Morning cruise

REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA

Morning cruise

  • 5.0509 reviews
  • 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $99.16
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Operated by Exclusive Boat · Bookable on Viator

Cruising the coast like this feels personal, not crowded. You get a small-boat ride (max 18), with time to swim and snorkel along Gran Canaria’s cliffs and hidden coves. I also really like the way the trip gives you included lunch and unlimited drinks without turning it into a long, boring bus-and-boat shuffle. One thing to keep in mind: the sea can be choppy some mornings, and you’ll be on the water enough to feel it if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Your morning starts at Puerto Rico harbour, with a westbound cruise that treats the coastline like your onboard lesson. The crew points out cliffs and caves as you go, and you get gear to use right away at the first stop. My other favorite part is the mix of choices: snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddle boards, and even fishing for fun. The only drawback is that jet ski and parasailing aren’t included, so if you want them you’ll pay extra.

Key highlights at a glance

Morning cruise - Key highlights at a glance

  • Max 18 passengers means more elbow room on deck and less waiting for equipment
  • Unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, sangria, beer) keep things relaxed on the water
  • Snorkel gear included plus kayak and stand-up paddle boards for active time
  • Lunch is included and served on the second stop, with a fresh, filling meal
  • West coast scenery focuses on cliffs, caves, and “swim off the boat” moments

A small-group catamaran cruise that actually feels small

Morning cruise - A small-group catamaran cruise that actually feels small
This is a morning cruise designed for comfort and space. The big headline is the group size: up to 18 passengers. On a catamaran, that changes everything. You’re not stuck sitting in a queue for a drink. You can find shade when you want it, then move to the sun when the weather cooperates.

The boat experience itself also leans toward easy-going comfort. In the reviews I read, people talked about having plenty of space to stretch out, plus smooth access for swimming. One detail that stuck with me: some boats like this encourage you to remove shoes when you board, so the deck stays tidy and more comfortable for moving around barefoot or in socks.

The ride is built for a few hours of “do stuff, then relax.” That’s why you see so many repeat positives about swimming, snorkelling, and water toys being genuinely usable instead of just a quick stop-and-go photo moment.

Potential drawback: if your stomach doesn’t love boats, you should plan ahead. The cruise involves open-water cruising and you’ll be stationary at swim stops for some time. If you get nauseous easily, consider bringing anti-sickness tablets and keep your eyes on the horizon when the water shifts.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Gran Canaria

Puerto Rico departure at 10:30: westbound cliffs, caves, and coastal views

Morning cruise - Puerto Rico departure at 10:30: westbound cliffs, caves, and coastal views
You meet in Puerto Rico at Calle Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The start time is 10:30 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

From there, you head west along Gran Canaria’s coastline. The trip isn’t just transportation; it’s a guided coastline cruise in practical form. The onboard crew explains the cliffs and caves you pass, so you get something more than scenery without needing to read a museum placard.

Here’s what you can expect from the “coastline lesson” style of cruising:

  • You’ll see dramatic rock formations and coastal cuts as you move along the shoreline.
  • The commentary helps you make sense of what you’re looking at while you’re already relaxed on the boat.
  • The pace keeps the vibe slow enough to enjoy the view and still reach your swim time on schedule.

A couple of notes that matter for your planning. First, the cruise is weather-dependent. Second, it’s scheduled as about 4 hours 30 minutes, but the flow you’ll experience can feel closer to a full morning with the sailing, two stops, and included lunch.

Stop 1: the first swim stop you’ll actually use

At the first stop, you get the “water time” that makes this cruise worth it. This is where you’ll swim, snorkel, and use the free equipment.

The included water activities are listed clearly:

  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Kayak
  • Stand-up paddle boards (SUP)
  • Fishing for fun

And yes, you’re not limited to one option. You can float with snorkel gear, then switch to a paddle board or kayak when you feel like it. That flexibility is a real value point. Some boat tours give you one short chance to try one thing; here you’ve got multiple ways to spend your time.

What it’s like in real terms: you can choose “active” or “lazy.” If you want photos, snorkel. If you want a workout that feels like fun, paddle board. If you want to do nothing, just find a spot and enjoy the quiet.

A possible bonus: wildlife sightings

The coast is alive with sea life, and on some days people report seeing dolphins. You shouldn’t plan your morning around it, but it’s the kind of thing that can pop up when the water is calm and the boat has good visibility.

Stop 2 lunch: included food on the water, not back at a restaurant

The second stop is where the cruise shifts from playtime to fuel. Lunch is included in the price, and it’s served during the second stop.

In the reviews I read, the lunch was consistently described as plentiful and fresh. People mentioned a choice such as chicken or tuna, along with sides like salad, potatoes, and bread. The detail I liked most here is the “served on the water” feeling. This isn’t you rushing to land to eat. You eat while the day is still rolling.

One neat operational detail that came up: lunch was delivered by someone in a kayak during at least some trips. That kind of staff work matters because it keeps the flow smooth. You’re not waiting around while people figure things out.

A few more Gran Canaria tours and experiences worth a look

Drinks are unlimited during the cruise

This is another reason the price feels fair. You get unlimited drinks during the trip, including:

  • Water
  • Soft drinks
  • Beer
  • Sangria

The drinks being included matters because it removes decision fatigue. You don’t have to keep calculating cost per drink while you’re already on vacation mode. If you’re the type who wants something a bit celebratory, you’ll likely enjoy the sangria and beer during the ride and at the stops.

Small consideration: the drinks included are clearly listed, but jet ski and parasailing are not. If you want those adrenaline add-ons, you’ll plan for extra spending.

