Private Charter and Boat Hire in Gran Canaria

CanaryVIP private boat charters in Gran Canaria depart from Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, with four exclusive yachts available for hire. All bookings include skipper, fuel, snorkel equipment, and full use of the boat for your group. Charters from 3 to 8 hours, accommodating from 8 to 12 guests. The most flexible way to explore the southwest coast of Gran Canaria on your own terms.

How private boat hire in Gran Canaria works

A private yacht charter is exactly that: private. The boat, the skipper, and the crew are yours alone for the duration of the booking. No other passengers, no fixed itinerary, no shared schedule. You decide the route within the agreed area, when to swim, when to eat, and when to head back. The skipper handles navigation and safety; you focus on enjoying the day.

This is the difference between booking a seat on a tourist boat (sharing with 30 to 50 other passengers, fixed timetable, set route) and hiring the entire boat for your group. For couples, families, and small groups of friends, private hire is the only way to experience the south coast of Gran Canaria without crowds.

What’s included in a CanaryVIP private charter

All our private boat charters in Gran Canaria include:

– The yacht for your exclusive use (no other groups on board)
– Professional skipper with full nautical license
– Fuel for the entire trip
– Snorkel masks and fins for all guests
– Life jackets and safety equipment
– Anchor stops at swim and snorkel bays along the coast
– Insurance

Some packages also include welcome drinks, snacks, or full catering. Check the specific product details before booking.

The four yachts available for private hire

CanaryVIP operates four private yachts in Gran Canaria, all docked in Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán. Each one is a different size and price point so you can pick the right boat for your group:

Sunkiss: the affordable private yacht (12m, up to 8 guests)

The smallest and most affordable boat in the fleet, ideal for couples, families, or small groups of friends who want privacy without the price of a larger yacht. 12 metres long, comfortable interior, sun deck. Available for 3, 6, and 8-hour private tours daily. From €399 for 3 hours, working out to around €50 per person for a full group of 8.

Silvia: the mid-range yacht (13m, up to 12 guests)

A 13-metre yacht for groups of up to 12 people, available in 3-hour and 6-hour formats. The best balance of price, space, and comfort. Suitable for celebrations, family outings, and small group hires. From €450 for 3 hours, around €37 per person for a full group.

Magic Island: the spacious yacht (18m, up to 12 guests)

The largest yacht in our fleet at 18 metres. Spacious open deck, dining area, premium finish. Ideal for groups who want more room to move around or for special occasions where the boat itself is part of the experience. Available for 3-hour and 5-hour private tours. From €550 for 3 hours.

Blue M: the flexible yacht (15m, up to 12 guests)

A 15-metre yacht with the most flexible booking options: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8-hour private charters available. The right pick if you want a longer day on the water (full-day or sunset return) and the freedom to design your own schedule. From €650 for 3 hours.

Routes you can take on a private charter from Puerto Rico or Mogán

The southwest coast of Gran Canaria has several distinct stretches, each with its own character. Depending on the duration of your charter, here are the main route options:

3-hour route: the essential coast

Departure from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán, cruising west along the cliffs to a sheltered bay (often near Mogán) for swimming and snorkeling. Look for dolphins on the way. Ideal for first-time visitors or for couples and small groups who want a relaxed half-day on the water. The most popular booking duration.

4 to 5-hour route: deeper exploration

The same as the 3-hour route plus extra time to reach more remote bays (Tasarte, El Perchel, or Veneguera, depending on conditions). Longer swim stops, more time to spot marine life. Often includes a meal on board if you’ve booked the full package.

6 to 8-hour route: full-day charter

A full-day experience covering the entire stretch from Puerto Rico to Veneguera or beyond. Multiple swim stops, a long lunch break in a hidden bay, plenty of time for snorkeling and just relaxing on the deck. The right choice for groups celebrating something special or for anyone who wants to get the most value out of a private boat hire.

Sunset charters

The afternoon trips that catch the sunset are some of the most romantic and visually striking. The light hits the Mogán cliffs at golden hour and the colours are unbeatable from October to March, when the sun sets earlier. Available on most boats in the fleet by booking the appropriate time slot. Sunset charters are particularly popular for proposals, anniversaries, and birthdays.

How much does a private boat charter cost in Gran Canaria?

Prices for private yacht hire in Gran Canaria depend on the size of the boat and the duration of the trip. CanaryVIP’s fleet ranges from €399 to €650 for the basic 3-hour private charters, with longer durations and larger yachts going up from there.

