A yacht charter turns the coast into your own playground. This Gran Canaria experience is built around a private 40-ft Astondoa 40’ open yacht with a captain and crew, plus the freedom to choose what your time on the water feels like—music, anchoring moments, and water activities.

I really like the mix of comfort and play: open bar and tapas keep things easy, while snorkeling gear and 2 stand-up paddleboards give you real reasons to get off the sunbed. One thing to consider: it’s up to you to bring essentials like sunscreen and a towel, because they aren’t included.

Key highlights worth caring about

• Private yacht for up to 8 people with your own captain and crew, so you’re not sharing space with strangers
• Open bar plus tapas, including beer, sangria, water, Coca-Cola (and zero), and Fanta or apple juice
• Personalized playlist you can use to set the mood before you sail
• Snorkeling gear and 2 SUP boards included for water time
• Pickup options in Gran Canaria’s south, with a short van ride that keeps the day smooth

A 40-ft yacht that keeps Gran Canaria feeling calm

If Gran Canaria’s coast ever feels crowded on land, you’ll feel the difference fast once you’re on a private boat. This charter is centered on a 40 ft Model Astondoa 40’ open yacht, with enough space to relax and still move comfortably when you want to snorkel or paddle.

What makes it feel like a step up is the crew dynamic. You’re not just passengers. You get guided sailing with a captain, plus a friendly onboard service that keeps drinks and snacks flowing and your day running on time.

You also get the kind of flexibility that group tours usually can’t offer. Your captain can anchor based on your day’s energy, whether you want sun time, water time, or a slow glide along the coastline for photos.

Pickup in the south plus a 20-minute van ride

The day starts with pickup options, all in Gran Canaria’s south. You can meet the team at Puerto de Mogán, Mogán, Maspalomas, or Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Pickup is outside your hotel or villa, where a white mini van shows up with a Nirvana Dreams flyer—and the driver wears a Nirvana Dreams t-shirt.

After that, expect about a 20-minute van transfer to the boat. For me, the value here is simple: you lose less time to confusion and logistics, and you’re on the water sooner.

The cruise itself begins from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and then you’ll return to drop-off at one of the same three options: Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán, or Mogán.

On board Nirvana Dreams: drinks, snacks, and space to move

This is one of those trips where the onboard setup matters. A 40-ft private yacht gives you multiple ways to enjoy the same hour—sit and chat, catch sun on the large sunbeds, or get active with the included equipment.

The easy part: open bar and tapas

You’ll have an open bar with:

• beer
• sangria
• bottled water
• Coca-Cola or Coca-Cola Zero
• Fanta and apple juice

On top of that, tapas snacks are included. This combination is practical. It’s not a tiny “one drink” situation. You can actually relax and keep the energy steady without needing to plan purchases mid-cruise.

The active part: snorkel gear and 2 SUP boards

The water equipment is also included. That means you don’t have to debate whether you’ll use it. You’ll have the chance to:

• snorkel with the onboard gear
• use the two stand-up paddleboards when conditions feel right

If you’re traveling with people who want different things—one group wants swimming, another wants floating—the included gear helps you avoid that awkward split.

How a personalized playlist changes the whole vibe

Most tours give you a schedule and a soundtrack you didn’t ask for. Here, you can bring your own mood through a personalized playlist. That small detail matters more than it sounds.

On a boat, sound travels well. When you hear your own music at the right moment—leaving the harbor, anchoring for swimming, or enjoying the return—you feel like the day belongs to you, not the tour operator.

Also, since you’re private for up to 8 people, the playlist can reflect the group rather than forcing one style on everyone. It’s a simple way to make the captain’s route feel more personal without needing to “plan the day” like a project.

Anchoring moments and coastline views you can’t get from shore

The cruise is all about getting out along Gran Canaria’s coast while avoiding the day-long shuffle of crowded boats. You anchor where your captain decides it makes sense for the conditions and your group’s energy. Then you get time to swim, snorkel, paddle, or just enjoy the sun on the large sunbeds.

Even without knowing exact anchoring spots in advance, you can expect the core value: you’ll see coastline views from the water that most people only catch from a distance on land. It’s the kind of perspective that makes photos look better without needing fancy planning.

This is also why private time is worth it. When you’re not in a big group, you can slow down. You can take your time stepping into the water or just staying put while the boat settles and the crew handles the rest.

Snorkeling and SUP time that fits real vacation energy

Included snorkeling gear and two SUP boards are a big deal because they convert “pretty cruise” into “actual activities.” You’re not relying on luck or weather-driven last-minute add-ons.

Here’s how to think about it:

• Snorkeling works best when you’re not rushing. So let yourself stay anchored long enough to enjoy it.
• SUP works best when you choose calmer water windows. Use the captain’s judgement and the day’s conditions.

Also, don’t forget the non-water option. If you’d rather just relax, the sunbeds and the open bar setup mean you can still have a full experience without feeling like you’re missing something.

And kids? The crew’s vibe can be family-friendly in practice. One highlight from a family-style day is that the captain showed willingness to include children—sometimes even letting them steer briefly when it’s safe to do so. You should still expect adult supervision and captain decisions, but the atmosphere is more welcoming than strict.

