Do you need a boat license to rent a boat in Gran Canaria?
One of the things I wanted to do in Gran Canaria was to rent a boat and go sailing myself. I have a boating license from Belgium, but did not yet have an international boating license. When we went to Madeira and wanted to rent a motorboat, to look for dolphins ourself, the owner asked me at the last minute if I had my boat license with me. No, I hadn't thought of that and we couldn't go sailing because of that. This time, three months before our departure to Gran Canaria, I had requested online at WWSV in Ghent an international boat license (70€).
Rent a boat at Isla Breeze Boat Rental
In the harbor of Port Pasito Blanco we have with Isla Breeze Boat RentalRented a small motorboat with a roof for 4 hours. It was a recent type for max 4 persons, the Activ 455 Quicksilver. The boat has bluetooth for the stereo, a charger for your mobile phone and adjustable cushions. We received a very detailed explanation from Alberto, especially about safety. It turned out that for this type of boat no boat permit was needed.
Alberto runs the business with his brother Javier. This motorboat only had 15hp, but went fast enough to explore part of the coast. We fished from the boat and my son was able to catch a large Red Snapper. Luckily he released him.
Note: To fish at sea in Gran Canaria you need a fishing license.
Looking for dolphins and whales yourself?
You can search for dolphins, but you actually need a faster boat for that. That's because dolphins in Gran Canaria are much further from the coast than in Tenerife or Madeira. To spot dolphins off the coast of Maspalomas, this boat will take you about 30 minutes. Closer, the sea just isn't deep enough. Off the coast of Tenerife, the sea is faster deep and you only have to sail for 5 minutes to see dolphins. In Tenerife we especially saw a lot of Pilot Whales (Grienden). You can of course always rent a faster boat, but they are more expensive. Alberto has five!
Safety briefing by Alberto
You can park free between the harbor and the Spar (supermarket). You must mention at the security gate that you are coming for Isla Breeze Boat Rental and they will let you through. We were half an hour early and Javier was getting the boat ready. After 15 minutes Alberto was also there, spoke to them and we could immediately start with the briefing. The explanation is mainly about safety. For example, the boat had built-in GPS, which allowed it to follow us wherever we sailed. Interestingly if the boat had to suddenly break down and we would need help. Alberto said: call or Whatsapp and we will find you easily via the GPS tracker and then possibly come with another boat to offer help.
Is fuel included in the boat rental price?
Feel free to bring lunch or drinks, because the Activ 455 had a built-in cool box. The cool box was filled with ice for free. Fuel was included, even while oil prices had been rising for a few months. Attention: The fuel is NO LONGER included since 2024! It is true that fuel was much cheaper in Gran Canaria than in Belgium or the Netherlands. A liter of petrol at the pump cost “only” €1.40/litre, compared to us at that time €1.90/litre. After refueling, there was a significant discount. Another €40 discount was applied to a 9 liter tank! To get this discount, you had to fill up with a minimum of €25. We went on holiday to Gran Canaria again in 2024 and the fuel was €1.60/litre!
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Gran Canaria?
Renting a boat in Gran Canaria is usually very expensive. The total price we paid, including petrol and tax, was €220 (in 2024 the rental price will have increased to €260! so pay attention). Such an excursion is not cheap, but compared to a boat excursion with 4 people, the total price at Isla Breeze will be the same. The best part is that you can just sail yourself and choose where. Upon arrival, we got back just in time, Alberto and Javier were waiting for us on the quay at the fuel installation. We immediately received our deposit back (€200 via card). It was a fun day and we can recommend Isla Breeze to everyone.
Address and rental prices Isla Breeze Boat Rental
Carretera GC-500 s/n
Oficina Varadero, Pasito Blanco Marina
San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
By Bus: Bus No.1/ FREE PARKING
Pricing can be found per type of boat on the Isla Breeze Boat Rental website
Target price: €260 for 4 hours with the Quicksilver 455. The price will be increased by €2024 in 40! Attention: Fuel is NO LONGER included!
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