A private yacht makes Gran Canaria feel personal. This 3.5–4 hour outing off Puerto Rico pairs a quiet, easy cruise with snorkeling in a sea-only cove near Mogán, plus an open bar and a real lunch stop. I like the fact that the whole day is built around your group, not a crowded schedule. My one caution: you’re trading flexibility for a set half-day route, so if you want lots of on-and-off sightseeing time on land, this won’t be that.

I also like the vibe of this trip. There’s music, a cozy atmosphere, and time to hang out while the coastline slides by—no rushing, no hassling. Your pickup is handled by van from hotels and areas across the south, so you don’t need to figure out transport on your own.

Finally, factor in that the price is listed per group up to 8, while the yacht experience can be for up to 12 passengers. If you’re traveling with a bigger party, double-check how they’re calculating your group size.

Key takeaways before you book

• Private-by-design: pickup from many south-of-island hotels, then your group stays together on the boat.
• Perchel cove is sea-only: that means calmer, more protected water for swimming and snorkeling.
• Open bar + welcome cava: beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices are included.
• Snorkeling gear and paddle boards included: you don’t have to rent the core water time.
• Lunch tends to land well: the Spanish omelette gets special praise.
• Optional thrills cost extra: jetski, sea scooter, and parasailing are available if you want more adrenaline.

Why this private yacht trip feels different off Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria can be a little “package-tour loud.” This one isn’t. You’re not just going to the coast—you’re going out on the water with a captain and guide, and you’re doing it as a private group. That changes the feel of the trip right away: the boat becomes your moving lounge, not a bus with windows.

And the water time is the main event. You’re sailing offshore from the harbor at Puerto Rico, then heading toward the Mogán area—specifically Perchel, an exclusive cove you can only reach from the sea. That access detail matters. Sea-only coves often mean fewer waves and an easier swim-and-snorkel setup than open, windy beaches.

You also get a built-in rhythm that works for almost everyone: sail, swim and snorkel, eat, drink, then cruise back with photo stops along the way.

Getting picked up and settling into the boat (without stress)

The day starts with a van pickup from a long list of stops across the south of the island. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation door or a named pickup point, depending on what you book. There’s a small but important detail: plan to be punctual. Waiting time is only 5 minutes.

From pickup, you transfer by van for about 20 minutes to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Then you’re at the harbor, where the boat part of the experience takes over.

The crew keeps it friendly and practical. The guide gives a short explanation of what’s coming next, and you get the basics for water time before you go. This matters because snorkeling and paddle boards are included—you’ll want the instruction to make the time feel smooth, especially if some people in your group are new to it.

Also good to know: the crew speaks Spanish and English.

Sailing toward Mogán and the Perchel cove: the part you’ll remember

Once you leave Puerto Rico harbor, you start with the simple pleasures: warm sun, sea breeze, and views from offshore. You get a welcome glass of cava early on, which sets the tone without turning it into a party boat.

Then you head toward the Mogán area. The target is Perchel cove—an exclusive spot only accessible from the sea. In practice, that means you’re not just stopping for a quick look. You’re arriving at a swim-ready place.

This is where the trip earns its keep:

• Snorkeling with included equipment in the marine area near the cove.
• Paddle surfing with the included paddle boards (two boards total).

Even if you’re not the sporty type, this stop gives you a real break from dry-land sightseeing. You’re seeing the underwater world and the shoreline from angles you can’t get any other way.

A small consideration

If you’re prone to seasickness, consider that you’re out at sea for several hours. The trip is short enough that many people are fine, but the water is still water. If you’re sensitive, bring what helps you normally.

Snorkeling and paddle boards: included gear, real time in the water

The snorkeling setup is included: you get snorkeling equipment on board. That’s the advantage of booking a tour like this—you aren’t hunting for rentals or trying to figure out fit and fins while everyone’s waiting.

Paddle boards are also included (two of them). The description says you can enjoy paddle surfing whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. In real terms, that usually means the crew helps people get started and sets expectations early, so you’re not staring at a board wondering how it works.

A couple practical tips from how these trips typically run (and what you can do with your own prep):

• Bring a towel (not included).
• Sunscreen matters—you’ll be out on deck with sun on you for a large chunk of the trip.
• If you’ll snorkel, wear sunglasses you can tolerate on a boat and keep your head protected when you’re not in the water.

You’re also allowed to swim and enjoy the water while the crew prepares food. It’s not “race to the one swim spot and rush off.” You get some actual hanging time.

