Gran Canaria: Shared yacht excursion with beverages, lunch and snorkeling

The draw here is a stop at Perchel cove, a bay near Mogán that you can reach only from the sea. You get time to swim and snorkel, then return along a dramatic stretch of Gran Canaria’s south coast aboard a yacht with no more than 12 people.

I like the small group and the easy mix of activities: you can paddleboard, snorkel, swim or simply stay on deck with a drink. I also like that pickup from many south-coast hotels is included when booked ahead. One thing to weigh up: the swimming stop takes up much of the trip, and the route can feel slow if you are waiting while other people try optional water sports.

At a glance

• Perchel cove by sea: Swim and snorkel in a spot that is not reached by land.
• A small shared yacht: The group is capped at 12 passengers, with private groups also available.
• A long swim stop: Plan on roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for swimming and water activities.
• Snacks and open bar: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, water and juice are included, along with a platter-style assortment of snacks.
• South-coast pickup: Arrange a hotel or accommodation pickup in advance, then return to Puerto Rico after the cruise.
• Optional paid activities: Jet skis, a sea scooter and parasailing cost extra.

Leaving Puerto Rico for Perchel cove

The trip starts at Puerto Rico harbor, either after a prearranged van pickup or by meeting at the departure point. The van ride is listed as about 20 minutes, though your actual pickup time depends on where you are staying and the agreed meeting point. The pickup network covers a wide part of the south, from Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas to Puerto de Mogán, but you must give the provider your hotel name or address in advance and be ready on time.

Once aboard, the yacht heads offshore at about 8 or 9 knots. That is a relaxed pace, not a high-speed coastal run. It gives you time to settle in, feel the sea breeze and take in the coast without treating the boat ride as a race between photo stops. A welcome glass of cava sets the tone, and the guide gives a short explanation of the trip.

The boat carries up to 12 passengers. That is a meaningful difference from a large excursion vessel: the deck is more personal, and the group has fewer people sharing the snorkel gear, paddleboards and crew’s attention. It is still a shared trip, though, so the mood depends partly on the mix of people aboard. If you want your own group rather than a shared outing, private groups are available.

A long pause for swimming, snorkeling and lunch

The yacht heads toward Mogán and Perchel cove, the main stop of the outing. Since the cove is accessible only from the sea, arriving by boat is part of what makes this trip appealing. The schedule allows around 1.5 to 2 hours of bathing time, so this is not a quick ladder-down, photo, ladder-up stop.

Snorkeling equipment and two paddleboards are included. That gives you a choice: look for marine life beneath the surface, try standing on a board, or stay in the water and swim. The advertised highlight is the area’s marine life, but sightings and water conditions can never be guaranteed. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and remember that the sun reflects off the water even when the breeze makes the deck feel cool.

The food is best understood as a generous snack or tapas-style spread, rather than a formal sit-down lunch. The crew serves fresh, seasonal items; the available selection may vary. Past platters have included cheese, cured meats and fruit, and the meal is served while you enjoy the views and a drink. If you have dietary needs, tell the operator in advance. Do not assume that a particular dish will be available on the day.

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water and juices. Cocktails, cava beyond the welcome glass, wine and mixed drinks are extra. This is useful to know when comparing the price: the included drinks cover several easy choices, but a more elaborate order will add to your bill.

Optional water sports, with extra charges

If snorkeling and paddleboarding are not enough, the crew can arrange additional activities at discounted rates. These are optional and cost extra: jet skis are listed at €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes, a sea scooter is €20 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing is €35 per person for about 10 minutes.

Think of these as add-ons, not part of the €78 ticket. They may also affect the rhythm of the stop. If some people leave the yacht for a paid activity, those who stay aboard may spend time waiting. One practical tip is to decide before departure whether you want to try an add-on, then ask the crew how it fits into the schedule. That helps set expectations, especially if your priority is having as much time as possible in the water.

The tour provides two paddleboards, so they are shared rather than one per person. If you are travelling with a group keen to paddle, you may need to take turns. Snorkel gear is included, but bring your own swimwear, towel, sunglasses and sunscreen.

The return route along Gran Canaria’s south coast

After the swim stop, the boat returns to Puerto Rico by way of the coast. The route includes views of the bay of Mogán, Tauro beach and the cliffs of Tiritaña. Keep your camera handy, but also take a few minutes to watch from the deck without a screen in front of you. The appeal is as much the changing line of the coast as any single landmark.

