4-hour Private Sailing Tour in the South of Gran Canaria

A quiet coast changes the whole day. I like the private group of up to eight and the chance to reach coves by sailboat, away from built-up resort areas. I also like the mix of snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, food, and drinks rather than a boat ride that is only about taking pictures. The main drawback is the timing: the experience is described as four hours in some places and about five hours elsewhere.

The captain, Juan Vicente Cardet Borillo, is praised for his humor and friendly manner. One guest called the trip a perfect sailing day, while another singled out the food and Juan’s mojito. Just keep in mind that this is a weather-dependent outing, and the limited number of published reviews means you should treat the glowing feedback as encouraging rather than conclusive.

Key points to know before booking

• Southwest coast scenery: Sail past steep cliffs, quiet beaches, and the Tasarte and Tasartico valleys, where the coast remains free of large buildings.
• Private boat for up to eight: Your group has the sailboat to itself, which suits families, friends, or a small celebration.
• Snorkeling in a natural cove: The itinerary includes a stop for swimming, snorkeling among fish, and sunbathing in clear water.
• Food and drinks included in the day: The experience combines sailing with quality food and drinks, plus a mojito praised in one review.
• A personable captain: Juan Vicente Cardet Borillo is described as funny, friendly, and willing to explain the area.
• Plan for flexible timing: The experience is promoted as four hours, while the general duration is listed as approximately five hours.

Sailing away from Gran Canaria’s resort coast

Gran Canaria is best known to many visitors through its southern resort towns, but the southwest coast offers a different view of the island. From the water, you see cliffs and beaches without the usual line of hotels and apartment blocks.

That change in viewpoint matters. A coastal road can show you only one bend at a time. From a sailboat, you can take in the shape of the shore, watch the valleys open toward the sea, and see how small settlements and cultivated areas fit into the harsher coastal terrain.

This is a private outing, so you are not sharing the boat with a large mixed group. With room for up to eight people, the format works especially well if you are already traveling with family or friends. You can spend the day at your own group’s pace within the planned route, rather than adjusting to strangers’ preferences.

The boat is described as being as young as six years old. That suggests a relatively recent vessel, though the supplied information does not identify the exact model or list onboard facilities. If you care about cabin space, toilets, shade, or a particular sailing setup, ask the provider before paying.

What the four to five hours actually include

The outing begins at 10:00 a.m. Pickup is offered, but the available information does not specify the pickup area or whether an extra fee applies. Confirm those details directly, especially if your accommodation is outside the main south coast area.

The timing gives you a useful morning-to-afternoon block without taking over your entire day. Still, pay attention to the wording. The experience is presented as a four-hour excursion, while the overall duration is listed as approximately five hours. That may reflect transfer time, preparation, or a simple difference in how the duration was entered. Ask for the expected return time if you have evening plans.

The first part of the route is about seeing Gran Canaria from offshore. You get a broad view of the coast before the boat moves closer to the cliffs and beaches. This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with stops every few minutes. Its appeal is the slower pace, the open water, and the chance to look at a less developed section of the island.

Sailing time can be the most relaxing part of the experience. You are not rushing from one attraction to another. Instead, you can watch the coast change as the boat moves between open stretches and tighter views near the shore.

Passing the Tasarte and Tasartico valleys

One of the more distinctive parts of the route is the passage in front of the Tasarte and Tasartico valleys. These valleys are presented as authentic parts of Gran Canaria, with farming and local life that feel far removed from the resort strip.

From the sea, you can see the valleys in relation to the coast rather than simply arriving at a viewpoint by road. The guide explains how people live in areas with little or no mobile and internet connection, along with the tropical fruit grown in the valleys. That gives the scenery a human side. You are not just looking at cliffs. You are seeing working land and isolated communities from a distance.

The route also includes views of restaurants known for typical dishes. You should not expect a full land visit to the valleys or a walking tour through local villages. The experience presents them from the water, with explanations from the captain. That makes it a good choice if you want context without giving up most of a day to road travel.

The cliffs and beaches here are the visual high point for many people. At the same time, the boat route cannot guarantee perfect visibility. Clouds, wind, and sea conditions can change the view, which is one reason the tour requires good weather.

The Tasarte stop and the snorkeling cove

The itinerary names Playa de Tasarte as a stop, with about 10 minutes shown for that part of the route. The wider description also promises a natural cove full of fish where you can snorkel, swim in clear water, and sunbathe without disturbance.

The available information does not make entirely clear whether Playa de Tasarte is the same place as the snorkeling cove or one part of the coastal passage. For practical planning, think of it as a stop near the Tasarte area, with time on or near the water rather than a long beach visit.

The cove is the most active section of the day. You can get into the water, look for fish, and spend time swimming before returning to the boat. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can still enjoy the swim or remain onboard and take in the cliffs from the sea.

