Morning cruise

A calm way to see Gran Canaria’s coast. This small-boat cruise heads out from Puerto Rico, giving you two time-stamped water breaks and onboard stories about cliffs and caves, all with a maximum of 18 passengers. It’s the kind of trip that feels personal, not assembly-line.

I especially like that lunch and unlimited drinks are included, so you’re not doing mental math every time you want a beer or sangria. I also like that you don’t have to haul gear: snorkel equipment is provided, plus you can use kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. One thing to consider: if you’re doing hotel pickup, timing can vary a bit because pick-ups may group multiple hotel areas together before you reach Puerto Rico harbour.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 18 passengers means real breathing room on board.
• Unlimited drinks + lunch included makes the $99-ish price feel more like a package than a boat rental.
• Snorkeling gear included helps you pack lighter for a 4.5-hour morning.
• Two swim/play stops give you options beyond just floating and watching the coast.
• Jet ski and parasailing cost extra, so go in knowing what’s included.
• Hotel pickup is limited to certain resort areas, not Las Palmas.

Morning cruise vibe: why the timing matters

This tour runs in the morning, starting at 10:30 am and lasting about 4 hours 30 minutes. Morning trips on the water tend to feel calmer, and that matters here because most of the fun is active: swimming, snorkeling, paddle boards, and kayaks. If you prefer doing the ocean stuff while you still have energy for the rest of your day on Gran Canaria, this schedule is built for that.

The experience also has a simple rhythm: cruise west along the coast, stop for water time, then return for lunch and more swimming before heading back to the start point. That flow helps you avoid the “sit on a boat for too long” feeling that plagues some group cruises.

It’s also a great fit if you want a relaxed morning that still includes real experiences—because you’re not paying only for scenery. You’re paying for time in the Atlantic with gear provided and drinks rolling.

Where you meet and how you’ll get there

Your meeting point is Calle Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not wondering how you’ll get home or where you’ll be left.

Hotel pickup is offered, but only from listed areas: Bahia Feliz (San Agustín), Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Mogán. The pickup detail specifically says they do not pick up from Las Palmas, so if you’re staying in the city, plan to make your way to Puerto Rico harbour yourself.

One practical tip: be early. Several reviews mention smooth operation when people arrive in time, and there’s a note that you’re near public transportation if you’re self-transporting. If you’re counting on a tight morning schedule, I’d still give yourself a cushion around pickup time.

Boarding the small boat: the real “exclusive” part

The standout promise here is the size. The boat has a maximum capacity of 18 passengers, and that changes the whole feel. You don’t shuffle around strangers to get to sun space. You don’t feel like an event worker herding people. The crew can actually check in without you having to hunt them down.

Multiple reviews talk about how the boat feels spacious even with everyone aboard—sunbathing room, easy movement, and plenty of deck space to relax. That “small-group” scale is also why onboard service feels quicker, especially with drinks. Several reviews specifically mention the crew being attentive and helpful without being overly intrusive.

There’s also a comfort factor that matters on a morning cruise: with fewer people, your swim stops feel less chaotic. When you’re pulling on snorkel gear, grabbing a kayak, or setting up on a paddle board, fewer guests means less waiting and more time doing the fun part.

Cruising west from Puerto Rico: coast views and the onboard story

After departing from Puerto Rico harbour, the cruise heads west along Gran Canaria’s natural coastline. The onboard crew shares details about cliffs and caves, and you get that “learning while relaxing” feeling without it turning into a lecture.

This stretch of coast is the main visual payoff. You’re not just going in a straight line; you’re cruising where the island’s rocky edges and dramatic water meet. Many boats in Gran Canaria look similar from the outside, but the scenery quality depends on route, timing, and the exact water access you get at the stops.

One thing that’s hard to quantify from online descriptions—but comes through in reviews—is how the smooth sailing and calm sea conditions can really affect your enjoyment. If you get decent weather, the trip feels serene enough that people describe it like a calm reset, not a “tour bus on water.”

Stop 1: swim, snorkel, kayaks, SUP, and even fishing

Your first big break is about water time: swimming, snorkeling, and using the provided equipment. You’ll have snorkel gear included, and you can also use kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. There’s even fishing for fun offered during the stop.

What makes this stop worth your money is choice. You can go full active—snorkel and paddle—or you can just swim, float, and soak up the view. Some reviews mention two nice swim stops, and the first one is often described as more secluded and set up for exploring.

A smart move: if you’re bringing your own mask/snorkel, you might still appreciate using what’s provided—because it saves packing space and removes the hassle of figuring out fit and leaks. Snorkeling gear is included, and reviews call out that fish sightings were a highlight.

If you want motion without paddling, watch how the kayak and SUP options work onboard. With only 18 people, you’re less likely to get stuck waiting for equipment or crowded lanes. You’ll also likely get help getting in and out of the water, which matters more than people think when you’re dealing with open Atlantic conditions.

A small practical caution

If you’re prone to sea sickness, plan ahead. One review notes mild nausea when the boat was stationary and the water was rocking slightly. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel sick, but if you know your body, it’s worth considering anti-sickness tablets before you board.

