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

The best part of this Gran Canaria boat trip is the generous time spent off the boat. After a scenic cruise past the southern coast and the Cueva del Agua, you anchor near Playa del Perchel for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a relaxed tapas lunch. Unlimited drinks and included water gear make the $56 price easy to understand.

I like the friendly, hands-on crew and the boat’s useful layout, with open-air hammocks above, shaded seating below, and a bathroom on board. The main drawback is that sea conditions can make the ride choppy, and the boat’s departure time may occasionally change if bookings are combined, so this is not the best choice if you need a fixed late-day schedule.

Key points to know before you book

• A four-hour coastal outing: Expect about 45 minutes of scenic sailing each way, with the central stop devoted to water activities and food.
• Playa del Perchel is the main event: You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, jump from the boat, or relax on floating beds.
• Tapas and drinks are included: Beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are served during the trip.
• The boat suits families: Life jackets are available for all ages, and the shaded lower deck gives you a break from the sun.
• Motorized fun costs extra: Jet skis, parasailing, and banana or inflatable rides are not part of the $56 ticket.
• Pack for the water: Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The boat has a bathroom, but there is no mention of a changing room.

Setting out from Puerto Rico

You meet at Calle Puerto Escala, at the entrance to the port. The meeting directions are a little loose: go to the port entry and look for the first ship you encounter. I would allow extra time to find the correct boat, especially if you do not know Puerto Rico’s marina.

This is a small but important practical point. The trip leaves from Puerto Rico in southern Gran Canaria, not from Las Palmas or another port on the island. If you are staying elsewhere, check your transport time carefully before booking.

Once aboard, you can choose between several types of seating. The upper deck has adjustable hammocks, which are ideal for the outward and return cruises if you want sun and a clear view. The lower deck has comfortable shaded seats, useful for children, anyone sensitive to heat, or anyone who simply wants a break from the strong Canarian sun.

The classic boat is not designed as a loud party vessel. That matters. The atmosphere is better suited to families, couples, and mixed-age groups who want drinks and music-free sea time without spending four hours in a floating nightclub. One outing carried around 30 people and still felt roomy, though the exact group size can change.

The 45-minute cruise along Gran Canaria’s coast

The first section takes roughly 45 minutes as you sail along the southern coast. You pass rugged cliffs and open sea views, with the crew steering toward the Cueva del Agua. This is mainly a scenic ride rather than a guided sightseeing cruise, so do not expect a detailed commentary about every headland or cove.

One point is worth noting: the crew speaks English and Spanish, but the available information does not promise a full narration of the coast. If you want names, history, and geology explained all the way along, this may feel light on interpretation. If you are happy to watch the shoreline, feel the wind, and settle into the day, the relaxed format works well.

Sea conditions matter here. On calm days, the ride should feel easy and pleasant. On windier days, the boat may roll, and standing up repeatedly to collect drinks can be uncomfortable. One outing changed course because the sea was rough and moved to a calmer bay. That is a sensible safety choice, but it means the exact scenery and swimming location can change.

I recommend taking motion-sickness precautions if you are prone to seasickness. Sit lower and near the center of the boat if the water is lively, and save the hammock for calmer stretches. The crew can adjust the route, but no boat operator can control the Atlantic.

Cueva del Agua and the turn toward Playa del Perchel

The route continues toward the Cueva del Agua, described as a magical coastal highlight. The boat passes this area rather than promising a long cave visit or landing. Treat it as part of the scenic cruise, with time to take photos from the deck.

The central stop is at Playa del Perchel, where the boat anchors so you can spend most of the active part of the trip in the water. The location is valued less for a formal beach visit and more for the chance to swim directly from the boat in a sheltered setting.

The stop generally gives you well over an hour for water activities, with food and drinks worked into the visit. The timing is not rigid in the style of a sightseeing bus. You can swim, return for a drink, use a paddleboard, and go back into the water without being pushed through a short list of tasks.

That slower rhythm is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. You are not simply stepping off a boat for ten rushed minutes and then being called back. Families can take turns in the water, and adults who prefer to sit with a drink can enjoy the stop without feeling obliged to try every activity.

Snorkeling, paddleboards, and jumping from the deck

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are paddleboards. Floating beds and other inflatables are also available, giving children and less confident swimmers more ways to enjoy the water.

The snorkeling is at a coastal stop with rocks and fish. Conditions will decide how clear the water feels on the day, but one outing described more than an hour around a spot with plenty of fish and rocky areas to explore. That is a useful expectation: this is casual boat-trip snorkeling, not a specialist marine excursion with a trained underwater guide.

You can also jump from the top deck. This has been especially popular with older children and teenagers, but use good judgment and follow the crew’s instructions. The availability of life jackets for all ages helps, though it does not remove the need for adult supervision.

Paddleboarding is included, but equipment availability can depend on how many people want to use it at once. The boat carries multiple boards and floating items, yet a busy group may mean waiting your turn. The experience works best if you treat the activities as shared equipment rather than guaranteed private use.

The crew helps set up the boards and explains how to use them. That hands-on service is valuable for first-timers. You do not need to arrive as a skilled paddleboarder, though you should be comfortable getting into the sea and balancing on a board.

Tapas, sangria, and drinks on the way back

Food is served during the outing in Spanish tapas style. The meal is described as tasty, light, and suitable for eating before more swimming. Expect snack-sized portions rather than a full restaurant lunch.

