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

The best part of this Puerto Rico boat trip is the long stop in a sheltered bay, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out with a drink. The boat cruises past the island’s dramatic southern cliffs before mooring near Playa del Perchel and, when conditions allow, Cueva del Agua.

I like the generous time in the water and the fact that drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards are included. I also like the boat itself, with upper-deck hammocks, shaded seats, and a bathroom, details that matter on a four-hour outing.

The main drawback is that the sea can be choppy, and food is more light tapas than a full lunch. Optional jet skis, parasailing, and inflatable rides cost extra, so budget for those if your family wants every activity.

Key points to know before you book

• A proper four-hour outing: You get about 45 minutes of coastal cruising, a substantial water stop, and a return sail.
• Included water fun: Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are part of the price, with floating beds and other inflatables also available.
• Food and drinks included: Expect Spanish tapas, beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks.
• Comfortable classic boat: Hammocks sit on the upper deck, while the lower deck offers shade, seats, and an onboard bathroom.
• Family-friendly setup: Life jackets are provided for all ages, and children can swim, jump from the boat, or try paid rides.
• Extras are not included: Jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and inflatable towable rides require separate payment.

Setting sail from Puerto Rico

The meeting point is at Calle Puerto Escala, at the port entrance. The instruction is to call at the first ship you encounter, so arrive with enough time to identify the boat rather than wandering around the marina at the last minute.

This is a coastal excursion from Puerto Rico in the sunny south of Gran Canaria. The first part is not about rushing to an activity. You settle into the boat, take in the shoreline, and watch the coast change as the vessel heads toward the swimming area.

The route includes scenic views and a photo stop of roughly 45 minutes. You pass the island’s striking cliffs and rocky coast, which gives the trip some sightseeing value beyond the swimming. If you want commentary about every place along the route, keep your expectations modest. The crew speaks English and Spanish, but the focus is on running a relaxed boat day rather than delivering a detailed coastal lecture.

The classic boat is a strong part of the experience. You can choose an adjustable hammock on the upper deck, find a comfortable seat below, or use the shaded area when the sun becomes too much. This choice is useful for families and mixed groups, since not everyone wants to sit in full sun or take part in every water activity.

There is also a bathroom onboard. That may sound like a small detail, but it makes a real difference on a four-hour boat trip, especially with children.

Cueva del Agua and the coastal cruise

The boat heads toward Cueva del Agua, described as a magical coastal point along the route. Depending on sea and weather conditions, you may pass by or take in the area as part of the scenic cruise before continuing to the main swimming stop.

The south coast can be windy or rough. One sailing changed course for calmer water when conditions were less comfortable, which is exactly the sort of practical decision you want from a boat crew. The tradeoff is simple: you may not follow the planned route perfectly, but you are more likely to enjoy swimming and paddleboarding in a safe, calmer bay.

If your priority is a specific sunset, route, or late-afternoon mood, check the departure time carefully. A scheduled time can occasionally change if the operator combines departures or faces a crew issue. One booking was moved from a late slot to a morning departure the day before, which was frustrating for someone who had chosen the afternoon on purpose.

That issue appears to be the exception rather than the main character of the experience, but it is worth keeping in mind. A boat day is affected by sea conditions, staffing, and capacity. If the exact time matters to you, confirm it before you commit to other plans.

Playa del Perchel: the main stop

The central part of the trip takes place near Playa del Perchel, where the boat anchors for swimming and water activities. You get about two hours at the stop, giving you enough time to try more than one thing without sprinting from snorkeling to lunch.

This is where the excursion earns much of its value. You can enter the water for a swim, use the provided mask and snorkel, or take a paddleboard out from the boat. Floating beds and other inflatables are available too, creating a low-key alternative for anyone who would rather drift than work at a paddleboard.

The snorkeling can be rewarding around rocky sections, with fish visible in the water. Conditions matter, so do not expect a guaranteed aquarium-like experience every day. Clear water and calm weather will give you the best chance of seeing marine life. Bring your own mask if you have one you strongly prefer, but the included equipment is a useful convenience.

Children have several ways to enjoy the stop. They can swim with life jackets, try paddleboarding, jump from the top deck where appropriate, or stay on the boat with a drink and a snack. The crew has been especially attentive with families, including helping with a pram and offering a young child a drink and crisps while the boat was waiting to leave.

The boat is not described as a party boat, and that is good news if you want conversation, swimming, and scenery rather than loud music and nonstop drinking. You can have beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks throughout the trip, but the mood is generally relaxed.

Tapas, drinks, and what lunch really means

Food is included in the $56 price, which gives this outing an advantage over cheaper-looking boat trips that charge for every drink and snack. The meal is Spanish tapas style. You get a light spread rather than a restaurant lunch.

That distinction matters. Some people found the food tasty and well judged for a swim stop, while another described the selection as a few snack-style items. I would plan on tapas being enough to keep you going, not a replacement for a large midday meal.

