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

This four-hour boat trip pairs a scenic cruise along Gran Canaria’s south coast with a long swim stop at Playa del Perchel. You can snorkel, paddleboard, jump from the upper deck, or simply stretch out in a hammock with a drink.

I like the practical comfort of the classic boat, especially its shaded lower deck, bathroom, and life jackets for all ages. I also like the honest value: at about $56 per person, tapas, drinks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards are included. The main catch is that sea conditions can make the ride choppy, and the most exciting water sports cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• About 45 minutes of coastal cruising: The route passes dramatic cliffs and heads toward Cueva del Agua before the main swimming stop.
• Playa del Perchel is the action center: Expect roughly two hours for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, floating inflatables, and food.
• Unlimited included drinks: Beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are served during the trip.
• A calm, family-friendly boat: The crew provides life jackets, helps with the equipment, and keeps the mood relaxed rather than party-focused.
• Jet skis and towable rides cost extra: These can add excitement, but they are not part of the $56 price.
• Bring the basics: You need a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Meet at the port entrance and board the first boat you encounter.

Setting out from Puerto Rico

The trip begins at Calle Puerto Escala, at the port in Puerto Rico, a resort town on the sunny south coast of Gran Canaria. The meeting instructions are simple but slightly vague: go to the port entrance and look for the first ship encountered. Give yourself enough time to find the correct vessel rather than arriving at the last minute.

The boat is a classic-style craft with an upper deck and a lower seating area. Upstairs, adjustable hammocks give you a good place to stretch out during the cruise. Downstairs, you have comfortable seats in the shade, which matters on a bright Canary Islands day. The onboard bathroom is another small but useful feature, especially for families and anyone who would rather not wait until returning to shore.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Their role is hands-on rather than formal. They help get paddleboards into the water, pass out snorkeling equipment, serve drinks, and assist children or anyone who needs help boarding. The atmosphere is friendly and easygoing, with no pressure to take part in every activity.

This is not designed as a loud party cruise. You can enjoy a beer or sangria, but the main point is the sea, the views, and the swimming stop. That makes it a better fit for families, couples, and mixed-age groups than for anyone seeking a full-throttle boat party.

Forty-five minutes along Gran Canaria’s coast

Once the boat leaves Puerto Rico, the first part of the trip is a coastal cruise lasting about 45 minutes. You pass the southern shoreline, with its steep cliffs, rocky formations, and open sea views. The route heads toward the area of Cueva del Agua, a natural coastal feature that adds a little drama to the ride.

This part of the trip is more about looking than doing. Keep your camera ready, but also take time to watch the coast from the upper deck. The higher position gives you a wider view, while the shaded lower deck works better if you are sensitive to strong sun.

One practical point: the crew may change course if the wind or sea becomes rough. That is good seamanship, even if it means the exact route can vary. On one reported outing, the boat moved to a calmer bay so the group could swim and use the boards safely. You should think of the coastal sights as a general plan, not a fixed promise of one exact viewpoint.

The sea can be choppy on the outward or return leg. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a central seat, avoid drinking too much early in the trip, and spend less time at the very front of the boat. The shaded area below may feel steadier than the upper deck when the water is moving.

Playa del Perchel and the long water stop

The boat heads to Playa del Perchel for the main stop. This is where the experience earns its keep. You have around two hours for water activities, food, and relaxing, so you are not rushed into choosing just one thing.

The cove can offer clear water and rocky areas where fish gather. Snorkeling conditions depend on the day, but the location is well suited to a mask-and-fins look around the rocks. Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own gear.

Paddleboards are also included. The crew sets them up and can explain how to use them, which helps if you have never stood on one before. You can paddle around the boat, take turns with family members, or use the board more casually as a floating platform.

Inflatable loungers and other floating equipment may also be available. Children often have the most fun jumping from the upper deck, swimming back to the boat, and switching between the boards and the water. Life jackets are provided for all ages, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions and keep a close eye on young children.

The water stop is not only for active people. You can stay aboard, sit in the shade, lie in a hammock, and watch the coastline. That flexibility is important when a group includes swimmers and non-swimmers. It also gives you a break from the sun and exercise.

Tapas, sangria, and the drinks package

Food and drinks are included in the base price. The meal is Spanish tapas-style rather than a large formal lunch. Expect light snacks and small savory dishes that are easy to eat on a boat.

That format works well here. You can eat without sitting down to a long meal, then return to the water after a short rest. The portions are intended to keep you going, not leave you too full to swim. If you need a substantial lunch, eat something before boarding or bring a backup snack if permitted.

The drink selection includes beer, wine, water, juices, soft drinks, and sangria. The unlimited drinks are a major part of the value, particularly for families who want soft drinks and water as well as adults who want a beer or glass of wine.

There is one small practical drawback. The boat may move enough that getting up repeatedly for drinks feels awkward. It makes sense to collect water early and keep it close to your seat. Alcohol is best enjoyed slowly, especially before swimming or if the sea is rough.

The food and drinks also help shape the mood. Instead of racing from one activity to another, you can pause, eat, and let the afternoon unfold at an easy pace.

Included activities versus paid extras

The base package includes snorkeling and paddle surfing. These are the activities I would plan around because they are free, simple to use, and available for a long portion of the stop.

Jet skis are optional and cost extra. Prices can vary, but one family paid about €35 for two people, while another activity was reported at €35 for both. Treat that as a guide rather than a fixed rate, and ask the crew for the current price before booking the ride.

Parasailing and banana rides are also not included. A towable inflatable ride, described as a flying carpet or inflatable sofa, was reported at around €15 per person. Again, confirm the current charge on the day.