Per-person cost comparison (3-hour private charter, full group):

– Sunkiss (8 guests): €50 per person
– Silvia (12 guests): €37 per person
– Magic Island (12 guests): €46 per person
– Blue M (12 guests): €54 per person

The per-person cost drops significantly when you fill the boat. A small group of 4 paying €399 for the Sunkiss is €100 each; a full group of 8 on the same boat is €50 each. For couples, splitting a charter with another couple is the most budget-friendly way to experience private boat hire.

What affects the price:

– Boat size (larger boats cost more)
– Duration (longer charters cost more, but the per-hour rate drops)
– Catering options (food and drinks add to the base price)
– Time slot (sunset trips often have a small premium)
– Day of the week (weekends can be slightly higher in peak season)

Booking tips for private boat hire in Gran Canaria

Book ahead in summer. July and August fill up fast, especially for weekends and sunset slots. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance for peak dates.

Off-season is better value. November to March has the same calm sea conditions, similar temperatures (20-22°C air, 19-20°C water), and noticeably lower demand. Prices are usually the same but availability is much better.

Confirm the meeting point. Most charters depart from Puerto Rico (Puerto Base or Puerto Escala) or Puerto de Mogán. Check your booking confirmation for the exact pier and arrive 15 to 20 minutes early.

Tell the operator if it’s a special occasion. Anniversaries, proposals, birthdays, hen parties: let CanaryVIP know in the booking notes and the crew can add small touches (chilled cava on arrival, music selection, pre-arranged photos). No extra charge for most of these.

Check what’s included in food and drinks. Some bookings come with snacks and a welcome drink, others are bring-your-own. Don’t assume catering is included unless the product page says so.

Sea sickness is rare. The south coast of Gran Canaria is sheltered and the sea is generally calm, especially within the first few kilometres from the coast. Anyone prone to sea sickness should still take preventive medication an hour before departure.

Sunscreen, hat, and water shoes. The deck can get hot. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes for rocky entries are recommended.

Private boat hire Gran Canaria: frequently asked questions

How many people fit on a private charter in Gran Canaria?
Our boats hold from 8 to 12 guests, depending on the yacht. Sunkiss is the smallest at up to 8 guests. Silvia, Magic Island, and Blue M each take up to 12 guests. Larger boats can be requested by special arrangement.

What’s the minimum group size for a private boat hire?
There’s no minimum. The price is per boat, not per person. A couple can book the entire Sunkiss yacht for the same €399 as a group of 8. Per-person cost decreases as the group grows.

Do I need a license to hire a private boat in Gran Canaria?
No. All CanaryVIP private charters include a professional skipper with the required nautical license. You don’t need any sailing experience or qualifications. The skipper handles navigation, safety, anchoring, and route planning.

Can I drive the boat myself?
The skipper handles all navigation. On some yachts, the skipper may let guests take the wheel briefly for fun in safe open water, but this is at the skipper’s discretion and not guaranteed.

What’s the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 to 48 hours before the trip on most bookings. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows usually lose the deposit. Weather cancellations are refunded or rescheduled at no cost.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The skipper makes the final call on whether the trip can go ahead safely. If the weather forces a cancellation, you can reschedule for another day or get a full refund. Bad weather is rare on the south coast of Gran Canaria; most cancellations happen because of strong winds rather than rain.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
Generally yes, though policies vary by yacht. Glass bottles are usually discouraged for safety. Check with CanaryVIP before bringing large quantities of food.

Are private boat charters good for families with kids?
Yes. The boats are safe, the skippers are experienced with families, and life jackets are provided in all sizes. Sunkiss and Silvia are usually the best picks for families because they have shaded interior areas as well as open decks.

What’s the difference between hiring a private boat and joining a group catamaran trip?
A private charter means the boat is yours alone, no other passengers. A group catamaran is a shared trip with up to 50 other people, fixed schedule, fixed route. Private is more expensive per person but completely different experience.

How early should I book?
For peak summer (July-August) and Christmas/New Year week, book 3 to 4 weeks ahead. For shoulder season (April-June, September-October), 1 to 2 weeks is usually fine. For winter (November-February), often you can book a few days ahead, except around Christmas.

Book a private yacht charter in Gran Canaria

Browse the four yachts above and pick the one that fits your group size and budget. All bookings include skipper, fuel, and snorkel equipment, with free cancellation on most reservations. For groups larger than 12, multi-day charters, or custom routes, contact us directly via WhatsApp.

Looking for excursions in Tenerife as well? See our Tenerife boat excursions for the full catalogue on the larger neighbouring island.