You can feel the day slow down on this boat. A small-group cruise along Gran Canaria’s coast with swims, snorkel time, and a no-stress lunch break.

What makes it interesting is the setup: you’re not stuck in a cattle-line tour. You’re on a catamaran-sized experience with a strict 18-passenger cap and an onboard crew that talks about the cliffs and caves as you go.

I especially like the value because you’re covered for real time on the water: snorkel equipment, plus kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and then lunch with unlimited drinks. I also love how the boat layout helps you spread out, so you can actually relax between activities.

One thing to consider: this is a weather-dependent cruise, and if you’re sensitive to motion, you might want to plan for that since the ride includes time spent out on open water.

Key highlights to know before you go

• 18 passengers max means you get space on deck instead of crowd management.
• Unlimited drinks (soft drinks, water, sangria, beer) turn lunch and downtime into the main event.
• Included snorkeling gear plus kayak and SUP gives you options even if conditions aren’t perfect for swimming.
• Cliffs and caves storytelling happens while you cruise the coastline west from Puerto Rico.
• Lunch is part of the price, and it’s served during the second stop (including fish or chicken choices when noted).
• Jet ski and parasailing cost extra, so you can choose how adventurous you want to be.

A small-boat morning in Puerto Rico Harbor

Gran Canaria’s Puerto Rico is a great spot for a morning cruise because you’re close to the action without the hassle of long drives. You’ll meet at Calle Puerto Base, right at Puerto Rico harbour, and the activity starts at 10:30 am. It runs about 4 hours 30 minutes total, though the flow is split into a cruise out, two main stop moments, and then back to the harbour.

The biggest comfort factor here is the group size. With a maximum of 18 travelers, the vibe is more like a private outing than a tour that’s trying to keep 40 people moving. In the better moments of the day, you’ll notice how easy it is to get in and out for swimming and how quickly staff can help when you need something.

You can also choose hotel pickup. Pickup is offered from areas like Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Mogán—but not from Las Palmas. If you’re staying in one of those zones, it’s worth it. If you’re not, plan to get yourself to Puerto Rico harbour because that’s where the tour anchor point is.

Price and what you actually get for $99.16

At $99.16 per person, this cruise makes its money back by packing in the things most day tours charge extra for. You’re not just paying for a seat on a boat. You’re paying for lunch, unlimited drinks, and water toys that keep you busy.

Included in the package:

• Lunch (food is included, and fish and chicken choices have been noted)
• Unlimited drinks: water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria
• Snorkeling equipment (so you don’t need to rent gear)
• Kayak
• Stand-up paddle boards
• Fishing for fun (available as part of the onboard options)
• Admission is included as part of the experience

Not included:

• Jet ski and parasailing (you can add these, but they’re extra)

This is the kind of pricing that makes sense when you factor in how quickly lunch and drinks add up on the island. And with a limited group size, you’re also paying for a less-stressful day. If you’ve ever done boat trips where you spend half your time queuing for food or fighting for a patch of shade, this one targets the opposite problem.

Cruising west: cliffs, caves, and a crew that talks

Once you depart from Puerto Rico harbour, the route heads west along Gran Canaria’s coastline. The whole point of this direction is the scenery: dramatic cliffs, rugged edges, and pockets of ocean that look built for swimming.

What I like is that the onboard crew doesn’t just toss you a life vest and point in a direction. They explain what you’re seeing—specifically the cliffs and caves along the coast. That turns the cruise portion into something more than background movement, especially if you like connecting landmarks to a story instead of just taking photos.

You’ll also feel the rhythm of the day. You cruise, then you get a good first chunk of time to get wet, then lunch, then another stretch to enjoy the sea again. That pacing matters. It helps the day feel full without turning into a rushed checklist.

Stop one: the swim and snorkel playground with real gear time

The first stop is where the day starts to click. You’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, and using the included water equipment. This is also the moment when the small group size pays off, because you’re not waiting around to grab a life vest or fight for a kayak time slot.

What’s included here is practical:

• Snorkel equipment so you can see what’s under the surface
• Kayaks for paddling around at your own pace
• Stand-up paddle boards if you want something active
• Plus fishing for fun, depending on how the crew sets up the session

From past outings, people have reported getting great underwater sightings—schools of small fish right near the snorkeling area. There’s also been at least one mention of spotting dolphins during the cruise. You shouldn’t plan the day around wildlife, but it’s a nice reminder that this coast can surprise you.

