Gran Canaria: Shared yacht trip with drinks, lunch, and snorkeling

The best part of this Gran Canaria boat trip is its small size. With a maximum of 12 people, you get a proper yacht day rather than a crowded party cruise. From Puerto Rico, the boat follows the southwest coast toward Mogán, stopping at a sea-access-only cove for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you the trouble of reaching Puerto Rico from the resort belt. I also like the calm mix of activities and free time: you can paddleboard or snorkel, then stretch out with a cava and tapas-style lunch. The main caution is that lunch is light, and the sea can be choppy or cold, which may limit the water activities.

• Small yacht group: The boat carries up to 12 people, with room to sit in sun or shade.
• Mogán coast stop: Swim at a cove reached from the sea, with snorkeling gear and two paddleboards provided.
• Drinks included: Cava on arrival, plus beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, sparkling water, and water.
• Light tapas lunch: Expect bread, dips, fruit, and similar snack foods, not a large hot meal.
• South-coast pickup: Van transfers cover many hotels and resorts, but you must arrange the pickup in advance.
• Optional water sports: Jet skis, sea scooters, and parasailing cost extra and depend on conditions.

Why This Yacht Trip Feels Different From a Standard Boat Cruise

Gran Canaria has plenty of excursions on the water, but this one aims for a more polished, social experience. The yacht leaves from Puerto Rico, a convenient marina on the island’s southwest coast, and cruises at about 8 or 9 knots. That is slow enough to enjoy the coastline without turning the day into a race from one stop to the next.

The boat carries a maximum of 12 people. That number matters. You have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, moving around the deck, and getting the crew’s attention when you need a drink or help with an activity. The boat has cushioned seating, a sun deck, and areas with shade, though much of the deck is exposed. Bring high-factor sunscreen and something to cover your shoulders if you burn easily.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Music plays during the cruise, and the crew keeps the drinks flowing without making the trip feel like a nightclub. Guides including Ronnie, Jonny, Toni, Mikael, and others have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and clear about the plan.

At $85 per person, the price is fair if you want several parts bundled together. You get transport from the south of the island, a captain and guide, cava, an open bar, food, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, insurance, and taxes. Compare that with paying separately for a coastal cruise, drinks, lunch, and a water activity, and the package makes sense.

The value drops if you mainly want a full meal or a long, serious snorkeling session. It is better understood as a stylish half-day on the coast, with food and activities included, rather than a specialist sailing or marine-life trip.

From Your Hotel to Puerto Rico Marina

Pickup is available from a long list of hotels, apartment complexes, bus stops, and resort addresses across southern Gran Canaria. That includes much of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán, Taurito, Patalavaca, and nearby areas.

You need to provide your accommodation details when booking and agree on a pickup time. The van waits only about five minutes, so be ready at the door or stated meeting point. The transfer itself takes about 20 minutes according to the published schedule, although your total time will depend on where you are staying and how many pickups are made.

This arrangement is useful if you are staying in a large resort area. You do not need to organize a taxi or figure out marina parking. The transfer service has also been praised for being punctual and friendly, but keep your phone available in case the operator contacts you to confirm the details.

The tour begins at Calle Puerto Escala, near Puerto Rico’s marina. If you choose to remain in Puerto Rico after the boat returns, you can walk along the promenade or eat at one of the local restaurants instead of taking the van back immediately. Confirm this choice with the operator before leaving the marina.

Setting Sail With Cava and Atlantic Views

Once on board, you receive a welcome glass of cava while the guide explains the route and the activities. This gives you time to settle in before the boat heads west toward the Mogán area.

The cruise is as important as the stop. You pass sections of the southwest coast that are best seen from the water, including Tauro Beach, Mogán Bay, and the Tiritaña Cliffs. The crew also points out coastal formations and a cave that can become a waterfall after rain. Gran Canaria is usually dry along this coast, so that sight depends on recent weather.

The yacht is described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Several people particularly liked its smooth ride, large sun deck, and generous seating. At full capacity, space should still be workable, but a private group of five will naturally feel more spacious than a full boat of 12.

Music adds energy without taking over the cruise. You can sit with a drink, talk with your group, or watch the coast pass by. This is a good fit if you want some activity but also want genuine downtime. It is not the right choice if you expect constant instruction, high-speed sailing, or a packed program from start to finish.

The Mogán Cove Stop: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Paddleboards

The main stop is near Mogán, at or around Perchel Cove, a place reached from the sea. The boat remains offshore while you use the water access for swimming and activities. Bathing time lasts roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, making this the most active part of the outing.

Two paddleboards are included. You do not need previous experience, and the crew presents them as suitable for beginners as well as confident users. On a calm day, this is an easy and entertaining way to move around the cove. On a windy day, the boards can be harder to control, and one family found the water too choppy for comfortable paddleboarding.

Snorkeling equipment is also supplied. Conditions and marine life vary. Some people have seen plenty of small fish, while another report found little to see because there was no reef at the stopping point. You should treat snorkeling here as a pleasant swim with a chance to see fish, not as a dedicated reef excursion.

One practical point: fins are not listed among the included equipment. Swimming back to the yacht can feel like hard work if the water is moving, so bring your own fins if you have them and are accustomed to using them. The standard equipment is described as masks and snorkeling gear.

The sea temperature is another variable. One January outing found the water warmer than a hotel pool, while another person found it very cold. Gran Canaria’s water conditions can change with the season and weather, so do not assume you will want to stay in for the full stop.

