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

Gran Canaria’s southwest coast is best seen from the water, and this private yacht trip gives your group four hours of sun, sea, swimming, and easygoing fun. You cruise from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, stopping near the sea-only cove of Perchel for snorkeling and paddleboarding.

I like having the yacht to yourself, with music, a skipper, hotel pickup, and no strangers sharing your afternoon. I also like the practical extras: cava on arrival, an open bar, snacks, and the chance to add jet-skiing or parasailing. The main catch is food: the included spread is snacks, not a full lunch, so hungry swimmers should eat beforehand.

Key points to know before booking

• Private yacht for your group: The boat is advertised for up to 10 people, while the listed price of $650 applies to a group of up to 8. Confirm the exact passenger limit and final cost before booking.
• Four hours from Puerto Rico: The cruise includes time along the coast toward Mogán, with views of Taurito and the Bay of Mogán.
• Perchel is reached by sea: This sheltered cove is not accessed by road, making it a memorable place for a swim and snorkel.
• Drinks are generous, food is light: Cava, beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juice are included. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.
• Water activities are flexible: Snorkeling gear and a paddle board are included, while jet skis, a crazy sofa, sea scooters, and parasailing have separate fees.
• Hotel pickup covers much of the south: A van collects you from listed hotels and addresses, but you must arrange pickup in advance and be ready on time.

A private afternoon on Gran Canaria’s Atlantic coast

This outing is less about sightseeing from a fixed route and more about having a floating base for your group. You board a yacht in Puerto Rico, settle into a relaxed setting with music, and let the crew handle the sailing while you enjoy the coast.

The private format matters. A group of friends or family can talk, swim, eat, and play music without adapting to a boatload of strangers. If you are marking a birthday, planning a family day, or simply want a break from hotel pools, that privacy is the main reason to choose this trip.

The advertised capacity needs a careful look. The price is $650 per group up to eight people, while the description says the yacht can hold a maximum of 10 passengers. For eight people, that works out to about $81 per person before any optional activities. A larger group could improve the per-person value, but confirm the permitted number and any added charge before paying.

Getting to Puerto Rico from your hotel

Pickup is available from a long list of accommodations and meeting points across southern Gran Canaria, including Puerto Rico, Mogán, Taurito, Patalavaca, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, and Meloneras. A van takes about 20 minutes to reach Puerto Rico, though your actual transfer time depends on where you are staying.

You need to provide your hotel, resort, or address in advance. The driver waits only five minutes at the agreed pickup time, so do not treat this like a flexible hotel shuttle. Have your group ready at the entrance, especially if you are staying at a large resort.

The return transfer brings you back to your original area after the yacht trip. You can then spend time around Puerto Rico’s promenade and restaurants, or return to your accommodation. Pickup and drop-off are a useful part of the package because taxis across the south can add to the cost of a private excursion.

Setting out from Puerto Rico with cava

At Puerto Rico, you board the yacht and receive a welcome glass of cava. The crew gives you a short explanation of the route and the afternoon ahead, then the boat heads offshore toward the Mogán area.

The first stretch is about settling into the rhythm of the sea. You have the warm sun, fresh air, coastal views, and the option to use the open bar. Included drinks cover beer, soft drinks, sangria, still and sparkling water, and juices. Cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are not part of the package, but you can buy them on board.

This is also the point where you should take care of practical matters. Apply sunscreen before the boat gets moving, keep sunglasses secure, and take seasickness medicine if you are prone to motion sickness. The open Atlantic can feel very different from a calm hotel pool, and the operator specifically recommends bringing seasickness pills for anyone who gets unwell at sea.

Reaching Perchel, the sea-access-only cove

The main stop is near Perchel, an attractive cove in the Mogán area that can only be reached from the sea. That gives the stop a sense of occasion without requiring a long walk or a difficult route.

Here you can swim, snorkel, and use the paddle board. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The experience is built around enjoying the water at your own pace rather than following a strict activity schedule.

You might spend the whole stop swimming and talking, or divide the time between snorkeling and paddleboarding. Beginners can use the board at an easy pace, while confident paddlers can make more of the open water. Since the activity list includes both equipment and free time, ask the crew how long the boat will remain at the stop if your group wants to plan several activities.

The underwater experience will depend on sea conditions and visibility. The operator promises access to marine life, but this is not a specialist wildlife expedition. Think of snorkeling as a pleasant part of a coastal boat day, not a guaranteed encounter with particular fish or larger sea animals.

Optional water sports for a livelier afternoon

If snorkeling and paddleboarding do not provide enough action, the crew offers discounted add-on activities. The listed prices are:

• 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 set a spending limit before your group gets on board. The short sessions can work well if only one or two people want extra thrills, while everyone else stays on the yacht.

Paddleboarding and snorkeling are the better-value choices because they are already included. The paid options make more sense for a group that wants a burst of speed or height and is happy to treat the yacht trip as a base for several activities.

Snacks, swimming, and time to slow down

After the water activities, you can take a refreshing swim while the crew prepares an assortment of snacks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The exact selection is shown in the booking material, but this should be understood as an appetizer-style spread rather than a sit-down meal.

