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

Bring your swimsuit, then let the sea do the rest. This four-hour cruise from Puerto de Escala combines coastal scenery and water time without turning the day into a loud party boat. I like the classic boat, with upper-deck hammocks, shaded seating, and a bathroom, and I like that tapas, beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. The main thing to consider is that the sea can get choppy, and the optional jet ski and towable rides cost extra.

The pace is easygoing. You cruise past the cliffs of southern Gran Canaria, stop near Cueva del Agua, then spend much of the outing anchored around Playa del Perchel. Families get life jackets, friendly help, and several ways to play, while adults can simply stretch out with a drink and watch the coast slide by.

Key points to know before you book

• Four hours from Puerto de Escala: The trip begins and ends at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico.
• A proper swim stop: At Playa del Perchel, you can snorkel, paddleboard, jump from the boat, or use floating equipment.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect Spanish tapas with beer, wine, sangria-style drinks, water, juices, and soda.
• Optional thrills cost extra: Jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and similar towable activities are not part of the $56 base price.
• Comfortable boat setup: Adjustable hammocks sit on the upper deck, with shaded seats below and a bathroom onboard.
• A relaxed family atmosphere: The boat is aimed at mixed ages, not a hard-party crowd.

Setting out from Puerto de Escala

You meet at Calle Puerto Escala, at the port entrance. The instruction is to call the first ship you see, so allow a little time to identify the correct boat and crew rather than wandering deeper into the marina.

The boat is described as a classic vessel rather than a sleek speedboat. That matters because the ride itself is part of the outing. You have time to sit back, watch the southern coast, and move between sun and shade. The upper deck has adjustable hammocks, a fine choice if you want to stretch out, while the lower deck offers comfortable seats away from the strongest sun.

A bathroom onboard is a small but useful advantage. Four hours on the water feels much easier when you do not need to wait until returning to shore. Life jackets are available for all ages, which makes the trip more workable for families with young children.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. The strongest praise goes to their friendly, hands-on service. They help set up the paddleboards, provide snorkeling gear, serve drinks, and assist children getting aboard. That sort of practical help can make a big difference when you are juggling towels, children, and wet equipment.

Forty-five minutes of cliffs and open water

The outward cruise takes about 45 minutes and follows the southern coastline of Gran Canaria. You pass dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery on the way toward Cueva del Agua, known here as a scenic point along the route.

Do not expect a formal sightseeing lecture at every bend. One passenger specifically wished the crew had explained more about the places along the coast. If you like stories about geology, villages, and landmarks, ask the crew directly. The main focus is the sea day, not a detailed guided geography lesson.

The coast is best enjoyed from different spots on the boat. Sit up front or on the upper deck for the broadest views, then move below if the sun becomes too strong. On a windy day, the lower seating can also feel more comfortable. The crossing is scenic, but it is still a boat ride, and the water may be rough enough to make walking around with a drink less convenient.

That weather flexibility is important. The route can change if wind or sea conditions make the planned bay uncomfortable. On one outing, the crew shifted to a calmer bay so people could swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and use the water equipment safely. You lose a little control over the exact scenery, but you gain a better chance of enjoying the main stop.

Cueva del Agua and the coastal views

Cueva del Agua is part of the scenic journey rather than a long shore visit. You pass the coastal formation and continue toward the swimming area, so think of it as a view from the water, not a cave tour.

This section works best if you keep your expectations clear. You are not spending the afternoon exploring caves on foot. Instead, you are seeing the coast from a boat, with the cliffs taking shape around you. The route gives the outing a sense of movement before the slower, more active part begins.

If you want photographs, keep your phone protected from spray and hold on when the boat is moving. The views are one of the trip’s pleasures, but the deck is an active space with people heading toward the water equipment and drinks.

Playa del Perchel: the main two-hour stop

The heart of the experience is the stop around Playa del Perchel. Here the boat anchors so you can spend substantial time in the water rather than rushing through a quick swim.

The exact stop can vary with conditions, but the goal is calm water and time to enjoy it. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, use floating beds, or simply remain onboard. Some children and teenagers enjoy jumping from the top deck, while other family members may prefer the shaded seating and a plate of food.

Snorkeling gear is included. The water around the stop has been described as clear, with fish and rocky areas to explore. As always, visibility and marine life depend on the day, but this is more than a token chance to put your face in the water. You may get well over an hour around the bay, giving you time to try several activities without hurrying.

The paddleboards are also included. Crew members help prepare them and explain how to use them, which is useful if you have never stood on one. You can paddle, sit, or lie on the board, though demand may rise when the boat is busy. On one outing, some people used boards for sunbathing, leaving others waiting. If paddleboarding is high on your list, go early when the equipment becomes available.

Floating beds and other inflatables add another easy option. You can float near the boat, watch the swimmers, and make the most of the warm weather without constant activity. This mix is one reason the trip suits groups with different energy levels.

Tapas, drinks, and the value of lunch afloat

Spanish tapas are served during the outing, along with beer, wine, water, juices, soft drinks, and other refreshments. The food is best understood as a light meal or substantial snack, not a restaurant lunch with a long menu.

That is actually a sensible setup for a swimming trip. The portions are described as tasty and not so heavy that you cannot get back into the water. Expect snack-style tapas rather than a full spread of regional dishes. Food options may feel limited if you want a large or varied meal, but the meal does its job well between swims.

The drinks add real value to the $56 price. Unlimited included drinks can quickly change the cost of a boat outing, especially for families or groups spending several hours in the sun. Beer, wine, sangria-style drinks, soft drinks, juice, and water give you enough choice to stay refreshed without buying each item separately.

