REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA
Best Private Yacht in Gran Canaria
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Nirvana Dreams · Bookable on GetYourGuide
If you want Gran Canaria without the crowds, this helps. You get a private yacht with captain and crew, plus a personalized playlist so the trip feels like your day, not a schedule. I also like the built-in water time: snorkeling gear and two stand-up paddle boards are ready when you are. One key consideration: it’s not suitable for pregnant women.
From the moment the van shows up, the pace feels organized and relaxed. The crew is led by Mario on hosting and coordination, with Captain Luis running the day on the water. Expect quick transitions, friendly service, and plenty of sun-time on the large sunbeds—perfect if you’d rather spend your hours on the coast than waiting around.
In This Review
- Key Things That Make This Yacht Charter Great
- Why a Private Yacht on Gran Canaria Feels Worth It
- Pickup From the South: Getting to the Yacht Without Stress
- Nirvana Dreams Yacht: The 40 ft Astondoa Setup and Onboard Comfort
- Your Day, Your Music: How the Custom Playlist Changes Everything
- Coast Time That Doesn’t Feel Like a Crowd: Anchoring and Views
- Snorkeling Gear and Two SUP Boards: What You’ll Actually Do
- Drinks and Tapas: The Open Bar Part You’ll Notice
- Jet Ski, Parasailing, and a Sea Scooter: Optional Extras With Clear Costs
- Duration Options: Choosing 3 vs 7 Hours Like a Pro
- What to Bring (So the Day Stays Effortless)
- Who This Charter Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
- The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Private Yacht?
- FAQ
- How much does this private yacht charter cost?
- How long is the yacht experience?
- Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?
- How long is the van transfer?
- What’s included on board?
- What activities cost extra?
- Is there an open bar and food?
- What should I bring?
- Is it suitable for everyone?
- FAQ
- What cancellation options do I have?
- Do you pick up outside hotels or villas?
- What languages can the driver speak?
- Are towels and sunscreen included?
- Is this a private group experience?
Key Things That Make This Yacht Charter Great

- Custom playlist control so the music matches your group vibe
- 40 ft Astondoa 40’ open yacht that’s comfortable and moves fast
- Snorkeling gear + 2 SUP boards included for real water time
- Open bar and tapas snacks that keep the sail from feeling dry
- Pickup across the south with multiple options and a quick van ride
Why a Private Yacht on Gran Canaria Feels Worth It

Gran Canaria is easy to enjoy, but popular viewpoints and beach clubs can get busy fast. What makes this charter smart is that you skip the “everyone lines up together” feeling. You sail as a private group of up to 8, with your own captain and crew handling the sailing, anchoring, and day flow.
Two things I’d highlight right away. First, the personalized playlist is not a gimmick. Music is half the mood on a boat, and choosing your own playlist helps the whole trip feel personal. Second, the included snorkeling gear and stand-up paddle boards turn it from a cruise into an active day on the water. You’re not just watching the coastline; you’re in it.
The value logic is simple: a private yacht day usually costs more than a group tour, but you’re also paying for space, service, and included gear. With the open bar, tapas snacks, and water equipment included, you’re not constantly topping up during the sail.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Gran Canaria
Pickup From the South: Getting to the Yacht Without Stress

This is one of those experiences where logistics can make or break the mood—and here, it’s designed to feel easy. You get pickup in the south part of Gran Canaria from one of four areas: Puerto de Mogán, Mogán, Maspalomas, or Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Pickup is outside your hotel or villa, and you’ll meet a driver with a white mini van displaying a Nirvana Dreams flyer, with the driver wearing a Nirvana Dreams T-shirt.
Once you’re in the van, the ride is about 20 minutes. That’s long enough to get you to the marina area, but short enough that the day still feels like it’s starting right away.
You also get drop-off at four locations: Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán, or Mogán. That matters because it removes the “who’s driving back” problem and keeps your day from turning into a mini project.
Nirvana Dreams Yacht: The 40 ft Astondoa Setup and Onboard Comfort

