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

The best part of this Puerto Rico boat trip is the long stop in a sheltered bay. You get time to swim, use the boat’s underwater viewing area, ride the banana boat, or simply stretch out with a drink while the coast slides by. I especially like the mix of easygoing sea time and active fun, plus the included meal and drinks on the Full Pack.

I also like the friendly crew and the chance to see Gran Canaria from the water rather than from another resort road. The main caution is rough seas: one outing had many passengers feeling sick, and wildlife sightings are never promised. The banana ride can also be very brief, so confirm the package and activity details before booking.

Key points at a glance

• A two-hour bay stop: The swimming and activity break gives you more than a quick photo stop.
• Food and drinks included: The Full Pack includes paella, salad, wrinkled potatoes, beer, mojitos, water, and soft drinks.
• Wildlife is possible, not guaranteed: Dolphins, turtles, and flying fish have been seen, but the sea decides.
• The Princesa Ico departs from Puerto Rico: Meet at Puerto Base, near the gas station.
• Optional paid activities: Jet skis and parasailing cost extra, while the banana boat is included with the Full Pack.
• Good value at $47: The price works best if you want lunch, drinks, swimming, and an activity in one half-day outing.

Sailing south from Puerto Rico

The trip begins at Puerto Base in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Look for the boat named Princesa Ico, close to the gas station. If you use the optional pickup, collection points include Clínica Roca in San Agustín, Hotel Tropical in Playa del Inglés, C.C. Yumbo, and Gran Casino Costa Meloneras.

The advertised duration is four hours. The route takes you along the south coast toward Mogán, with views of beaches, cliffs, rocky coves, and the resort towns seen from offshore. A few hours on the water gives you a useful change of pace from pool decks and beach promenades.

The boat is set up for both sitting and sunbathing. You can find comfortable seating, open areas, and places to stretch out. One useful detail from the operating information is that some departures have taken longer than four hours, with one outing leaving at 10:45 and returning around 4 p.m. I would avoid scheduling a tight airport transfer or restaurant reservation afterward.

Music and a social onboard atmosphere are part of the experience. This is not a quiet sailing lesson or a small private charter. It is a relaxed group outing with food, drinks, swimming, and optional water sports.

What you might see along Gran Canaria’s coast

The south coast is best appreciated from the sea. You pass beaches and cliffs that are difficult to understand from land, where roads and resort buildings break up the view. From the boat, the coastline reads as a long sequence of sandy bays, rock walls, and small inlets.

The crew keeps watch for flying fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Dolphins have been spotted close to the boat on some trips, and a few outings have also recorded flying fish and turtles. One particularly lucky day included a hammerhead shark, though that is clearly an unusual bonus rather than something to expect.

I would treat wildlife as an extra, not the reason to book. The operator specifically does not guarantee sightings. If you see nothing beyond seabirds and coastline, the trip still includes the bay stop, meal, drinks, and water activities.

The boat’s glass-bottom or underwater viewing feature gives you another way to look below the surface. Visibility depends on sea conditions, light, and water clarity, so it is best viewed as a simple added feature rather than a full marine-life tour.

The Mogán stop and the two-hour water break

The central part of the trip is the stop near Mogán. The boat anchors in a calmer bay, and you have time to decide how active you want to be. This is the moment that makes the trip more than a coastal sightseeing ride.

You can swim from the boat, watch the seabed through the underwater viewing area, or stay on deck with a drink. If you prefer action, the Full Pack includes a banana boat ride. The boat may also offer paid jet ski and parasailing activities.

The long stop matters. Many boat excursions allow only a few minutes in the water, which leaves little time to get comfortable. Here, the schedule allows about two hours for swimming and activities, although the exact timing can depend on sea conditions and the day’s operation.

There are also excursions to caves available for an additional charge. One detailed account put the cost at €10 and described the short motorboat journey to the caves as part of the fun. The cave activity is not included in the base price, so ask the crew about availability and cost onboard.

The main weakness is that optional activities may not last long. One account described the banana ride as only about a minute and a half. If you are booking mainly for that ride, keep your expectations modest. The swimming stop, coastal views, and overall time on the water are the stronger parts of the package.

Lunch, drinks, and the two package choices

At $47 per person, this can be a solid half-day value, but you need to understand the package wording. The Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks. The Full Pack adds beer, mojitos, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, and the banana boat ride.

That difference is important. If you want lunch and alcohol included, choose the Full Pack rather than assuming every booking includes the same menu. The food is served during the bay stop, which works well because you can eat while anchored instead of trying to balance a plate on a moving boat.

The meal is casual rather than restaurant-style. Paella, salad, and wrinkled potatoes make a practical boat lunch, and the included drinks help keep the day simple. One small point for picky eaters: extra sauce or butter may not be available, so bring realistic expectations about a group meal.

The drinks listed for the Full Pack include beer and mojitos, along with water and soft drinks. Some outings have ended with complimentary shots, but that should be regarded as an occasional extra, not a guaranteed inclusion.