No snorkeling equipment details are provided. Ask if masks and fins are supplied or if you need to bring your own. The same applies to towels, flotation equipment, and any special dietary needs. The tour specifically promises food and drinks, but it does not list a menu or explain what is served.

The promise of a quiet cove is appealing, but do not read it as a guarantee of complete solitude. Conditions at sea and the presence of other boats can vary. The wording indicates a natural place where you can enjoy the water without the feel of a crowded resort beach.

Food, drinks, and the human touch

A good boat day needs more than a pretty coast. Food and drinks help turn the outing into a proper half-day experience rather than a simple transfer along the shore.

The exact menu is not provided, but the route description connects the region with tropical fruit and typical local dishes. One review specifically praised the food, and another called the mojito the best they had had. That is a useful clue about the tone of the day: relaxed, social, and built around enjoying time onboard.

You should still confirm what is included before departure. The phrase quality food and drink is broad, and the information does not identify alcoholic options, soft drinks, meal size, or dietary alternatives. If you have allergies or follow a special diet, tell Juan in advance.

The captain’s manner is another strong point. Juan Vicente Cardet Borillo is praised as funny, friendly, and good company. One guest felt as if they were sailing with a friend, while also appreciating his explanations of the area. That combination matters on a private tour. A captain who can keep the mood easy while pointing out local details adds much more than a silent boat ride.

The review record is small, with two five-star ratings. Both are enthusiastic, but two opinions cannot establish how the trip works in every situation. I would treat the comments about Juan, the food, and the friendly atmosphere as useful signs, not a promise that every departure will feel identical.

Who will get the most from this private sailing day

This tour suits you best if you want a small-group day on the water and value scenery over a long list of formal attractions. A group of friends can make good use of the private format, especially if swimming, drinks, and unhurried conversation are part of the plan.

It also suits families and couples who prefer not to join a large boat excursion. Most people can participate, according to the supplied information, but the day includes time on a sailboat, swimming, and snorkeling. If anyone in your group has limited mobility or is uncomfortable boarding a boat, ask the operator about access before booking.

The experience is a good fit for visitors staying in the south or southwest of Gran Canaria who want to see a quieter coast. It is less suitable if you want a detailed land tour, a long stop in a village, or a guaranteed schedule down to the minute.

The private format also affects the price. At $983.96 per group of up to eight, the cost can be reasonable when divided among a full group. Eight people would bring the price to roughly $123 per person before any additional charges. For two people, the same total is a much heavier expense. The value depends on how much you care about privacy, personal service, and having the boat reserved for your party.

Practical points that affect your decision

The tour is booked, on average, five days ahead. That is not a rule, but it suggests you should avoid leaving it until the final day if this is important to your plans. The start time is 10:00 a.m., and pickup is offered.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is available near public transportation. The exact meeting arrangements are not included in the supplied details, so check the confirmation carefully. Keep your mobile ticket available.

The weather policy is fair and important. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That policy is worth considering when arranging other activities. A sailing day needs cooperative conditions, and the experience cannot control wind or sea conditions. If the forecast looks uncertain, keep your schedule flexible rather than booking a tightly timed dinner or airport transfer afterward.

Bring practical swim-day items unless the provider confirms they are supplied: swimwear, sun protection, and a change of clothes are sensible choices. Do not assume snorkeling gear, towels, or specific food options are included simply because swimming and refreshments are part of the description.

Is this Gran Canaria sailing tour worth booking?

I would book this tour if you are a group of up to eight looking for a private, easygoing day on the southwest coast. The strongest reasons are the quiet sea views, the Tasarte and Tasartico valleys, the snorkeling stop, and the chance to spend time with Juan Vicente Cardet Borillo rather than a large crowd.

The price is easiest to justify with a full group. For a couple, you should compare it with less expensive shared cruises unless private use of the boat is central to your plans. Ask in advance about the boat’s facilities, snorkeling equipment, menu, pickup zone, and the real return time, since the duration is described in two different ways.

Book it for the coast, the water, and the personal feel. Skip it if you need a tightly timed itinerary, a detailed land visit, or certainty that the weather will cooperate.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour take place?

The tour explores the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, including the areas around Playa de Tasarte and the Tasarte and Tasartico valleys.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion is described as four hours, while the general duration is listed as approximately five hours. Confirm the expected total timing with the provider.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 10:00 a.m.

How many people can join the private tour?

The sailboat can accommodate up to eight people, and only your group participates.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. The available details do not specify the pickup area or any possible extra charge.

Is snorkeling part of the experience?

Yes. The route includes a stop at a natural cove where you can snorkel among fish, swim, and sunbathe.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Yes, the experience includes quality food and drinks. A specific menu is not provided.

What is the price?

The price is $983.96 per group of up to eight people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.