What you really get for $99.16: value beyond the sticker price

Morning cruise - What you really get for $99.16: value beyond the sticker price
At $99.16 per person, the headline question is: do you actually get enough to justify it?

For me, the value comes from the combination of items that are usually paid separately on other trips:

  • Snorkelling equipment provided
  • Kayak and stand-up paddle boards included
  • Lunch included
  • Unlimited drinks included

When you break it down, you’re buying a half-day boat experience with built-in activities and food. That’s the kind of package that adds up fast if you try to assemble it yourself at the dock.

Also, the max-18 group size helps the value feel more “real.” If you’re sharing the boat with fewer people, the space you’re paying for becomes usable space, not just marketing.

A fair caution: if you want jet ski or parasailing and you’re hoping they’re included, they’re not. But if you’re happy to swim, snorkel, and paddle around, this is exactly the type of setup that makes the price feel on point.

Snorkelling and paddle boards: how to make the most of the included gear

Morning cruise - Snorkelling and paddle boards: how to make the most of the included gear
The included gear is one of the strongest parts of this trip. It’s not a “maybe you’ll get it” situation; snorkel equipment, kayak time, and SUP time are all part of what’s offered.

Snorkel tips that actually help

To get the best snorkeling time:

  • Put your snorkel gear on as soon as you can at the swim stop. Waiting until you’re tired means you’ll use less time in the water.
  • When you’re floating, keep breathing calm and slow. It helps you look around instead of panicking about water.
  • If the water is clear, move slowly. You’ll see more fish and rocks.

Not every stop has the same visibility, and no one can promise a specific fish count. But the whole point is that you’re given the gear so you can go exploring right away.

Paddle boards and kayaks: choose your comfort level

The included kayaks and SUP boards are great because they offer different rhythms:

  • Kayak: more stable, easier to focus on direction and drift.
  • SUP: more “on top of the water,” and it can feel like a mini workout.

Even if you don’t ride for long, it’s fun to try. And if you’d rather not do it, you can still enjoy the boat deck and the swim-by-floats with snorkel gear.

Pack light, but smart

Based on what people advise, I’d bring:

  • A light jacket or layer for the boat ride (even mornings can cool off)
  • A swimsuit you’re ready to use right away
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

You don’t need a whole backpack of stuff, but you do need to be prepared for time in the sun and time in the water.

Pickup, meeting point, and timing: the part that decides how smooth your day feels

Morning cruise - Pickup, meeting point, and timing: the part that decides how smooth your day feels
The meeting point is in Puerto Rico harbour at Calle Puerto Base. Start time is 10:30 am, and the tour returns to that same location.

Hotel pickup is offered, with a key limitation

Hotel pickup is available, but only from certain areas. Pickup locations are listed as:

  • Bahia feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito and Mogán

It’s also clearly stated that they do not pick up from Las Palmas.

So here’s a practical tip: confirm whether your hotel is in that pickup zone. If it’s not, plan to get to Puerto Rico on your own, because the boat is starting on time.

Getting there directly

If you don’t want pickup, you can come directly to Puerto Rico (Puerto Base harbour). The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you’re using bus or local transport.

Timing reality check

The tour is listed around 4 hours 30 minutes, and many people experience it as a complete morning with sailing plus two activity blocks plus lunch. That makes it a solid option when you want a day out but don’t want a full day commitment.

Small consideration from operation: the experience depends on being punctual. In at least one review, people stressed that transfers were easy, but they also said to arrive early so you’re not stressed at boarding time.

Who this cruise is best for (and who might prefer something else)

Morning cruise - Who this cruise is best for (and who might prefer something else)
This is a strong match if you want:

  • A relaxed boat day with swimming and gear included
  • A smaller-group feel where deck space matters
  • A plan that balances active water time with comfortable sitting time
  • Included food and drinks so you can keep your budget under control

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with friends or as a couple and want the same day to include both scenery and activity. The cruise doesn’t lock you into one lane.

Consider this if…

  • You’re prone to sea sickness: bring protection and keep your eyes on the horizon.
  • You want a heavy “history lecture” style of tour: this is more about being on the water and enjoying it, not a long formal talk.
  • You’re craving adrenaline add-ons: jet ski and parasailing are not included, though they’re available for extra cost.

Should you book this morning cruise?

Morning cruise - Should you book this morning cruise?
If you like boat days with real time in the water, I think this cruise is an easy yes. Max 18 passengers plus snorkelling gear, kayak, SUP, lunch, and unlimited drinks is a lot packed into one morning. It’s also the kind of plan that feels good for first-timers and comfortable for people who’ve been on boat tours before.

Book it if:

  • You want space and calm more than a big-party atmosphere
  • You’re happy with swimming and paddling instead of needing jet ski included
  • You want included lunch and drinks without extra stops

Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if:

  • You need a tour that’s focused on long explanations on land
  • You’re hoping everything, including parasailing or jet ski, is included in the base price
  • You’re very sensitive to motion and can’t manage it with preparation

If your goal is a smooth, scenic morning out of Puerto Rico with practical water time, this cruise is one of the best ways to do it.

FAQ

How many passengers are on this cruise?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 18 passengers.

What time does the cruise start, and how long is it?

It starts at 10:30 am and runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes (approximately).

What’s included with the ticket?

Lunch is included, along with unlimited drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria). Snorkelling equipment is provided, and you can use kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Fishing for fun is also included.

Where do I meet, and is hotel pickup offered?

You meet at Calle Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. Pickup is offered from listed areas such as San Agustín, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, and Mogán, but pickup is not offered from Las Palmas.

Are jet ski and parasailing included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are not included, though water sports may be available at discounted prices.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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