On Gran Canaria's south-west coast, between Puerto de Mogán and Playa del Inglés, a sheltered artificial bay with golden sand and calm water holds the busiest watersports marina in the south. Puerto Rico has no canals or old town to photograph: its appeal is the sea itself, with three different trips sailing from the same harbour, from riding your own jet ski to heading out to look for whales.
Puerto Rico was built in the 1970s over a dry ravine on the south-west coast, tucked between cliffs that shield the bay from wind and swell. The result is one of the calmest beaches in the south, with an active marina at one end and a terraced shopping strip packed with restaurants and shops at the other. It sits fifteen minutes by car from Puerto de Mogán and just over twenty from Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, so it works well whether you're staying here or just coming for one of the boat trips.
Puerto Rico's own marina is also where the jet ski tour sets off: after a short safety briefing, you take the controls yourself while a monitor rides alongside in a support boat the whole time. The route follows the island's south-west coast, with frequent sightings of turtles, dolphins and flying fish along the way. It runs 30 to 60 minutes and costs €70 per jet ski, which seats two.
If you'd rather let someone else steer, the whale and dolphin watching tour boards straight from Puerto Rico at 10:15 or 13:15, though a version with hotel pick-up in the south is also available. It's 2.5 hours sailing waters where cetaceans live wild year-round, with an onboard bar and, if none show up that day, a free voucher to come back and try again. It costs €37 per adult.
The third option adds a beach-day feel to the search for cetaceans. The catamaran dolphin watching and snorkelling cruise also leaves from Puerto Rico, with glass panels below deck so you can watch the animals without leaving your seat, then anchors in a cove afterwards to swim, snorkel or use the boat's slide. It's 3.5 hours with drinks included, for €37 per adult and €19 per child.
Where is Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria? On the island's south-west coast, between Puerto de Mogán and Playa del Inglés, about 40 minutes by car from Las Palmas.
Are whale or dolphin sightings guaranteed in Puerto Rico? Not fully, these are wild animals, but the watching tour includes a free voucher to try again if none appear that day.
How much does the jet ski tour in Puerto Rico cost? €70 per jet ski, which seats two, on 30 to 60-minute rides with a monitor riding alongside.
Planning more days down south? Check out Puerto de Mogán, the Maspalomas dunes and all our excursions in Gran Canaria.
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