That distinction matters. One guest found the snacks enjoyable but wished lunch had been included and felt hungry during the trip. If you are booking around midday, eat a proper meal before pickup or bring your expectations down to a light bite. The food is suited to grazing with drinks, not replacing lunch after several hours in the sun.

The crew serves the snacks while you sit back and take in the Atlantic views. This slower portion helps balance the more active swimming and paddleboarding. You can order another included drink, buy an extra beverage if you want wine or a cocktail, and take photographs around the coast.

Coastal views near Mogán and Taurito

The route gives you views of the Mogán area, Taurito, and the Bay of Mogán. From the yacht, the coast reads differently than it does from a road or hotel balcony. You see coves from the water, watch the shoreline recede, and get a better sense of how the resort towns fit into the rugged southwest coast.

The return toward Puerto Rico is also a good time for pictures. Bring a camera or phone, but protect it from spray and keep a firm grip near the rail. The light can be especially attractive when the boat is away from the harbor, though the exact conditions depend on the day.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of narrated landmarks. The guide gives a short introduction, but the heart of the outing is relaxed time at sea. If you want detailed commentary about geology, local history, or marine biology, this may feel light on information. If you want a private boat, views, drinks, and access to the water, the balance is more suitable.

The crew makes a real difference

The experience depends heavily on the captain and host. Christian is named as a host connected with the trip, and Ronnie has also captained outings. Marcus handles hotel transport on at least some departures. Crew assignments can change, but these names are useful if you need to identify the right staff during pickup or at the port.

The strongest praise centers on friendly hosting and good care of the group. That fits the private format: a thoughtful captain can make the difference between a basic boat ride and an afternoon that feels personal. You should still remember that the captain controls the route and water activities according to conditions.

The boat trip is conducted in Spanish and English. That makes the basic instructions and safety information accessible to most international visitors, though the amount of commentary may vary with the guide and the pace of your group.

What to pack for four hours on the water

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included, and you will want one after swimming or paddleboarding.

Wear clothing that can handle saltwater and sun. The supplied information does not specify a dress code beyond the general restrictions, but practical beachwear is the sensible choice. Keep valuables to a minimum, since you will be moving between the yacht, the water, and the van.

Pets, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, drugs, and nudity are not allowed. The bar service is provided by the operator, so bring only the personal items you need for the afternoon.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone with serious motion sensitivity should consider seasickness medicine before departure, rather than waiting until the boat is offshore.

Who will get the best value from this yacht trip?

I would choose this for a group that values privacy more than formal sightseeing. Eight friends sharing a $650 booking can make the cost reasonable, especially with transport, a captain, cava, an open bar, snacks, snorkeling gear, and a paddle board included.

It also suits families who want several choices in one outing. Some people can swim, others can paddle, and the more adventurous members can pay for a jet ski or parasailing session. The private boat means your group does not have to follow strangers into every activity.

Couples can book it too, but the group price may feel steep unless you are comfortable paying for a private setting. Solo visitors or small groups focused mainly on snorkeling can likely find cheaper shared boat options, though those alternatives would not provide the same privacy.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a full meal, a long guided coastal lecture, or guaranteed wildlife sightings. The included snacks are light, the sightseeing commentary is limited, and the sea sets the pace.

Cancellation, timing, and booking details

The excursion lasts four hours on the boat, with roughly 20 minutes listed for the van transfer to Puerto Rico. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date before booking.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Pickup must be booked in advance, and the van waits only five minutes at the agreed time.

The private group format and included insurance and taxes make the base cost easier to understand. Still, ask about the passenger limit because the material gives both eight and 10 as capacity figures. That is the one detail I would settle before confirming a large family or friend group.

Should you book the Gran Canaria private yacht excursion?

Book it if you want a relaxed, private sea day with a mix of swimming, drinks, light food, and optional water sports. The strongest reasons are the private yacht, hotel transport, friendly hosting, and the freedom to split your time between the deck and the water.

Think twice if you expect a substantial lunch or a polished luxury-food service. Bring something to eat before pickup, budget separately for premium drinks and paid water sports, and take seasickness seriously if you are sensitive.

For a group of up to eight, the $650 price can be fair when you use the included equipment and open bar. If your group is larger, confirm the exact capacity and price first. With that detail settled, this is a good choice for friends and families who want Gran Canaria’s southwest coast on their own schedule.

FAQ

How long does the private yacht excursion last?

The yacht cruise lasts four hours. A van transfer to Puerto Rico is listed as taking about 20 minutes, though your total journey depends on your pickup location.

Where does the boat depart?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How many people can join the private yacht?

The experience is described as a private group for up to 10 passengers. The listed $650 price applies to a group of up to eight, so confirm the exact capacity and price if you have more than eight people.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. A welcome glass of cava is also included.

Is food included?

Yes. An assortment of snacks made with fresh and seasonal ingredients is included. A full lunch is not listed as part of the package.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle board are included.

Do the water sports cost extra?

Yes. Jet skiing, the crazy sofa, sea scooters, and parasailing are optional paid activities. Listed prices range from €20 to €35 for a 10-minute session, depending on the activity.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not supplied. If you get seasick easily, the operator recommends bringing seasickness pills.