Gran Canaria: Excursion on private yacht with drinks, lunch and snorkeling

A private yacht, a small group of friends, and Gran Canaria’s southwest coast make a fine combination. You’ll sail from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, stop near the sea-only cove of Perchel, and have time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding before returning along the cliffs and beaches.

I especially like the private setting, since you are not sharing the boat with a large crowd, and the included open bar, cava, snacks, and hotel pickup make the outing easy to enjoy. The main catch is the capacity and food wording: the summary says up to eight people, while the fuller description says up to 12, and the meal appears to be an assortment of snacks rather than a full lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Private yacht from Puerto Rico: Your group has the boat to itself for a three-and-a-half to four-hour coastal trip.
• A swimming stop near Perchel: This cove can only be reached from the sea, with snorkeling gear and two paddle boards supplied.
• Cava and an open bar included: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, water, sparkling water, and juices are part of the package.
• Fresh seasonal snacks on board: Expect tapas-style food, including Spanish omelette according to the menu experience described.
• Broad hotel pickup area: Pickup and return cover many hotels and resorts across southern Gran Canaria.
• Optional water sports cost extra: Jet skis, parasailing, a sea scooter, and a crazy sofa are available for additional fees.

Setting out from Puerto Rico

The day begins either with pickup at your accommodation or at the meeting point in Puerto Rico. The pickup area covers much of southern Gran Canaria, including Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Puerto de Mogán, Taurito, Anfi, Patalavaca, and Puerto Rico.

If you use the van, give the operator your exact hotel or accommodation address when booking. Be ready at the agreed time, since the stated waiting limit is only five minutes. That small detail matters, particularly if you are staying in a large resort where reaching the entrance can take longer than expected.

The drive to Puerto Rico is listed as about 20 minutes, though the total transfer can depend on your pickup point. Starting in Puerto Rico gives the outing a useful sense of place. This is a working marina and a popular base for boat trips, with the open Atlantic immediately beyond the harbor.

Once on board, you receive a welcome glass of cava and a short explanation from the guide. The languages offered are Spanish and English. No guide names are provided, but the crew includes a captain and a live guide, so you can expect help with the route and the water activities rather than simply being left to find your own way around.

A yacht reserved for your own group

The best reason to choose this trip is privacy. You can bring family or friends and use the yacht as your own floating base for the afternoon. Music, drinks, sun, and a shared meal work especially well for groups celebrating something, families wanting a relaxed outing, or friends who do not want to follow the schedule of a larger sightseeing boat.

There is one detail to settle before paying. The price is listed as $604 per group of up to eight, while the main description says the yacht can take up to 12 passengers. That difference affects the value quite a bit. If your group has nine to 12 people, confirm the permitted group size and final price before booking.

For eight people, the listed rate works out to about $75.50 each. That is a fairer deal than it first appears because it includes transport from many southern hotels, a captain and guide, cava, an open bar, food, equipment, insurance, and taxes. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, so this is best suited to a group that can share the fixed price.

The boat is described as a luxury yacht, but no model, cabin layout, shaded seating, or onboard toilet details are supplied. If those features matter to you, ask before booking. You should also expect a boat-based outing, not a formal yacht charter with a full crew and a restaurant-style lunch.

Sailing toward Mogán and Perchel Cove

After leaving Puerto Rico, the yacht heads toward the Mogán area. The route includes views of the southwest coast, with the guide pointing out places from the water. One of the most interesting stops is Perchel Cove, which can only be reached by sea.

That limited access is what gives the stop its appeal. You are not simply looking at another beach from a promenade. The cove becomes a swimming and water-sports base, and the yacht gives you a practical way to reach it.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately. The description promises a look at local marine life, though conditions in the Atlantic vary with wind, visibility, and water movement. Treat snorkeling as an optional part of the day rather than a guaranteed wildlife show.

Two paddle boards are also provided. This is enough for a few people to take turns, but not for everyone to use one at once. Beginners can try the boards in a group setting, while experienced paddlers can make better use of the limited equipment during the stop.

You will want to bring your own towel. It is specifically not included, along with sunglasses and sunscreen, all of which belong in your day bag. The tour does not allow pets, nudity, alcohol or drugs brought from outside, or alcoholic drinks inside the vehicle.

Swimming, snacks, and the open bar

The swimming stop is also when the crew prepares food. The description calls it an appetizer or assortment of snacks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. That is worth clarifying if you are booking this as a lunch cruise.

The food sounds more like tapas than a large sit-down meal. One particularly appealing detail is Spanish omelette, which was singled out as a favorite dish during a family outing. You might find other seasonal items as well, but the exact menu is not specified and can change.

The included drinks are generous for a half-day trip. You can order beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and extra cava are not included, though they can be purchased on board.

This arrangement suits a relaxed group that wants to graze, swim, and talk rather than plan a formal meal. If anyone in your party has dietary needs, tell the operator in advance. That is particularly important here because the food is prepared as part of the boat service, not selected from a large menu.

