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

Dolphins and lunch on the same boat. I like this trip because it’s low-stress fun with a proper snack-and-sip lunch stop, plus lots of time for the water instead of endless sitting. The crew runs a friendly ship, and the route often lines up with marine sightings like flying fish, turtles, and dolphins (not guaranteed). One possible drawback: if the sea is choppy on your day, the ride can feel rough, so bring motion-sickness meds just in case.

I also appreciate the mix of “just relax” and “jump in and play.” You can sunbathe, swim, and watch fish from underwater viewing gear, and the activity menu can scale from gentle to thrill-seeking. The main thing to watch is whether you’re choosing the Basic or Full pack, since the included food and drinks change.

Key highlights I’d plan my trip around

• Princesa Ico starts close to the action in Puerto Rico’s Puerto Base harbor, so you don’t waste your morning hunting directions.
• Glass-bottom viewing turns the sea into an instant attraction, even on days when wildlife is quiet.
• A real swim-and-lunch bay stop gives you time to cool off and actually enjoy the water, not just a quick dip.
• Banana boat fun is included, and it’s a good energy boost for families and mixed ages.
• Food and drinks match the price—especially with the Full pack option that adds beer and mojito.

Princesa Ico and the easy start in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

This tour runs out of Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, and the boat’s name is Princesa Ico. That matters because the first hour sets the tone. If you show up near the gas station area and follow the boat name, you’ll get on fast.

You’ll also have some flexibility with pickup. There’s an option to be collected from nearby stops in places like San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and around Gran Casino Costa Meloneras. If you’re staying closer to Puerto Rico, you may just meet at the port. Either way, the goal is simple: get you to the catamaran with minimal fuss.

Once onboard, the vibe is more “holiday cruise” than “tour bus that drives and drives.” You’re on a catamaran with space to lounge—some people love the deck-time with sun, others head straight for the water activities when the boat anchors.

One practical tip: bring a light layer or sun protection. Even in a four-hour trip, the sun can stack up fast when you’re out on open water. And yes, you’ll be near the sea for a good chunk of the day.

Sailing the south coast: cliffs, marine life, and glass-bottom viewing

The route focuses on Gran Canaria’s south coast, where you get big coastal shapes—cliffs, coves, and that “island from the water” perspective that you just don’t get from land viewpoints.

A big part of the entertainment is that the trip isn’t only about stopping somewhere. There’s a glass-bottom boat ride element that lets you see fish from below. Even if your wildlife luck is average, you still get an underwater show. On calm or clear days, this is the best “easy win” for anyone who doesn’t want to suit up.

You also may spot wildlife along the way—flying fish, turtles, and dolphins are possible. The key word is possible. This is nature, not a guarantee, so I’d plan mentally like this: if you see dolphins, it’s a bonus; if you don’t, the day still works because of the scenery and the water stop.

Onboard, there’s music and a relaxed atmosphere. Several people have pointed out that the crew keeps things upbeat without turning it into a chaos circus. If you like a “good vibes, not forced fun” kind of trip, this one fits.

Mogán stretch and banana boat time

At some point during the outing, the itinerary swings toward Mogán. This is where the trip leans more playful. You get more sailing time plus activities that keep the group moving.

The headline included activity here is the banana boat ride. You don’t need special skills. It’s one of those “everyone can try it” moments—perfect for families with teens, friend groups, and people who want to feel like they did something, not just looked at the sea.

One small caution: the ride length can vary. In a couple of experiences, the banana segment felt a bit shorter than expected. It’s still fun, but if you’re counting on this being the full day’s highlight, keep expectations flexible.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this is one of the best parts to get everyone off their phones. If you’re traveling as a couple and want romance, the banana boat might feel a little loud. But you can always do it once, laugh at the chaos, and then go back to deck life.

The anchor-bay lunch stop: swim, underwater viewing, and cave option

The best practical piece of the trip is the exclusive bay anchor where lunch is served. This is where the tour stops being just sailing and becomes a real beach-day substitute—without the crowds and without needing a rental car.

In the bay, you can:

• swim in the sea
• take part in water activities
• admire the bottom of the sea through underwater vision (the gear/visibility setup that lets you see fish below)

Lunch is included, and the drinks are part of the package depending on which pack you choose. Several experiences call out that food service feels organized and quick, which is exactly what you want when you’re hungry and the boat is ready to move. Nobody wants to spend their “best sea time” in a slow line.

There’s also an optional cave experience that some departures offer for an extra fee. One person described paying about €10 for it, and said it included a motorboat ride to reach the caves along the rocky coast. If you’re the type who likes adding a little land-adjacent adventure without planning it yourself, this can be a smart add-on.

What I like about this setup: it’s not one-and-done. You get time to swim, time to eat, and time to reset. And if you’re seasick-prone, anchoring in calmer water can make the day feel much more comfortable.

