Boat trips from Puerto Rico and Amadores

Already on the sunny side

If you are staying in Puerto Rico or Amadores, you have chosen a corner of Gran Canaria famous for its sunshine. These resorts sit in sheltered bays on the south-west coast, on the lee side of the island, protected by the mountains from the north-east trade winds. It is the same shelter that makes the sea here some of the calmest around the island.

You are also closer than most holidaymakers to the coastline that makes a boat trip special. West of here, the cliffs grow taller, the coastal road eventually turns inland, and beaches such as Veneguera, El Perchel and Güigüí sit in ravines that can only be reached by sea or on foot. Our boats sail from the marina at Puerto de Mogán, a short way further along the same coast.

Why not just take a boat from the resort beach?

You will see boats offering trips from the resort area, and they can be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The difference with starting further west is simple geography: every minute you spend at sea heading towards the wild coast is a minute you are already there. For a trip to Güigüí, or a private charter that wants to reach the quieter coves, starting from the south-west marina puts the best scenery within easy reach.

It also means you sail with a small local operation, whose skippers know this particular stretch of coast in detail — which coves stay sheltered, where the water is clearest, and when to turn back before the afternoon breeze picks up.

Getting there by car or taxi

By car, head west along the main coast road or join the GC-1 motorway and follow the signs for Puerto de Mogán. Traffic and roadworks vary, so check a live map app on the morning of your trip rather than relying on a fixed journey time. Parking near the marina can fill up, especially on market days and in high season, so leave a little extra time.

A taxi is a simple alternative, and from these resorts it is often a sensible one for couples and small groups. You will find taxis at ranks in the resort centres, or your hotel can call one. Ask for an estimate before setting off, and plan your return: book a pickup or take the number of a local taxi company with you.

Getting there by Global bus

The island’s bus company, Global, runs services along the south-west coast, connecting the resorts with the towns further west. It is inexpensive and saves you worrying about parking.

We do not publish line numbers or times, because they change. Check the official Global website or app before your trip for current routes, stops and timetables, including the return journey. Choose a bus that leaves you plenty of margin: boats leave on time.

• Look up the current route on the Global website or app.
• Choose a departure that gets you to the marina with time to spare.
• Note the last convenient bus back.
• Save the meeting point we send you on your phone.

Making the most of it

Because you are close, this is an easy trip to fit around the rest of your holiday. Many guests staying in Puerto Rico or Amadores do the shared Güigüí trip early in their stay, then come back later for a private charter or a go at parasailing. If you have a flexible schedule, book early so there is room to move your trip if the sea is not playing ball on the day.

We confirm the meeting time and point when you book. Bring your swimwear, sun cream and a towel, and read our guide on what to bring for the rest.

And if you are staying further along the coast, towards Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, our other getting-there guide covers the options from there.

Frequently asked questions