Best Private Yacht in Gran Canaria

A private yacht cure for beach crowds.

On Gran Canaria’s coast, this charter turns your day into a VIP cruise with your own captain and crew, plus a personalized playlist so the vibe is yours. I like that you get real water time with onboard snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards, not just a slow sightseeing loop. One consideration, it is not suitable for pregnant women, so plan accordingly.

What you’re really buying is control. You choose the feel of the trip, decide when to anchor for swimming, then lounge on the large sunbeds while the open bar keeps things easy. The tradeoff is simple math: it’s a group deal (up to 8 people) at $583 per group, so this is best when you can fill the boat and share the cost.

Key highlights worth planning around

• 40 ft Astondoa comfort: a spacious open yacht that feels fast, stable, and grown-up for a day on the water
• Personal playlist control: you bring your soundtrack, and the cruise matches your mood
• Snorkeling + 2 SUP boards included: you can swim, float, and paddle without paying extra
• Open bar and tapas onboard: beer, sangria, soft drinks, and snacks so you stay out longer
• South-island pickup options: Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Mogán, and Puerto de Mogán are on the menu
• A crowd-avoidant coast route: the whole point is quiet time on the water, away from packed tour boats

Why this yacht charter feels like real Gran Canaria time

If you’ve only done the standard day boat, you already know the problem. You spend half your day waiting, then you rush through the fun in a group of strangers. This charter fixes that by giving you a private yacht, a captain, and a crew, so the schedule bends around your preferences instead of the other way around.

I also love how practical the experience is. You get the essentials for time on the water: snorkeling gear, two stand-up paddleboards, big sunbeds, and an open bar. It’s the kind of setup where you can do a little of everything, but you never feel obligated to do all of it.

There’s also something surprisingly energizing about being on a yacht with powerful motors. When the captain takes you to a new spot quickly, the trip never drags. You feel like the coast is opening up in front of you, instead of being viewed from the same angle for hours.

The yacht and onboard vibe: 40 ft Astondoa, built for lounging

This is a 40 ft Model Astondoa 40 open yacht, which matters more than you might think. Bigger boats tend to feel calmer when you’re moving, and open layouts usually mean more usable space for hanging out, sunbathing, and switching activities without awkward crowding.

From onboard impressions, it’s the “comfortable but not sluggish” feel that people talk about. The yacht has enough power to get you anywhere fast, so you can spend more time actually in the good water, rather than just traveling.

What you’ll enjoy right away:

• Large sunbeds for relaxing (bring your attitude and a hat)
• Open bar onboard, so you do not have to queue for drinks
• Tapas snacks, which are perfect for keeping energy steady between swim sessions

And there’s a social side that doesn’t feel forced. You’re still together as a group of up to 8, but the space lets you spread out. That is a big deal for families and mixed groups, because not everyone has to want the same thing at the same time.

Your playlist, your pace: how the experience stays flexible

Here’s the part that makes this feel personal. You can choose a personalized playlist and then select anchoring spots along the way. Instead of a guide reading off a script, you’re shaping the day like a mini cruise at your own rhythm.

In real life, this is what flexibility looks like:

• If your group wants to swim sooner, you can lean into it.
• If you want a slower, longer anchor session for snorkeling, that becomes the moment.
• If you want to rotate between sunbathing and paddling, the yacht setup makes that easy.

If you love music that sets a mood, this is a smart upgrade. Sound can turn a routine activity into a memory. If you’re traveling with kids, it can also help keep them engaged while you’re waiting for the next swim spot.

Drinks and tapas: the onboard “easy mode”

The open bar is part of why this charter works as a half-day or full-day outing. You get beer and sangria, plus bottled water, Coca-Cola, and options like Coca-Cola Zero and other soft drinks (Fanta or apple-juice are listed). That means you can keep it simple and not stress about each round.

Tapas snacks are included too. This matters because you’re out on the water for 3 to 7 hours. Without food, you end up hungry at the worst time. With snacks, you can snack casually between snorkeling, paddleboard time, and lounging.

One practical thought: plan what you’re wearing and eating for. Sunscreen and saltwater do not mix well with indecision. I recommend you pack light, then commit early to swim time, because once you’re in the rhythm, it’s hard to stop.

Snorkeling gear and 2 stand-up paddleboards included

If you want your day to feel active, not just scenic, the included water gear is the main value driver.

You get:

• Snorkeling equipment onboard
• 2 stand-up paddleboards

Even if you are not a confident snorkeler, snorkeling gear is a low-pressure way to try the water. You can keep it gentle, float, and see what’s around. Same idea with paddleboards. You can take it slow, learn balance in calm water, then build confidence fast once you see how easy it can be.

In my view, the best part is that the gear is there the whole time. You do not have to switch tours or add rentals. You can do a quick snorkel session, then hop on the paddleboard when the mood changes.

Pickup and route: getting to the yacht without stress

The experience starts with pickup in the south part of Gran Canaria. You have four location options:

• Puerto de Mogán
• Mogán
• Maspalomas
• Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

After pickup, there’s about a 20-minute van ride. Then you’re at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for the boat portion. When you finish, you’ll return to one of four drop-off options, which match the pickup areas: Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán, or Mogán.

This is one of those details that changes how enjoyable the day feels. Short transfers mean you’re not burning your morning stuck in traffic. Also, staying in the south keeps the start simple for many hotel areas.

If you’re planning around a family schedule, this is especially helpful. You can still keep the rest of your day flexible for dinner or a quick beach stop after you get dropped off.