These extras can be worthwhile if your family wants a burst of speed. They are less essential if you are mainly interested in snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing. The included equipment already gives you plenty to do, so you do not need to spend more to have a full outing.

The crew’s relaxed approach is useful here. You can decide at the stop, rather than committing to every add-on before you know the sea conditions or your mood. If you are booking for children, set a clear extra-activity budget before boarding.

How the boat works for families

Families are a strong match for this trip. Life jackets are available for all ages, the crew helps with equipment, and the boat has both sunny and shaded areas. A child can swim or paddle while a parent stays close by, and a younger child can remain aboard with an adult.

The trip also gives children a sense of choice. They can snorkel, paddle, jump from the top deck where permitted by the crew, float, or try a paid ride. That variety is helpful because few children want to do the same activity for four straight hours.

Parents should still bring strong sunscreen, hats, towels, and spare dry clothes. The sun is powerful in the Canary Islands, and the water activities can make you forget how long you have been outside. Beachwear is expected, and a towel is specifically listed as something to bring.

The boat may feel busy on some departures and more spacious on others. One outing carried about 30 people and still had enough room for comfortable seating and equipment. Capacity can affect how easy it is to get a paddleboard or find a hammock, so expectations should be sensible. This is a shared boat trip, not a private charter.

Is $56 a fair price?

At $56 per person, the price is strong if you use the included features. You get four hours on the water, a coastal cruise, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, a bathroom, and access to the boat’s seating and hammocks.

The value becomes clearer when you compare it with booking each part separately. A simple coastal boat ride may not include food or equipment. A water-sports session can quickly add to the cost, while this trip lets you snorkel and paddleboard without another payment.

The unlimited drinks are especially useful for a family or group. Water and soft drinks reduce the need to buy refreshments at the port, while beer, wine, and sangria make the trip feel more like a leisurely outing for adults.

The price does not cover jet skis, parasailing, or banana rides. If those are the main reason you want to go, budget for them separately. If you are happy with the included activities, the package is easier to recommend.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now-pay-later booking add flexibility. Starting times can vary, so check availability carefully if you want a morning or afternoon departure. One practical warning: a scheduled time can potentially be changed if the operator combines departures or faces staffing problems. If the exact time matters to you, confirm it before committing to other plans.

What the crew does well

The crew is one of the best parts of the experience. They serve drinks, put out food, prepare the paddleboards, provide snorkel gear, and help people get settled. That level of attention matters on a small activity boat, where a slow or unhelpful crew can spoil the whole outing.

They also seem willing to adapt. If the sea is too rough, the captain may choose a calmer bay. If a child needs help, the staff can assist with boarding or equipment. The result is a trip that feels less rigid than a simple point-to-point cruise.

Do not expect a detailed coastal lecture. The route description includes scenic views and a photo stop, but there is no promise of a full commentary about every cliff or cove. If you want a history-heavy sightseeing cruise, this may feel light on narration.

Instead, think of the crew as activity hosts. Their focus is making sure you are comfortable, fed, and able to use the gear safely.

The ride back to Puerto Rico

After the stop, the boat returns to Puerto Escala. The return leg takes about 45 minutes, although the total timing can shift with conditions and the pace of the water activities.

This is a good time to dry off, finish a drink, and settle into the hammock or shaded seating. The view changes as the boat turns back toward Puerto Rico, and the ride gives you a final chance to enjoy the cliffs from the water.

If you have been swimming, remember that the wind may feel cooler on the return. Keep a dry layer handy, especially for children. You will also want to rinse or pack away wet snorkeling gear and keep your towel within reach.

The four-hour schedule is long enough to feel like a proper outing but short enough to fit around other plans in Puerto Rico. Some people may wish it lasted longer, especially when the water is calm and the group is having fun. That is the trade-off: you get a focused half-day trip rather than a full-day cruise.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want a relaxed sea day with several activities built into one price. It suits families with children, couples who want a scenic cruise and a swim, and groups with mixed interests.

It is also a good pick if you dislike party boats. The mood is social but not centered on loud music or nonstop drinking. You can have a drink, enjoy tapas, then spend your time in the water or lying in the shade.

I would think twice if you need a guaranteed departure time, a highly detailed guided commentary, or a completely smooth ride. The route may change with the weather, the sea can be choppy, and optional activities cost more.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Arrive at the port entry, find the first ship, and ask the crew to confirm that you are in the right place. For the best value, use the included snorkeling and paddleboarding, then decide on jet skis or towable rides only after seeing the conditions.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your ideal Gran Canaria outing includes swimming, light food, open-air views, and easy access to water equipment. The combination of drinks, tapas, snorkel gear, paddleboards, and a four-hour coastal route makes the $56 price hard to fault.

Book with a little flexibility about the exact route and departure time. If you accept that the boat may change course for safety and that sea conditions can affect comfort, this is a practical, good-value way to spend half a day on Gran Canaria’s south coast.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico. The instructions say to go to the port entrance and look for the first ship encountered.

How long does the excursion last?

The trip lasts four hours. The coastal cruise takes about 45 minutes each way, with the main stop lasting roughly two to two and a half hours.

What food is included?

Spanish-style tapas and local snacks are included. The food is served during the excursion rather than as a formal restaurant meal.

Which drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it during the stop at Playa del Perchel or another bay chosen by the crew.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Paddle surfing equipment is included, and the crew can help prepare the boards and explain how to use them.

Are jet skis included in the price?

No. Jet skis cost extra. Parasailing and banana rides are also not included.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Yes. Life jackets are available for all ages, and the boat has shaded seating, an upper deck, and an onboard bathroom. Adults should still supervise children closely around the water.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. It is also sensible to keep a dry layer nearby for the return ride.