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

Make the sea your afternoon playground. This four-hour cruise from Puerto de Escala in Puerto Rico combines a scenic coast ride with a long swim stop, paddleboarding, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks. I especially like the friendly crew and the way the classic boat gives you both open-air hammocks and shaded seating. The included food, soft drinks, beer, wine, and water also make the $56 price feel strong.

The main thing to consider is the weather. Wind and choppy water can affect the route and make it harder to move around the boat for drinks. The food is tasty Spanish-style tapas, but it is a light meal rather than a large lunch. Optional activities such as jet skis, parasailing, and inflatable rides cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• A 45-minute coastal cruise takes you past the cliffs and coastline toward Cueva del Agua.
• Playa del Perchel is the main water stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing.
• Beer, wine, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are included, along with Spanish tapas.
• The classic boat has adjustable hammocks, shaded seats, and a bathroom, useful on a four-hour trip.
• Jet skis and other towable rides cost extra, while snorkeling gear and paddleboards are included.
• Families get practical help, including life jackets for all ages and an English- and Spanish-speaking crew.

Setting sail from Puerto Rico

You meet at Calle Puerto Escala, at the port entrance. The instruction is simple but slightly vague: call at the first ship you see. I would arrive early enough to find the correct boat without rushing, especially if you are bringing children, towels, or beach equipment.

Puerto Rico sits on the sunny south coast of Gran Canaria. This part of the island is known for calm holiday weather, steep coastal cliffs, and sheltered coves. The boat trip gives you a view of the coast that you cannot get from the promenade or resort streets.

The vessel itself is part of the appeal. It is a classic-style boat rather than a fast, bare-bones speedboat. The upper deck has adjustable hammocks, while the lower deck offers comfortable seats under shade. You can choose sun, shade, or a place to stretch out, which matters during a four-hour outing.

There is also an onboard bathroom. That sounds like a small detail, but it is one of the features I value most on a half-day cruise. Life jackets are provided for all ages, helping parents relax when children are moving between the deck and the water.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Several comments describe the staff as warm, attentive, and quick to help with drinks and equipment. Alberto is singled out by name for making one outing special, and the crew has also helped parents board with a pram and young child.

The first 45 minutes along Gran Canaria’s coast

After leaving Puerto Rico, the boat spends about 45 minutes cruising along the southern coast. This is the quietest part of the trip, so use it to settle into your seat, take photographs, and enjoy the rock formations from the water.

The route heads toward Cueva del Agua, described as a magical coastal cave. You pass cliffs and open stretches of shoreline before reaching the swimming area. The scenery is the reason to choose a boat trip instead of simply hiring equipment at the beach. From the water, the cliffs feel more dramatic, and you get a changing view as the boat moves along.

The guides do not appear to provide a detailed commentary about every place you pass. If learning the names and stories of the coastline matters to you, ask the crew directly. This is mainly a relaxed activity cruise, not a formal sightseeing tour with constant narration.

Conditions can change the route. On one windy outing, the boat went to a calmer bay instead of following the planned course. That is a sensible safety choice, and it can give you better swimming and snorkeling conditions, but it means the exact scenery is not guaranteed.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit low and toward the middle of the boat when the water is choppy. The upper deck is the best place for views and sun, but it may feel less steady when the sea picks up.

Playa del Perchel and the long water stop

The main stop is at Playa del Perchel, where the boat moors for around two hours. This is where most of the fun happens. You can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, paddleboard, relax on floating inflatables, or simply sit in the sun with a drink.

The length of the stop is a real strength. You are not forced to cram every activity into ten hurried minutes. You can try paddleboarding, return to the boat for a drink, swim for a while, and then settle into a hammock. Families can take turns supervising younger children without missing the whole outing.

The water is described as clear, with fish and rocky areas suitable for snorkeling. Conditions will depend on wind and sea movement, so do not expect the same visibility every day. Still, the included masks and snorkels make it easy to have a look without renting equipment separately.

Paddleboards are also included. The crew sets them up and explains how to use them, which helps if you have never tried one. Floating beds and other inflatables add a less strenuous option. Some children prefer jumping from the upper deck, but you should follow the crew’s instructions and use the available safety equipment.

One practical issue is that equipment can be popular. On a busy departure, a few people may use paddleboards as floating loungers, leaving others waiting. The boat may also feel harder to move around when the sea is rough. These are small annoyances, but they are worth knowing if you want uninterrupted activity time.

Tapas and drinks on the water

Food and drinks are included in the $56 price. Expect Spanish-style tapas and light snacks rather than a formal restaurant meal. The food has been described as tasty and sensibly portioned, allowing you to eat without feeling too full before swimming.

The menu is not presented in detail, so do not book this as a food-focused cruise. If you have a large appetite, bring that expectation down to a light lunch or substantial snack. The important value comes from having food ready after time in the water, not from a long menu.

Drinks include beer, wine, water, juices, soft drinks, and sangria. Several outings were praised for cold beer, good sangria, and plenty of nonalcoholic choices. The crew serves drinks throughout the trip, which adds a pleasant, social feel without turning the boat into a loud party cruise.

That last point matters. One useful description calls it a fun trip but not a party boat. I see that as a strong advantage for families and couples who want a drink and a swim without club-style music or rowdy behavior.

