Gran Canaria feels calmer when you’re on a boat. This Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria sailing excursion on Keep Sailing I takes you past cliffs and quiet coves with a swim or snorkel stop, then winds down with tapas and drinks on deck. I love how much time you actually spend on the water, not just “getting to a viewpoint,” and I also like that the skipper can tailor it toward relaxed cruising or an active sail day. One consideration: if the wind or sea isn’t cooperating, you might not get full sail action.

The trip runs on small-group energy. You’ll be picked up from the Maspalomas area, taken to the harbor, and later returned to your hotel, and the vibe is friendly without feeling crowded (the boat can take a maximum of 7 passengers). Bring the usual swim kit, and plan your morning around a pickup window that can be up to an hour before your scheduled departure.

Key things to know before you go

• Small on purpose: private group feel, with a max of 7 passengers on the boat
• Two styles of sailing: choose quiet cruising close to shore or more hands-on sail time
• Snorkel gear is included: you don’t have to pack equipment to enjoy the swim stop
• Food is part of the ride: tapas and drinks on board, plus lunch on the longer option
• Skipper matters here: lessons and steering time can happen depending on conditions
• Weather can change the plan: sea and wind conditions affect what sailing you get

Where you start: Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and the Maspalomas pickup

This tour is built around the south/southwest side of Gran Canaria, starting from the marina area in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. If you’re staying in the Maspalomas zone, pickup is included, which is a huge quality-of-life win—no car rental, no parking stress, and no dragging snorkel gear around town.

Pickup works like this: you wait in the hotel lobby or just outside your flat about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup. Your driver won’t be able to wait more than 10 minutes after the scheduled time, so set an alert and don’t take the long route downstairs. Also, pickup time can be up to 1 hour before the boat departure depending on where you are, and the provider confirms the exact time by phone or WhatsApp. For me, that makes it feel more like a real appointment than a “sometime later” tour.

Once you reach the harbor, you meet your skipper and settle in. The tour includes a skipper plus a guide, and you can expect a mix of sailing talk, practical guidance, and time to enjoy the coast from the water.

Getting out on the water on Keep Sailing I

You’re sailing aboard Keep Sailing I, and the whole point is that you’re not staring at the island from shore. You’re moving between bays and natural coves along Gran Canaria’s south and southwest edge. Those stretches of coastline are exactly the kind of place that look good in photos and even better when you’re close enough to feel the water and hear it.

What I like about the format is the flexibility. The team can adapt your sail to what you want that day. You may get a quiet, close-to-the-coast cruise—perfect if you just want views, calm photos, and an easy pace. Or you may choose a more active experience where sails are raised and you get involved. The goal is still the same: scenic time on the water, plus the swim/snorkel stop, plus food and drinks onboard.

This is also one of those tours where the skipper’s approach really shows. In the feedback from past guests, the sailing was handled professionally, and there’s emphasis on keeping things safe while still letting you have fun. When conditions allow, that can mean steering practice and learning the basics.

The coast stop that makes it worth it: swim and snorkel time

At some point during the trip, you stop for a swim or snorkel in clear water. This is the heart of the experience. You’re given snorkelling equipment, so you can pack light and focus on being comfortable in the water rather than hunting for gear.

Here’s how I’d plan for the swim stop:

• Wear your swimsuit early (boat trips can move quickly once you arrive at a good spot).
• Bring a towel you’re okay with getting sandy/wet.
• Use sunscreen before you’re on the water. It’s easy to forget once you’re relaxing on deck.
• If you want a snorkel, keep it simple: breathe slow, and don’t fight the water. Your comfort matters more than any “perfect form.”

One practical note: the boat experience is subject to sea and weather conditions. That means the skipper may adjust the stop or what’s possible that day. The good news is that even when wind and sailing aren’t optimal, the boat time and coves can still deliver a fun, scenic day.

In at least one instance, the wind wasn’t strong enough to fully set the sails—but the group still got to see beautiful bays and enjoy the day at sea. So think of the swim/cove time as the anchor of the trip, even if sailing action varies.

Watching the cliffs from the right angle

Sailing the south/southwest coast is where the scenery does its best work. From the water, you get that layered look of cliffs, coves, and coastline lines that you just don’t get from the road or from a high viewpoint.

Because you’re anchoring in different coves, the experience isn’t just one long cruise past scenery. You’re given multiple chances to look around—then settle in for a swim/snorkel stop—and then sail again. That rhythm keeps it feeling like a day at sea, not a checklist tour.

If you’re a photo person, this is the kind of itinerary where lighting changes fast as the boat moves and turns. Even if you’re not chasing dramatic shots, the constant change of angles makes it easier to stay engaged.

Tapas and drinks on deck: the onboard “pause button”

After the swim and your time in the water, the tour shifts into social mode. You relax on the deck with tapas and drinks, usually in an easy, scenic setting. The included drinks include water, soft drinks, and beer, and there are snacks on the shorter option.

What makes this feel worth it is how naturally it fits the day. You’re not rushing from one place to another. You’ve already had the sea and the swim—now you get a casual food break while the boat sets sail again.

