Things to do in Gran Canaria

Boat Charter and Yacht Hire in Gran Canaria

CanaryVIP offers private yacht charters and boat hire on the south coast of Gran Canaria, departing from Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán, and Taurito. All our boats are private, with skipper included, and accommodate from 8 to 12 guests. From 3-hour coastal cruises to full-day charters, we operate the best fleet for couples, families, and groups looking to explore Gran Canaria's southwest coast in privacy.

Below you'll find our full selection of yachts and water sports. For more on each option, read the editorial guide further down the page or browse the products directly.

Why hire a private yacht in Gran Canaria

Renting a private yacht is the best way to explore the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. Hiring a boat with skipper means you get the boat, the crew, and the route entirely to yourselves: no shared trips, no fixed schedules, no large groups. Private yacht hire in Gran Canaria has become one of the most popular activities for couples, families, and small groups visiting the island.

Why the southwest coast is the best area to rent a boat

The southwest coast between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán is the best part of the island to explore by sea. Dramatic cliffs, sea caves carved into volcanic rock, hidden beaches that are inaccessible from land, and a resident population of dolphins and pilot whales just a few kilometres offshore. The waters are calm year-round (the trade winds are blocked by the island's mountains, creating a sheltered south coast), the weather is reliable (300+ sunny days a year), and the marina infrastructure in Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán is well-equipped for boat hire.

Where our Gran Canaria boat charters depart from

Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Puerto Rico is the main yacht charter hub in southern Gran Canaria. The town has two harbours: Puerto Base (the larger commercial port where most boat trips depart) and Puerto Escala (the smaller marina where private yachts are moored). Puerto Rico is centrally located on the south coast, with easy access from Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Amadores, and the Taurito area.

Most of our private yacht charters depart from Puerto Rico. Boats heading west reach Anfi del Mar (the heart-shaped artificial island), Amadores beach, the cliffs of Mogán, and continue to Puerto de Mogán within an hour. Boats heading east reach Arguineguín and the southern coast towards Maspalomas.

Puerto de Mogán

Often called "Little Venice" or "Mini Venice" because of its narrow canals and bridges, Puerto de Mogán is the second main charter port and the most photogenic harbour on the island. It's smaller than Puerto Rico, with a more upmarket feel and a famous Friday market that fills the streets. Some of our charters depart from here directly, others stop in Mogán mid-trip for lunch or a walk through the village.

Taurito

A smaller resort just west of Puerto Rico. Our jet ski safari departs from this area. The coast around Taurito is full of small coves and the cliffs are some of the most dramatic on the island.

What you'll see on a Gran Canaria boat charter

The southwest coast between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán is one of the richest stretches of coastline on the island for marine life and natural scenery. On a typical charter you can expect:

Dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins are resident in these waters. Sightings are extremely common, often within the first hour of leaving port.

Pilot whales. A small resident population lives in the deeper waters off the south coast. Less frequent than dolphin sightings but possible on longer trips.

Sea turtles. Loggerhead turtles pass through these waters, especially in spring and summer.

Flying fish. Often seen jumping from the wake of the yacht.

Sea caves. Several caves carved into the cliffs between Mogán and Taurito, accessible by smaller boats.

Hidden beaches. Including beaches that have no road access and can only be reached by sea (Tasarte, El Perchel, Veneguera).

The Mogán cliffs. Black volcanic walls dropping straight into the Atlantic, especially dramatic at sunset.

Anfi del Mar. The famous heart-shaped artificial island and palm-fringed beach, best seen from the water.

Our Gran Canaria yacht fleet

CanaryVIP offers four private yachts in Gran Canaria, all departing from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán with skipper included:

Magic Island Yacht (18 metres)

The largest yacht in our fleet, ideal for groups up to 12. Spacious deck, sun loungers, dining area, and full crew service. Available for 3-hour and 5-hour private tours daily. The most popular choice for celebrations, group trips, and special occasions. From €550.

Blue M Yacht (15 metres)

A 15-metre yacht for up to 12 guests. Available for 3 to 8-hour private charters, the most flexible option in our fleet for full-day trips. Comfortable, fast, and well-equipped. From €650.

Silvia Yacht Charter (13 metres)

A mid-sized yacht for groups of up to 12, available for 3-hour and 6-hour daily tours. The best mid-range option, with the right balance of space, comfort, and price. From €450.

Sunkiss Boat Charter (12 metres)

Our most affordable private charter, for groups up to 8. Available for 3-hour, 6-hour, and 8-hour tours. Ideal for smaller groups and families who want privacy without the price of the bigger yachts. From €399.

All our yachts include skipper, fuel, basic equipment, and snorkel gear. Food and drinks vary depending on the package chosen at booking.

Jet Ski Safari Gran Canaria

If you're looking for action rather than a relaxed cruise, our jet ski safari departs from the Mogán-Taurito area. One-hour guided tours along the coast, suitable for beginners and experienced riders, with a guide leading the route. From €130. The route covers the cliffs and small beaches of the southwest coast, with stops to spot marine life. No license required.

How much does it cost to charter a boat in Gran Canaria?

Private yacht charters in Gran Canaria typically range from €400 to €900 for a 3 to 4-hour private tour, depending on the size of the yacht and the number of guests. Per person, this works out to around €40 to €80 for a small group and €30 to €70 for a larger group. Full-day charters (6 to 8 hours) range from €700 to €1,500.