The yacht you charter is the Nirvana Dreams Yacht, a 40 ft Model Astondoa 40’ open. In plain terms: it’s built for spending time outside, not hiding below deck. You’ll have large sunbeds where you can just relax while the coastline slides by.
Comfort also shows up in how fast you can move. The yacht has powerful motors, so the crew can get you to the next swimming or anchoring spot quickly. That’s a big deal on a 3–7 hour outing—time on the water matters more than waiting around.
On the crew side, Mario is the host you’ll likely spend most of your time with at pickup and during the onboard “how’s your day going” moments. Captain Luis runs the sailing. In the experience reviews, the pairing comes across as practical and friendly—organized, but not stiff. There’s also a fun touch: on some trips, Captain Luis lets kids steer the boat during part of the return ride, which is exactly the kind of memory you’d rather plan than regret.
Your Day, Your Music: How the Custom Playlist Changes Everything

Many “sun cruise” trips feel like they’re happening to you. This one gives you a lever to pull. You can choose a personalized playlist, and you can pick spots where the boat will anchor.
Why this matters: when you’re out on the sea, your group’s energy is what makes the day. Music helps you relax faster, and having a say in where you stop means you’re more likely to find the kind of water time you want—snorkeling, paddling, or plain sunbathing.
If your group is mixed (for example, adults who want calm views plus kids who want activity), this flexibility is where the private charter starts paying off. You’re not stuck with the one-size-fits-all rhythm of a public tour.
Coast Time That Doesn’t Feel Like a Crowd: Anchoring and Views

The core idea is simple: sail out along Gran Canaria’s coast and stop where it feels right. You start with the boat cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, then spend your time enjoying coastal views in peace.
The peace part isn’t just “nice words.” It’s about how your day avoids the bottlenecks that come with larger boat tours—less shuffling, fewer delays, and more control over when you’re in the water.
Practically, you should expect some time of:
- cruising for views,
- anchoring so you can swim, snorkel, or paddle,
- and then regrouping for sun-time and snacks.
The whole rhythm is built around a private-group experience, not a rigid tour checklist.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Gran Canaria
Snorkeling Gear and Two SUP Boards: What You’ll Actually Do

This is one of the best “value” inclusions because you can use it without paying extra once you’re on board. The trip includes snorkeling equipment and two stand-up paddle boards.
You don’t need a background in snorkeling to benefit. Even if you only do a quick look around, snorkeling gear gives you the chance to see underwater detail during the stop. If you’d rather stay on the surface, the SUP boards are a great option. They’re also very group-friendly—someone can paddle while someone else relaxes on the sunbeds.
Bring swimwear and a change of clothes. That’s not just comfort advice; it makes it easier to keep the day carefree once you’ve had your water time. Sunscreen matters too, and here’s the catch: towels and sunscreen aren’t included, so plan ahead (more on that below).
Drinks and Tapas: The Open Bar Part You’ll Notice

The open bar is included and it’s not limited to one beverage. On board you’ll have beer, sangria, bottled water, and Coca-Cola (plus Zero). There’s also Fanta and apple juice options.
That helps with the “boat day” vibe, especially if you’re celebrating something or simply want the casual luxury of not thinking about refills.
You’ll also get tapas snacks. These aren’t described as a full meal, so think of it as fuel for a sail—enough to keep everyone happy without turning your day into a meal schedule.
If your group is into food and drinks, the combo of open bar + tapas is a key reason this charter works as a real alternative to restaurants and crowded tour boats.
Jet Ski, Parasailing, and a Sea Scooter: Optional Extras With Clear Costs

This yacht charter can also plug into extra activities if you want more adrenaline. The trip offers water sport discounts for:
- Jet ski: 35€ for 10 minutes
- Parasailing: 35€ for 10 minutes
- Sea scooter: 40 minutes for 40€
A couple of practical tips here. First, only add these if your group truly wants them. The base experience already includes snorkeling and SUP, so you can easily have a full day without extra spending. Second, plan your energy. A jet ski or parasailing session can be intense compared to easy paddling and floating.
Duration Options: Choosing 3 vs 7 Hours Like a Pro

