Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria: boat trip, drinks, food, paddle surfing, snorkeling

The best part of this four-hour boat trip is the long stop in a sheltered bay, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, jump from the upper deck, or simply stretch out with a drink. It feels more like a relaxed day on the water than a loud party cruise.

I like the included tapas and drinks, and I like that the boat has both sunny hammocks and a shaded seating area. The main consideration is the sea: wind can make the ride bumpy, and afternoon departure times may change if the operator combines trips or adjusts the schedule.

Key points to know before you book

• A proper water stop: Expect plenty of time at Playa del Perchel for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and floating on the provided equipment.
• Good-value inclusions: At $56, the price covers tapas, beer, wine, water, juice, soft drinks, snorkel gear, and paddleboards.
• Comfortable classic boat: You get adjustable hammocks, shaded seats, a bathroom, and life jackets for children and adults.
• Optional thrills cost extra: Jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and other towable activities are not included.
• A family-friendly mood: Children can swim, jump from the boat, snorkel, and use the water equipment, with crew help available.
• Weather can reshape the route: Rough or windy conditions may send the boat to a calmer bay instead of the planned stop.

Setting sail from Puerto de Escala

You meet at Calle Puerto Escala, at the port entrance. The instructions say to go to the first ship you encounter, so give yourself a little time to identify the boat rather than arriving at the last minute and wandering around the marina.

The boat itself has a classic, easygoing feel. It is not presented as a sleek luxury yacht, and that is part of its appeal. You have an upper deck with adjustable hammocks, a lower shaded area with comfortable seats, and enough room to move between sun and shade.

That choice matters in Gran Canaria. The southern coast is usually sunny, but four hours in direct sun can wear you down, especially with children. I would claim a shaded seat early, then move to a hammock once you know where you want to spend the cruise.

There is also a bathroom on board. That sounds minor until you are several minutes from shore with children, drinks, and a full afternoon ahead. Life jackets are available for all ages, which makes the trip easier for families who want water fun without treating the boat like a floating free-for-all.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Their role is practical rather than formal. They hand out equipment, help set up paddleboards, serve drinks, and assist people getting in and out of the water. Several people specifically praised the crew’s relaxed and attentive manner, including a crew member named Alberto.

The coastal cruise to Cueva del Agua

The first part of the outing is a coastal cruise of roughly 45 minutes. The boat passes the cliffs and southern shoreline of Gran Canaria, with time for photographs and open-water views.

The scenery is the reason to sit facing outward instead of staying at the drinks counter. The coast around Puerto Rico has steep rock faces, coves, and water that shifts in color with the light. The boat gives you a different view from the usual beach promenade, and the slow pace lets you settle into the day.

Cueva del Agua is the stated scenic point along the route. You should think of this part as a coastal viewing cruise rather than a guided geology tour. The available information does not promise a detailed explanation of every landmark, and one person specifically wished the crew had said more about the places passed along the coast.

That is useful to know if you want a formal sightseeing commentary. You may get a few explanations, but the main focus is sun, sea, food, and water activities. I would bring a phone or camera in a waterproof pouch, but avoid letting photography take over. The best views are often the ones you catch while sitting back from the rail.

If the sea is choppy, the ride can be less relaxing. One afternoon report noted that moving around the boat to get drinks was difficult in rough water. If you are prone to seasickness, sit low and near the center of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid filling up on alcohol before the cruise settles.

Playa del Perchel and the main water stop

The heart of the trip is the stop near Playa del Perchel. The boat moors in the bay, and you get the bulk of the activity time here. The published schedule allows around two and a half hours for the food and water portion, while the entire experience lasts four hours. In practice, the coastal ride takes about 45 minutes each way, leaving roughly two hours at the swimming stop.

This is where the trip earns its price. You are not simply given a short swim break before being hurried back to the marina. You can choose your own pace. Swim for ten minutes, snorkel around the rocks, paddle for a while, then return to the boat for a drink and some food.

The water has been described as clear enough for enjoyable snorkeling, with fish and rocky areas around the bay. Do not expect a major marine reserve or a professional diving excursion. This is casual snorkeling from a boat, but it gives you more to see than a quick dip beside a crowded beach.

Snorkel equipment is included. The crew can help you get set up, which is useful if you have not used a mask recently or if a child needs help. Life jackets are available, though confident swimmers may prefer to use them only when needed.

Paddleboards are also included. They are a good option for people who want activity without the speed of a jet ski. The crew helps prepare the boards and explains how to use them. You may need to wait if several people want one at the same time, especially when the boat is full.

The boat also carries floating beds and inflatables. These are ideal for the person in your group who wants to be in the water without swimming laps. Children can jump from the upper deck, though you should follow the crew’s instructions and keep an eye on younger swimmers.

Tapas, sangria, and drinks included in the fare

Food is served during the stop or on the return portion of the trip. The meal is Spanish tapas-style rather than a full restaurant lunch. Expect small, snack-like portions suited to a day on the water.

That is the right format here. A heavy meal would not mix well with swimming, paddleboarding, or a rocking boat. The food has been described as tasty, though one person found the selection limited to a few snack-style items. I would treat the tapas as a pleasant included lunch, not the reason to book the excursion.

Drinks are a stronger part of the value. Beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are included. The beer is served cold, and sangria gets frequent praise. The drinks are available throughout the outing, although rough water can make trips to the serving area awkward.

