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

Taking a boat trip along the coast of Gran Canaria offers a refreshing blend of scenic views, fun water activities, and laid-back camaraderie. This particular tour, run by Willyboat, combines an enjoyable four-hour cruise with opportunities to snorkel, paddle surf, and indulge in local tapas and drinks. With a solid 4.5-star rating based on over 200 reviews, it’s clear this trip hits the mark for many travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.

What we love most about this experience is how well it balances adventure and comfort. The boat is a classic vessel with 30 years of experience behind it, ensuring a reliable, well-maintained ride. The combination of scenic coastline views, engaging water activities, and free-flowing drinks makes it a solid value for money. That said, if you’re prone to seasickness or looking for a more adrenaline-fueled experience, you might find some aspects less suited to your taste — particularly the choppier parts of the trip.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends who want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water with plenty of options to swim, paddle, or just soak up the sun. It’s also perfect if you’re after a good mix of scenic sightseeing, light adventure, and local bites without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Reliable Experience: Operated by Willyboat with 30 years of sailing history.
• Variety of Water Activities: Snorkeling, paddle surfing, and optional jet skiing and parasailing.
• All-Inclusive Drinks & Food: Unlimited drinks, tapas, and local snacks included.
• Flexible and Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and groups looking for a relaxed vibe.
• Beautiful Coastline Views: Scenic cruise along southern Gran Canaria’s cliffs and coves.
• Good Value: Around $45 for 4 hours, with many reviews praising the quality of food, drinks, and staff.

Setting Off from Puerto Rico: What to Expect

The adventure begins at Calle Puerto Escala in Puerto Rico, an accessible starting point for most travelers staying in the southern part of Gran Canaria. The boat departs after a brief safety briefing and sets sail along rugged cliffs and lush landscapes, giving you a chance to snap photos of some of the island’s most striking scenery. The 45-minute cruise along the coast is a gentle introduction, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the coastline’s natural beauty.

Travelers have noted the crew’s friendliness and helpfulness, with many reviews emphasizing how knowledgeable guides made everyone feel comfortable, especially those trying paddle surfing or snorkeling for the first time. The vessel itself is described as clean and well-maintained, with a capacity of around 30 people, which strikes a nice balance between intimacy and social vibe.

Scenic Coastline and Photo Stops

The first highlight is reaching the Cueva del Agua, a stunning sea cave where you can marvel at the natural formations and take some memorable photos. The boat slowly circles this area, allowing everyone to get a good look. Passing by the cliffs of southern Gran Canaria offers a dramatic backdrop, perfect for scenic shots or just soaking in the views.

Water Activities and Stops: Fun and Relaxation

The main activity stop is at Playa del Perchel, a lovely beach cove where the crew anchors the boat for around two hours. This is when the real fun begins. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, paddle surfing, or simply relaxing on the deck with a drink in hand.

From reviews, it’s clear that the snorkeling experience is a highlight, with waters teeming with fish and rocks ideal for exploring. One reviewer described their snorkeling as “well over an hour of really lovely fish and vibrant marine life,” which suggests the spot is worth its reputation. The paddleboards are also popular, though one review mentioned that sunbathers sometimes use them to lay down, which can delay others wanting to use the equipment.

Drinks and Food: Throughout the trip, unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are served, adding to the leisurely vibe. The tapas and local snacks on offer are described as “really nice,” giving travelers a taste of local flavors without extra expense. The crew’s attentiveness ensures you’re never left thirsty or hungry, making the experience feel more like a floating party than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Optional Extra Activities

While jetskiing and parasailing are available as add-ons, they are not included in the base price. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed the jet skis—describing them as “brilliant and very reasonably priced”—but these activities take place later in the day and require additional payment. The banana boat isn’t available during this trip.

The Return Journey: A Final Coastline View

As the boat heads back to Puerto Rico, you’ll once again admire the cliffs and coastal scenery. Many reviews comment on how peaceful and scenic this part of the trip is, especially when the boat is not moving and you can just relax and take in the views. The crew often provides some commentary or tips on local spots, adding a layer of local insight to the ride.

The Overall Value

For $45 per person, this four-hour trip offers an impressive mix of good value, friendly service, and authentic experiences. The inclusion of unlimited drinks, tapas, snorkeling, and paddleboarding means you’re getting quite a lot for your money. The reviews consistently praise the crew’s friendliness and the quality of the equipment, which is a critical part of a water-based tour.

Some travelers mentioned the boat can be a bit rocky, particularly when stationary, so seasickness could be a concern. However, most found it manageable, and the overall relaxed pace suits those wanting a gentle day at sea rather than a high-adrenaline adventure.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This cruise appeals most to those looking to combine scenic sightseeing with light water activities in a relaxed setting. Families with children will appreciate the safe environment and casual vibe, while couples and groups of friends will enjoy the social atmosphere and unlimited drinks. It’s also an ideal choice for travelers who want to try snorkeling or paddle surfing without investing in costly equipment or rentals.

Summary: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The trip offers stunning views, friendly guides, and a chance to enjoy local snacks and drinks in a comfortable setting. The water activities—especially snorkeling and paddleboarding—are well-regarded, and many guests appreciate the flexibility to swim and relax at their own pace.

The main drawback could be the choppier waters during parts of the trip, which might affect those more sensitive to motion. Still, for most, the smooth cruise, engaging water activities, and friendly staff outweigh any minor inconveniences.

This tour strikes a good balance between relaxation and adventure, making it a great pick for anyone wanting a memorable day out on the coast of Gran Canaria.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is described as family-friendly, and children can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and the scenic cruise along the coastline.

What should I bring?
Bring biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and perhaps a towel. The tour provides the necessary equipment for water activities.

Are food and drinks really unlimited?
Yes, guests have praised the unlimited beer, wine, water, and soft drinks throughout the trip, along with tasty tapas and local snacks.

Can I do jet skiing or parasailing?
These activities are available but require an extra fee and are not included in the standard ticket. They are offered later in the day and are highly recommended by guests who try them.

What is the duration of the trip?
The cruise lasts approximately four hours, including the scenic sail, water activities, and return journey.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at Calle Puerto Escala, just call the first ship you see upon arrival, as the exact vessel may vary.

This boat trip in Gran Canaria offers a balanced experience filled with scenic beauty, engaging activities, and friendly service—all at an attractive price point. Whether you’re after a relaxing day with family or a fun adventure with friends, this tour makes a memorable addition to any Canary Islands itinerary.