From Puerto Rico: Boat trip along the coast w/ Food & Drinks

Sea days are easy to like. This four-hour catamaran outing from Puerto Rico gives you coastal scenery, a long swimming stop, food, drinks, and a lively crew-led atmosphere without the cost of a full-day cruise. I especially like the chance to see the south coast from the water and the generous two-hour stop for swimming and activities. The main thing to consider is that dolphin, turtle, and flying-fish sightings are never promised, and rough water can make some passengers seasick.

The trip works well for families, couples, and mixed-age groups because you can choose your pace. You can stretch out on deck, listen to music, swim from the boat, try the banana boat, or pay extra for activities such as jet skis and parasailing. The value is strongest with the Full Park option, which includes a meal, more drinks, and the banana ride.

Key points before you book

• A two-hour swim stop gives you real time in the water, not just a quick photo break.
• The Full Park package includes paella, salad, wrinkled potatoes, beer, mojitos, and a banana boat ride.
• Puerto Base is easy to locate, close to the gas station, and the boat is called Princesa Ico.
• Dolphins and other sea life are possible but not guaranteed, so book this for the coast and activities first.
• Optional hotel pickup is available from San Agustin, Playa del Ingles, Yumbo, and Meloneras.
• The mood is social and music-led, rather than quiet or formal, with plenty of space for sunbathing.

Leaving Puerto Base on Princesa Ico

Your starting point is Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, close to the gas station. Look for the boat named Princesa Ico. That detail matters because Puerto Rico’s harbor has several boats and activity operators, and finding the right vessel saves you a rushed start.

You can also choose pickup from selected points. The listed times are 9:10 from Clinica Roca in San Agustin, 9:20 from Hotel Tropical in Playa del Ingles, 10:00 from the C.C. Yumbo area, and 10:10 from Gran Casino Costa Meloneras. Check the exact option you book, since the pickup choice affects your morning schedule.

The boat has seating, sunbathing areas, and comfortable beds or loungers according to several passenger accounts. You can choose a sunny place or find some shade, though the most desirable seating may fill first. One important pricing note is that a passenger reported paying an extra €10 for a middle bed, so ask about seating supplements before settling in.

The atmosphere is upbeat from the start. Music, drinks, and friendly crew members make this feel more like a relaxed party cruise than a quiet sightseeing vessel. I would choose it if you want an easy social day on the water. If you prefer silence, small groups, and long explanations about geology, this may not be your ideal boat trip.

The south coast from the water

As the boat leaves Puerto Rico, you get a different view of Gran Canaria’s southern coast. Instead of seeing beaches and cliffs from a road or resort promenade, you watch them pass from sea level. The route includes coastal scenery toward Mogán, with views of beaches, rocky sections, and bays that are difficult to reach from land.

The crew may point out landmarks and coastal features along the way. The educational side is present, but this is not a formal guided lecture. You are here to enjoy the sea, music, and views, with information added along the route.

Keep your expectations sensible about wildlife. Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and other marine life have been spotted, sometimes quite close to the boat. One outing included dolphins, a sea turtle, flying fish, and even a hammerhead shark, while other departures saw no dolphins at all. That is normal for a wildlife trip at sea. Treat sightings as a bonus, not the main reason to pay.

If the ocean turns choppy, the trip can feel very different. One passenger reported that most people on board became seasick in rough water, even though the overall day was enjoyable. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use, stay where you can see the horizon, and avoid making the wildlife search your only plan.

The Mogán stop and two hours of water time

The strongest part of the trip is the stop in a sheltered bay near Mogán. The boat anchors so you can swim, relax, look through the underwater viewing area, and take part in water activities.

Two hours is generous for a boat outing. You are not forced to hurry through lunch and then leap straight back on board. You can spend part of the time in the sea, return to the boat for food, and then watch others take their turn on the activities.

The included banana boat ride comes with the Full Park package. It is a good choice for families and groups who want a quick burst of fun, but keep your expectations modest about the length. One passenger found the ride lasted only about a minute and a half. That is worth knowing before you treat it as the main attraction.

The boat also offers a cave trip for an extra charge, reported as €10. This takes you by smaller motorboat to caves in the rocky coast. The cave itself is interesting, but the fast ride there is part of the appeal. If you have already spent time on the catamaran and want a more active change of pace, this may be the best optional extra.

Jetski rides and parasailing can also be purchased on board. These are not included in the basic price, so ask about the cost before committing. The exact availability may depend on conditions and the day’s operation, but the trip is designed to give active passengers several choices while others swim or sunbathe.