On a practical level:

• Come ready to eat at sea. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions before you board.
• You’ll want to have sunscreen and a hat handy for deck time, since you’ll be in the sun during cruising and breaks.

And yes, there are vegetarian and vegan meal options available if you contact the provider in advance. That’s a meaningful detail if you’re planning meals around your dietary needs, because it’s not just “we’ll figure it out later.”

How the sailing lesson works when conditions allow it

One of the most praised parts of this experience is the human factor: the way the skipper teaches and adapts. In previous outings, the sailing was handled with skill, and guests were even given a short sailing course. In one group experience, the skipper (Vanessa) was described as competent and generous with instruction—she explained a lot and, when possible, let people take the helm.

You shouldn’t assume you’ll always be steering the boat. The tour is clearly influenced by conditions, including wind strength. But the fact that it can happen is a big deal if you want more than passive sightseeing.

Think of this as a “try it” sailing experience rather than a classroom theory session. You’ll learn enough to understand what’s happening—how the boat is handled, what sail choices mean, and what the crew is watching as conditions change.

If you’re traveling with teens or a curious partner, this is one of those activities that can turn the day from pretty into memorable.

The 4-hour vs 7-hour experience: choose your day length

This tour comes in two main durations, and the difference is more than just time on the water.

4-hour option

The shorter trip includes:

• stops at natural bays and coves
• snack and drinks onboard (water, soft drinks, beer)

This is the sweet spot if you want the coastal highlights, a swim/snorkel stop, and tapas without committing to a whole day. If you’re already planning other activities on Gran Canaria, 4 hours keeps your schedule flexible.

7-hour option

The longer trip adds:

• lunch and more drinks onboard (water, soft drinks, beer)
• extra time for cruising, coves, and breaks

This version is better if you like a slow pace and want more time to relax, snack, swim, and settle in. It’s also a strong fit if you’re traveling as a couple or small group and want fewer time constraints—more “stay in the moment” time, less “how do we fit everything in.”

A quick choice guide from a practical angle: if you’re the type who hates rushing, pick the 7-hour. If you want a highlight hit and then keep exploring, the 4-hour works well.

Group size and the private feel: what it changes

This is a private group experience, and the boat can handle a maximum of 7 passengers. That’s not huge—so you’ll likely feel more like you’re part of a small crew day than an anonymous tour group.

Smaller groups usually help with:

• easier conversation with the skipper/guide
• a more flexible pace
• better odds you get attention for questions during sailing and safety briefings

If you want a tour where you’re not shouting to hear each other, this format helps.

What to bring (so you don’t end up juggling)

You don’t need much gear, but you do need the right basics. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Passport or ID card (a copy is accepted)

And I strongly recommend adding:

• A hat or cap for deck time
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch (not provided in the info you have here)
• A light layer if you get cool after being in the water

Also note: paddle surf isn’t included, so don’t plan your day around expecting it on board.

Who this sailing trip is best for

This is a great fit if you:

• want the southwest coast of Gran Canaria from the water
• like snorkeling and want equipment provided
• enjoy food that happens during the activity, not after it
• care about a skipper who can teach and adjust the day

It’s especially good for couples, small families, and friends who want a private feel. If you’re traveling solo, the private group format can still feel friendly because the boat is small and the day centers on shared experiences—sailing, swim stop, and onboard tapas.

If you’re a hardcore sailor who wants wind and sails at every moment, you’ll want to go in knowing that sea and weather can affect what’s possible.

Should you book this Puerto Rico sailing excursion?

I’d book it if you want a real half-day or full-day at sea with snorkeling and a relaxed food-and-drink rhythm. The standout value here is the combination: coast cruising between coves, included snorkel gear, and tapas onboard with drinks. Add the chance to learn sailing basics when conditions allow, and you get more than just sightseeing.

Skip this one only if you know you strongly depend on sailing being dramatic and active in every gust. Wind strength can limit sail work, and the schedule can be adapted for sea conditions.

If you’re deciding between the 4-hour and 7-hour options, choose based on your appetite for time. The shorter ride is efficient and scenic; the longer one is calmer and more meal-and-mingle focused.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

There are two options: a 4-hour trip and a 7-hour trip. You can check availability to see starting times.

Where does the tour start, and do you get picked up?

It starts from the marina of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Pickup is included from the Maspalomas area, and you’ll also be transferred back to your hotel after you return to port.

What’s included for the 4-hour trip?

The 4-hour option includes snacks and drinks onboard (water, soft drinks, and beer), plus the swim/snorkel stop and stops at natural bays and coves. Snorkelling equipment, a captain/guide, and fuel are included.

What’s included for the 7-hour trip?

The 7-hour option includes lunch and drinks onboard (water, soft drinks, and beer), along with the same core inclusions like snorkeling equipment, stops at natural bays and coves, and the captain/guide.

Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?

No. Snorkelling equipment is included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available if you request them in advance by contacting the activity provider.

How big is the group?

This is a private group. The boat can accommodate a maximum of 7 passengers.

Is paddle surf included?

No. Paddle surf is not included.

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