Boat trips and sea activities in Gran Canaria

Why the sea is the best way to see Gran Canaria

Most holidaymakers see Gran Canaria from a sunbed or a hire car. Both are fine, but the island shows its most dramatic side from the water. The south-west coast is a wall of volcanic cliffs, streaked red, ochre and black, broken by ravines that run down to little beaches you cannot drive to. From a boat you see how the island was built, layer by layer, and you reach coves that most visitors never set foot on.

There is also a very practical reason to head out here rather than anywhere else. The north-east trade winds blow across the Canaries for much of the year, and the south and south-west of Gran Canaria sit on the lee side of the island, sheltered by its mountains. That usually means calmer water and clearer skies than the north, which is exactly what you want when you are planning a day at sea.

What you can do with us

We keep things simple and honest: a small fleet, local skippers, and a short list of experiences we actually run. Some you can book and pay for online straight away; others are arranged on request because they depend on the sea, the crew and the time of year. Either way, you deal with the people who take you out.

Whatever you choose, you sail from the same marina on the south-west coast, and a skipper who knows these waters is always at the helm. We confirm the meeting time and the details when you book.

• Private boat charter — the whole boat for your group, with a skipper, for as long as suits you.
• Shared trip to Güigüí beach — a wild beach reachable only by sea or on foot, with swimming and snorkelling stops.
• Luxury yacht charter — hourly hire of a larger yacht for celebrations or a special day.
• Parasailing — a flight above the bay, towed by a speedboat.
• On request — fishing trips, a full day at sea, sunset cruises and guided jet ski outings.

The coast you will see

Head west from the marina and the resorts drop away quickly. The main road turns inland and eventually gives up on the coast altogether, and beyond it lie beaches such as Veneguera, El Perchel and Güigüí, tucked at the mouths of deep ravines. The further west you go, the emptier it gets, and the cliffs grow taller and steeper as you travel.

On a clear day you can often pick out the outline of Teide, the volcano on neighbouring Tenerife, floating above the horizon. Keep an eye on the water as well: seabirds work the surface, and with a bit of luck dolphins may appear. We never promise wildlife, but it is part of the charm of being out here.

If you are new to the island, our guides below cover the practical side — when to go, what to pack, how to reach the marina from the big resorts, and how to deal with a queasy stomach.

How to choose

If you are a couple or a family who wants a relaxed half-day with a beach at the end of it, the shared Güigüí trip is usually the easiest place to start. If you are a group of friends, celebrating something, or simply prefer not to share the deck, a private charter gives you the boat, the skipper and the itinerary to yourselves.

Adrenaline seekers tend to go for parasailing, or ask us about a guided jet ski outing. And if you are not sure, just ask: tell us who is coming and what you fancy, and we will point you at the trip that fits — even if that means a different one from the one you had in mind.

Frequently asked questions