The practical drawback is that serving yourself may mean walking around a moving boat. In rougher water, getting up repeatedly for drinks can be awkward. I would collect what you need before the boat begins moving, then settle into a seat with your drink and sunscreen nearby.

Optional jet skis and towable rides

The base trip includes snorkeling and paddleboarding, but not jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, or other paid water sports. This separation is helpful because you can keep the basic day affordable and decide on extra excitement once you see the conditions.

Jet skis are the most commonly highlighted add-on. Families with older children and teenagers especially enjoyed them, and one group paid about €35 for both riders. Prices can vary, so confirm the current charge onboard before committing.

Towable attractions are another option. A flying-carpet or inflatable sofa-style ride has been offered for around €15 per person. It is designed for fun rather than quiet sightseeing, with the possibility of getting dunked. Parasailing is listed as an available activity but is not included, so ask about price, timing, and age requirements if that is your main goal.

You do not need to buy an extra activity to have a full day. The included swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and floating equipment already fill the main stop. This is a useful point for parents: you can let the children choose one paid ride instead of feeling that everyone must pay for every add-on.

How the boat feels for families and couples

This outing suits families particularly well. Life jackets are available for all ages, the crew helps with equipment, and there are choices for children who want action and adults who prefer to rest. Young children may need close supervision around the boat edges, water, and upper-deck jumping area, as you would expect on any boat activity.

The crew’s attitude is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They have helped parents board with a stroller, offered a small child a drink and crisps while waiting, and made special efforts to entertain children during holiday outings. Those details suggest a crew that pays attention rather than simply pointing people toward the equipment.

Couples and groups of friends can enjoy it too, especially if you want a social day without a nightclub atmosphere. One useful distinction is that this is not designed as a loud party cruise. The mood is friendly and relaxed, with music and drinks taking a back seat to the coast and water activities.

The boat can feel roomy when numbers are moderate. One outing had about 30 people onboard and did not feel cramped. Capacity may differ by date, so I would not count on that exact group size, but the boat’s layout helps: hammocks above, seats below, and the water equipment spread around the main stop.

Timing, sea conditions, and small frustrations

The listed duration is four hours. The outward coastal cruise takes about 45 minutes, and the return takes roughly the same amount of time, leaving a generous period around the swimming stop. That balance is good: you get scenery without sacrificing the main activities.

Sea conditions are the main variable. Choppy water can make the cruise less comfortable, especially if you are prone to seasickness or need to stand often. It may also affect how easily you reach the drinks station, paddleboards, or swimming ladder.

The route can be adjusted for safety and comfort. That is a sensible choice, though it means the exact bay and views are not fully fixed. I would bring sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear, and keep a light layer handy if you dislike wind on the return ride.

There was also an issue with one scheduled departure being changed from late afternoon to morning at short notice because of a captain-related problem. The crew onboard was described as professional, but the change mattered to someone who specifically wanted an evening cruise. If your timing is important, confirm the departure shortly before the trip and avoid building an entire sunset plan around it.

Is $56 good value?

At $56 per person, the trip offers strong value if you plan to use the included features. You receive four hours on the water, the coastal cruise, tapas, drinks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and access to floating equipment. Add a jet ski or towable ride only if you want extra speed.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet sightseeing cruise and do not drink or swim. In that case, part of the package goes unused. The boat also does not provide a full restaurant-style lunch or an in-depth coastal commentary, so those should not be your main reasons for booking.

For a family, the included equipment can keep the total cost under control. You can enjoy a full water session without paying separately for every board or snorkeling set, then choose one optional activity for the children if the budget allows.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Wear something comfortable for getting wet, and protect valuables from spray because the boat is an open-water setting.

If you want the best chance at a hammock or early access to a paddleboard, arrive ready to board and move into your preferred spot once the crew allows it. Bring patience if the water is busy. Equipment is shared, and the most popular items may not be instantly available.

Ask about the paid water sports before the stop gets busy. Confirm the current price for jet skis, parasailing, banana rides, and towable inflatables. That keeps your budget clear and avoids assuming that an activity is part of the $56 package.

The cancellation terms are friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Availability and starting times vary, so check the chosen date rather than assuming the same departure each day.

Should you book the Puerto Rico boat trip?

I would book this trip if you want a family-friendly half-day on the sea with food, drinks, and several included water activities. Its best qualities are the helpful crew, comfortable boat layout, long swimming stop, and unusually good value for a package that includes both refreshments and equipment.

I would look elsewhere if your priority is a detailed guided tour of Gran Canaria’s coast, a guaranteed sunset departure, or a quiet luxury yacht experience. The route may change with the weather, the food is light tapas, and optional thrills cost extra.

For most people staying in Puerto Rico, this is a practical way to spend four hours. Bring swimwear, expect a little salt spray, and treat the jet ski as an optional bonus rather than part of the deal. The included experience is already enough to make the trip worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria. At the port entrance, call the first ship you encounter.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts four hours. The coastal journey takes about 45 minutes each way, with the main water stop taking up much of the middle section.

What food is included?

Spanish tapas are included. The food is presented as a light meal or snack rather than a full restaurant-style lunch.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, wine, water, juices, soft drinks, and similar refreshments are included during the trip.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the base price.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Paddle surfing equipment is included, and the crew can help you prepare and use the boards.

Are jet skis included?

No. Jet skis are an optional paid activity. Parasailing, banana rides, and other towable activities are also not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You may also want to protect personal items from water spray.