Food, Open Bar, and the Reality of Lunch

After or during the swimming stop, the crew prepares food using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The meal is served in a tapas style, with items such as breads, dips, fruit, and assorted snacks. The selection has been described as tasty, filling enough between meals, and well suited to a relaxed boat setting.

Still, plan carefully: this is a light lunch, not a substantial restaurant meal. If you normally need a large midday meal, eat something before pickup or carry out that plan before boarding. The food is included, but extra cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and additional cava are not.

The included open bar covers beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, sparkling water, and still water. The crew may bring drinks to you while you sit, which adds to the easygoing feel. If you prefer spirits or a particular cocktail, expect to pay extra onboard.

Dietary needs should be given in advance. The food is shared in a buffet-style setting, so anyone with allergies or strict dietary requirements should contact the operator before the trip rather than relying on last-minute changes.

One small food-service issue is worth noting. Shared buffet etiquette may not suit everyone, especially if utensils are returned to the serving dishes. If that would concern you, ask the crew about serving arrangements before eating.

Optional Jet Skis, Sea Scooters, and Parasailing

You can pay for extra water activities at the stop, subject to conditions and availability. The listed prices are:

• Jet ski: €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes
• Sea scooter: €20 per person for 10 minutes
• Parasailing: €35 per person for about 10 minutes

These extras are not part of the $85 price. They can add excitement if swimming and paddleboarding feel too gentle, but you do not need to book them to have a complete outing.

The jet ski option has been especially well received by people who wanted a short burst of speed without committing to a long session. Parasailing offers a different view of the coast and water. Ask about the exact schedule onboard, since the main swimming stop already has a limited time window.

The activity order may change with the weather. Strong wind or rough water can affect paddleboards, snorkeling, or the use of paid equipment. The captain has the final say, and that is one area where safety should come before sticking to the advertised sequence.

The Return Along Mogán Bay and Tiritaña Cliffs

After the water stop and food, the yacht returns toward Puerto Rico along the coast. This is often the most restful section of the trip. You can dry off, order another included drink, and watch the cliffs and beaches from the deck.

Mogán Bay gives you a broad coastal view, while Tauro Beach provides another recognizable landmark. The Tiritaña Cliffs add more dramatic rock scenery before the yacht heads back to the marina. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and do not let photography replace enjoying the ride.

The total experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, including the cruise, water stop, food, and return. That is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but short enough to leave time for an evening meal or another activity.

The van can return you to your accommodation after the boat arrives. If you are staying nearby or want to spend more time in Puerto Rico, you can remain in town instead. This flexibility is useful, but arrange your return plan clearly with the operator.

Who Will Get the Most From This Trip

I would choose this trip for couples, families with older children, friends, and solo visitors who like meeting a small group without signing up for a large party boat. It also works well for a birthday or special occasion. The crew has helped mark birthdays with small touches such as cake and a candle.

The experience suits you if you want:

• A comfortable yacht rather than a basic excursion boat
• A short coastal cruise with swimming and simple water activities
• Drinks included throughout the outing
• Hotel transport from southern Gran Canaria
• A friendly, informal atmosphere
• The option to add a jet ski or parasailing

I would think twice if you need a full lunch, dislike open-water movement, or want guaranteed marine wildlife. Seasickness medication is sensible if you are prone to motion sickness. The boat travels offshore, and even a smooth ride can feel uncomfortable when the sea picks up.

This is also not a silent luxury cruise. Music plays, people socialize, and the atmosphere depends partly on the other 11 people onboard. A private group is available if you want more control over the mood and space.

What to Pack for a Comfortable Half-Day

Bring swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included. A cover-up or light shirt is useful on the exposed deck, especially if you plan to stay out of the shade.

I would also pack:

• High-factor sunscreen, with extra for your shoulders and legs
• Motion sickness tablets if you need them
• A waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag
• Fins if you prefer them for snorkeling
• A small amount of cash or a payment method for optional activities

Pets, bikes, alcohol, drugs, and nudity are not allowed onboard. The included drinks are supplied by the crew, so you do not need to bring your own alcohol.

English and Spanish are spoken. A private group option is available, and pickup must be booked ahead. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option is offered for your selected date.

Should You Book the Infinity Yacht Trip?

Book it if you want a polished, easy half-day on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, with hotel transport, a small group, open drinks, tapas-style food, and enough time to swim. The yacht, friendly crew, and relaxed pace are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Be realistic about the limitations. Snorkeling may offer small fish but not a reef, lunch is light, water conditions can change, and the sea may feel cold. At $85, the trip gives good value when you use the included drinks, paddleboards, and transport. If you want a large meal or a serious snorkeling site, spend your money elsewhere. If you want a comfortable boat, good coastal views, and a pleasant mix of relaxation and fun, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the yacht trip?

The experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, including the cruise, water activities, food, and return to Puerto Rico.

Where does the boat depart?

The yacht departs from Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria, but you must provide your hotel or address and book the transfer in advance.

How many people are on the yacht?

The shared trip has a maximum of 12 passengers. A private group option is also available.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, sangria, water, sparkling water, and juices. You also receive a welcome glass of cava. Cocktails, wine, mixed drinks, and extra cava cost more.

Is lunch included?

Yes, but it is a light tapas-style meal with assorted snacks such as breads, dips, fruit, and similar items. It is not presented as a large full meal.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and two paddleboards are included. Fins are not specifically listed as included.

How much do the extra water activities cost?

Jet skis cost €35 for 10 minutes or €70 for 20 minutes. Sea scooters cost €20 per person for 10 minutes, and parasailing costs €35 per person for about 10 minutes.