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

Gran Canaria’s south coast is best seen from the water, and this trip gives you a full half-day of it without the price of a private charter. You sail from Puerto Rico on the catamaran Princesa Ico, pass beaches and cliffs, and stop in a calm bay for swimming, food, and water activities.

I like the long swimming stop and the easygoing mix of sun, music, and sea views. I also like the value of the Full Pack, which includes lunch, drinks, and a banana-boat ride for about $47 per person. The main catch is that dolphin and turtle sightings are never guaranteed, and rough water can make some passengers seasick.

Key points to know before boarding

• A two-hour bay stop: You have time for swimming, the banana boat, underwater viewing, and optional activities rather than a rushed photo stop.
• The Full Pack is the better value: It includes paella, salad, wrinkled potatoes, beer, mojitos, soft drinks, water, and a banana-boat ride.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised: Dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and even larger fish have been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• The boat is Princesa Ico: Meet at Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, close to the gas station.
• Extra-cost activities are available: Jetski rides, parasailing, and a cave excursion can be purchased separately.
• The mood is social: Music, sunbathing areas, drinks, and a friendly crew make this more of a fun day on the sea than a quiet nature cruise.

Why this Puerto Rico boat trip works well

The best part of this outing is its balance. You get a scenic cruise, a meal, time in the water, and optional thrills in one booking. That makes it a practical choice if you want a taste of several Gran Canaria activities without arranging separate excursions.

The south coast around Puerto Rico and Mogán is known for dramatic shorelines, small coves, and steep cliffs that look different from the sea. From the catamaran, you can relax on deck while the coast slips past. The boat also has underwater viewing, so you have at least some chance to see what is below the surface while moving or anchored.

I would not book this expecting a silent sailing trip. Music and a lively onboard mood are part of the package. The experience suits families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys a little activity mixed with a lot of sitting in the sun.

Finding the Princesa Ico at Puerto Base

The meeting point is Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, near the gas station. Look for the boat named Princesa Ico. This is a useful detail because Puerto Rico has several marinas and excursion boats, and arriving at the wrong part of the harbor could add unnecessary stress.

Hotel pickup is available on selected options. Listed pickup times include Clinica Roca in San Agustin at 9:10, Hotel Tropical in Playa del Ingles at 9:20, C.C. Yumbo at 10:00, and Casino Meloneras at 10:10. Check the exact pickup point and time when booking, since the meeting location depends on the option you choose.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. Names associated with the onboard team include Sergio, Abdera, and Yeray, who have been praised for being attentive and welcoming. The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but I would still confirm the practical boarding arrangements before paying if you use a large wheelchair or need special assistance.

Sailing south past beaches and cliffs

Once underway, the trip follows the south coast toward Mogán. The main attraction here is the change of view. Resort streets and hotel buildings fade behind you, and the coast becomes a sequence of beaches, cliffs, rocky inlets, and small bays that are difficult to reach by road.

The boat may slow or stop when wildlife appears. Dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and other sea life have all been spotted on these outings. One trip even produced a report of a hammerhead shark, but that is an unusual bonus, not something you should expect.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole ride looking through it. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and the coast itself provides plenty to watch. If the water is choppy, sit in a stable area of the boat and keep an eye on the horizon. One trip had rough enough conditions to make most of the passengers ill, even though the route and activities still went ahead.

That warning matters. The south coast often has pleasant sailing conditions, but the sea can change. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy works for you and avoid arriving on an empty stomach.

The long stop near Mogán

The major pause is in a sheltered bay near Mogán. The advertised stop lasts about two hours, which is unusually generous for a group boat outing. You can swim from the boat, sit in the sun, use the underwater viewing area, or join one of the water activities.

This is where the tour becomes more than a sightseeing cruise. You are not simply stepping off for ten minutes to take a photograph. You have time to get in the water, dry off, eat, and decide how active you want to be.

The exact bay can vary with conditions and the day’s route. The important point is that the stop is chosen for swimming and water activities, not for a formal town visit. If you want to wander around Mogán’s streets or shop, this is not that kind of excursion.

For families, the timing is useful. One person can swim while another stays on deck. Older children and teens can try the banana boat or other activities, while anyone who prefers a quiet afternoon can simply enjoy the views.

Swimming, underwater viewing, and the banana boat

Swimming is included in the main stop, but you should be comfortable entering the sea from the boat. The trip offers underwater viewing so you can look at fish without needing to snorkel, although the description also presents snorkeling as a possible activity.

The banana-boat ride is included with the Full Pack. It is a good choice if you want a quick burst of fun, especially with children or teenagers. Set your expectations correctly: one passenger found the ride lasted only about a minute and a half. It is an added activity, not a full water-sports session.

Jetskis and parasailing are not included. You can buy those on the boat if available. A cave excursion is also offered for an extra charge, with one listed price of €10. The cave trip uses a smaller motorboat to reach rocky coastal caves, and the ride there can be as enjoyable as the caves themselves.