Lunch and the open bar: what’s included (and what’s not)

This is one of the reasons people rate this trip so highly. Food is served on board while you’re enjoying the sea time, and the lunch is not just an afterthought.

Included drinks are generous for a half-day:

• Open bar with beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices.
• Welcome glass of cava at the start.

Snacks are included too, with an assortment provided on board.

What’s not included is also clearly defined: cocktails, extra cava, wine, and mixed drinks are available on board but cost extra. The phrasing can feel confusing, because cava appears as both included (welcome glass) and paid (other bottles/servings). So if you love wine-based drinks, go in with the expectation that only the welcome cava is covered—and everything else might be an add-on.

And yes, the lunch gets mentioned with specifics. People have singled out the Spanish omelette as a standout. That kind of detail is rare in this category of tour, so it’s worth noting.

Toward the practical side

If you have dietary needs, the info says to request it ahead of time. It’s better to ask early than hope the day-of menu lines up with your restrictions.

The return cruise: Mogán bay, Tauro Beach, and Tiritaña cliffs

When you’re done with the main activities, you head back to Puerto Rico. This portion matters more than you’d think. The first half of the trip is about water time. The second half is the “slow your brain down” section.

On the way back, you pass or cruise by:

• the special bay of Mogán
• the beautiful beach of Tauro
• the impressive cliffs of Tiritaña

Even if you’re not the type to take 200 photos, this is the part where you’ll appreciate the coastline from offshore. Land views are nice, but there’s nothing like seeing cliffs and bays from the waterline.

Then you finish at the departure point in Puerto Rico. A van brings you back to your hotel, accommodation, or you can stay in Puerto Rico and keep exploring by foot—promenade walks and local food are right there.

Price and value: $604 for up to 8, but you might sail with more

The listed price is $604 per group up to 8, and the tour runs about 3.5–4 hours. On paper, that sounds like “expensive boat money.”

In value terms, here’s what you’re really paying for:

• Private group time, not shared with random strangers.
• Included water gear (snorkeling equipment) and included paddle boards.
• Open bar and a welcome cava.
• A lunch stop served on board.
• Pickup and return from many south-area hotels.

If you’re splitting the cost among a family or a tight group of friends, this can work out more like a premium activity day than a full-blown luxury vacation budget.

But remember the passenger number note: the experience description says up to 12 passengers, while the price headline is per group up to 8. That doesn’t make one number wrong—it just means you need to confirm how they handle grouping and onboard capacity for your booking.

If your group is close to 8, you’re in the sweet spot for the published pricing.

Who should book this yacht excursion?

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a private, low-effort way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s coast
• like being on the water, not only looking at it
• have a mixed group with different energy levels (snorkelers, swimmers, people happy just lounging on deck)
• care about food and drink being included, not purchased separately at every step

It’s also great for:

• family groups where you want something special but not complicated
• friend groups planning a birthday or “let’s do one iconic thing” day

It may not be the best choice if you want long stops on land, lots of hikes, or a full day of sightseeing. This one is focused: water time first, scenery second, then back.

Should you book it?

Yes—if your idea of a great Gran Canaria day is sun, sea, and not having to organize anything beyond your pickup. The big wins are practical: snorkeling gear included, paddle boards included, an open bar that keeps the vibe easy, and a lunch that people actually talk about (including that Spanish omelette mention).

Book it if you’re traveling as a group that will actually use the private setup. If you’re solo or a couple, you might find the value drops unless you’re very set on the private experience.

Quick decision checklist:

• Confirm your pickup point and be on time (5-minute wait).
• Plan for water time and sun (towel, sunscreen, sunglasses).
• If you have dietary needs, request them before the day.
• If anyone wants jetski or sea scooter, price those add-ons early so you’re not surprised.

If all that lines up, this is the kind of half-day that turns a vacation into a story you’ll keep retelling.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht excursion?

It runs about 3.5 to 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the yacht trip start and end?

It departs from the harbor at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and finishes back at the departure point in Puerto Rico.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return are included for accommodations in the south of the island. You’ll travel by van to and from Puerto Rico.

What’s included in the drinks?

You get a welcome glass of cava, plus an open bar with beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. Two paddle boards are included.

What food is included?

An assortment of snacks is included, and the crew prepares a delicious appetizer with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Dietary needs should be shared in advance.

Are jetski, sea scooter, crazy sofa, or parasailing included?

No. Optional water activities are available at extra cost, and pricing is listed for jetski and sea scooter, while parasailing is also offered for an additional fee.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided.

What is not allowed on board?

Pets, alcohol and drugs are not allowed, nudity is not allowed, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are not allowed.