Gran Canaria: Private yacht excursion with Aperitif, drinks and snorkeling

This private yacht excursion off Puerto Rico feels special because you’re not sharing the boat. You’re sailing with your own group of up to 10 people, heading out for calm water time, swimming, and a look at the marine world. I especially like the open bar with an actual mix of drinks, and I love that snorkeling gear and a paddle board are included, so you can jump into the fun right away.

One thing to consider: it’s a half-day at sea, so if you get seasick easily, you’ll want to plan for that (they even suggest bringing seasickness pills).

Key highlights to look for

• Private yacht time with a max of 10 passengers, so the vibe stays relaxed for your group
• Cava welcome glass plus an open bar with beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices
• Snorkeling in the Perchel area, a cove that can be accessed from the sea
• Paddle surfing included, friendly for beginners and fun for more confident swimmers
• Crew-led swim and bites, with the appetizer prepared while you’re in the water
• Optional upgrades on water toys like jetski and parasailing, with listed add-on prices

A private yacht outing that actually feels like yours

If you’re tired of the usual group-day feeling, this kind of private yacht trip is the fix. You meet your crew near Puerto Rico, hop into a van pickup from a long list of spots in the south, then settle in for a 4-hour cruise that mixes views, drinks, and water time.

The big appeal for me is how quickly you can get into the experience. You don’t just sit and look. You sail offshore, you get a cava aperitif, and you’re soon in Mogán waters with snorkeling gear ready. That flow matters because a half-day can otherwise feel like waiting for the “real part.”

The second thing I like is how practical the setup is. You get snorkeling equipment and a paddle board as part of the base price, plus snacks and open bar. So even if you’re not the type who plans your vacation around one big activity, you still have plenty to do.

Getting on board in Puerto Rico, then easing into the cruise

Your day starts with pickup in the south of Gran Canaria. The operator lists a large number of accommodation and stop options, so it’s usually straightforward to get to the meeting point. The van ride is about 20 minutes, then you’re at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, ready to board.

Once you’re on the boat, the pace stays easy. There’s music and a cozy atmosphere, and you’ll have a guide who gives you a brief explanation of what’s coming next. The tour is designed so you’re not just spectators. You’re treated like the people the boat is for.

You’ll head offshore with a first welcome moment: a glass of cava. Then the sailing part starts, and it’s the kind of sailing where you can actually enjoy the sun and sea breeze without it turning into a long stretch of boredom.

Drinks and snacks: what’s included, what costs extra

This is one of the strongest value points. Included on board is an open bar with beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. They also include an assortment of snacks, and there’s a planned appetizer later in the trip.

A key detail: cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are not included. So if you’re the type who wants more complex drink orders, be ready for extra charges. The upside is that the included list covers the basics people usually want on a boat, and it helps you budget without feeling like you’re paying drink-by-drink.

Also, bring the right mindset for a boat day. You’re not at a restaurant menu. You’re on a yacht for a short, fun block of time. The included snacks and drinks are meant to keep the day flowing while you’re swimming and snorkeling.

The Mogán area and the Perchel cove swim plan

After the initial sailing time, the route heads toward the Mogán area. This is where you get the “from the sea only” payoff: the tour specifically highlights the exclusive cove of Perchel, which you can only access by boat.

That matters more than it sounds. A sea-access cove usually means:

• fewer crowds on land
• a more sheltered feel for swimming
• a better chance of calm water for beginners in snorkeling

Once you arrive in that area, the plan is straightforward. You practice snorkeling with the gear provided. You can also paddle surf, and the operator frames it as fun for both beginners and experienced riders. Even if you’re not great at standing up right away, you’re in the right setting to try without pressure, because you’re not doing it in surf.

Then comes one of the most enjoyable rhythms of the day. While you’re enjoying the water, the crew prepares a delicious appetizer with fresh and seasonal ingredients. After that, you order a drink and settle in with the kind of views you get from being out on the Atlantic, not from a crowded viewpoint.

Snorkeling and paddle surfing: what you can realistically expect

This is not described as a guided diving expedition with complex instructions. Instead, it’s set up as a fun, accessible water activity day.

Snorkeling equipment is included. So the baseline expectation is that you can swim, put on the gear, and see marine life in the water near the cove. The tour emphasizes “rich marine life,” which is exactly what you want from a half-day stop. If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll likely be pleasantly satisfied by how quickly you can go from boarding to seeing fish.

Paddle surfing is the other included star. The tour frames it as fun whether you’re a beginner or expert. That’s what I’d aim for: treat it as a playful activity, not a test. If you fall in, you’re already wet, and you’re surrounded by your group. That’s part of the charm.

Optional activities exist too, but they’re add-ons. You can consider them if you want more adrenaline than swimming and snorkeling. The operator lists discounts on water activities such as jetski, crazy sofa, sea scooter, or parasailing, with prices given for each.

The optional water toys: worth it, or skip it?

