From Puerto Rico: Boat trip along the coast w/ Food & Drinks

From Puerto Rico, this four-hour catamaran trip turns a stretch of Gran Canaria’s south coast into a relaxed day on the water. You’ll pass beaches and cliffs, then anchor in a bay for lunch, a swim and optional activities. Dolphins and flying fish are possible, but wildlife is never promised.

I like two things here: the long swim stop, which gives you time to enjoy the water rather than just look at it, and the practical all-in feel of the meal and drinks packages. The crew also helps keep the mood social, with music and activities alongside the scenery.

One consideration: the sea can be choppy, and that can make the ride uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness. Check which food and drink package you’re booking, too, since the inclusions differ.

• A two-hour anchor stop gives you time to swim, eat and try water activities.
• Food and drinks vary by package: the basic option lists water and soft drinks; the Full Park option adds beer, mojito and a meal.
• The banana boat ride is included in the Full Park package, while jetskis and parasailing cost extra.
• Dolphins, turtles and flying fish are possible, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• Optional transport pickups are listed at several resorts south of Puerto Rico.

A south-coast sail with time to get in the water

The trip begins at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, a useful base for boat excursions on the island’s south coast. From the harbor, the catamaran heads out past beaches and cliffs, with the shoreline looking different from the sea than it does from the road. You can settle in with music, take in the views, or look for marine life along the way.

The route description includes a stop near Mogán and a return to Puerto Rico. A scenic outing is the main event, but this isn’t just a boat ride with a quick photo pause: the anchor stop is planned for swimming, lunch and activities. That longer break is a real advantage if you want time to enjoy the sea rather than spend the whole trip watching it from a deck chair.

Wildlife adds a welcome element of chance. Dolphins, turtles and flying fish may appear, and some trips have had sightings close to the boat. But there is no guarantee, so think of wildlife as a bonus, not the reason to book. The coastal views and time at anchor are the parts you can count on.

Puerto Rico harbor and the first stretch offshore

Meet at Puerto Rico’s Puerto Base, close to the gas station, and look for the boat named Princesa Ico. The starting point is specific, but allow time to find the boat and get settled before departure. Optional pickups are listed for Clínica Roca in San Agustín, Hotel Tropical in Playa del Inglés, the Yumbo shopping center and Casino Meloneras. Pickup times vary by stop, so check the details for your selected option.

Once aboard, you can choose a place to sit, enjoy the sea air and watch Puerto Rico recede. The boat is described as having seating and sunbathing areas, including comfortable chairs and beds. One practical wrinkle: a past sailing included an extra €10 charge for some middle beds. Since seating terms can differ, ask about any supplement before settling into a premium spot.

The crew is a big part of the experience’s easygoing character. Names used by crew members on past trips include Sergio, Abdera and Yeray, though the team on your date may be different. The atmosphere is social, with music and a friendly service style, rather than a quiet, formal cruise. If you want a peaceful trip, choose a spot away from the music if available, and check with the crew.

Beaches, cliffs and the chance of dolphins

As the boat follows the south coast, you’ll see beaches and rocky cliffs from the water. The views are a good reason to bring a camera, but keep it secure when the boat is moving. The route may also pass several bays on the return, giving you another look at the coast after the swim stop.

Keep an eye on the water for flying fish and, if luck is with you, dolphins or turtles. Sightings are unpredictable. Some trips have seen dolphins swimming near the boat, while others have not seen any, and weather and sea conditions can affect the feel of the ride.

That last point matters. A choppy sea can leave passengers feeling sick, even when the outing itself is enjoyable. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions before boarding and consider whether a boat trip is right for you that day. The trip is not described as a wildlife-watching tour with a guaranteed sighting; it’s a coastal sail with the possibility of encounters along the way.

A long stop in the bay for lunch and swimming

The anchor stop is the trip’s centerpiece. The boat pauses in a bay for around two hours, giving you time to eat, swim and enjoy the water without being hurried straight back aboard. The exact conditions depend on the day, but the stop is intended to provide calm-water time for a swim and water activities.

Lunch and drinks depend on the package you choose. The basic pack lists water and soft drinks. The Full Park option lists beer, mojito, salad, paella and wrinkled potatoes, along with a banana boat ride. The overall activity information also presents lunch, drinks and a banana boat ride as included, so compare the package names and inclusions carefully before paying. Don’t assume every fare includes the same meal or alcoholic drinks.

The meal is a useful part of the value. You’re spending several hours aboard, and having lunch served at the stop means you don’t need to plan a separate meal around the excursion. Food is described as well organized, with paella and potatoes among the options in the fuller package. If you have specific dietary needs, the available details do not spell out alternatives, so ask the operator before booking.