What 3 to 7 hours looks like in real time

The duration is flexible: 3 to 7 hours, depending on availability and starting times. That range is useful because you can match it to your group.

If you book the shorter option

A shorter charter is perfect when you want:

• the main “boat day” feeling
• snorkeling or SUP for a taste
• sun time plus drinks and tapas

You’ll likely spend more time cruising and less time anchored for extended water sessions.

If you book the longer option

A longer sail is where the charter becomes a true day out. You’ll have more breathing room to:

• alternate between sunbeds and the water
• take your time with photos
• enjoy the cruising portion without feeling “clocked”

If you want a calmer rhythm and less pressure to squeeze in activities, longer usually wins.

The crew touches that make it feel special (Mario and Luis)

Service quality on boats can range from friendly to chaotic. Here, the experience is strongly shaped by the people running it.

You’ll meet Mario as a host figure for many days, and you’ll also sail with Luis as captain. Both show up in the way they run timing, help with the flow onboard, and keep the day feeling smooth from pickup through drop-off.

I especially like the “make it easy” style. For families, that ease matters: when kids are involved, you want the adults to relax, not manage logistics the whole time. The onboard approach tends to be warm, simple, and practical—so you spend energy on the sea, not the schedule.

Price and value: what $583 per group buys you

The price is listed as $583 per group up to 8 people. That’s how you should frame the value: this isn’t a per-person price for a boat tour. It’s a private charter, meaning the cost is spread across your group.

You’re paying for:

• the yacht (not just a seat on someone else’s boat)
• captain and crew
• open bar
• tapas snacks
• included water gear (snorkeling equipment + 2 SUP boards)

So the real question isn’t whether it’s cheaper than a public tour. It’s whether you want a shared itinerary and shared boat—or your own day at sea. If your group will actually use the water gear and drinks, the charter math starts to look very fair.

Extra water sports cost more

Some add-ons are available at extra cost:

• jet ski: 35€ for 10 minutes
• parasailing: 35€ for 10 minutes
• sea scooter: 40 minutes for 40€

The good news: discounts are offered for these water sports. Still, you should plan extra budget if your group wants to add them.

Who this is best for (and who should skip it)

This yacht charter is a strong fit if you:

• want a private, low-stress day on the water
• have a mixed group (some swim, some sunbathe)
• care about drinks and snacks being included without extra stops
• like the idea of choosing your own music mood with a personalized playlist

It’s less ideal if:

• you don’t plan to use the included water gear or you mostly want to be entertained by shore activities
• you’re traveling with someone who can’t do the charter due to safety guidance—this one is not suitable for pregnant women, based on the activity info provided

What to bring so you don’t spend the day hunting supplies

You’ll want to pack like it’s a full beach-and-boat day. The essentials from the activity info include:

• sunglasses
• hat
• swimwear
• change of clothes
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen
• comfortable clothes / beachwear

Two notes that save headaches:

• Towel and sunscreen aren’t included, so bring them.
• The boat includes sunbeds, but you still need proper sun protection once you’re out on open water.

Also, wear comfortable clothing for the transfer and time onboard. Boat days move between “easy lounge time” and quick activity moments, so plan for both.

Should you book this private yacht charter?

Book it if your idea of a great Gran Canaria day is simple: private time, good drinks, food that doesn’t feel like a compromise, and water activities you can use right away. The combination of open bar + tapas and included snorkeling gear and SUP boards makes it feel like more than a scenic cruise.

Skip it or think twice if your group wants a strictly structured, sightseeing-heavy itinerary. This charter is about freedom and comfort. You’ll have time to enjoy the sea and coastline, but it’s not positioned as a step-by-step land tour.

If you’re a family, consider booking this type of private sail over a big group. The onboard atmosphere is set up for real relaxation, and the crew style—especially host Mario and captain Luis—tends to keep the day organized and welcoming from pickup to drop-off.

FAQ

How long is the yacht charter?

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

How many people can fit on the yacht?

It’s a private group for up to 8 people.

What’s included in the price?

The charter includes the private yacht for up to 8, an open bar (beer, sangria, water, Coca-Cola or zero, and Fanta or apple juice), tapas snacks, snorkeling equipment, and 2 stand-up paddleboards.

Where are the pickup locations?

Pickup options in the south part of the island include Puerto de Mogán, Mogán, Maspalomas, and Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

How do I recognize the pickup van?

You’ll be picked up in a white mini van with a Nirvana Dreams flyer, and the driver wears a Nirvana Dreams t-shirt.

What drinks are available on board?

The open bar includes beer, sangria, bottled water, Coca-Cola or Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta or apple juice.

Are snorkeling and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and 2 stand-up paddleboards are included.

Are jet skis and parasailing included?

No. Jet skis and parasailing are not included, but discounts are offered. Jet ski and parasailing cost 35€ for 10 minutes, and the sea scooter is 40 minutes for 40€.

Are towels and sunscreen included?

No. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so you should bring them.

Is this activity suitable for everyone?

It’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

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