At $56 per person, the included food and drinks change the calculation. You are paying for a coastal cruise, a long swimming stop, equipment, and refreshments in one package. A family that would otherwise pay separately for beach activities and lunch may find this particularly worthwhile.

There is one sensible limit to keep in mind: unlimited drinks do not make the sea any steadier. Pace yourself, drink water, and remember that you still need to climb ladders, use a paddleboard, and move around a boat.

Optional jet skis and other paid activities

Jet skis are available for an additional charge. The exact price can vary, but one family paid around €35 for two people, while other add-ons were reported at €15 per person for a towable inflatable. These prices are not included in the $56 fare, so ask about the current cost before committing.

Parasailing and banana rides are also listed as optional extras. They add excitement, but you do not need them to get a full experience. The included snorkeling and paddleboarding are enough for a relaxed afternoon.

The jet ski option is most appealing if you have older children or adults who want speed after the calm water activities. Several families found it a highlight, while others were perfectly happy with swimming and boards. I like that the main price does not force everyone to pay for motorized activities that only part of the group wants.

The crew appears to keep the extras optional rather than applying pressure. That is important. You can book this as a simple sea-and-food outing, then decide at the stop if the jet ski or towable ride suits your group.

A good choice for families, couples, and mixed groups

Families are the clearest match. Children can snorkel, paddle, float, jump from the boat, and try paid activities if they meet the operator’s requirements. The crew has helped with a stroller and comforted a small child, which suggests a friendly attitude toward younger passengers, though you should still confirm any specific mobility needs before booking.

This also works well for mixed groups. One person can lie in a hammock, another can snorkel, and someone else can try the paddleboard. You do not all need to enjoy the same activity.

Couples and adults looking for a quiet cruise may like the atmosphere because it is described as fun but not a party boat. The drinks are available, but the main mood is relaxed rather than loud. If you want music, dancing, and a high-energy crowd, this may feel too gentle.

It is less suitable for anyone wanting an exact, tightly controlled schedule. The sea and weather can affect the route. A planned stop may change to a calmer bay, which is sensible for safety but can disappoint you if you have your heart set on one particular beach.

Departure times can also shift. A late afternoon booking was changed to a morning slot when the operator said the captain was ill. The crew handled the altered trip professionally, but the change frustrated someone who had specifically wanted an evening cruise. If the time of day matters to you, keep that possibility in mind before booking.

Practical tips for getting more from the four hours

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. You should also consider a waterproof phone case, a hat, and a light layer for the boat ride back, though only the first three items are specifically required.

Arrive ready to board rather than planning to change after reaching the port. The boat has a bathroom, but it is not a changing room. Wear something you can move in, especially if you plan to paddleboard or climb from the water.

For the best balance of comfort, use the shaded lower seating during the coastal ride and save the upper deck for photos or jumping. If you prefer the sun, the hammocks are the obvious choice, but apply sunscreen again after swimming.

Do not assume you can spend the whole stop on a paddleboard. Equipment is shared, and busy departures may mean waiting. Start with snorkeling or swimming, then switch to the board when one becomes available.

The trip is advertised in English and Spanish. Some information may be presented in its original language, so it is worth asking the crew directly if you need a safety instruction repeated.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before booking, especially if you need a particular part of the day.

Is the $56 price good value?

I think the price is strong for what is included. You get four hours on the water, a coastal cruise, tapas, several kinds of drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, a bathroom, and life jackets.

The value is especially good if you plan to drink soft drinks, beer, wine, or sangria and make full use of the water equipment. A family can avoid separate rental charges for snorkels and paddleboards, then choose only the optional extras that genuinely appeal.

The price is less compelling if you dislike swimming or do not drink, since much of the appeal is tied to the bay stop and the included refreshments. You are also paying for a shared boat, not a private charter. Capacity has been around 30 people on one departure, which felt comfortable and left room to move, but busier trips may feel less spacious.

Should you book this Puerto Rico boat trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, flexible day at sea with real time for swimming and simple water sports. The strongest points are the crew, the included drinks, the clean and comfortable boat, and the chance to spend a long stop using snorkeling gear and paddleboards without paying extra.

Families with children around school age and teenagers are likely to get the most from it. Couples can enjoy it too, especially if they want a calm cruise rather than a party boat.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed departure time, a detailed commentary on every coastal sight, or a gourmet lunch. Also budget separately for jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and other towable activities.

For most visitors staying in Puerto Rico, this is a well-priced way to combine Gran Canaria’s southern coast with an easy swim stop. Bring your towel, accept that the sea may alter the plan, and treat the tapas and drinks as part of a relaxed afternoon rather than a formal sightseeing tour.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico. The instructions say to enter the port and go to the first ship encountered.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts four hours. The coastal cruise takes roughly 45 minutes each way, with about two hours available at the swimming and activity stop.

What food and drinks are included?

Tapas are included, along with beer, wine, water, juices, and soft drinks. The food is Spanish tapas-style and intended as a light meal or snack during the outing.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are included in the price. The crew can help you get the equipment ready.

Do jet skis and parasailing cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and other motorized or towable activities are not included in the main price.

Is the boat suitable for families with children?

Yes. Life jackets are available for all ages, and the boat has a bathroom, shaded seating, and water activities suitable for family groups. Children can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and jump from the boat with appropriate supervision.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. A waterproof pouch for your phone is also sensible, though it is not listed as a required item.