The cruise is not presented as a long-distance sailing tour. The emphasis is the cove, the time in the water and a relaxed return. One person’s ideal half-day is a leisurely swim and a snack; another may wish the yacht covered more coastline. If you want to visit many coastal locations or spend the whole outing under sail, this may not be the right trip.

Wildlife sightings are possible, but not promised. A past outing encountered a large pod of dolphins, a welcome surprise rather than a scheduled part of the route. Book for the cove, swimming and boat time first. Treat dolphins as a bonus.

The outing ends back at Puerto Rico. If you have used the return transfer, the van takes you to your booked drop-off point in the south. You can also stay in Puerto Rico after the cruise, stroll along the promenade or find a local restaurant. That flexibility is handy if you would rather make an afternoon of the harbor area.

What the €78 price buys you

At $78 per person, this is a half-day activity, not simply a short boat ride. The fare includes the captain and guide, the welcome cava, the listed open-bar drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, insurance, taxes and fees. For someone who plans to swim and make use of the included gear, those pieces add up to a practical package.

The included hotel transfer can also make the price more appealing. Pickup is available across many south-coast locations, but it must be booked in advance, and the pickup window is short: the van waits five minutes at the agreed time. Check your pickup details carefully rather than assuming the driver will find you if you are late.

The value is strongest if you want a small-group outing with time to swim, drinks and food included. It is less compelling if you do not enjoy being on the water, do not plan to swim, or expect a full restaurant-style lunch. Remember to budget separately for any paid water sport, cocktails or other excluded drinks.

The crew and the feel on board

The staff and transfers are a major part of the experience. The crew’s role is practical as well as social: explain the trip, help with the water activities, prepare the food and keep the outing moving. Names mentioned by past passengers include Ronnie and Johnny, Anna, and drivers Solé and Marcos. Crew assignments can change, so treat those names as examples, not a promise of who will be working on your trip.

The atmosphere is described as relaxed and friendly, with music and a casual setup. A small shared boat can turn a group of strangers into a sociable half-day, but it can also mean you are spending several hours close to people you have just met. If you prefer a quieter trip with only your own party, ask about the private-group option.

Sea conditions matter, too. The boat has felt rocky to some people, and there is no way to guarantee a smooth ride. If you are prone to seasickness, plan accordingly and consider whether a few hours offshore will suit you. The trip is not described as inaccessible, but specific accessibility details are not provided, so ask the operator directly if you have mobility requirements.

Who should book this yacht trip?

This outing is a good fit if you want an active but unhurried half-day: a little sailing, a long swim stop, basic water gear, snacks and drinks, all from a small boat. Couples, families and groups of friends can all make use of the mix of activities, and solo visitors may appreciate the shared setting. English and Spanish are the listed guide languages.

It is also a sensible choice if you are staying in the south and would rather not arrange your own ride to Puerto Rico harbor. The pickup option covers many hotels and accommodation areas, but the details must be agreed in advance.

I would look elsewhere if your priority is a long coastal sailing route, a substantial plated lunch, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. I would also compare the cost carefully if you expect to spend most of the outing on paid add-ons. The strongest reason to book is simpler: you want a manageable group, a sea-only cove and time to swim.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the starting time when you choose a date, confirm your pickup point, and tell the operator about dietary needs in advance.

FAQ

How long is the yacht excursion?

The experience lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours. The guided yacht portion is listed as about four hours, with the exact starting time depending on availability.

Where does the yacht depart from?

The yacht departs from Puerto Rico harbor, at Calle Puerto Escala.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from accommodation in the south of the island, but you must book the service in advance and provide your hotel name or address.

How many people can join the shared trip?

The yacht carries a maximum of 12 passengers. Private groups are also available.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water and juices. Cocktails, wine, mixed drinks and additional cava are not included.

Is lunch included?

An assortment of snacks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients is included. The food is described as an appetizer or tapas-style spread, not a formal meal.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and two paddleboards are included.

How long do you spend swimming?

Bathing time is about 1.5 to 2 hours.

How much do the optional water activities cost?

Jet skis cost €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes. A sea scooter costs €20 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs €35 per person for about 10 minutes.

What should I bring, and can I cancel?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.