Stop 2: lunch on the water, then more time to play

After the first water stop, you return for lunch. Lunch is included in the price, and it’s not just a sad snack. Reviews describe a meal with chicken and fish options, plus sides like salad, potatoes, and bread. There’s also mention of tuna as an option on some trips, so expect a couple of main choices rather than only one entrée.

The atmosphere here is also part of the value. Some reviews describe how lunch delivery happens in a fun, hands-on way (including an arrival by kayak), which keeps the mood from feeling like you’re stuck in a dining hall. You’re still on the boat, still surrounded by sea, but you’re getting a proper meal.

Drinks are another big reason people recommend this cruise. Included drinks cover soft drinks, water, sangria, and beer. Some reviews call out beer brands (like San Miguel), and you can expect drinks to be served frequently during the cruise.

After lunch, you’re not done. There’s additional opportunity for swimming again, so the day doesn’t flatten into “eat and go home.” It’s more like: explore, refuel, then enjoy the coast a second time before returning.

Drinks and service: why this feels good value

For many cruise-style activities, the real cost creeps in through add-ons and drinks. Here, you sidestep that. Unlimited drinks are included, so you can order what you want without second-guessing.

Reviews repeatedly praise the service style: crew members are attentive, friendly, and quick to help with food and drinks. And with the small group limit, you generally don’t feel like staff are stretched thin.

On some trips, you might get the feeling that the crew focuses on the “safest minimum,” like basic instructions only. This one seems to take comfort seriously while still keeping things relaxed. In a few reviews, crew names show up (like Callum and Roaul), and that adds up to the kind of team you can actually ask questions of while you’re moving along the coast.

What’s not included, so you’re not surprised

Jet ski and parasailing are not included. If those are your “must-do” activities, you’ll need to pay extra on the day (or at least plan for an extra purchase). Reviews mention these as optional add-ons and often describe them as a professional extra if you choose to add them.

Price reality check: what $99 gets you on this route

At around $99.16 per person, this cruise is in the mid-range for Gran Canaria boat trips, but the value comes from what you don’t have to buy separately. You’re getting:

• Lunch included
• Unlimited drinks included
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayak and stand-up paddle boards
• Fishing for fun during the water stop

That bundle matters because many “boat experiences” sell you the transportation and scenery, then charge for gear and meals once you’re onboard. Here, the price is closer to a full activity package. If you plan to snorkel or use SUP/kayak anyway, you’re already using the value.

Also, the small group cap of 18 is not a marketing line you should ignore. It’s the difference between a relaxed morning and a chaotic one. If you’ve ever been on a large catamaran with a long line for the bar or crowded access to the water, you’ll understand why this is the kind of experience that can feel worth paying for—especially when drinks and food are included.

Who this cruise is for (and who might prefer something else)

This tour fits best if you want a hands-on morning on the water without making it complicated. It’s ideal for couples, small friend groups, and families who want snorkeling and paddle options, but also want lunch and drinks handled for them.

Because it’s offered in English, it’s easiest if you’re comfortable with that language for the onboard talk. The tour says most travelers can participate, but you should still think about personal comfort around water access—jumping in and out is part of the experience, and some people find that easier than others.

If you’re the type who wants nonstop thrills—like jet ski or parasailing as the main event—you might find this more balanced than adrenaline-heavy. Those add-ons exist, but they’re not baked into the base price.

Practical tips that make your day smoother

A few small prep items can make this cruise feel effortless.

• Bring a light jacket. Even if the morning starts warm, wind on the water can cool you down.
• Pack a swimsuit and towel plan. You’ll likely be in and out of the water during the swim/snorkel windows.
• Wear sun protection. With snorkeling and deck sun, you’ll be outside most of the time.
• Consider sea sickness prevention if you’re sensitive to motion.
• Arrive early for pickup. If you’re in a pickup zone, being on time helps the crew keep the flow.

Also, remember what’s included: snorkel gear, kayaks, SUP, lunch, and unlimited drinks. If you show up thinking you’ll just watch from the deck, you’ll be leaving some value on the table.

Should you book this morning cruise?

Book it if you want a small-group boat day with real included value: lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and SUP—and you like the idea of cruising along dramatic coastline with time to swim twice.

Don’t book it if your priority is purely high-energy water sports with jet ski and parasailing as the core. Those are extra, and the main experience here is active swimming and lounging between stops.

If you’re deciding on the spot, my rule of thumb is simple: if you’ll use the included gear (snorkel, kayak, SUP) and you care about not being packed onto a big boat, this one is the kind of trip you’ll feel good about paying for.

FAQ

Where does the morning cruise depart from?

It starts at Calle Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:30 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

How many people are on the boat?

The cruise has a maximum capacity of 18 travelers.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered from certain areas on Gran Canaria, including Bahia Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Mogán. They do not pick up from Las Palmas.

What’s included in the price?

Included: lunch, unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria), use of snorkeling equipment, kayak, stand-up paddle boards, and fishing for fun.

Are jet skis or parasailing included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are not included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.