Boat Hire in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — 2027 Guide: the South Coast, Mogán, Dolphins and Prices

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands, with the long urban beach of Las Canteras and one of the biggest marinas in Spain, the starting point of the ARC transatlantic sailing rally every November. For a day on the water, though, most visitors head south. The north-east coast faces the trade winds and the Atlantic swell, while the south and south-west of the island are sunnier, calmer and lined with harbours, coves and the dunes of Maspalomas. This guide explains where boat trips on Gran Canaria start, what they cost and when the sea is at its best.

Where boats on Gran Canaria leave from

• Las Palmas: the Muelle Deportivo marina next to the city centre is the island's main sailing harbour. It suits longer passages and transfers between islands more than relaxed day trips, because the sea off the north-east coast is often choppy. See the Las Palmas location page.
• Pasito Blanco and Maspalomas (about 55 km by the GC-1 motorway, 45 minutes): the marina near Meloneras is the base for most private boats in the south. From here boats sail past the Maspalomas dunes and lighthouse and west towards Puerto Rico and Amadores. See the Maspalomas location page.
• Puerto de Mogán (about 80 km, one hour): a harbour of white houses and canals, often called the "little Venice" of the Canaries, and the starting point for the wilder south-west coast. See the Puerto de Mogán location page.

What you see from the water

• The south coast: the Maspalomas dunes from the sea, the coves of Puerto Rico and Amadores, swimming stops in clear water and the cliffs between the resorts.
• The south-west: steep volcanic cliffs and quiet bays towards Mogán and beyond; the beach of Güi-Güi in a nature reserve can only be reached on foot or by sea.
• Dolphins and whales: dolphins are often seen off the south and south-west, and pilot whales and other species pass through the channels between the islands. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Prices on our listings

All Gran Canaria boats on Crystalium Booker are rented with a skipper, and prices are for the whole boat:

• Blue Spirit catamaran (14 m, from Pasito Blanco): a private three-hour trip for up to four people costs €400, each extra person €75. See the listing.
• Bayliner 702: €385 a day, the most affordable private boat for a small group. See the listing.
• Pirelli P1100 RIB with two Yamaha V8 engines: €545 a day, fast and sporty. See the listing.
• Sunseeker 45 from Puerto de Mogán: €660 a day for a motor yacht with a saloon and a large cockpit. See the listing.
• De Antonio D32 Chic & Tonic: €880 a day, a premium day boat. See the listing.
• Lagoon 42 Simona catamaran (12.6 m): €1,320 a day, with plenty of room for a larger group. See the listing.

Exact hours, fuel and extras are confirmed by the owner when you book.

Rules and tips

• Licence. In Spain only small boats, up to about 5 metres and 15 hp, may generally be driven without a licence, in daylight and close to the coast. On the open Atlantic a local skipper is the safer choice anyway.
• Marine wildlife. Watching whales and dolphins is regulated: the boat keeps its distance, approaches slowly and does not chase the animals. Swimming with them is not allowed.
• Getting there. From Las Palmas to the southern harbours the GC-1 motorway is fast and toll-free; buses also run regularly.

Season and weather

• All year round: the south of Gran Canaria is sheltered from the north-east trade winds, the air is usually 20–28 °C and the sea rarely drops below 19 °C.
• Winter is high season for visitors from northern Europe; book ahead around Christmas and Easter.
• Summer brings stronger trade winds, which can make the afternoon sea rough, especially around the island's south-east corner.
• Calima, dust from the Sahara, sometimes reduces visibility for a few days.

For another Canary Island by boat, see our guide to boat hire in Tenerife.

Boat hire on Gran Canaria with Crystalium Booker

Browse all boats on the Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán pages, or send us your dates and group size through the contact page and we will suggest a boat. Do you rent out a boat in Las Palmas or elsewhere on Gran Canaria? List it with us.