Afrikat Afternoon Cruise

The best part of the Afrikat cruise is the change of viewpoint. From the water, Gran Canaria’s southern coast becomes a long sweep of cliffs, bays, and sunlit resort towns, while the catamaran gives you room to sit back, swim, or join in the action. I like the calm-bay stop for swimming and snorkeling, and I like the crew’s lively approach, which can include a speedboat ride or live saxophone on selected sailings.

The hotel pickup and drop-off make this easy to fit into a beach holiday. The main caution is value: the $93.16 price includes the boat, meal, drinks, and snorkeling gear, but the most exciting water sports cost extra, and the food has received mixed reactions.

Afrikat Cruise at a Glance

• A 4.5-hour afternoon on the south coast: You leave Puerto Base at about 2:30 p.m. and return to the same harbor.
• A proper swim stop: The catamaran anchors in a calm, clear bay where you can swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a chicken wrap with pasta salad, plus beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.
• Water sports are optional: Jet skis, parasailing, a donut ride, and a short speedboat trip are available for additional fees.
• A spacious catamaran setting: The Afrikat can carry up to 66 people, with a maximum of 12 people per individual booking.
• Pickup needs checking: Transport is offered from centralized pickup points in southern Gran Canaria, but not from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

Setting Sail from Puerto Base at 2:30 p.m.

The meeting point is Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria at C. Puerto Base, in Puerto Rico, Mogán. If you are making your own way there, arrive 30 minutes before departure. The cruise itself begins at roughly 2:30 p.m. and lasts about four and a half hours.

This timing works well if you want a relaxed morning at the hotel, a late lunch on the boat, and an early evening return. It is less useful if you want a full-day sailing trip or a sunset cruise. You are buying an afternoon outing, not a quiet dawn voyage or a long coastal expedition.

The route follows the southern coast of Gran Canaria toward a sheltered bay. The appeal is not a list of formal sightseeing stops. It is the simple pleasure of seeing the island from offshore, with the sea breeze, sun, and open views doing most of the work.

I would choose a seat early if you care about where you sit. The information provided does not promise reserved seating, so arriving ahead of time gives you more choice and makes the boarding process less hurried.

What the Coast Looks Like from the Water

From the catamaran, you get a broad view of Gran Canaria that is hard to find from a poolside lounger or a hired car. The coast is the subject here, with the boat moving past the island’s southern shoreline before turning toward the swimming area.

This is a good choice for you if you enjoy scenery without needing a tightly scripted sightseeing talk. The emphasis is on fresh air, sea views, music, drinks, and time on the water. You should not book it expecting a detailed cultural tour of Gran Canaria, since no guided commentary or named sightseeing landmarks are specified.

The Afrikat is described as a luxurious catamaran, and the capacity of up to 66 people gives you a useful sense of scale. It is not a tiny private sailboat, but it is also not an enormous ferry. One especially positive detail is the layout and amount of open space, which matters during a four-and-a-half-hour outing. You can move around, find a place to relax, and join the group activities without being confined to one seat.

The atmosphere can shift during the trip. Some sailings include a saxophone performance during the return to harbor, with Friday specifically noted for a special appearance. Treat that as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed part of every departure.

The Calm Bay Is the Heart of the Trip

The main stop is a calm bay with clear water, where the crew anchors the Afrikat. This is when the cruise changes from a scenic boat ride into a beach-free swimming outing.

You can jump into the water for a swim or use the provided snorkeling equipment. The description specifically promises the chance to see fish while snorkeling, though you should keep your expectations sensible. This is a casual boat-stop snorkel, not a dedicated reef excursion or a full marine biology trip.

I like this format because you are not forced to spend the entire afternoon doing organized activities. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the bay from the boat. That flexibility suits mixed groups, especially when one person wants water sports and another prefers a drink and a view.

The water stop also brings the usual practical concerns. You are entering the sea from a boat, so you should be comfortable with that setting. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give details about lifts, steps, or adapted access into the water.

Choosing Between Snorkeling and Extra Water Sports

Snorkeling equipment is included. The powered activities are not.

You can add a jet ski for €32 per vehicle, parasailing for €32 per person, a donut ride for €10 per person, or a fun speedboat ride with the captain for €5 per person. These prices are important when you judge the total cost of your day.