Our prices are among the most competitive in the south of Gran Canaria for private yachts with skipper included. Compare:

Sunkiss (8 guests, 3 hours): from €399 = €50 per person

Silvia (12 guests, 3 hours): from €450 = €37 per person

Magic Island (12 guests, 3 hours): from €550 = €46 per person

Blue M (12 guests, 3 hours): from €650 = €54 per person

Group discounts available for full bookings. Sunset tours often have higher demand and may have separate pricing.

Best time to charter a boat in Gran Canaria

Boat charters in Gran Canaria operate year-round. The seasonal differences are small but worth knowing:

Summer (June to October): Warmest water (22-24°C), busiest season, calmest sea conditions. Book ahead, especially in July and August.

Autumn (October to November): Excellent visibility, water still warm, fewer tourists. The best months for sunset cruises (the light is at its best).

Winter (December to March): Cooler water (19-20°C) but still divable and swimmable. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and the weather on the south coast remains mild (20-22°C air temperature most days).

Spring (April to May): Water warming up, very pleasant. A good shoulder season with less demand.

Sunset tours. Available year-round but most spectacular from October to March when the sun sets earlier (around 18:30 to 19:30) and the colours are more intense. The afternoon trips that catch sunset are some of the most popular bookings.

What to bring on a boat charter in Gran Canaria

• Swimsuit (worn under your clothes for quick changes)
• Towel
• Sunscreen (reef-safe is appreciated)
• Sunglasses and a hat
• A light layer for the return journey if the breeze picks up
• Camera or phone with strap (no liability for lost devices in the water)
• Cash for tips if happy with the service (not required)

Provided on board: Snorkel gear, life jackets, basic safety equipment. Food and drinks depend on the booking package.

Gran Canaria boat charter FAQ

Where is the best place to rent a boat in Gran Canaria?

The southwest coast around Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán is the main hub for boat hire and yacht rental in Gran Canaria. These two ports have the largest fleet, the calmest sea conditions, and the best access to the most dramatic stretch of coastline (the Mogán cliffs, sea caves, and hidden beaches). Almost all private yacht hire in Gran Canaria operates from this area.

Do I need a license to charter a boat in Gran Canaria?

No. All CanaryVIP charters include a professional skipper. You don't need any nautical licence or experience. The skipper handles navigation, you enjoy the trip.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Gran Canaria?

Private yacht charters in Gran Canaria range from €399 (12-metre yacht for up to 8 guests, 3 hours) to over €1,500 (full-day charters on larger yachts). The CanaryVIP fleet starts at €399 for 3 hours and goes up to €650 for 12-guest yachts. Per person, this typically works out to €30 to €70 depending on group size and trip length.

What's the difference between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán?

Puerto Rico has the larger marinas (Puerto Base and Puerto Escala) and is the main commercial hub for boat trips. Puerto de Mogán ("Little Venice") is smaller, more picturesque, and has a famous Friday market. Both ports are 15 minutes apart and most charters can depart from either.

Will I see dolphins on a Gran Canaria boat trip?

Almost certainly. The waters off the southwest coast of Gran Canaria are home to resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and pilot whales. Sightings are extremely common on every charter, often within the first hour of leaving port.

Can I go snorkeling on a yacht charter?

Yes. All CanaryVIP yachts include snorkel gear and the skipper will anchor at one of several swim-stop bays along the coast. The water around Mogán and Taurito has good visibility (15 to 25 metres) and you can see fish, occasional turtles, and rocky reefs.

Are private boat charters good for couples?

Yes, especially the smaller boats (Sunkiss for up to 8 guests) or sunset trips. A private charter for two on a 12-metre yacht with crew is one of the most romantic experiences you can have on the island. For couples specifically interested in romance, we recommend booking the late afternoon trip and timing it for sunset.

Can I charter a boat for a celebration in Gran Canaria?

Yes. Birthdays, anniversaries, hen parties, and corporate events are common on our charters. The larger yachts (Magic Island, Blue M, Silvia) take up to 12 guests. Let us know in the booking notes and we'll coordinate with the operator on board.

What's included in the price?

All charters include the yacht, the skipper, fuel, basic snorkel gear, life jackets, and the route. Food and drinks vary by package: some include snacks and a welcome drink, others are bring-your-own. Check the specific product page or contact us for details.

How long are the boat trips?

Standard private charters are 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 hours. The 3-hour option is the most popular for couples and small groups. The 6 to 8-hour full-day charters are best for groups, families, and people who want to fully unwind.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?

Hotel pickup from south coast resorts (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Tauro, Taurito, Puerto de Mogán) can be arranged for some bookings. Contact us before booking if you need pickup.

Is the south coast of Gran Canaria the only area for boat charters?

Yes, almost all boat charters in Gran Canaria depart from the south of the island. The north coast (Las Palmas) has rougher seas because of the trade winds and very little charter infrastructure. If you're staying in Las Palmas, the south coast ports are 45 to 60 minutes away by car.

Book your Gran Canaria boat charter

CanaryVIP offers the best selection of private yacht charters in southern Gran Canaria, with prices starting at €399 for a 3-hour private tour. All boats include skipper, fuel, and snorkel equipment. Free cancellation on most bookings.

If you're also considering Tenerife on the same trip, see our Tenerife excursions for the full catalogue of activities on the larger neighbouring island.

Browse the yachts above to compare options and book directly. For larger groups, custom routes, or special requests, contact us via WhatsApp.