The main practical consideration

If you’re the type who gets motion discomfort on boats, take it seriously. One reviewer noted nausea when the boat was stationary and the sea was rocking slightly. So if you know you’re sensitive, consider bringing an anti-sickness option just in case. The good news: the pace is organized, and staff are attentive with drinks and help.

Stop two: lunch on the water plus another swim window

After the first swim block, you reset with the second stop: lunch. This is where many tours lose people into tired routines. Here, the layout keeps you moving through the day without turning it into a long slog. Lunch is served while you’re still out on the water, and the experience has included a fun detail where lunch was delivered by someone on a kayak.

Food-wise, you’ll typically see a choice between chicken or fish, plus sides like salad, potatoes, and bread. It’s described as plentiful and filling. If you’re hungry after swimming, this hits the spot without making you feel rushed.

Drinks stay part of the flow. The unlimited selection includes:

• water and soft drinks
• beer
• sangria

So you can go from sunbathing to lunch to another swim stretch without changing your whole mental mode.

The second stop has also been described as a second chance to swim and enjoy the sea again after lunch. That’s a big deal because it means you can pace yourself. If you overdo snorkeling early, you still get a chance to enjoy the day later.

Optional jet ski and parasailing if you want more speed

If your idea of fun includes a bigger adrenaline hit, you can add jet ski and parasailing. These are not included in the base price, but they’re available as add-ons.

Because the base experience already covers snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, I see these add-ons as optional upgrades for people who want that extra blast. If you prefer a calmer day, you can skip them and still have plenty to do without paying more.

One thing to watch: since these are extra, prices and availability can depend on conditions and timing. Build a little flexibility into your expectations so you don’t end up disappointed if you were counting on doing both.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might find it boring)

This cruise is built for people who want:

• a relaxed morning with swimming and water gear
• a small-group feel
• included food and drinks without extra spending
• enough activity to keep you busy, but not so much you feel scheduled

It also seems like a strong fit for couples and families. One couple shared that it felt calm and smooth, and that staff were welcoming and professional. Families have also mentioned enjoying the range of equipment—kayaks and paddle boards were a hit.

Who might not love it? If you’re looking for a high-energy party atmosphere or nonstop entertainment from minute one, this isn’t designed like that. The overall tone is serene and friendly. There has been at least one negative note about lack of engagement and stops not being wow-worthy. That doesn’t erase the fact that most people rate it extremely highly, but it does suggest: if you need constant narration and big showmanship, you might have a mismatch.

Practical tips for your day on the water

A few small choices will make the cruise more comfortable:

• Bring a swimsuit and plan for getting in the water.
• Pack a light jacket for after swimming. Several people specifically recommended it.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider anti-sickness tablets ahead of time.
• Pack light. One of the highlights people mention is saving space and making use of the gear provided, especially the snorkeling setup.
• If you’re using hotel pickup, make sure you confirm your pickup details at booking. Arrival timing matters because the cruise window is tight.

And two staff names have come up in strong reviews: Callum and Roaul. If you hear them onboard, that’s a good sign you’re in for a smooth, organized day.

Should you book this Gran Canaria morning cruise?

I think this is a smart booking if you want a high-value boat day in Gran Canaria without crowds. The combination that sells it is clear: 18 passengers max, included lunch, included unlimited drinks, and included snorkeling and water toys. That’s not “just a ride,” it’s a working schedule for fun in the sun.

Book it if:

• you’re staying in an area that offers pickup
• you want to snorkel but don’t want to rent gear
• you like the idea of swimming at two points instead of one long stop
• you care about space on deck

Skip it or think twice if:

• you need constant entertainment and nonstop guidance
• you’re likely to get motion sick and haven’t planned for it
• you’re arriving from Las Palmas and don’t want to transfer on your own (pickup isn’t offered there)

If that sounds like your kind of morning, you’ll probably leave happy—and with a new favorite way to spend time on Gran Canaria’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Calle Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain, near Puerto Rico harbour.

What time does the morning cruise begin?

The start time is 10:30 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Bahia Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Mogán. Pickup is not available from Las Palmas.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 18 travelers.

What do I get included with the ticket?

You get lunch, unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria), snorkeling equipment, a kayak, stand-up paddle boards, and fishing for fun.

Can I use snorkeling gear on board?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

Are jet ski and parasailing included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are not included, but they can be added for an extra cost.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No. A mobile ticket is offered, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.