How the 3 to 7 hours plays out (and when each length makes sense)

The duration is listed as 3 to 7 hours depending on availability. Here’s how I’d think about it, based on what you’re getting.

3-hour options

Go shorter if:

• You’re traveling with kids who need a clear end time
• You mainly want snorkeling and paddleboard time plus sunbathing
• You’d rather save energy for meals and evening plans

With a shorter cruise, you’ll feel the day is action-focused. You’ll likely do fewer anchor stops, but you’ll still get the core “private yacht” feeling.

6 to 7-hour options

Go longer if:

• You want more time anchored in swim-ready spots
• You want to relax hard, not just sample the water activities
• You’re celebrating something and want a full day on the sea

A longer cruise usually turns into a more complete experience. You can spread activities out, snack more slowly, and enjoy the shift in light and mood as the hours pass.

Open bar is great, but plan your timing and sun

With sunbeds, swimming time, and constant drinks, it is easy to forget basics. I’d treat this as a sun-day first, water-day second. Bring sunglasses and a hat. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes when you arrive. And yes, sunscreen matters because you’re on open water.

Also note towels and sunscreen are not included. Pack them. It sounds obvious, but the best charters lose points when people scramble at the last minute.

And if you are sensitive to sun or heat, schedule your “hang time” early. Once you’re relaxed on the sunbeds, you can end up staying out longer than you planned.

Water sports add-ons: discounts are nice, but check what you want

You’ll see optional water sports discussed with discounts. Jet ski and parasailing are listed with prices if you choose them, and a sea scooter option is also listed.

From the provided info:

• Jet ski: 35 euros for 10 minutes
• Parasailing: 35 euros for 10 minutes
• Sea scooter: 40 euros for 40 minutes
• Tow and other items are not described beyond that

I like the structure here. Your charter already includes snorkeling and paddleboards, so you can keep things simple. If your group includes someone who wants more speed or more thrills, you can add one activity without turning the whole day into an adrenaline event.

If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this setup is ideal. The calmer swimmers and sunbathers get their time, while the adventurous person gets their moment.

Who this charter is best for

This experience is built for small groups. It’s private and up to 8 people, so it fits:

• Families, especially ones who want structure but also freedom on the water
• Couples or small groups who prefer privacy over crowds
• Friend groups who want an easy day, music included, with zero logistics beyond pickup
• Multigenerational trips where not everyone wants the same intensity

It also makes sense if you’re staying in the south of the island, since pickup and drop-off options are set up around that area.

One clear limit: it is not suitable for pregnant women, so skip it for that situation.

Pricing and value: $583 per group can be a steal or a stretch

The price is listed as $583 per group up to 8, lasting 3 to 7 hours. Whether it’s a bargain depends on your group size and what you would otherwise pay for.

Think of it this way:

• If you’re 6 to 8 people, you’re spreading the cost across more bodies, and the value jumps fast, especially because drinks, tapas, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards are included.
• If you’re only 2 to 3 people, you may feel like you’re paying premium pricing for mostly space and privacy. It can still be worth it, but you’re really buying convenience and privacy, not just activities.

The included open bar and the water gear are the key value anchors. If you’d normally buy drinks all day and rent water toys separately, the included items start to feel like real savings.

Real-world notes on hosts and service

The experience is run by a driver and a yacht team. The host name you’ll see often is Mario, and one captain name that comes up is Luis. Both are described as making pickup and the day itself feel easy, friendly, and on-time.

You may also see them add a personal touch, like taking photos or video during the cruise. That kind of small service matters because it helps you remember the day without pulling out your phone every five minutes.

The language coverage is broad too: English, Spanish, German, and several others, including Croatian and Serbian. That reduces stress if your group doesn’t all speak the same language.

What to pack so you actually enjoy the day

Based on what’s listed as what to bring, I’d treat your packing list like a checklist, not a suggestion:

• Sunglasses and hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes and beachwear

If you’re going longer, consider a bit more clothing for the ride back. Saltwater and sun make everything dry out fast, but you still want to feel comfortable after you hop in the van.

Final verdict: should you book the best private yacht in Gran Canaria?

I’d book this if you want a genuinely private, do-what-you-want day on the water, with included drinks, snacks, and actual time to swim and paddle. The playlist option is a fun touch, and the combo of snorkeling gear plus two stand-up paddleboards means you’re not paying for a day that’s only pretty from the deck.

Skip it if you cannot share the group cost with at least a few people, or if anyone in your party is pregnant. Also, if you want a packed, guided itinerary with lots of forced stops, you might prefer a more structured tour instead of a charter built around your choices.

If you are in the south and you care about avoiding crowds, this is one of the cleanest ways to do Gran Canaria from the sea.

FAQ

How many people can fit on the private yacht?

The charter is for a private group of up to 8 people.

How long is the yacht experience in Gran Canaria?

The duration is listed as 3 to 7 hours, depending on availability.

Where can I be picked up on the island?

Pickup is available in Puerto de Mogán, Mogán, Maspalomas, and Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, sangria, bottled water, Coca-Cola (and Zero), plus other soft drink options listed as Fanta or apple-juice.

What food is included onboard?

Tapas snacks are included.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment and 2 stand-up paddleboards are included.

Are jet ski, parasailing, or sea scooter included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are listed as additional costs, and the sea scooter is also an additional cost.

What should I bring since towels and sunscreen are not included?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes or beachwear.