For value, compare the trip with the cost of arranging separate transport, lunch, a coastal cruise, and a water activity. If you only want a short scenic sail, $47 may feel high. If you want several elements in one booking, the price is easier to justify.

The crew and the tone onboard

The crew is a major part of the day. Sergio and Abdera have been singled out for being attentive and kind, while Yeray has also been praised for making people feel welcome. English and Spanish are spoken, so basic communication is straightforward for most visitors.

The tone is friendly and informal. Expect music, jokes, drinks, and encouragement to join the activities. This suits families with older children, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a social outing rather than a formal cruise.

It is also a useful choice for families with teenagers. The swimming stop, banana boat, underwater viewing, and optional motorized activities give younger passengers several ways to stay occupied. At the same time, adults can remain on the boat, eat lunch, and enjoy the view.

The atmosphere may be less suitable if you want peace and quiet. Music and a lively group are part of the package. The boat is designed to entertain, not to provide a silent nature experience.

Sea conditions and practical comfort

Gran Canaria’s south coast often offers pleasant sailing conditions, but the sea can turn choppy. One outing had rough water severe enough to make most passengers sick. That is the clearest reason to think carefully if you are prone to seasickness.

Bring whatever remedy you normally use, and consider staying in a central, stable seating area rather than moving constantly around the boat. The operator does not promise calm water, so weather and sea conditions can affect both comfort and the route.

The boat has plenty of seating and sunbathing areas, but one important pricing detail has appeared: a middle bed may cost an extra €10. Ask before settling into a premium lounging spot, especially if you want to spend most of the trip stretched out.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a cover-up for the ride back. A towel is sensible, though it is not listed among the inclusions. Keep valuables secure while swimming, since you will be away from your seat.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible. Pickup is optional, and the stated collection times range from 9:10 at Clínica Roca to 10:10 at Gran Casino Costa Meloneras. Check the selected departure option carefully because the meeting arrangements vary.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it most to people who want several holiday activities bundled together. You get a coastal cruise, a meal, drinks, a swimming stop, an included banana boat ride with the Full Pack, and the possibility of seeing marine life.

It is especially well suited to:

• Families with teenagers who want active entertainment
• Couples looking for a relaxed half-day on the water
• Groups of friends who enjoy music and social activities
• Budget-minded visitors who want lunch and drinks included
• Anyone staying in Puerto Rico, Mogán, San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, or Meloneras

It is less suitable for you if you need a quiet, small-scale sailing experience or if seasickness is a serious concern. It may also disappoint if your main goal is guaranteed dolphin watching or a long banana boat ride.

The trip works well for repeat visitors to Gran Canaria, too. It gives you a different view of the island and can be a simple way to entertain visiting family without arranging several separate bookings.

Booking details worth checking first

The meeting point is Puerto Rico, Puerto Base, near the gas station. The boat is called Princesa Ico. The host service operates in Spanish and English.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. The activity is listed at $47 per person, but check the selected package carefully because the Basic Pack and Full Pack include different food, drinks, and activities.

Jet ski and parasailing are not included. They may be purchased on the boat, subject to availability and conditions. Cave trips are also an extra, with one listed price of €10.

The headline rating is 4.3 from 283 ratings, which suggests a strong but not flawless experience. The pattern is clear: the crew, food, music, views, and general value are the safest reasons to book. Wildlife and calm seas are bonuses, not guarantees.

Should you book the Puerto Rico boat trip?

Yes, if you want a social, activity-filled half-day with lunch, drinks, swimming, and a chance to see dolphins. The two-hour bay stop is the strongest feature, and the friendly crew helps the outing feel relaxed rather than mechanical.

Choose the Full Pack if you want the meal, beer, mojitos, and banana boat. Pick the Basic Pack only if water and soft drinks are enough for you. If you are sensitive to rough seas, check the forecast and consider a seasickness remedy.

I would book this as a good-value coastal day, not as a specialist wildlife cruise. You may spot dolphins, turtles, or flying fish, but the real value comes from the complete package: coast views, time in the water, food, drinks, and a cheerful crew for one straightforward price.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The meeting point is Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria at Puerto Base, close to the gas station. The boat is named Princesa Ico.

How long is the boat trip?

The advertised duration is four hours. Some departure information indicates that the full outing can run longer, so leave extra time after the cruise.

What is included in the Basic Pack?

The Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks.

What is included in the Full Pack?

The Full Pack includes beer, mojitos, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, and a banana boat ride, along with water and soft drinks.

Are jet skis and parasailing included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing activities are not included, but they may be available to purchase on the boat.

Can I swim during the excursion?

Yes. The boat anchors in a bay where you can swim, take part in water activities, or view the water below the boat.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphins, turtles, and flying fish may be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is pickup from nearby resorts available?

Yes. Optional pickup is listed from Clínica Roca in San Agustín, Hotel Tropical in Playa del Inglés, C.C. Yumbo, and Gran Casino Costa Meloneras.

What languages are spoken, and is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The host or greeter speaks Spanish and English. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.