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

Dolphins and mojitos on a 4-hour sail. This Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria boat trip mixes southern-coast scenery with real time in the water, plus lunch and an easygoing party atmosphere on the catamaran. I especially like the friendly crew (Sergio and Abdera are named by guests) and the mix of included fun: banana boat ride, a glass-bottom look at the sea, and anchoring in a bay for swimming. One thing to consider: the sea can get choppy, and a few people reported feeling sick when conditions weren’t smooth.

I also like that the value is built in. You’re paying for a full half-day at sea, not just transportation, with lunch and drinks included as part of the onboard experience. The main drawback is that wildlife sightings like dolphins are exciting but not guaranteed.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Princesa Ico departs from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, with optional hotel pickup.
• Glass-bottom viewing helps you enjoy marine life even if the water is windy.
• One big anchored bay stop gives you real swimming time, not just a quick dip.
• Included banana boat ride plus optional add-ons like jet ski and parasailing.
• Drink and meal level depends on your pack, from soft drinks to beer and mojito.

Why This 4-Hour Catamaran Works for Gran Canaria’s South Coast

This is the kind of outing that fits when you want ocean time without committing to a full day. Gran Canaria’s south coast (around Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and Mogán) is all about cliffs, small coves, and long stretches of warm water. From the boat, you see the coastline in a way you just can’t replicate from the road.

What makes it especially practical is the structure. You cruise out, then you anchor in an exclusive bay for lunch and water time, then you head back to port. That rhythm matters. It keeps the trip relaxed, and you’re not stuck racing from one viewpoint to another.

Also, the vibe is clear from the way the experience is run. Music on board, sun decks, and crew who actually seem to enjoy hosting. More than once, people highlight how friendly and attentive the staff are, including names like Yeray, Sergio, and Abdera.

Getting to Princesa Ico: Meeting Point and Optional Pickup Timing

Your meeting point is straightforward. Come to Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, close to the gas station, and look for the boat named Princesa Ico. If you prefer to skip the walk and taxi hassle, pickup is optional and offered from a handful of hotels/areas.

Pickup times listed are:

• Clinica Roca – San Agustín: 9:10
• Hotel Tropical – Playa del Inglés: 9:20
• C.C. Yumbo – C.C. Yumbo: 10:00
• Gran Casino Costa Meloneras: 10:10

After the trip, there are multiple drop-off locations back in the same general areas. If you’re staying closer to Puerto Rico, meeting at the harbor is usually the simplest way to avoid being herded onto a bus for transfers.

Wheelchair access is listed as available, which is a plus if you need that for logistics. Still, bring your expectations around boarding steps and deck access realistically, because you’ll be moving from dock to boat to deck during a water-based outing.

Out to Mogán: Scenic Cruising and the Glass-Bottom Experience

The trip is built around moving along the south coast while you settle in. You set sail from Puerto Rico, enjoy scenic views, and there’s also a glass-bottom boat component. This is handy because not every day is equally calm or clear, but the glass-bottom viewing helps you keep the “see the sea” part of the experience going.

There’s also mention of a hop-on style stop during the outing. That usually means the boat collects additional passengers at a point along the route. The practical takeaway: expect a little natural flow in the group count and a short window where you might see people arriving or leaving, even though it’s still the same overall trip.

As you continue toward Mogán, the energy tends to shift. The early cruising segment is more about relaxing and taking photos. Later, the experience turns more active, leading into the time in the anchored bay where the water activities happen.

The Anchored Bay Stop: Lunch, Underwater Vision, and Real Swim Time

The heart of the trip is the anchoring in an exclusive bay. This is where you get the most value out of the 4 hours. You’re not just sailing past scenery; you’re stopped long enough to swim, cool off, and take part in on-water fun.

Here’s what you can expect in that bay:

• Lunch is served
• Swimming time (with calm-water conditions when you’re anchored)
• Underwater vision/glass-bottom-style viewing so you can admire fish and what’s below the surface

One of the smartest decisions you can make on board is when to eat. If the bay is calm, eat early, then shift into water mode. If you’re heat-sensitive, plan the swim for a slightly cooler moment after lunch. With sun decks available, it’s easy to overdo it—especially if you’ve already walked around Puerto Rico before boarding.

Also, this is where you’ll often find the most “wow” moments. Even on days when dolphins don’t show up, fish in clear water and cliffside scenery still feel like a proper marine outing.

Banana Boat Time and Optional Thrill Rides (Jetski, Parasailing, Cave)

The trip includes a banana boat ride. That matters because it’s one of the few activities that works for both thrill-seekers and people who just want something fun without planning gear. From the way the outing is described, the banana boat is part of the fun package from start to finish, and it’s generally a highlight for families and groups.

Beyond the included ride, you can add extra adrenaline. Jetski and parasailing are possible to purchase on the boat. That’s great if you want to choose your own intensity level. It also means you’re not forced into a high-cost add-on if you just want the cruise, lunch, and swim.

A few people also mention a cave tour as an optional extra, and some say it’s worth paying for. The cave idea fits the coastline theme of Gran Canaria’s south: rocky edges, hidden pockets, and places you’d never reach from shore. If you’re the type who likes photos and short scenic detours, it’s the kind of add-on that can upgrade the trip from fun to memorable.

Practical note: at least one passenger reported that sitting in certain areas (like middle beds) may involve an extra fee. So if you’re picky about where you lie back and sunbathe, ask on board about seating before you settle in.