If you want a step up from snorkeling and paddle surfing, the menu of extras gives you that flexibility. Jetski is listed at 35€ for 10 minutes, crazy sofa at 20€ per person for 10 minutes, sea scooter at 25€ per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing at 35€ per person for 10 minutes.

Are these worth it? Often, yes, for people who are on a once-a-year trip and want one “wow” moment. But remember you’re on a 4-hour total experience. The add-ons are short bursts, not the whole plan.

My practical advice: if your group is split, agree in advance how many people will do extras so you don’t lose time arguing mid-trip. Also, plan your energy. If you do jetski or parasailing, you might want to keep your swimming and snorkeling lighter, so you don’t end up too tired for the later appetizer and drinks moment.

Photography moments near Mogán and Taurito

There are multiple chances to take photos, and the tour is designed around scenic viewing as you move between areas. After the Perchel cove swim time, the day includes passing through the special bay of Mogán and Taurito.

From a practical standpoint, you’ll get better photos by timing your camera moments:

• during calmer sailing stretches (less glare, steadier framing)
• right after snorkeling when everyone’s relaxed (less rushing)
• when the boat is approaching bays where the coastline opens up

You’ll also be in the sun for most of the 4 hours, so protect your gear and your skin. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and plan to wipe water off your phone case before you take any photos.

How long is the whole day, and what happens after the boat?

The experience is listed as 4 hours total. That includes the cruise time out of Puerto Rico, the time around the Mogán area for snorkeling and paddle boarding, the appetizer and drinks portion, and then the return to the departure point.

Once you finish, you go back to Puerto Rico, and then the van transfer gets you back toward your hotel, accommodation, or a place you’re staying in the area. This is convenient because it means you’re not stuck figuring out transport after you’re tired, sunburned, and feeling very “vacation.”

The real value: private feel without a full-day commitment

This is where the pricing makes sense for the right group. At $650 per group up to 8 (and the activity description also references up to 10 passengers), you’re paying for privacy and included basics: captain, welcome cava, open bar, snacks, snorkeling equipment, paddle board, insurance, and taxes.

How do you decide if it’s good value? Use this simple check:

• If you want a boat day anyway, and you’d end up paying for snorkeling gear plus drinks plus a private feel, this can be a strong deal.
• If you’d rather spend your money on a longer tour with lunch included, you might feel the missing meal. One review called out that they were hungry and expected lunch to be included. That’s a fair consideration for anyone with a big appetite.

The included snacks and appetizer help bridge that gap, but they’re not a full lunch service. If you know you’ll get hungry, plan to eat a solid breakfast or light lunch before pickup, and treat the boat food as the bonus, not the main meal.

Who this fits best, and who should look elsewhere

This private yacht experience is a great match for:

• families and friend groups who want privacy and flexibility
• people who want snorkeling and swimming without the pressure of a diving course
• vacationers who care about included drinks and a relaxed onboard vibe
• couples who want something romantic, especially if they can share the cost with a small group

It may not fit as well if:

• you need wheelchair access (it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users)
• you get seasick easily and don’t want to manage that (bring seasickness pills as suggested)
• you want a long sit-down meal as part of the ticket

Practical tips so your 4 hours go smoothly

A few details can make or break a boat day, and this one gives you the essentials, but not everything.

Bring:

• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• a towel (towels are not included)

If you don’t already have seasickness support, bring it. The operator specifically flags that you should consider bringing seasickness pills so you can enjoy the experience.

Also remember the rules:

• no pets
• no weapons or sharp objects
• no outside alcohol or drugs
• no nudity

You’ll be in and out of the water, so keep your valuables secure and store your phone in a waterproof case if you have one.

Should you book this private yacht excursion?

Book it if your idea of a perfect Gran Canaria day includes private time at sea, snorkeling gear included, paddle surfing included, and a steady flow of drinks. For a small group, it’s a strong value because you get the boat experience plus the basics without constantly paying extras.

Skip it, or at least budget carefully, if you’re expecting a full lunch included. Also think twice if you’re prone to motion sickness and don’t want to take precautions. And if accessibility is a factor for your group, this one is not listed as wheelchair-friendly.

If you match those checks, you’ll probably love the simple plan: sail out from Puerto Rico, enjoy Mogán waters around Perchel, swim and snorkel, paddle surf, then relax with the appetizer and open bar before heading back. It’s a short trip, but it’s packed with the stuff you actually want to do on a coastal vacation.

FAQ

How much does the private yacht excursion cost?

The price is listed as $650 per group, up to 8 people.

How long is the yacht excursion?

The duration is 4 hours.

Where does the excursion start and end?

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

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off to and from accommodations in the south of the island is included, and you need to book it in advance and specify your pickup location.

What drinks are included on board?

A welcome glass of cava is included, along with an open bar that covers beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices.

What food is included?

An assortment of snacks is included, and the crew prepares an appetizer with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

What activities are included in the base price?

Snorkeling equipment and a paddle board are included, plus time to enjoy the marine world and the cove area.

Are there extra paid activities available?

Yes. Jetski, crazy sofa, sea scooter, and parasailing are offered as add-ons, with listed per-person or per-session prices.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.