Swimming is optional, but it’s one of the best ways to make the stop feel like more than a lunch break. You can also use the boat’s underwater viewing feature to look at the seabed and fish. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in; those items are not listed among the inclusions.

Banana boat, cave outing and paid water sports

The banana boat ride is the clearest included activity in the Full Park package. It adds a burst of speed and silliness to a trip otherwise built around sailing and swimming. One useful expectation: the ride itself may be short. A past participant found it lasted about a minute and a half, so treat it as a fun extra rather than a long stand-alone activity.

Jetski and parasailing are not included in the listed price, but may be purchased on the boat. A separate cave outing has also been available for an extra fee, with one past participant paying €10. This trip is described as a motorboat ride to caves in the rocky coast. Prices and availability can change, so confirm the details with the crew before committing.

The mix of included and optional activities makes the trip flexible. You can keep it simple with a meal, a swim and views from the boat, or pay extra for more action. That flexibility suits families and mixed-age groups, where not everyone wants the same level of activity. Keep some cash or a payment method handy if you plan to ask about extras, but confirm what the operator accepts.

What $47 buys, and what to check

At $47 per person, this can be good value if your selected fare includes lunch, drinks and the banana boat ride. Those inclusions can make the total cost easier to judge than a bare-bones cruise where every drink or activity is a separate purchase. The two-hour stop also gives the trip a generous amount of time in the water.

But the package wording needs attention. One option is listed as water and soft drinks, while the Full Park option includes beer, mojito, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes and the banana tour. The general description also lists lunch and drinks, so check the exact fare name and included items at checkout. If you want alcoholic drinks or a meal, don’t rely on the broad activity summary alone.

There may also be additional costs for particular seating or optional activities. Some middle beds have been reported at an extra €10, while jetski and parasailing are clearly paid add-ons. The cave outing has been offered for an extra charge, too. If you’re comparing this with another boat trip, count the package contents you’ll actually use, not just the headline price.

Timing, pickups and practical comfort

The advertised duration is four hours, with starting times depending on availability. The route information describes sailing from Puerto Rico, a stop around Mogán, then a return to Puerto Rico. Some pickup options begin well before the boat departure, so the total time from your hotel and back may be longer than the time aboard.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the available details do not explain access arrangements for boarding, moving around the boat or entering the water. If you need a particular form of assistance, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming every part of the excursion is accessible.

Spanish and English are listed as the languages spoken by the host or greeter. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option are available. These are handy if your plans are still shifting, but check the booking conditions attached to your specific option.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip

This is a strong fit if you want a social half-day on the water with a proper swim stop, food and drinks, and activities to choose from. Families with teenagers may find the mix especially useful: some can sunbathe or swim while others try the banana boat or ask about paid water sports.

It also suits anyone who wants coastal views without organizing separate transport, lunch and activities. The optional pickups can help if you’re staying in the listed resort areas, and the boat’s onboard meal takes care of one practical part of the day.

It may not suit you if you want a quiet cruise, guaranteed wildlife sightings or a smooth ride in every condition. Music and group activities are part of the atmosphere, and the open sea can be rough. If your priority is a particular activity such as parasailing or jetskiing, confirm its availability and cost before treating it as part of the plan.

Should you book the Puerto Rico boat trip?

I’d book this for the long anchor stop and bundled day-out value, especially if you choose a package that includes the meal and drinks you want. The coast, swim time and possible wildlife sightings give the trip a nice mix of scenery and activity, while the optional extras let you decide how lively to make it.

Before you pay, compare the Basic Pack and Full Park inclusions, ask about any extra charge for premium seating, and confirm the price of optional activities. Go in expecting a fun coastal outing, not a guaranteed dolphin encounter or a long banana boat ride. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a practical way to see Gran Canaria from the water.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The advertised duration is four hours. Pickup time may add to the overall time if you select transport from a resort area.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is Puerto Rico’s Puerto Base, close to the gas station. Look for the boat named Princesa Ico.

Is pickup available?

Optional pickup is listed at Clínica Roca in San Agustín, Hotel Tropical in Playa del Inglés, the Yumbo shopping center and Casino Meloneras. Check your selected option for the pickup time.

What food and drinks are included?

The Basic Pack lists water and soft drinks. The Full Park option lists beer, mojito, salad, paella and wrinkled potatoes. Check the fare details to confirm exactly what your booking includes.

Is the banana boat ride included?

The Full Park package lists a banana boat ride. Check the selected package, since inclusions differ.

Are jetski and parasailing included?

No. They are listed as optional activities that can be purchased on the boat.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The catamaran anchors in a bay for a swim stop, with around two hours set aside for lunch, swimming and activities.

Will I see dolphins or turtles?

You might, but sightings are not guaranteed. Dolphins, turtles and flying fish are all mentioned as possible wildlife.

What languages are spoken?

Spanish and English are listed for the host or greeter.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.