On choppy days, getting up and down for drinks may be less comfortable. Choose a seat near the serving area if mobility on a moving boat is difficult, though the exact seating layout is not specified.

Optional jet skis and towable rides

Jet skis are not included, but they can be added for an extra fee. Prices reported in the comments include €35 for a shared experience and €15 per person for an inflatable ride, but you should confirm the current cost before booking.

The optional rides are popular with older children and adults who want more speed. One family had teenagers enjoy jumping from the boat, snorkeling, and jet skiing. Another group tried a flying-carpet-style inflatable pulled by a jet ski, with plenty of splashing.

Parasailing and banana rides are also listed as optional activities, not part of the base price. Availability may depend on the day, conditions, and local arrangements. Do not assume every extra will run on every departure.

I like that the basic cruise remains worthwhile without paying for add-ons. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, eat, drink, and enjoy the coast for the advertised price. The extras are there for people who want more action, not as a requirement for having a good afternoon.

How family-friendly is the boat?

This is one of the better choices in Puerto Rico for a mixed-age family. Life jackets are available for all ages, the crew helps with equipment, and children can choose between swimming, paddleboards, inflatables, and optional rides.

A parent with a two-year-old received help boarding with a pram, and the crew kept the child comfortable while the boat prepared to leave. That does not guarantee the same assistance on every departure, but it suggests a welcoming attitude toward young families.

Older children and teenagers have plenty to do. They can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, paddleboard, jump from the boat where permitted, or pay for a jet ski ride. Younger children may be happy with floating equipment and the shaded seating area.

The boat is not a dedicated children’s attraction, so parents remain responsible for supervision. Water conditions can change, and the upper deck may be slippery after swimming. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, as requested by the operator.

Group size, comfort, and the overall pace

The number of people on board can affect the feel of the trip. One departure had around 30 people and felt comfortable, with enough room to avoid the cramped feeling found on some larger boat outings. Capacity can vary, so I would not treat that number as a promise.

The pace is relaxed rather than tightly programmed. You cruise, stop for water activities, eat, drink, and return. You will not spend the entire four hours being pushed from one activity to the next.

That relaxed rhythm suits people who want a social day at sea. It is less suitable if you want a silent sailing trip, a serious snorkeling excursion, or a detailed guided tour of the coast.

The return ride takes roughly 45 minutes. It is a good time to dry off, enjoy another drink, and watch the coast recede. After several hours in the sun, you may be ready for a quiet seat rather than another activity.

Is $56 good value?

At $56 per person, the price is strong if you plan to use the included features. A comparable day can quickly cost more once you add a boat ride, snorkeling rental, paddleboard hire, food, and drinks separately.

The value is best for someone who will swim and use at least one or two of the included water activities. If you only want a scenic cruise and do not drink alcohol or enter the water, the package may feel less worthwhile.

The optional charges are clear enough in principle. Jet skis, parasailing, and banana rides are separate, so budget for those only if you want extra speed. The base price does not depend on buying add-ons, which is helpful.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. Check the available start times carefully. A change from an afternoon slot to a morning departure caused frustration for one person who specifically wanted an evening outing, so do not assume your preferred time is immune from changes.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply after swimming. The sun can feel strong even when the breeze makes the air seem mild.

Wear something comfortable for both sitting and water activities. Bring a dry change of clothes if you dislike returning in damp swimwear, though this is practical advice rather than a stated requirement.

If you want quiet relaxation, claim a shaded seat or hammock early. If photographs are your priority, the upper deck gives better views but also more direct sun and wind.

Keep a little flexibility in your plans. The captain may change the route for safety, and the timing of optional rides can depend on sea conditions. That flexibility is part of spending time on the open water.

Who should book this Puerto Rico boat trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and small groups who want several activities in one outing. It works especially well for people who like a little adventure but do not want a full-on party cruise.

You get a proper coastal ride, time in the water, simple tapas, and a generous drinks package. The friendly service is a major part of the appeal, with the crew repeatedly praised for helping with boards, snorkels, drinks, children, and optional activities.

I would look elsewhere if you want a luxury yacht, gourmet food, guaranteed calm water, or a detailed coastal lecture. The boat is comfortable and practical, but the experience is casual and activity-led.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want good value and a full four hours at sea. The combination of tapas, drinks, snorkeling, paddleboarding, hammocks, and a family-friendly crew is hard to beat at the base price.

Choose a day with flexible plans, pack for sun and swimming, and treat jet skis or towable rides as optional bonuses. If you prefer an afternoon departure, confirm the time close to your outing. For most families and relaxed groups staying in Puerto Rico, this is a well-rounded way to spend part of a Gran Canaria holiday.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria. At the port entrance, look for the first ship encountered and contact the crew.

How long does the excursion last?

The trip lasts four hours, including the coastal cruise, water activities, food, drinks, and return to Puerto Rico.

What food and drinks are included?

Spanish-style tapas are included. Drinks include beer, wine, water, juices, and soft drinks. Sangria is also available on board.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddle surfing are included in the price.

Do jet skis and parasailing cost extra?

Yes. Jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and similar motorized or towable activities are not included in the base price.

Is the boat suitable for children?

The boat has life jackets for all ages, shaded seating, a bathroom, and activities suitable for families. Parents should supervise children during swimming and deck activities.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You may also want a dry change of clothes after swimming.