Dolphins are a bonus, not the plan. This 4-hour catamaran cruise out of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria mixes music, scenic cliffs and beaches, and an anchoring stop where you can swim and enjoy included onboard fun.

I especially like the combo of included lunch and drinks (depending on the pack) with time in the water, so you’re not paying extra just to have a good sea day. I also like that you get that underwater look through the glass-bottom setup, which means the trip stays fun even if the sea turtles and dolphins keep their distance.

One consideration: sightings are never guaranteed, and sea conditions can affect comfort. If you’re sensitive to motion, you’ll want to plan for choppier days.

Key highlights worth aiming for

• Underwater viewing for real sea-life spotting via the glass-bottom component
• Lunch plus drinks included (Full Park pack adds beer, mojitos, and a full meal)
• A genuinely active stop with swimming and optional water add-ons you can buy onboard
• Banana boat ride included, with extra thrill options like jet skis and parasailing available
• South-coast “secret beach” vibes, away from the busiest crowds on land
• Wildlife spotting is a lottery: turtles, flying fish, and dolphins can appear, but you’re not promised them

Catamaran day from Puerto Rico: what makes Gran Canaria feel different

There’s something about seeing Gran Canaria from sea level that changes the whole trip. This cruise tracks the island’s south coast by catamaran, with music onboard and views of cliffs and beaches that you simply don’t get from the road.

What makes it feel worthwhile is the pacing. You’re not just sitting and watching from deck chairs. The boat heads out, then you get an anchoring break where the day turns into a proper beach-and-water break with lunch and drinks.

And yes, you might see wildlife. The route is described as a place where flying fish, turtles, and dolphins can show up occasionally. I’d treat that as a bonus mood boost, not the main reason to go.

Finding Princesa Ico: Puerto Base meet-up, pickups, and drop-offs

You’ll meet at Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, close to the gas station. The boat name is Princesa Ico, so look for that on arrival.

If you’re not starting right from Puerto Rico, pickup is optional at several points:

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

At the end, you’re dropped back at multiple locations, including Gran Casino Costa Meloneras and Hospiten Roca, plus two address-based stops listed on the route. That helps if you’re staying in different parts of the south.

One small practical point: because the exact start time depends on availability, confirm the departure time when you book so you don’t arrive half an hour early with your sunscreen still in the suitcase.

South-coast sailing, cliffs, and the wildlife odds (not a promise)

The sailing portion is built around the south coast: beaches, cliffs, and lots of open water deck time. You’ll also get that “keep your eyes peeled” feeling because the route sometimes has sea life like flying fish and turtles, and occasionally dolphins.

Still, the tour description is clear that sightings aren’t guaranteed. That’s actually good news because it sets you up to enjoy the boat trip even on a slower wildlife day. In other words, the cruise isn’t dependent on dolphins to be fun.

Also watch the mood of the sea. One review mentioned that choppy water made many passengers feel sick, even though the trip itself was still lovely. If you tend to get motion sickness, bring your usual remedy and consider sitting somewhere lower and more centered on the boat when you can.

Glass-bottom and underwater viewing: fun even when the water stays calm

This is a cruise where the sea isn’t just scenery. There’s a glass-bottom boat ride / glass-bottom viewing component, so you can look down at fish underwater instead of relying only on what you see above the surface.

This is a smart move for a mixed group—kids, teens, and adults all tend to enjoy it because it’s tangible. When you can actually see fish moving below you, it turns “pretty ocean” into “what’s down there?” That curiosity is a big part of why the sea day works.

Even if wildlife sightings are light that day, the underwater viewing keeps you occupied during the sailing loop. It also makes for great photos without waiting for a perfect dolphin moment that might not come.

A final practical tip: bring a towel and plan for salty spray. The boat experience is outdoors, and even calm days can feel breezy.

Mogán and the banana boat ride: included speed, optional thrill add-ons

Toward the Mogán area, the cruise includes an onboard activity highlight: the banana boat ride. Reviews also mention that families loved the energy here, and that this is one of the easiest ways to turn a “sightseeing cruise” into an active day.

A note on expectations: one review said the banana ride felt short (around 1.5 minutes). So if you’re hoping for a long, repeated run, it may be better to see it as a taste of the action rather than an all-day thrill ride.

You can also purchase extra water sports directly on the boat. The included info calls out that jetski and parasailing aren’t included, but they can be bought onboard if you want to add adrenaline. That’s a nice setup because you can keep the base price and only spend more if you’re in the mood.

If you like caves, there’s also mention of an optional cave trip sold as an add-on. It’s not part of the included package, but people who chose it described it as worth the extra cost.

The anchor-bay swim and lunch party (where the day gets real)

The best part of the cruise is the break anchored in an exclusive bay. This is where you get the included lunch and time to swim, plus opportunities to do water activities from the boat.

The tour description also mentions you can admire the bottom of the sea and its fish through the underwater viewing system during this stop. That matters because it gives the water time a purpose beyond just floating and relaxing.

From the experience details, the lunch and included drinks are served at this anchored point, which helps the schedule feel smooth. Instead of rushing between activities, you settle in, eat, then choose your pace: swim, water fun, or just hang out on deck with sun and music.

A practical comfort tip: if you want shade, plan where you’ll position yourself before lunch. The sun deck is part of the experience, but the bay stop is where people spend the most time, so pick your spot early.

Food and drinks packs: Basic vs Full Park value check

The price can look like a bargain because part of what you get is built into the pack choice. You’ll choose between:

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

If you pick the Full Park pack, you’re essentially paying for a full meal plus a bar-style set of drinks. That’s where the value really shows for groups who want an easy, no-planning meal. Reviews repeatedly praise the food and drinks and also note fast service and a good party vibe.

If you’re on the Basic Pack, you’re still paying for the boat day, the anchoring swim time, and the included activities. Just keep in mind you won’t have beer and mojitos included—your drinks are water and soft drinks as listed.

Also, one review mentioned that free shots were handed out on the return. That isn’t something I’d plan around, but it does fit the overall vibe described: the crew tends to keep the mood up.

Should you book this Puerto Rico boat trip for a Gran Canaria sea day?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward 4-hour catamaran day that mixes scenery with real downtime and simple fun. It’s a good fit for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants sun, music, swimming time, and a solid food-and-drink setup without turning the day into a complicated itinerary.

I’d think twice if you’re very sensitive to motion, because sea conditions can swing comfort levels. Also, go in knowing dolphins and turtles are a bonus, not a promise, so your enjoyment shouldn’t depend on a wildlife sighting.

If you like your vacations balanced—some views, some play, some good food—this is an easy yes. Just confirm your pickup time, bring a towel, and be ready for a relaxed south-coast cruise that feels like a day off, not a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is 4 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

Lunch and drinks are included, and the banana boat ride is part of the included experience. The exact drink and food level depends on the pack you choose.

What drinks and food are included on the Basic vs Full Park packs?

Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks. Full Park includes beer and mojitos, plus a meal with salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes.

Are jet skis or parasailing included?

No. Jetski and parasailing are not included, but you may be able to purchase them on the boat.

Where is the meeting point if I’m starting from Puerto Rico?

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

Is it guaranteed to see dolphins or turtles?

No. Flying fish, turtles, and dolphins may appear occasionally, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Does the tour offer pickup options from other areas?

Yes, pickup is optional. Listed pickup points include Clinica Roca (San Agustín) at 9:10, Hotel Tropical (Playa del Inglés) at 9:20, C.C. Yumbo at 10:00, and Gran Casino Costa Meloneras at 10:10.

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