The lighter approach also makes sense on a boat. You can eat without feeling weighed down before returning to the water. Food is served during the trip, with drinks available as you relax onboard.

Beer is served cold, and sangria is available along with wine, soft drinks, juices, and water. The drinks are often described as unlimited, though you may not want to move around much if the sea gets rocky. One practical complaint was that rougher water made it harder to get up and down for another drink.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. The combination of open deck, sea glare, and time on the water can catch you out even on a day that does not feel especially hot. You should also bring a towel and beachwear. Wear something that dries reasonably quickly, since you may move between swimming, sitting, and eating several times.

Optional jet skis and inflatable rides

Jet skis are not part of the base price. They are an extra-cost activity, and prices reported in the experience include about €35 for a jet-ski session for two people. A flying-carpet or inflatable sofa ride has been offered at about €15 per person.

These extras can be a good choice for teenagers and adults who want more speed. Families have used them successfully, and children enjoyed being pulled over the water or taking a jet-ski ride with an adult. The crew appears flexible about fitting these activities into the stop, but you should ask about the current price and age rules when you arrive.

Parasailing and banana rides are also listed as optional additions. Since they are not included, do not assume every advertised activity is covered by the $56 booking price.

The good point is that you are not forced to pay for a package of activities you do not want. A parent can relax in the shade while one child snorkels, another paddleboards, and someone else pays for a jet ski. The less good point is that the final cost can rise if everyone wants an extra ride.

Comfort, space, and the crew

The boat has a bathroom, shaded lower seating, upper-deck hammocks, and life jackets for all ages. Those features make it more practical than a bare-bones speedboat, especially for a family spending several hours onboard.

Space can vary by departure. One sailing had about 30 people and felt roomy rather than cramped. The layout gives you several places to sit, although popular equipment such as paddleboards can be in demand when the boat is full.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. They help set up paddleboards, provide snorkeling gear, serve food and drinks, and assist passengers getting on and off. The crew has also been praised for being friendly with children and for making the trip feel easy rather than tightly controlled.

Alberto is one crew member specifically thanked by name. You may or may not have him on your departure, but the general setup is clear: an English and Spanish-speaking crew stays involved throughout the day rather than leaving you to find equipment on your own.

Safety is handled with life jackets for all ages, but you still need to judge your own comfort in the water. If the sea becomes rough, the route or swimming area may change. That is a sensible adjustment, not a failure of the tour, but it means the exact scenery and water conditions are never guaranteed.

Value at $56 per person

At $56, this is good value if you plan to use the included drinks and water equipment. A four-hour boat trip with coastal sightseeing, tapas, beer, wine, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, hammocks, and a bathroom gives you more than a simple sightseeing cruise.

The value is strongest for families and couples who want variety. You can combine a scenic sail, a meal, several drinks, and water activities without arranging each piece separately. It is also useful for a group with different energy levels, since some people can swim and paddle while others stay dry and relax.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, dislike group boat trips, or want a full meal and a highly structured guided tour. Add jet skis, parasailing, or inflatable rides and the final bill will be higher.

The experience receives a 4.6 rating from 310 bookings, and the pattern of praise is consistent: friendly crew, good value, clean boat, plenty of time in the water, and included drinks. The few cautions are also practical: rough seas, limited food choice, equipment demand, and possible departure changes.

Who should book this Puerto Rico boat trip?

I would choose this trip for families with children, couples wanting a relaxed half-day on the sea, and groups who cannot agree on one activity. It works well for people who want swimming and snorkeling but do not want to spend the entire day on a beach.

It is also a good pick for teenagers. Jumping from the boat, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and optional jet skis give them plenty to do. Younger children can use life jackets and stay close to the boat, though adults should supervise them around the water and deck.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, since the return ride can be choppy. Take the usual precautions before departure, and avoid treating the boat as a guaranteed calm-water outing. You should also skip it if you need a substantial lunch, a quiet luxury cruise, or a detailed guided explanation of the coastline.

For the best experience, bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Arrive ready to spend real time in the water, but keep a dry layer nearby in case the wind picks up on the way home.

Should you book it?

Book this Gran Canaria boat trip if you want a friendly, active, good-value afternoon with food and drinks already covered. The long swimming stop, useful onboard facilities, and included paddleboards make it more than a short cruise past the coast.

Think twice if fixed departure times, a full meal, or calm seas are essential. For most families, couples, and casual sea lovers staying in Puerto Rico, the combination of scenery, water time, tapas, and flexible activities makes the $56 price a sensible choice. Just treat the jet ski and other rides as optional extras, not part of the basic fare.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria. At the port entrance, call at the first ship you encounter.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts four hours, including the coastal cruise, the main stop for swimming and water activities, and the return to Puerto Rico.

What food is included?

Spanish tapas and local snack-style food are included. The meal is light rather than a full restaurant lunch.

Which drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the booking price.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards are included, along with other floating equipment such as floating beds when available.

Do jet skis and parasailing cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and some inflatable rides are not included in the base price.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Life jackets are provided for all ages.