Morning cruise

Gran Canaria water time, without the big-boat chaos. This small-boat morning cruise runs about 4 hours 30 minutes out of Puerto Rico (max 18 passengers) and includes snorkel gear, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, plus lunch and unlimited drinks. I like that you get real time on the water, not just a quick stop for a photo.

Two things I especially enjoy: the vibe of a low-capacity boat (you actually have space), and the combo of swimming/snorkeling gear included with a crew that’s attentive and organized. You’re guided enough to feel cared for, but you’re not herded around like a school trip.

One consideration: if you’re sensitive to choppy water, it can still be a boat ride, and the itinerary does involve movement between stops. Also, it’s weather dependent.

This one fits best for couples, small groups, and families who want a relaxed morning on the Atlantic with options for active water time, plus food and drinks already handled.

Key Points

• Small-group sailing (max 18) means more room to sunbathe, move around, and breathe.
• Included snorkel kit and water toys (kayak and SUP) make it easy to try more than just swimming.
• Unlimited drinks + included lunch are a big part of the value, so you’re not budgeting on the fly.
• Pickup options exist from several southern resorts, but there’s no pickup from Las Palmas.
• You’ll have two main stop periods, so it’s structured but still flexible for relaxing and playing.
• Book early if your dates are firm; the limited capacity sells out fast.

What This Morning Cruise Feels Like

This isn’t a cattle-call cruise. With a maximum of 18 travelers, the boat feels more like your private getaway than a scheduled group tour. I noticed how that changes everything: less waiting, less jostling, and more chance to actually hang out on deck without constantly squeezing past someone.

The sailing itself stays pretty smooth when conditions cooperate. Many travelers highlight that the day runs well and the crew stays on top of drinks, food, and comfort. Even when you’re not doing the activities, you still get a good day out at sea.

Where You Start: Puerto Rico and the Easy Get-There Plan

The meeting point is Calle Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain at the Puerto Rico Harbour area. The cruise starts at 10:30am.

If you’d rather not handle the logistics, hotel pickup is available for areas listed in the pickup zone. You can arrange pickup from places like Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Mogán. The key detail: they don’t pick up from Las Palmas. If you’re staying in the city, you’ll likely want to plan your own trip to Puerto Rico.

Tip: Since the start time is fixed at 10:30am, I’d build in buffer time to get to Puerto Rico and be ready early—several travelers stress that being on time matters.

The Boat Setup: Space, Shade, and Getting In/Out

This is a small catamaran-style boat (based on how travelers describe it), and the practical advantage is space. People mention plenty of room to sit in shade or spread out to sunbathe, even with everyone onboard.

One practical win: travelers talk about easy access in and out of the water. That matters because it’s the difference between enjoying the water time and feeling like you’re fighting logistics every swim.

Also, you’ll want to think ahead about what you’re doing. If you plan to swim and snorkel, bring your swimsuit and towel. If you want to lounge more than play, deck space and shade become your main comfort factors.

Stop 1: The Puerto Rico Coastline, Cliffs, Caves, and Two Kinds of Fun

After departing the Puerto Rico harbour, the boat heads west along the coastline. You’ll get views of spectacular cliffs and hidden caves with crystal-clear water along the way—this is the part where you get to feel why Gran Canaria’s coastline draws people back.

What you can do during the first stop

This stop is built for hands-on time. You can:

• Swim in the water
• Use snorkeling equipment (provided)
• Try kayak
• Try stand up paddle boards
• Fish for fun (included)

Even better, a lot of travelers love that there’s time to just be out there. Some mention a fairly secluded area and around an hour to swim and use the equipment, depending on your day and conditions.

The snorkeling vibe

I’m glad snorkeling gear is included because it removes a common hassle. Several travelers say they saw schools of small fish right below the boat, and that snorkeling is worth your time here. If you’re new to it, you’ll likely appreciate that the crew is nearby and the setup is straightforward.

If you want more adventure

Water sports like jet ski and parasailing can be added at an extra cost. Jet ski and parasailing aren’t included, but they show up as add-ons, and some travelers praise parasailing specifically as professional.

Stop 2: Lunch on the Water

After the first water-and-play stop, you’ll head to a second stop where lunch is included. Lunch is served onboard, and travelers mention it as plentiful and delicious.

