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

The best part of this Gran Canaria outing is simple: you get a yacht reserved for your own group, not a crowded boat with strangers. From Puerto Rico, you cruise toward Mogán and the sea-only Perchel Cove, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, music, snacks, and drinks. I especially like the private setting and the included hotel transfer. The main catch is that this is a four-hour boat party with appetizers, not a full lunch, and the included drinks are fairly basic.

I also like the choice of pace. You can spend your time in the water, stretch out with a glass of cava, or pay extra for a quick jet ski or parasailing session. Captain Ronnie has been singled out for attentive service, while Christian has made a strong impression as a host. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and seasickness medicine if you need it, since the Atlantic can be lively.

Quick takeaways for your four hours at sea

• Private boat from Puerto Rico: The yacht is for your group, with the advertised rate of $650 for up to eight people. The activity description also mentions a maximum of ten, so confirm the exact group limit before paying.
• Perchel Cove by sea: You cruise toward a cove near Mogán that is accessible from the water, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
• Cava and open bar: You receive a welcome glass of cava, plus beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices.
• Captain-led outing: Spanish and English are available, and the skipper handles the sailing while you enjoy the coast.
• Optional water sports: Jet ski, crazy sofa, sea scooter, and parasailing cost extra and are offered at special rates.
• Hotel pickup in southern Gran Canaria: A van collects you at your accommodation and returns you afterward, but you need to arrange this in advance and be ready on time.

A private yacht, not a standard boat cruise

This experience works best when you think of it as a private sea day for friends or family. You are not simply being ferried along the coast. The yacht is your base for four hours, with your own skipper, music, a relaxed onboard atmosphere, and time to stop for water activities.

The advertised price is $650 per group up to eight, which works out to $81.25 per person if you fill every place. That is not cheap, but it becomes more reasonable for a full private boat rather than an individual seat on a shared excursion. The description also refers to groups of up to ten, so I would check the exact capacity before booking. The difference matters if you are organizing a larger family group.

I like the privacy here. You can settle into your own rhythm without worrying about strangers taking over the paddle board or choosing the music. A family can swim while others stay aboard. Friends can add a paid water sport, then return to the yacht for drinks and snacks.

The tradeoff is food. You get an assortment of appetizers made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, but no proper lunch is included. If you are hungry after swimming, the snacks may not be enough. One useful lesson from the available feedback is to treat the food as a light spread, not a meal. You can order wine, cocktails, and mixed drinks onboard for an additional charge, while the included bar covers beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices.

The ride from your hotel to Puerto Rico

Pickup is available from a long list of accommodations and meeting points across southern Gran Canaria, including areas around Puerto Rico, Mogán, Taurito, Patalavaca, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, and San Agustín. The included transfer is useful because Puerto Rico is not always convenient to reach by local transport, especially if your group has towels, bags, and beach gear.

A van ride to Puerto Rico takes about 20 minutes once the transfer is underway. You must provide your hotel, resort, or address in advance. Be punctual: the stated waiting time is only five minutes. This is the kind of small detail that can affect the whole morning, so do not plan to stroll down at your own pace.

The pickup network is broad, but the exact meeting arrangement depends on your accommodation. If you are staying outside the main resort areas, confirm that your address is covered rather than assuming every part of the island is included. The service is designed for the south of Gran Canaria.

Leaving Puerto Rico for Mogán

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico, a sheltered resort town on the island’s southwest coast. Once onboard, you receive a welcome glass of cava and a short explanation of the trip from the guide. The early part of the cruise gives you time to settle in, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air before the water activities begin.

The trip is less about formal sightseeing commentary and more about time on the Atlantic. You will pass coastal areas around Mogán and Taurito, with open views that look especially good from the water. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, even if the day starts with a mild breeze. The sea breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is.

The yacht has music and a cozy atmosphere, so the mood depends partly on your group. This is a good choice for a birthday, family outing, or relaxed day with friends. It is less suited to someone seeking a tightly scheduled tour packed with landmarks and historical explanations.

Perchel Cove and the water stop

The main stop is the Perchel area near Mogán. The cove can be reached from the sea, giving the stop a different feel from a regular beach visit. You will have a chance to swim, use the provided snorkeling equipment, and try the paddle board.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with wind and water movement, so I would not book this expecting a guaranteed underwater show. The trip does offer the equipment and a chance to see marine life, but nature sets the schedule. If the sea is calm, the stop can be a pleasant way to cool off and look below the surface.

The paddle board is included, and beginners are welcome. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy a short turn on the water, although balance and confidence will make it easier. This is also a useful option for anyone who would rather not snorkel.

You can simply swim instead. That matters because not everyone in a mixed group wants the same activity. Some people can paddle or snorkel while others relax onboard with a drink. The private format makes that split much easier than on a tightly controlled shared boat.

Paid water sports beside the yacht

Several extra activities are available at special rates:

• Jet ski: €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 are not included in the $650 price, so decide in advance how much you want to add to the day. The short sessions suit people who want a burst of activity without giving up most of the cruise. They can also push the total cost up quickly for a large group.

