That first splash of ocean air is hard to beat. This 4-hour catamaran ride takes you along Gran Canaria’s south coast with music, big views, and swim time in an anchored bay. You might spot flying fish, turtles, and dolphins along the way, and you’ll have chances for water play and underwater viewing.

What I like most is the mix of calm and action. You get a relaxed sailing atmosphere on a comfy catamaran, plus an onboard setup built for fun at different comfort levels (from just sunbathing to optional activities). I also like that lunch and drinks are part of the plan, so you’re not constantly hunting for food on your day.

One thing to weigh: sea conditions can matter. If the water gets choppy, some people can feel it, and a couple reviews mention motion sickness—so if you’re sensitive, consider bringing something for that.

Key highlights to look for

• Secret-feeling south-coast stops: you anchor in an exclusive bay away from the big crowd pockets.
• Lunch + drinks included: water, soft drinks, beers, and mojito come with the basic experience.
• Underwater viewing: you get a glass-bottom style look at fish and seabed during the swim stop.
• Banana boat ride is included: a shared, hit-or-laughs moment that most ages can try.
• Wildlife is a bonus, not a promise: dolphins and turtles can show up, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• Optional add-ons are available on board: jetski and parasailing can be purchased there.

Quick look at the price: what about $47 buys you

This trip runs for around $47 per person and lasts 4 hours. For that time, the value is in the package: you’re not just paying for “time on the water,” you’re also paying for lunch, drinks, and a banana boat ride.

There’s also a useful split in what’s included depending on the pack. The Basic option covers water and soft drinks. The Full Park option goes further with beer, mojito, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, and the banana tour—so your money turns into a full half-day meal-and-fun situation instead of a snack cruise.

If you’re the type who wants a predictable, easy day (food taken care of, drinks handled, and activities already lined up), the price makes sense. If you only want the boat ride and nothing else, you might prefer a cheaper “sightseeing-only” option—but for most people, the included lunch and activities are what tip it into good value.

Boarding at Puerto Rico: finding Princesa Ico fast

The meeting point is simple: Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, close to the gas station. Look for the boat named Princesa Ico.

If you don’t want to think about logistics, pickup is optional. The listed stops 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. Having pickup can turn the day into a “no-stress start,” especially if you’re staying in Playa del Inglés or around Meloneras.

Once you’re onboard, the overall vibe is what you’d hope for: music, sun, and a crew that keeps things moving. In reviews, people repeatedly point to friendly, attentive staff—names that came up include Sergio, Abdera, and Yeray. That matters because on a moving boat, good energy and clear guidance keep the day smooth.

The first sail out: Puerto Rico scenery and a glass-bottom preview

Right after you set off from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, you get that classic “south coast from the sea” feeling—cliffs, beaches, and wide open water. This part is paced as scenic cruising, not a race. You’ll also have a hop-on hop-off stop along the way, plus a glass-bottom boat ride as part of the experience.

That glass-bottom element is more than a gimmick. It’s a practical way to see fish and seabed without needing to be a confident swimmer. If you want ocean views but don’t love scrambling around in the water right away, this is a nice entry point.

One caution: the route and wildlife depend on day and conditions. You might see flying fish, turtles, or dolphins. You might also see nothing—though people often describe seeing dolphins as a highlight. Either way, the cliffs and coastline views are solid value for the time.

Mogán section: more sailing, more viewing, and banana-boat energy

As the cruise continues toward Mogán, the tone stays upbeat. You’ll keep sailing, and there’s more of the same fun structure: glass-bottom viewing and time designed for people to switch between relaxing and trying activities.

This is also where the banana boat ride comes into play. In the Full Park experience it’s included; in general, you should expect it as part of the fun onboard program. Reviews are positive overall, but one small detail popped up more than once in feedback: the banana ride can feel short compared with what some people pictured—one rider said it was about 1.5 minutes.

So here’s the practical takeaway: if you’re traveling with teens who want nonstop action, you may want to pair this with an extra water add-on (like jetski or parasailing) later in the day. If you’re traveling for variety—sun, views, and a few hits of adrenaline—the banana boat works well.

The anchored bay stop: lunch, swim time, and underwater watching

The best payoff is the moment you’re anchored in an exclusive bay. This is where the day shifts from “watch from the deck” to “get in the water.”

Lunch is served here, which is a big deal for convenience. You won’t be trying to eat in a hurry while the boat keeps moving. Included lunch options can include salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes in the Full Park pack, along with drinks like water, soft drinks, beers, and mojito.

Then you get the core swim break: you can swim, do water activities, and use the underwater viewing setup to see fish and the bottom of the sea. Reviews repeatedly praise the overall setup and how organized the food and drink service feels during the anchored stop—important when you’re sharing space on a boat.

