Dolphins, mojitos, and a catamaran cruise. This 4-hour boat trip along Gran Canaria’s south coast mixes scenic sailing, an anchored swim bay, and lunch plus drinks, all starting from Puerto Rico. I really like the friendly, hands-on crew and how the food and drinks are built into the day.

The vibe is relaxed but never lifeless, with music on board and staff who stay close to help you enjoy the activities. I saw names like Sergio and Abdera pop up in feedback for attentive service, and Yeray mentioned as welcoming and upbeat.

One thing to think about first, choppy water can hit hard. A few people reported getting motion sick when conditions were rough, so if you’re sensitive, plan for it.

Key points before you go

• South coast sailing from Puerto Rico, with cliffs and beaches along the way
• A swim-and-lunch stop in an exclusive bay, plus underwater viewing from the boat
• Banana boat ride included, with optional add-ons like jetski or parasailing
• Glass-bottom underwater time, so you can spot fish even if you do not snorkel
• Sightings are a bonus, flying fish, turtles, and dolphins can happen but are not guaranteed

Puerto Rico to Mogán: how the south-coast route feels

This cruise is designed as a half-day sea break, not a long, exhausting tour. You start in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and spend the time sailing the coastline, with chances to catch glimpses of the cliffs and beaches that make the south side of Gran Canaria look so dramatic from the water.

The day’s rhythm matters here. You get moving time first, then a proper anchored period in a quieter bay where swimming and water fun take center stage. That split is great if you like a mix of views and actual time in the sea, instead of just passing the shore from a distance.

You also rotate through the Mogán area mid-route. Even if you stay on the boat the whole time, that change of scenery keeps the trip from feeling repetitive, especially because you are not only looking at water, you are watching coastline geometry, coves, and how the light changes along the cliffs.

Meeting Princesa Ico and getting to the water on time

The practical side is pretty straightforward. Meet at Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, close to the gas station, and look for the boat named Princesa Ico.

If you prefer not to drive or taxi hop, pickup is optional, with several stops listed. You might be picked up around 9:10 in San Agustín at Clinica Roca, around 9:20 in Playa del Inglés at Hotel Tropical, around 10:00 at C.C. Yumbo, and around 10:10 at Casino Meloneras. After the cruise, there are multiple drop-off locations, including Gran Casino Costa Meloneras and stops along Av. de Italia and Av. Estados Unidos.

This matters because, on an ocean day, arriving smoothly keeps your mood high. The more hassle you remove from the start, the more you enjoy the later part, when you are trying not to miss the swim window.

Princesa Ico on the inside: comfort, views, and the underwater factor

A boat tour can be either too cramped or pleasantly usable, and this one aims for usable. People mention comfortable seating and space to sunbathe on deck, which is exactly what you want when you are paying for a day on the water.

The other big draw is the underwater viewing. The experience includes glass-bottom viewing and underwater vision when the boat anchors. That is a smart choice for mixed groups, because you can watch fish without the full commitment of snorkel gear.

In practice, this kind of setup lets you do three different things in one outing:

• stay social and enjoy music and company
• take in the coastline from the deck
• check out fish and scenery from below the surface

That combination is why this tour works well for families and mixed-age groups.

Lunch in an anchored bay: the food and drink piece that actually matters

Many boat trips say lunch is included, but it can be vague. Here, lunch and drinks are part of the structure, and the day is built around that stop in a calm, exclusive bay.

If you choose the Full Park option, the included meal is more specific: salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes, plus a banana tour element. Drinks in the Full Park are also more generous, including beer and mojito, along with water and soft drinks.

If you go with the Basic Pack, you still get water and soft drinks, but beer and mojito are not included.

I like that you are not forced into one option. You can match the pack to your group, then decide on any paid extras once you see how the sea and the schedule feel that day.

The pace is also worth noting. People mention the cruise includes long enough breaks for you to eat without stress, then actually get back to the water. That is the difference between a lunch that feels like a checkbox and one that feels like you got a real half-day outing.

Water time that fits you: swimming, snorkeling options, banana boat, and add-ons

The centerpiece here is the anchored swim time. Once the boat drops anchor in the bay, you can swim, take part in water activities, and use the underwater viewing. The experience is described as offering snorkeling as a possibility, so if that is running that day, this is when it typically makes sense.

Then you get a clear hit of action via the banana boat ride. Reviews also mention people making time for other on-board fun like slide or swim loops, and the banana ride is consistently treated as part of the highlight mix.