The charter runs 3 to 7 hours, depending on availability and starting times. That range is useful because it lets you match the trip to your actual vacation plans.
A good rule of thumb:
- Choose closer to 3 hours if you want a “best of” boat day, mainly drinks + views + one water stop.
- Choose closer to 7 hours if you want a slower rhythm: cruising, longer anchoring time, snorkeling/SUP use without rushing, and plenty of sunbed time.
If you’re traveling with kids, longer trips can be amazing because there’s time to rotate activities. Still, you’ll want to bring patience and snacks mindset even with tapas included, since boat days run on sea time.
What to Bring (So the Day Stays Effortless)
The basics are straightforward, but I’d follow them closely because some items aren’t provided.
Bring:
- sunglasses
- a hat
- swimwear
- change of clothes
- a towel
- camera
- sunscreen
- comfortable clothes / beachwear
And a smart note: towels and sunscreen aren’t included, so pack them. If you’ve ever done a beach activity without a towel, you already know how quickly it becomes annoying.
You’ll also want sunscreen even on “sunny but breezy” days—boat wind can fool you.
Who This Charter Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
This works best for groups that want a private, flexible sea day. With up to 8 people, it’s a sweet spot for:
- couples who want a special, quieter outing,
- families who want water activities without joining a large group,
- friend groups that want music control and open bar time.
You’ll also like it if you care about avoiding crowds and want to see Gran Canaria’s coastline from a vantage point you can’t get from the shore.
One clear “skip” note: it’s not suitable for pregnant women.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Private Yacht?
Yes, if your ideal Gran Canaria day looks like this: private boat space, real included water toys, and the freedom to anchor where the moment feels right. The combination of personalized music, snorkeling gear, two SUP boards, and an open bar with tapas is exactly what turns a yacht day into something you’ll feel for the whole vacation—not just for a couple photos.
I’d especially book if:
- you’re traveling with family and want kids to have activity time,
- you want a calmer alternative to crowded boat tours,
- you plan to actually use snorkeling/SUP instead of only sitting on the sunbeds.
If you’re on a tight budget or you only want shore-based sightseeing, you might find this feels like too much. But if you’re spending your limited vacation hours on the water, this charter’s inclusions make it feel like the “right kind” of splurge.
FAQ
How much does this private yacht charter cost?
The price is $583 per group, up to 8 people.
How long is the yacht experience?
It runs 3 to 7 hours. Starting times depend on availability.
Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?
Pickup (and also van transport) is offered from Puerto de Mogán, Mogán, Maspalomas, or Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Drop-off is available at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán, or Mogán.
How long is the van transfer?
The van ride is listed as 20 minutes.
What’s included on board?
Included features are a private yacht charter for up to 8, an open bar (beer, sangria, bottled water, Coca-Cola or Zero, and Fanta or apple juice options), tapas snacks, snorkeling equipment, and 2 stand-up paddle boards.
What activities cost extra?
Jet ski is 35€ for 10 minutes, parasailing is 35€ for 10 minutes, and the sea scooter is 40 minutes for 40€.
Is there an open bar and food?
Yes. You get an open bar with beer, sangria, water, and soda options, plus tapas snacks.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable beachwear (plus a camera if you want photos).
Is it suitable for everyone?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women.
FAQ
What cancellation options do I have?
Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Do you pick up outside hotels or villas?
Yes. Pickup is outside your hotel or villa. A driver comes in a white mini van with a Nirvana Dreams flyer, and the driver wears a Nirvana Dreams t-shirt.
What languages can the driver speak?
The driver is listed as speaking Croatian, English, German, Serbian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, and Bosnian.
Are towels and sunscreen included?
No. Towels and sunscreen aren’t included.
Is this a private group experience?
Yes. It’s a private group for up to 8 people.





