Because these extras cost more, check the price before joining. The basic ticket is already good value for a scenic boat trip with food and drinks, but the final cost can rise if several people add paid activities.

What lunch and drinks are really like

The Full Pack includes paella, salad, wrinkled potatoes, beer, mojitos, soft drinks, and water. That is a substantial package for a four-hour trip, especially compared with paying separately for lunch and drinks at a marina or beach restaurant.

The food is served onboard during the bay stop or around that part of the route. The practical advantage is simple: you do not lose swimming time looking for food. The meal is designed for a group excursion, not a long restaurant lunch, but the combination gives the day a pleasant rhythm.

The basic option includes water and soft drinks. If you do not drink alcohol or care about the meal, that may be enough. If you want lunch, beer, or a mojito, compare the two packages carefully before booking. The names Basic Pack and Full Pack are easy to confuse, and the included items differ.

The included drinks are generally available throughout the trip. Some outings have ended with complimentary shots, although this should be treated as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed feature.

Comfort, space, and onboard atmosphere

The boat provides seating, sun decks, and areas where you can stretch out. Some passengers have particularly liked the comfortable chairs and beds, while another noted that central beds required an extra €10. If choosing a seating upgrade, confirm exactly what you are paying for.

This is a social catamaran rather than a small, private sailing boat. Music plays onboard, and the atmosphere can become lively when people return from the water. That is good news if you want a cheerful day with a group, but less ideal if you are seeking peace and quiet.

I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dry bag for your phone. A light layer is sensible too, since the boat can feel cooler while moving than it does in the harbor. These are practical basics for any coastal outing, and they matter more when your stop includes swimming.

The return along Gran Canaria’s coast

After lunch and the activities, the boat returns toward Puerto Rico. The return ride gives you another view of the coast, and some routes include views of three historic bays. You can use this time to relax, listen to music, or take final photographs.

The advertised duration is four hours, but transport and pickup arrangements can affect your full day. Some schedules list a departure around 10:45 and docking around 4:00, suggesting that the total time from pickup to return can be longer than the stated cruise duration.

Drop-off options include Gran Casino Costa Meloneras, Av. de Italia, Hospiten Roca, and Av. Estados Unidos. Confirm your return point before boarding, especially if you have an evening reservation or airport transfer.

Is $47 a fair price?

At about $47 per person, the Full Pack offers strong value if you plan to eat, drink, and use the included banana boat. You are paying for the boat, a coastal cruise, lunch, drinks, swimming time, and at least one water activity. Comparable days can cost more once you add meals and refreshments separately.

The Basic Pack may suit you if you only want the cruise and prefer to control your own food and alcohol. The best choice depends on how much of the package you will use, not simply on the lowest starting price.

The value is strongest for families and groups. A family can spend several hours together, with some people swimming and others staying onboard, without paying for a separate attraction at each stop. Solo passengers and couples also get a good deal if they enjoy group activities and do not need a private setting.

The price is less attractive if you dislike music, group outings, or paid add-ons. The trip is not designed as a luxury charter, and dolphin sightings cannot be used to justify the price because they are never certain.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to you if you want a relaxed but active half-day on the sea. It is especially suitable for families with older children, teenagers, couples who enjoy casual excursions, and anyone who wants swimming, lunch, and coastal scenery in one package.

It also works well as a first sea outing in Gran Canaria. You do not need advanced water-sports skills for the included activities, and you can choose how much action you want. The crew provides help, while the schedule leaves time to sit back.

I would hesitate if you are highly sensitive to motion, want guaranteed wildlife, or prefer a small and quiet boat. Rough water is possible, and the most memorable moments depend partly on weather and sea conditions.

Booking details worth checking

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. That flexibility helps if your holiday schedule or weather plans are still shifting.

The experience lasts four hours, but optional hotel transfers can lengthen the day. Confirm your exact departure time, pickup location, package, and return point. Also check whether the Full Pack includes the activities you want, since jetski rides, parasailing, and the cave trip cost extra.

Should you book the Princesa Ico cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value sea day with a real swimming stop, lunch, drinks, music, and several optional activities. The two-hour bay visit is the strongest reason to choose it, since you have time to enjoy the water instead of rushing through a short stop.

Do not book it solely to see dolphins. You may get lucky, but the reliable attractions are the coast, the food, the bay, and the friendly onboard setting. For the right kind of day, this is an easy and affordable way to see Gran Canaria from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The meeting point is 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. Pickup and drop-off transfers can make the full outing longer.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is listed from Clinica Roca in San Agustin, Hotel Tropical in Playa del Ingles, C.C. Yumbo, and Casino Meloneras. The exact option and time should be confirmed when booking.

What food is included?

The Full Pack includes salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes. The Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks only.

What drinks are included?

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

Is the banana boat included?

The banana-boat ride is included with the Full Pack. It is not described as part of the Basic Pack.

Are jetskis and parasailing included?

No. Jetski and parasailing activities are not included, but they may be purchased onboard.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The boat anchors in a bay where you can swim and take part in water activities, subject to sea and weather conditions.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

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