On-board water sports: what’s included vs what you buy

The trip includes fun at sea, but it also gives you options to go bigger. Here’s how it breaks down based on what’s offered:

Included by default (part of the experience)

• Banana boat ride
• Glass-bottom viewing
• Swim time and water activities in the anchor bay
• Underwater viewing of fish through the equipment on board

Possible add-ons you can purchase on the boat

• Jetski
• Parasailing

In real life, this means you can tailor the day. If you want a calm cruise with one or two activities, you can keep it simple. If you want more adrenaline, you can pay for the extras on board.

Two practical things to note from real experiences:

1. Optional activities cost extra, so decide before you’re soaked and grinning. It’s easier to budget when you still have a calm brain.
2. Sea conditions matter. One account mentioned that rougher water made many passengers sick. If you’re sensitive, plan ahead. A small dose of motion-sickness help can turn a bad ride into a tolerable one.

And yes, if you’re hoping for dolphin sightings, it helps to stay present. Some days you’re lucky early; some days you won’t. Either way, the water stop is the part that saves your day.

Food, drinks, and the value math for about $47

This is where the tour earns its place in the “good deal” conversation.

Price-wise, you’re looking at around $47 per person for a roughly four-hour outing. For that length of time, you’re getting:

• a catamaran experience on the south coast
• lunch
• included drinks (water, soft drinks, and depending on pack: beers and mojito)
• the included banana boat ride
• plus the glass-bottom component

That’s a lot of “vacation moments” packed into one ticket. And it’s not just theoretical. Multiple experiences describe the crew as friendly and service as organized, with drinks and food handled quickly.

The biggest variable is the pack option:

• Basic pack: water and soft drinks
• Full pack: beer and mojito plus a meal that includes items like salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes (plus banana tour)

If you’re traveling with a group, the Full pack can make the math cleaner because you’re not paying separately once onboard. If you’re the kind of person who only wants a soft drink and wants to spend on photos and souvenirs instead, Basic can still make sense. Either way, I’d choose based on what you’ll actually drink and eat, not what you wish you drank on vacation.

One more value note: there have been mentions of free shots on the return leg. That’s not something I’d count on as your deciding factor, but it’s consistent with the overall party-lite vibe.

Getting the most out of the deck: timing, seating, and comfort

This trip is short enough that comfort choices matter. You’re out for hours, not days, so you want to pick a spot and enjoy it.

A few experiences mention:

• comfy chairs and sun decks
• people actively using top deck space for tanning
• clean boat conditions and efficient crew

There are also a couple of “read the room” details you should know:

• Seating can vary by location, and one person mentioned a possible extra charge to sit on certain beds in the middle.
• If you’re planning to spend most of the trip in one spot, it’s worth boarding early or asking where the best view is for your preference.

Timing can also vary a bit by departure. One departure account said it left around 10:45 and returned around 4:00. Even if your day runs slightly different, the key pattern stays: sailing time in the morning/early part, a lunch and swim bay stop, then return.

Bring small items that make the day smoother:

• sunscreen
• a towel or quick-dry layer (you can get wet even if you’re not doing every activity)
• motion-sickness meds if you’re unsure about boat rides

Who should book this catamaran trip (and who should reconsider)

I’d book this if you want a fun, social, water-based day without committing to a full-day excursion that requires nonstop driving. It’s especially good for:

• families with mixed ages (there are activities for kids and space to relax for adults)
• friend groups who want a relaxed day with an included thrill
• couples who like the ocean and don’t mind shared boat energy

I’d think twice if:

• you get motion sick easily and don’t plan to medicate
• you need a quiet, private experience. This is a shared catamaran, and even when it’s not crowded, it’s still an active group environment.
• you’re expecting a guaranteed dolphin show. You can be lucky, but nature decides.

That said, the trip is designed so that even without wildlife, you still have the underwater viewing and the swim bay to carry the day.

Should you book? The bottom line on Princesa Ico

Book it if you want a high-value ocean outing that includes lunch, drinks, and a real water stop plus the banana boat ride. It’s one of those tickets that’s simple to use: show up, sail, eat, swim, and enjoy the south coast from a different angle.

Skip or choose Basic pack more carefully if you don’t drink much or you’re truly sensitive to waves. If you’re unsure about seasickness, plan ahead. If your day is calm, you’ll likely feel like this is the best kind of “half-day adventure.”

If you want to add an extra layer, ask about any cave option on the day. It’s not listed as a default part of the core experience from the info here, but it has been offered as an add-on for at least some departures.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

It lasts about 4 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed at $47 per person.

What’s included with the tour?

Lunch is included, and drinks are included as part of the pack. The banana boat ride is included, and there’s also a glass-bottom boat ride component.

Are dolphins, turtles, and flying fish guaranteed?

No. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling available?

Snorkeling is mentioned as a possibility, and you can definitely swim and do water activities during the bay stop. You can also view fish through underwater vision equipment.

Are jetski and parasailing included?

No. Jetski and parasailing are possible to purchase on the boat.

Where do I meet the boat?

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

Does the tour offer pickup?

Pickup is optional, with stops listed in locations like Clinica Roca (San Agustín), Hotel Tropical (Playa del Inglés), and around Casino Meloneras and other nearby points.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.