Wildlife sightings can happen during this phase too. People mention dolphins alongside the cruise, and at least one review described seeing a range of marine life including turtles and even a shark sighting. I’ll keep this honest: sightings are not guaranteed. But the chance is real enough that this stop feels like a “why this is worth doing” moment.

Water sports and add-ons: banana included, jetski and parasailing optional

The included activities cover a lot, but the trip also gives you options. The big included one is the banana boat ride. Many people treat that as the “fun checkmark” of the day.

From there, you can add more. Jetski and parasailing are explicitly listed as possible to purchase on the boat. Some reviews also mention opting into an extra cave tour (one rider said it cost about €10). That’s not the same as the base cruise itself, but it shows there can be extra adventures available depending on the day’s setup.

If you’re comparing this to other cruises in the same area, the differentiator is choice. You’re not forced into one thing. You can keep it simple—swim, eat, drink, relax—or you can turn it into a higher-energy half day by paying for extra water thrills.

The return to Puerto Rico: relaxed sailing and small perks

Heading back toward Puerto Rico, it’s more sailing time and less “activity scramble.” Reviews mention that some groups got free shots on the way back to port. Even if you don’t count on that, the return portion is typically described as a smooth, feel-good wrap-up.

Also, keep your eyes on the scenery again. Coastal cliffs and the shape of bays look different when the sun angle shifts and the boat is heading back. It’s the kind of detail people miss if they only think of the water as a means to the swim stop.

At the end, drop-off is offered at four locations: Gran Casino Costa Meloneras, Av. de Italia, 1, Hospiten Roca (Av. Estados Unidos, 39), and one more stop listed in the same area cluster. If you’re not using pickup, you’ll likely appreciate having predictable return stops.

Who should book this cruise from Puerto Rico

This trip fits best when you want a half-day plan that feels like a vacation rather than a project.

You’ll love it if:

• You want food and drinks included with your boat time.
• You like the idea of seeing marine life and coastline views, even if it’s a bonus rather than a guarantee.
• You’re traveling as a family or with mixed ages and skill levels—there’s room for everyone to participate at their own pace.
• You prefer a boat day with an easy rhythm: sail → viewing → swim/lunch → optional fun → sail back.

You might think twice if:

• You get motion sick easily. One review describes many passengers feeling ill when waters were choppy, even though the trip itself was otherwise enjoyable.
• You’re mainly looking for a long, nonstop adrenaline session. Some included activities (like the banana boat duration) may feel brief to people who expected more time in that one activity.

Practical tips to make the day smoother

I’d plan for sun and water time from the start. This is a deck-and-bay kind of outing, so pack like you’re going to use your body outside: sunscreen, a hat, and something for wet feet (even if you’re just swimming for a short burst).

If wildlife sightings are a big motivator for you, keep expectations flexible. Dolphins, turtles, and flying fish are possible, not guaranteed. The value remains in the combination: coastline views + anchored swim time + included meal and drinks.

Also, be smart about how you choose add-ons. If you’re already getting banana boat fun and a swim stop, jetski or parasailing might be perfect as a one-time splurge. If you’re trying to keep the day low-cost, you can still have a great time with what’s included.

Finally, watch the pacing around the anchored stop. Lunch and drinks are part of the experience, but if you want the clearest underwater viewing, I’d go during the times when the boat activity is calmer—so you get better visibility and less waiting.

Should you book this Princesa Ico coast cruise?

If you want a simple, high-value boat day from Puerto Rico, I’d book it. The biggest reason is that you’re not paying only for views—you’re paying for a full half-day plan: lunch, drinks, swim time, and an included banana boat ride, with optional upgrades for extra action.

Book it especially if you’re staying in the south (Playa del Inglés / Meloneras area) and want one easy outing that doesn’t require finding restaurants or arranging activities. With a friendly crew—people mention Sergio, Abdera, and Yeray—the trip has the feel of a well-run day, not a chaotic excursion.

My only “don’t rush into it” advice is this: if you’re motion-sensitive, don’t ignore sea conditions. Choose your comfort options wisely, and go into it ready for a bit of wave reality.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, close from the gas station. The boat name is Princesa Ico.

What’s included with the price?

Lunch is included, along with drinks (water, soft drinks, beers, mojito). The banana boat ride is also included.

Are there different drink/food options?

Yes. There’s a Basic Pack (water and soft drinks) and a Full Park option that adds beer, mojito, and a meal including salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes plus the banana tour.

Is pickup available from hotels?

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

Can I see dolphins or turtles?

You may see them (along with flying fish), but sightings are not guaranteed.

What water activities are available?

You can swim in an anchored bay, and you’ll have underwater viewing via glass-bottom style setup. A banana boat ride is included, and jetski and parasailing can be purchased on the boat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

What languages are spoken by the host or guide?

The host or greeter speaks Spanish and English.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve & pay later is also available.