Two good practical notes based on real feedback:

• The banana boat ride can be shorter than you expect, one person timed it around 1.5 minutes. So keep expectations flexible. It is included, but it is not a long, all-day water session.
• Optional extras exist, and you might be offered them on board. The listed add-ons include jetski and parasailing that you can purchase on the boat.

If you like being active, you can stack add-ons. If you prefer a calmer day, the core activities are still enough: swim time, underwater viewing, and deck lounging with drinks and music.

Also, one review mentions an optional cave trip being offered for an extra fee (€10 was cited). That is not presented as included in the base details, so treat it as an add-on you may be able to buy depending on how the operator runs the day.

Wildlife sightings: dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, with no pressure

This is a big part of the appeal, but the operator is clear that sightings are not guaranteed. Along the route you can occasionally see flying fish, turtles, and dolphins. That phrasing is honest, and it keeps the trip fun even on a no-sighting day.

When dolphins do show up, it tends to turn a good cruise into a memorable one, which is why this tour gets recommended so often. But if the sea mood is not right for wildlife, the rest of the experience still holds up, especially because the tour includes anchored swimming, underwater viewing, and the included lunch-and-drinks block.

My advice is simple: stay present. Keep an eye on the water, but do not let the entire day depend on one moment. In other words, treat wildlife as a bonus, not the reason you booked.

Price and value around $47: what you actually get for the money

At about $47 per person for a 4-hour outing, the value comes from bundling. You are not just paying for time on a boat. You are paying for:

• a set sailing route along the south coast
• lunch in an anchored bay
• drinks that depend on the pack you choose
• a banana boat ride
• glass-bottom / underwater viewing

That combination makes the tour easier to justify than piecing together separate activities on your own. You get one ticket that turns into a full half-day plan.

It also helps that the experience is described as tailored to preferences, with the option to add paid activities if you want more adrenaline. So you can go moderate, or you can go loud, without losing the baseline value.

Two small considerations on cost come up from feedback:

• Some riders mention extra fees for specific spots on the boat, like middle beds. If that matters to you, ask on board or choose seating early.
• Packs can affect what you get. One review noted confusion about how certain “advanced” inclusions are tracked, so if you care about a specific drink or meal upgrade, double-check what your booking includes before you settle in.

Who should book this catamaran cruise, and who might skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you want a sea day that is:

• family-friendly in how it offers easy water fun
• good for mixed skill levels because swimming and deck time are options
• built for people who want views plus activities, not one or the other

It can also work well for visitors staying around Puerto Rico or nearby areas who want to see the south coast from a different angle without a long day.

I would be cautious if:

• you get motion sick easily (choppy water is the one real risk mentioned)
• you expect long, repeated rides on the banana boat, the included ride can be brief
• you want deep, guided snorkeling instruction. This is more a structured cruise with swim time and underwater viewing than a specialty dive course

Should you book this Puerto Rico boat trip on Gran Canaria?

If you want an organized south-coast catamaran day with lunch, drinks, a banana boat ride, and underwater viewing, this is the kind of booking that usually pays off. The price feels reasonable because you are not just buying transportation, you are buying time on the water with built-in food and activities.

I would book it if your priority is a relaxed half-day: good atmosphere, coastline views, and the chance for dolphins or turtles. I would rethink it if you hate waves, because the sea conditions can matter more than almost anything else on a boat day.

If you do book, bring swimwear and sunscreen, and consider something for motion sensitivity if that is your issue. Then let the schedule do its job, you will have a clear plan from pickup or meeting point to drop-off, plus plenty of ways to spend those four hours at sea.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is listed as 4 hours.

Where do I meet the tour boat?

Meet at Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, close from the gas station. The boat name is Princesa Ico.

Is pickup available from hotels or other areas?

Pickup is optional. The listed pickup times include Clinica Roca – San Agustin (9:10), Hotel Tropical – Playa del Ingles (9:20), C.C. Yumbo (10:00), and Casino Meloneras (10:10).

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, and drinks depend on the pack:

• Basic Pack: water and soft drinks
• Full Park: beer, mojito, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, and banana tour

What water activities are included, and can I buy extras?

The included activities mention banana boat ride and swimming/water activities during the anchored time, plus underwater viewing via glass-bottom elements. Jetski and parasailing are possible to purchase on the boat.

Are dolphins, turtles, or flying fish guaranteed?

No. You can occasionally see flying fish, turtles, and dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I cancel for a full refund and pay later?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.