Wildlife Sightings: Dolphins, Turtles, and Flying Fish Are a Bonus

You might spot dolphins, turtles, and flying fish while you cruise. It’s not guaranteed, and the trip is honest about that. Still, it’s worth understanding why this matters.

When conditions line up, dolphins can appear right alongside the boat, and the whole deck tends to light up fast. People specifically mention dolphins swimming near them as a key reason they’d recommend the trip again.

Even when dolphins are absent, the day can still feel rich because you’re getting:

• Anchored water time
• Underwater viewing
• Snacking/lunch + drinks
• Multiple activity options onboard

One traveler noted they even saw a hammerhead shark during their trip, along with turtles and flying fish. Again, not something to count on every day, but it’s a reminder that the south coast waters can be unexpectedly alive.

Food and Drinks at Sea: What’s Included and What Changes by Pack

Food and drinks are a big part of why this trip feels worth the money. The experience includes lunch, and drinks are included too. The exact drink and meal depth depends on which pack you choose.

You’ll see two pack options:

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

This is where value thinking helps. If you’re the type who mostly drinks water or soda, Basic makes sense. If you want a true “vacation mode” half-day, Full Park is the better match because it adds beer and mojito and a more complete meal.

A few people also mention the food quality as a clear positive, with meals served in a well-organized way. In plain terms: they’re feeding you on schedule, so you’re not stuck waiting while the best swim time melts away.

If you’re sensitive to alcohol, keep an eye on timing. It’s easy to get sun-warmed quickly on deck. Drink water alongside anything stronger, then go for the swim.

Price and Value: Is $47 a Fair Deal for 4 Hours?

At $47 per person for a 4-hour trip, this is priced like an “all-in” activity rather than a barebones cruise. The value comes from the combination:

• Lunch included during the anchored stop
• Drinks included (at least water/soft drinks in Basic)
• Banana boat ride included
• Glass-bottom/underwater viewing elements
• A full half-day on a catamaran with music and deck time

If you compare this to piecing together separate activities—like a paid boat tour, separate water sports, and then food—you see why it adds up. You’re paying for one bundled experience that covers both relaxation and action.

The only real “watch-outs” are the parts that can be variable:

• Sea conditions (choppy water can affect people’s stomachs)
• Wildlife sightings (dolphins and turtles aren’t guaranteed)
• Optional add-ons (cave, jetski, parasailing) that can increase your total cost if you say yes to everything

But if you go in expecting an ocean day with included fun rather than a guaranteed dolphin safari, the value is strong.

Practical Tips: Seats, Sea Sickness, and How to Get the Best Day

A few practical choices can make a big difference on a boat trip like this.

1) Plan for sea conditions

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing your usual remedy. One passenger reported that the water was choppy enough that many people felt sick. Anchored time is usually calmer, but the cruising segments can still move.

2) Use the deck strategically

There are sun decks, plus comfy places to sit and enjoy the ride. If you want shade or cooler air, aim to position yourself earlier rather than waiting until the boat is already moving.

3) Choose timing for swim + food

Eat and drink, then go in for swimming once you feel settled. That avoids rushing when the bay is calling and you’re still thinking about lunch.

4) Ask about seating if you care about location

Because at least one guest reported that some seating areas may cost extra (like middle beds), don’t assume every spot is the same. Ask early so you can adjust before you get comfortable.

5) Go with a flexible mindset

If you’re expecting dolphins as a sure thing, you’ll be disappointed on the unlucky days. If you’re treating wildlife as a bonus while the anchored bay swim and included activities do the heavy lifting, you’re more likely to enjoy the whole day.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This trip is a great fit for:

• Families with teens who want both action and downtime
• Couples who want a scenic half-day with lunch and drinks
• Groups of friends who like a social atmosphere and on-board music
• Anyone staying in the Puerto Rico area who wants an easy, pre-packaged ocean outing

It might be less ideal for:

• People who strongly dislike boats or motion (even though the time at anchor helps)
• Anyone who needs quiet and minimal activity onboard
• Travelers who want a highly structured, museum-style tour instead of a day that balances food, swim time, and play

Should You Book the Princesa Ico Boat Trip from Puerto Rico?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a simple, included-value half-day at sea. For the $47 price, you’re getting lunch, drinks (level depends on Basic vs Full Park), a banana boat ride, and time anchored in an exclusive bay with swimming and underwater viewing. Add optional extras like jetski, parasailing, or a cave trip if you want to spend more for more thrills.

I’d book with one mindset: treat wildlife sightings as a bonus, not the whole reason. If you do that, you’ll still get a solid Gran Canaria coastal experience—cliffs, warm water, and that easy “vacation on a boat” energy.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is 4 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $47 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is pickup available, and what time does it start?

Pickup is optional. Times listed include 9:10 from Clinica Roca in San Agustín, 9:20 from Hotel Tropical in Playa del Inglés, 10:00 from C.C. Yumbo, and 10:10 from Gran Casino Costa Meloneras. Drop-off locations are also listed in the same areas.

What’s included in the Basic Pack?

Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks.

What’s included in the Full Park Pack?

Full Park includes beer, mojito, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, and the banana tour ride.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included in the experience.

Are dolphins or turtles guaranteed?

No. Sightings like flying fish, turtles, and dolphins are possible, but not guaranteed.

What water activities are included or available?

You’ll have time to swim during the anchored stop. Jetski and parasailing are possible to purchase on the boat, and there’s also mention of snorkeling as a possibility.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a reserve now, pay later option?

Yes. You can reserve and pay later.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed as available.