activity and others prefer sun, snacks, and views

It is less suitable for wheelchair users, who are specifically excluded from the activity. It is also a poor match for anyone who wants a full meal, a long list of included cocktails, or a heavily structured sightseeing program.

Pets, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol brought from outside, drugs, and nudity are not allowed. Those rules are straightforward, but they matter on a private boat where the crew has to keep the space safe and comfortable for everyone.

Practical booking advice for a smoother day

Book the pickup when you reserve the excursion. The service covers many hotels, resorts, supermarkets, bus stops, and addresses, but the operator needs your exact location in advance. Arrive at the pickup point on time, since the van waits only five minutes.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel. Leave valuables in your accommodation if you do not have a secure waterproof bag. You should also bring seasickness medication if you are prone to nausea.

The tour includes insurance, taxes, and fees. It also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule for your chosen date.

The four-hour length is well judged for a beach holiday. You get a proper outing without losing the whole day, and the return van takes you back to your accommodation or selected drop-off point. Afterward, you can still walk Puerto Rico’s promenade or find a meal in town.

Should you book the Puerto Rico yacht excursion?

Book it if you can fill most of the available places and your group wants a private, easygoing afternoon with swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, cava, and coastal views. The skipper, transport, equipment, and drinks remove much of the usual planning work.

Think twice if you are booking for only two people, expect a substantial lunch, or want premium wine and cocktails included. Bring a towel, plan for possible seasickness, and set aside extra money only if the paid water sports appeal to you.

For a full group staying in southern Gran Canaria, this is a strong choice for a sociable half-day at sea. The private boat is the real treat, while the snacks and included drinks are useful extras rather than the main reason to book.

FAQ

How long does the yacht excursion last?

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

Where does the yacht leave from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and returns there at the end of the cruise.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and return are available from accommodations and selected addresses in southern Gran Canaria. You must book the pickup in advance and provide the correct hotel or address.

What drinks are included?

The package includes a welcome glass of cava, beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are available for an additional cost.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle board are included. You may also pay extra for jetski, crazy sofa, sea scooter, or parasailing activities.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.