Puerto Rico: Sailing excursion with swim, drinks and tapas.

Puerto Rico here is the marina town on Gran Canaria, not the Caribbean island. From its harbour, you sail past the island’s southwest coast, stopping in natural coves for a swim or snorkel before settling back on deck for tapas and a drink. It is a small-group outing, not a packed boat tour.

I like two things in particular: the trip is private, so you can ask the skipper to favour a quiet coastal sail or a more hands-on outing, and the crew can make sailing part of the fun. Vanessa has given guests a short lesson and let them take the helm. The main caveat is that wind and sea conditions shape the day. One outing had too little wind to raise the sails, and swimming stops are subject to conditions too.

At a glance

• Private boat, small group: The boat holds a maximum of seven passengers. The listed price is $606 per group of up to six.
• Coves and clear water: The route follows Gran Canaria’s south and southwest coast, with stops for swimming and snorkelling.
• A hands-on option: Ask about learning to sail. Vanessa has offered a short lesson and let guests steer.
• Four-hour outing: The shorter trip includes snacks and water, soft drinks and beer. A seven-hour option is also described, with lunch and drinks.
• Check transport details: Hotel pickup is described, but the package information also says hotel transfers are not included. Confirm what applies to your booking.

From Puerto Rico marina to the southwest coast

The trip begins at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, a marina on the island’s southwest side. You board the Keep Sailing I with a skipper and head out along the coast, where the outing is less about reaching a single attraction and more about enjoying the changing views from the water.

From a boat, the coast’s bays and coves become the main event. You can take in the cliffs and shoreline from offshore, then anchor where conditions allow for a swim or snorkel. The experience is designed to be shared only with your own group, which makes it easier to settle into your preferred pace than on a boat carrying a larger crowd.

The skipper can tailor the outing to your mood. You can ask for a quiet sail close to shore, or for a more active trip that includes raising the sails and learning how to handle the boat. That flexibility is a real advantage, though it depends on the weather and the crew’s judgment on the day.

What the four hours feel like

The four-hour option is a half-day at sea, with time for a coastal cruise, a stop in a bay or cove, swimming or snorkelling, and snacks on board. The exact order and number of stops may depend on sea conditions and the route the skipper chooses. Don’t expect a fixed sightseeing schedule with a guaranteed stop at a named beach.

The coast views are part of the outing from start to finish. You’ll see the south and southwest of Gran Canaria from a perspective you can’t get from the road, then have time to cool off in the water if conditions permit. Snorkelling equipment is included, so you don’t need to bring your own mask and snorkel. Marine life is something to look for, not something anyone can promise you’ll see.

After the swim, you can dry off on deck and have tapas or snacks with a drink. Water, soft drinks and beer are included on the four-hour trip. It’s a relaxed, simple meal rather than a full lunch, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal or have a hungry group.

A longer seven-hour version is also described. It includes lunch and drinks, plus more time for sailing, swimming and relaxing aboard. The shorter tour is the clearer fit if you want a taste of the coast without giving up most of the day. If you’re considering the longer outing, confirm that it’s available for your date and that you’ve selected the correct duration when booking.

Sailing is part of the appeal, not a guarantee

This is not just a motorboat ride with a swim stop. The skipper may raise the sails and explain how sailing works, and you can ask to take part. Vanessa, one of the skippers named by people who have sailed with the crew, has given a short lesson and let guests take the helm. That can turn a scenic outing into a more memorable one, especially if you’re curious about sailing but don’t want to book a full course.

Keep expectations flexible. Sailing relies on wind, and one trip went ahead without raising the sails because the wind was too weak. The boat still visited beautiful bays, but the outing was different from what guests might picture when they hear sailing excursion. If learning to sail is your main reason for booking, ask the operator about conditions and what can realistically be offered on your date.

The crew has also been described as accommodating, with the ability to respond to requests and explain things along the way. Vanessa and Carlos have been named as crew on past trips, but don’t assume they will be assigned to every departure. The tour is offered in English, Spanish and German.

Swimming, snorkelling and time at anchor

The swim stop gives the trip a welcome change of pace. You can get into the water, snorkel with the provided equipment, or stay aboard and enjoy the scenery. The coves are natural stops rather than a public beach visit, so the experience feels tied to the boat and the conditions at sea.

Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. You’ll want the towel after a swim and sunscreen during the time on deck. The sea and weather can affect where the boat stops and whether swimming is suitable, so treat the water time as a planned possibility rather than a fixed promise.

Paddle surf is not included. If you were hoping to try it, check with the provider before booking rather than assuming it will be available. The included snorkelling kit is the water activity you can count on as part of the stated package.

Tapas on deck, with drinks included

The food is a practical part of the outing, not the main reason to book. On the four-hour trip, snacks or tapas are served on board alongside water, soft drinks and beer. On the seven-hour option, lunch is included instead, as well as drinks.

Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available if you contact the provider in advance. Do this before the day of the trip, and be clear about what your group needs. The details provided don’t specify the exact tapas or lunch menu, so ask the operator if you have allergies or need to know precisely what will be served.

Eating on deck adds to the easy-going feel of the trip. You can have a drink and enjoy the coast without needing to head back to shore for a meal during the outing. If you have particular dietary needs, though, don’t leave the conversation until boarding.

Price and what you get for it

The listed price is $606 per private group of up to six. Split evenly among six people, that works out to about $101 per person. That calculation makes the outing most appealing when you can fill the boat with family or friends. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, so compare it with other ways you might spend a half-day on the water.

The price covers the boat, skipper and guide, fuel, stops at natural bays and coves, snorkelling equipment, snacks, and water, soft drinks and beer on the four-hour trip. A private boat is the central value: you aren’t sharing the outing with a larger public group, and you can discuss the pace and sailing experience with the skipper.

The seven-hour option has a different food arrangement, with lunch instead of the four-hour snack setup. The supplied price is for a group of up to six, but confirm that the displayed price applies to the duration you want. Also confirm whether any transport is included, since the details conflict on hotel transfers.

Pickup, timing and practical details

Hotel pickup is described for the Maspalomas area, with instructions to wait in the hotel lobby or outside your flat 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup. The pickup time may be as much as an hour before the boat tour begins, depending on where you’re staying, and the provider is supposed to confirm the exact time by phone or WhatsApp. At the same time, the package details say pickup and return to the hotel are not included. Check this directly before you pay, and don’t assume a transfer is part of the price.

The boat can carry a maximum of seven passengers, while the listed group price covers up to six. The experience is marked as a private group, so it suits people who want the boat to themselves rather than a seat on a shared excursion. Bring a passport or ID card; a copy is accepted.

The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule for your date.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I’d consider it a good fit for couples, families or a group of friends who want a private outing with a mix of scenery, swimming and time to relax. It also suits people who are curious about sailing and would enjoy learning a little from the skipper, provided they understand that wind may prevent the sails from going up.

The four-hour version works well if you want a manageable half-day on the water, with snacks and drinks included. Choose the longer option only if you want to spend much of the day aboard and value the included lunch. If your priority is a guaranteed sailing lesson, a specific snorkelling site, a particular crew member or hotel transfers, ask the provider before booking so you know what can be arranged.

With a rating of 4.8 from six reviews, the early feedback is strong, especially for the crew’s friendly, flexible approach and the chance to learn at the helm. That is encouraging, but it is still a small set of ratings. The practical choice comes down to this: book if you value a private boat and a flexible coastal outing, and can be happy with a day shaped by the wind and sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The sailing trip departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, on the island’s southwest coast.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The experience is described as a private group, and the boat can hold a maximum of seven passengers.

How long is the trip?

A four-hour trip is described, and a seven-hour option is also listed. Check availability and confirm which duration you are booking.

What food and drinks are included?

The four-hour trip includes snacks or tapas, water, soft drinks and beer. The seven-hour trip includes lunch and drinks.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Can I learn to sail?

The skipper may offer a chance to learn, including raising the sails and taking the helm. This depends on the conditions and the crew. Wind may be too weak to raise the sails.

Is hotel pickup included?

The details are inconsistent: hotel pickup is described, but hotel transport is also listed as not included. Confirm directly with the provider before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a passport or ID card. A copy of your ID is accepted.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you contact the provider in advance.