I would see these as optional extras rather than a reason to book the trip. The core experience already includes snorkeling and paddleboarding. If your group wants a quieter afternoon, you can skip the paid activities and use the time for swimming, photos, and the coastal views.

Snacks, drinks, and the onboard mood

After the water stop, the crew prepares an assortment of snacks using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The exact selection is not detailed, so you should not expect a set restaurant-style menu. Think of it as a casual spread to enjoy with a drink.

The included bar is practical rather than luxurious. You receive beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. The welcome cava adds a festive start. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are available onboard but cost extra.

This is where expectations matter most. If you want a celebratory boat setting with a drink in hand, the package covers the basics well. If you want a long lunch with several wine choices, you may find the offering limited. I would eat a proper breakfast before pickup and bring no alcohol of your own, since outside alcohol is not permitted.

The boat time also gives you a chance to take photographs. The coast around Mogán and Taurito provides the main scenery, while the private group creates plenty of informal photo opportunities. Keep your phone secure around the water and use sunscreen regularly.

What the captains and hosts add

The activity is available in Spanish and English, and the skipper is responsible for both sailing and the feel of the day. The available feedback gives special credit to Captain Ronnie for taking good care of a family group. Christian is also praised as a strong host.

That personal service matters on a small private excursion. A good captain can help beginners feel comfortable on the paddle board, explain how the stops work, and keep the timing relaxed. You should still remember that the captain controls the route and water activities according to conditions.

The experience is rated 4.7 from 53 reviews, with especially strong praise for the friendly hosts and the overall day on the water. At the same time, the comments about food and drink are worth taking seriously. The outing is well suited to people who value the private boat and activities more than a gourmet meal.

Four hours on the water, then back to your accommodation

The boat portion lasts four hours, beginning and ending in Puerto Rico. After returning to the port, the van takes you back to your hotel, accommodation, or a stay in Puerto Rico if you arranged pickup.

That makes the outing easy to fit into a day without renting a car. Afterward, you can walk along Puerto Rico’s promenade or choose from the local restaurants. If you are staying near Mogán, Taurito, Maspalomas, or Playa del Inglés, the return transfer saves you from working out a second transport plan.

Do keep the day’s length in mind. Pickup, the 20-minute van ride, and the four-hour cruise make this a substantial half-day commitment. It is best placed on a day when you want a break from sightseeing rather than squeezed between other reservations.

Who will enjoy this private yacht trip

I would recommend this outing most strongly to:

• Families who want several activity choices in one trip
• Couples traveling with friends
• Groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• Visitors who prefer a private boat to a shared cruise
• Beginners who want easy access to snorkeling and paddleboarding
• People staying in southern Gran Canaria who value hotel pickup

It may be less suitable for you if you need wheelchair access, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not ideal if you dislike boats or are prone to seasickness. The operator specifically suggests bringing seasickness pills if that is a concern.

The rules are straightforward. Pets, weapons or sharp objects, alcohol and drugs, and nudity are not allowed. You should bring sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not included.

Is $650 good value?

The value depends heavily on group size. For eight people, the advertised price works out to about $81 per person. For four people, it becomes $162.50 each, before any paid water sports or extra drinks. The private setting, skipper, equipment, snacks, open bar, insurance, taxes, and transfers are included, which strengthens the case for a full group.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a simple swim and a few hours at sea. A shared cruise may cost less, though it will not give you the same control over the atmosphere or group space. Here, you are paying for privacy and convenience as much as for the yacht itself.

I would also confirm two things before booking: the exact passenger limit, since the information gives both eight and ten, and the snack selection, especially if anyone in your group expects lunch. Those two checks will prevent the most likely surprises.

Should you book it?

Book this yacht trip if you can fill most of the available places and want a private, easygoing sea day near Mogán. The combination of pickup, skipper, cava, open bar, snacks, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and optional water sports gives a group plenty to do without much planning.

Skip it if you are looking for a full meal, extensive sightseeing commentary, wheelchair access, or a low-cost individual cruise. For the best value, bring a group of friends or family, eat breakfast first, pack your towel and sunscreen, and treat the appetizers as a snack rather than lunch. That is the right expectation for a relaxed four-hour outing from Puerto Rico.

FAQ

How much does the private yacht excursion cost?

The advertised price is $650 per group of up to eight people. The activity description also refers to a maximum of ten passengers, so confirm the exact group limit when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The yacht cruise lasts four hours. The listed van ride to Puerto Rico takes about 20 minutes.

Where does the yacht leave from?

The boat departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

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, resort, or address.

What drinks are included?

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

Are cocktails and wine included?

No. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are available onboard for an additional charge.

Is food included?

An assortment of snacks is included. A full lunch is not listed as part of the experience.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. A paddle board is provided, and both beginners and experienced users can try it.

What extra water sports are available?

Jet skiing costs €35 for 10 minutes, the crazy sofa costs €20 per person for 10 minutes, a sea scooter costs €25 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs €35 per person for 10 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen. If you are prone to seasickness, the operator suggests bringing seasickness pills.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in Spanish and English.

Can wheelchair users join?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.