The crew’s role is part of the experience. The captain handles the yacht, while the guide gives the tour explanation and helps organize activities. The service is intended to be attentive, and the trip is on a private basis, so you have more control over the mood than you would on a crowded shared cruise.

Extra water sports and what they cost

The included activities are snorkeling and paddleboarding. If your group wants more speed, several paid add-ons are available:

• Jet ski: €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes
• Sea scooter: €25 per person for 10 minutes
• Parasailing: €35 per person for 10 minutes
• Crazy sofa: Available at an extra charge, but no price is provided

These extras can make the stop more exciting, but they can also push the cost well above the advertised group rate. Decide in advance how much you want to spend, especially if several people are tempted by the jet ski or parasailing.

The pricing also means you should not assume every activity is part of the private charter. The basic package covers the boat, equipment listed as included, food, drinks, and service. Motorized and airborne activities are separate purchases.

The return route past Tauro and Tiritaña

The trip back to Puerto Rico is not just a repeat of the outward journey. The route offers views of Mogán Bay, Tauro Beach, and the cliffs of Tiritaña. This is one of the strongest reasons to sit where you can see outside, and it is worth keeping your camera ready.

From the water, familiar resort areas take on a different shape. Beaches become narrow strips below the cliffs, coves appear tucked into the coast, and the scale of the island is easier to appreciate. The boat gives you a coastal viewpoint that roads and hotel balconies cannot provide.

The return is also a good time for photographs with your group. The experience is designed around shared time on board, not a long list of shore stops. If you prefer historic sites, village walks, or inland scenery, this will not replace those activities. It is a short sea outing focused on views, swimming, food, and company.

The yacht finishes at Puerto Rico after roughly four hours. You can then take the van back to your accommodation, or remain in Puerto Rico for a walk along the promenade and a meal at one of the local restaurants. That choice adds flexibility, though you will need to arrange your own return if you decide not to use the scheduled drop-off.

Is $604 good value for your group?

For a full private group, I think the price can make sense. Eight people paying about $75.50 each receive a private boat, hotel transfers, a guide and captain, drinks, food, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, insurance, and taxes. That is a strong bundle for a four-hour outing.

For four people, the same price becomes about $151 per person before optional activities. At that point, you should compare it with shared boat trips or other private charters. The private setting is the main thing you are paying for, so the value improves as your group gets closer to the allowed maximum.

The unclear capacity needs attention. The promotional price refers to eight people, while the fuller description allows up to 12 passengers. Ask the operator to confirm both the maximum number and whether the $604 rate changes above eight people.

Also keep the food expectation realistic. This is not clearly a full lunch cruise. You get snacks and an appetizer selection, with drinks and swimming built into the outing. If a substantial meal is important to you, eat beforehand or confirm the menu.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would choose this for a group of friends or family members who want private time on the water without handling the details themselves. The included pickup, drinks, food, equipment, and guide reduce the work involved in planning a boat day.

It also suits people who want several low-pressure choices. You can swim, snorkel, try a paddle board, listen to music, have a drink, or simply watch the coast. Nobody needs to take part in every activity.

Families should note the practical limits. The tour is private, which helps, but the supplied information does not state age limits, child seating, life jacket arrangements, or accessibility details. Ask about those points if they affect your booking.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a long sailing voyage, a large meal, or a detailed island tour by land. The duration is only three-and-a-half to four hours, and the main focus is the sea near Puerto Rico and Mogán.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans change: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Pickup must be arranged ahead of time, and the operator offers service in Spanish and English.

Should you book it?

Book this yacht outing if you have a group large enough to share the cost and care most about privacy, swimming, coastal views, and easy service. The strongest parts are the private boat, the route toward Perchel Cove, the included drinks, and the chance to enjoy the water without organizing each piece yourself.

Before booking, confirm the eight-person versus 12-person capacity, ask exactly what the snack menu includes, and check the yacht facilities if comfort matters. If your party is small or you want a full meal and many included activities, the price may feel high. For a well-sized group looking for a relaxed half-day on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, it is a practical and appealing choice.

FAQ

How long does the private yacht trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three-and-a-half to four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the yacht leave from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and sails toward the Mogán area.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return to accommodation in southern Gran Canaria are included, but you must provide the hotel, resort, or address in advance.

How many people can join the private group?

The main description says up to 12 passengers, while the listed group price is for up to eight people. Confirm the permitted number and price for groups larger than eight before booking.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and additional cava cost extra.

Is lunch included?

An assortment of snacks or appetizers made with fresh seasonal ingredients is included. The information does not promise a full lunch, so confirm the menu if you need a substantial meal.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddle boards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and two paddle boards are included.

Do water sports cost extra?

Yes. Jet ski, sea scooter, parasailing, and crazy sofa activities are not included in the base price. A jet ski costs €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes, and a sea scooter costs €25 per person for 10 minutes. Parasailing costs €35 per person for 10 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets, outside alcohol in the vehicle, alcohol and drugs, and nudity are not allowed.