Food, drinks, and the package choice

At $47 per person, this trip can be good value if your selected package includes the meal and activities. The Full Park option includes salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, beer, mojitos, other drinks, and the banana boat ride. Water and soft drinks are also available.

The food is simple rather than gourmet, which suits a boat day. Paella is practical for serving a group, and the combination of salad and potatoes makes the meal more filling than a few snacks. Several passengers found the food plentiful and well organized. One person wished for more sauce or butter, but that is a small complaint compared with the overall meal value.

Read the package description carefully. The Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks, while the Full Park option adds beer, mojito, food, and the banana ride. The overall activity description also lists lunch, drinks, and the banana boat, so confirm exactly which version you are buying. This is the most important way to avoid confusion over what is included.

Drinks are easy to access during the trip, and the selection reported includes water, soft drinks, beer, and mojitos. Some departures have ended with complimentary shots on the return to port. That fits the cheerful party mood, but you can also simply enjoy the views and skip anything you do not want.

Returning along the coast

The return journey brings another stretch of sailing and coastal views. After swimming and the activities, this is your chance to dry off, find a comfortable seat, and watch the coast from the other direction.

The route may include views of three historic bays, along with cliffs and rocky shoreline. If you prefer a quiet finish, sit away from the main music area. If you want to keep the energy going, stay near the crew and activity area.

The advertised duration is four hours, though one passenger described a departure at 10:45 and docking around 4:00. Pickup arrangements can add time to your overall day. Build in some flexibility rather than planning a tight reservation immediately after the boat returns.

What the $47 price really buys you

The price makes sense because you are combining transport on the water, a coastal sightseeing route, a meal in the Full Park package, drinks, swimming time, and at least one water activity. Paying separately for a meal, drinks, and a boat ride could easily approach the same total, especially for a family.

The value is best for people who will actually use the stop. If you plan to swim, take the banana boat, eat lunch, and enjoy a few drinks, $47 is a fair package price. If you only want a short scenic cruise and do not drink or take part in activities, a quieter sightseeing boat may suit you better.

Group size is not specified, so do not expect a private charter simply because the description uses language about tailored or exclusive tours. The boat offers personal choice during a shared outing, but the atmosphere can be lively and social.

The crew is one of the clearest strengths. Names noted during the trip include Sergio, Abdera, and Yeray, with the crew praised for being welcoming, attentive, and cheerful. That matters on a boat day because the staff manage food, drinks, safety, boarding, and the activity schedule. A warm crew can turn a basic outing into a memorable one.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it to families with older children and teenagers, couples who want more than a quiet cruise, and friends looking for an easy half-day on the sea. It also suits a mixed group where one person wants to swim, another wants to sunbathe, and someone else wants a banana boat or jet ski.

The long stop is useful for families because you are not constantly moving from one activity to the next. You can take a break, eat, and return to the water when you feel ready.

It is also a good choice if you live in Gran Canaria and have visiting friends or relatives. The outing gives you coastal views, food, swimming, and a few optional thrills without requiring a full day away from the resort area.

I would be more cautious if you suffer from motion sickness, dislike loud music, or want guaranteed wildlife sightings. The sea can be rough, and the dolphins may not appear. You should also confirm the package if you care about the meal, alcohol, or included banana ride.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, which makes it worth asking the operator about your specific needs before booking. Accessibility on a boat can depend on boarding conditions and the activity you plan to join, so get clear confirmation for your situation.

Should you book the Princesa Ico outing?

Book it if you want a good-value social boat day with a proper swim stop, food, drinks, and optional water sports. The two-hour bay stop is the key feature, and the friendly crew, open deck space, and chance of dolphins add plenty of appeal.

Skip it if you want a small, quiet sailing trip or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. For most people staying in southern Gran Canaria, though, this is an easy way to spend four hours away from the resort pool. Choose the Full Park option if you want the meal, beer, mojito, and banana boat, and bring motion-sickness protection if rough water is a concern.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

It departs from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, close to the gas station. The boat is named Princesa Ico.

How long is the boat trip?

The advertised duration is four hours. The route includes sailing from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, a water stop, and the return to Puerto Rico.

Is food included?

Food is included with the Full Park option. That package includes salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes. The Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks, so check which option you select.

Are drinks included?

The Full Park package includes beer, mojitos, water, and soft drinks. The Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks.

Is the banana boat ride included?

The banana boat ride is included with the Full Park package. It is not part of the Basic Pack description. Additional activities such as jet skis and parasailing can be purchased on the boat.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold a place without paying immediately.