What lunch is like

You’ll have choices such as chicken or fish, plus sides like salad, potatoes, and bread (described by travelers). This isn’t just a snack. People consistently call it a proper lunch, not a token offering.

Drinks: Unlimited, and that changes the feel

Unlimited drinks are part of the value: water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. Reviews also mention free-flowing beer and sangria, and some people even wish for cava in addition to what’s included—meaning the current setup already satisfies most travelers.

I found this matters because you’re not timing your day around buying drinks. It makes the trip feel like a full morning out, with food and refreshments smoothing over the timeline.

Timing and Pacing: How the 4.5 Hours Works

The total duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes. Within that, you’re doing:

• travel to the cruising area
• the first swim/snorkel/equipment stop
• lunch at the second stop
• return to Puerto Rico by ending at the meeting point

Because the itinerary has two main stops, you know where your time goes. You’re not stuck in a long transit-only stretch.

There is one pacing downside to note—fair warning from a less happy review: pickup organization can affect your total morning experience. That review complained about a long time collecting passengers when multiple boats were involved. If you’re extremely schedule-sensitive, you’ll want to factor in pickup time when you book pickup.

Group Size: Why Max 18 Is a Big Deal

The limited headcount is more than a marketing line. Travelers repeatedly mention:

• space to roam even with the crew present
• not feeling over-crowded
• room to relax and sunbathe
• smoother logistics during boarding, drinks, and transitions

If you’ve done big group catamaran tours elsewhere, you know the tradeoff: more people means less calm, more waiting, and a higher chance that the best spots are taken. Here, the small number helps keep the mood light.

The Crew: Friendly, Attentive, and Practical

The crew gets a lot of credit in traveler feedback. People describe staff as attentive, welcoming, and professional—the kind of hospitality that shows up in small things like refilling drinks, checking whether you’re comfortable, and helping you settle into the water activities.

If you want the experience to feel easy, that crew attention is key. It also helps if you have questions about snorkeling or want guidance getting comfortable with the equipment.

Value for Money: Why $99.16 Can Actually Make Sense

On paper, $99.16 isn’t cheap for a boat trip. In practice, the value comes from what you get without extra payment:

• Lunch included
• Unlimited drinks included
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Kayak and paddle boards included
• Fishing included (for fun)

When you factor those in, you’re not paying for a la carte meals or renting gear. That’s why so many people frame it as great value for money—especially compared with boat days where food and water toys cost extra.

The only notable missing pieces are jet ski and parasailing, which are add-ons. If you know you want them, keep a little budget aside.

What to Bring (Based on How This Trip Is Used)

Nothing fancy, just practical:

• Swimsuit (and a way to keep it dry until the boat)
• A light jacket is suggested by a traveler, which makes sense for sea breezes later in the morning
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A towel if you prefer your own
• If you’re prone to sea sickness, consider taking anti-sickness medication ahead of time. One traveler specifically mentioned nausea when the boat was stationary and the sea was rocking slightly.

Who Should Book This Cruise

Book it if you want:

• a relaxed morning cruise with low crowd levels
• included snorkeling and water toys
• a smooth plan with lunch and unlimited drinks
• a trip that works for most travelers (this is listed as suitable for most)

Skip it (or think twice) if:

• you need guaranteed pickup timing down to the minute, since pickup can vary with logistics
• you want a super educational, narration-heavy tour—one traveler criticized the lack of island explanation on their day

Should You Book? My Take

I’d book this cruise if you’re choosing between boat options and you care about two things: space and having a full experience without extra spending. The combination of small-group sailing, included water gear, and real lunch + drinks makes it feel like a complete package.

If you’re the type who hates waiting around, the small capacity helps. If you’re sensitive to movement at sea, consider planning for it. This feels like the kind of morning you’ll remember even if you don’t do every activity—because you still get the views, the swim time, and the easy deck-lounging.

FAQ

How long is the morning cruise?

The duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included, along with unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria). Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can use kayak, stand up paddle boards, and fish for fun.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Puerto Rico harbour. The meeting point is at Calle Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:30am.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is available from several areas, including Bahia Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Mogán. They do not pick up from Las Palmas.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are jet ski and parasailing included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are not included, but they may be available as discounted add-ons.

What 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.