That distinction matters. If you need a substantial meal, eat something before boarding or bring a little extra food if permitted. The included tapas are best viewed as a pleasant part of the trip, not the main reason to book it.

Beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are included. The cold beer and sangria have received particular praise, while soft drinks give children and non-drinkers a proper choice. Unlimited drinks can add up quickly on a four-hour outing, especially for a family buying separate refreshments elsewhere.

The service is one of the trip’s best features. Crew members bring drinks, prepare paddleboards, hand out snorkeling equipment, and help people use the floating gear. Alberto was thanked by name after one trip, and the crew’s friendly, attentive approach comes through repeatedly in the available feedback.

Do keep the sea state in mind. If the boat is rocking, you may not want to stand up often for another drink. Sit near the serving area if that matters to you, and remember that responsible drinking is important when you plan to swim or use a paddleboard.

Optional jet skis, parasailing, and inflatable rides

The $56 ticket includes snorkeling and paddleboarding, but not the motorized activities. Jet skis, parasailing, and banana or inflatable rides cost extra.

The optional activities add a clear split to the experience. Adults may be content with swimming, tapas, and a hammock, while older children and teenagers often want a faster ride. Jet skis have been described as a major hit, and some outings offered an inflatable sofa or flying-carpet-style ride towed behind a jet ski.

Reported examples include an inflatable ride at about €15 per person and a jet ski price of about €35 for two people. These figures may change, so check the current cost on the day. The important point is to budget for extras if your family expects every activity to be available.

You are not pressured to buy them. The included water sports provide plenty to do, and several people enjoyed the trip without adding paid activities. That keeps the base price fair for couples and families with different interests.

Parasailing is listed as an option, but the available details do not explain its exact duration, price, age rules, or operating conditions. Ask the crew before committing, particularly if you are booking for children.

Is the $56 price good value?

At $56 per person, this trip offers better value than a simple sightseeing cruise because the ticket covers more than the boat ride. You get four hours on the water, coastal scenery, tapas, a broad range of drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and access to floating equipment.

The value is strongest if you will use the included activities and drinks. A person who spends the whole time in a hammock and drinks only water may find a cheaper coastal cruise sufficient. A family that swims, snorkels, paddleboards, eats lunch, and has several drinks is receiving much more for the same basic fare.

The price does not cover hotel transport, jet skis, parasailing, or the banana ride. The meeting point is at Puerto Escala, so you need to reach the port on your own. Still, the included food and drinks reduce the need to buy lunch and refreshments during the afternoon.

The trip has a rating of 4.6 from 310 bookings, with the strongest praise aimed at the crew, the relaxed pace, the clean boat, the food, and the included activities. The main complaints concern a last-minute change from an afternoon departure to a morning departure and limited food variety. Those are fair cautions rather than reasons to reject the trip.

Families, couples, and quieter sea days

This is a strong fit for families with children who want several choices in one outing. Life jackets are available for all ages, and younger children can stay in the shaded seating area while older children swim, use boards, or jump from the deck with adult supervision.

The crew has also been described as helpful with small children, including assisting with a stroller and comforting a young child before departure. That does not make the boat fully designed for every mobility need, but it suggests a welcoming approach.

Teenagers are likely to enjoy the mix of jumping, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and paid jet ski rides. Couples may prefer the hammocks, coastal views, tapas, and sangria. The boat is also suitable for a group of friends who want a social day without a full party-boat atmosphere.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, private charter. You share the boat and equipment with other passengers. It is also not ideal if you need a guaranteed route, a fixed afternoon departure, or a formal guided account of the coast.

Practical details for a smoother day

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You will be moving between dry seating and the sea, so practical clothing matters more than dressing up.

The boat has an onboard bathroom, which is a real comfort on a four-hour trip. The information does not mention a dedicated changing room, so wear your swimwear under your clothes and pack belongings in a small water-resistant bag.

English and Spanish are spoken on board. The crew can help with the equipment, but you should still listen carefully to instructions before using the paddleboards, jumping from the boat, or taking any optional ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times before committing, since an afternoon slot may not always operate as planned. A last-minute change was frustrating for one passenger who specifically wanted an evening ride.

Should you book the Puerto Rico boat trip?

I would book this if you want a good-value half-day at sea with food, drinks, and several simple water activities included. It is particularly well suited to families, couples, and mixed groups where some people want action and others want to relax.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a fixed departure time, a highly narrated coastal tour, gourmet food, or a private boat. Sea conditions can alter the route, the tapas are light, and the optional motorized rides require extra payment.

For most visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria, the package is hard to fault at $56. Bring sun protection, keep some money aside for a jet ski if your group wants one, and expect a friendly, flexible outing rather than a tightly scripted cruise.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The meeting point is at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, at the port entrance. You should look for the first ship you encounter.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts four hours. The coastal sailing takes about 45 minutes each way, with the main stop used for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, food, and drinks.

What food is included?

Spanish-style tapas are included. The food is light and snack-like rather than a large formal meal.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are included during the excursion.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the ticket.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Paddleboarding is included, along with access to floating equipment on the boat.

Do jet skis cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis are not included in the $56 ticket. Parasailing and banana or inflatable rides also cost extra.

Is the boat suitable for children?

The boat is family-friendly and has life jackets for all ages. Children can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and take part in other activities under appropriate adult supervision.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The boat has a bathroom, but no changing room is specified.