The €5 speedboat ride is the easiest extra to justify if you want a short burst of speed without adding much to the bill. The donut ride is a modest supplement, while jet skiing and parasailing push the outing into a more expensive category. The supplied information does not state the duration of each activity, so ask the crew before paying if the length matters to you.

Parasailing is a strong choice if you want a view from above rather than another ride across the water. The clear bay and open coast make it a natural setting for that activity. Jet skiing suits you better if speed is the point.

The water sports are optional, and that wording matters. You can have a complete cruise without buying any of them. At check-in, participants acknowledge that water sports carry risks, including falling into the water or making contact with other people. Your own travel insurance is required for an incident connected with an optional activity. Read the conditions before joining, and do not treat the extras as harmless add-ons simply because they are sold during a leisure cruise.

Lunch, Sangria, Beer, and the Food Question

The included meal is listed as a chicken wrap with pasta salad. The overview describes it as a Canarian-style buffet, but the detailed inclusions specify the wrap and pasta salad, so I would not book this expecting a large spread of traditional Spanish dishes.

Drinks are a real part of the value. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included throughout the time on board. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits cost extra. One positive account singled out the cocktails as enjoyable and reasonably priced, but they are not part of the standard package.

Food is the least consistent part of the experience. Some people find the meal delicious, while one strongly negative account described the food as poor and wished for a Spanish buffet. The sensible approach is to see lunch as convenient fuel during the cruise, not the main reason to pay for the trip.

If you have dietary needs, contact the operator when booking. Special requests should be supplied in advance. Do not assume the standard chicken wrap will meet your needs.

Pickup from Southern Gran Canaria

Pickup is offered from centralized points in the south of the island, and return transport is included when your area is covered. This can save you the trouble of arranging a taxi or navigating to Puerto Base, especially if you are staying in one of the main resort areas.

There is an important catch. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán, despite the boat departing from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico. The transport arrangement can therefore be a little confusing. Check the transport confirmation 24 hours before departure for the exact pickup location and time. The operator says this information is sent by email, so check your junk folder as well.

If you are not using the pickup service, arrive at the harbor 30 minutes before departure. The end point is the same meeting point where the cruise begins.

This is one of the areas where careful planning makes a difference. A hotel may be described generally as being in southern Gran Canaria, yet still fall outside the centralized pickup system. Confirm before assuming the minibus will collect you at the door.

Is $93.16 Good Value?

At $93.16 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an afternoon at the beach. The price becomes more reasonable when you use the full package: four and a half hours on a catamaran, hotel transport where available, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a staffed swimming stop.

The value also depends on your habits. If you would happily spend the afternoon swimming, drinking sangria, and enjoying the coast from a comfortable boat, the package has a clear appeal. If you mainly want a short boat ride and do not drink alcohol, the cost may feel high.

Optional activities can change the calculation quickly. Add parasailing, a jet ski, cocktails, and other extras, and your final bill can rise well above the advertised price. On the other hand, you can skip every extra and still receive the central cruise experience.

Direct booking may also be worth checking. One account specifically advised comparing the operator’s own price with third-party sellers after a discount promise was not honored. I would compare the final checkout price, not just the headline rate, and confirm that pickup and cancellation terms are the same.

Who Will Enjoy the Afrikat Most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a social, active afternoon rather than a private sailing trip. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, and groups with mixed interests. One person can snorkel, another can order a drink, and someone else can pay for parasailing.

It is also a good fit if you value easy transport. Having a planned pickup and return can remove much of the friction from a holiday day.

You may want something else if you dislike group outings, get seasick easily, or want a quiet sailing experience. One very enthusiastic account also described nausea and vomiting during the trip, even while praising the crew’s care and efforts to help. That is a useful reminder that open water can be rough for some people, even on a sunny day.

The cruise carries up to 66 people, so expect company. The boat’s space helps, but this is still a shared activity with a set departure, communal food service, and optional sports organized around the group.

Practical Details Before You Book

Confirmation is issued at the time of booking. The minimum drinking age is 18, and children must stay with an adult.

Individual bookings are limited to 12 people, while the full activity has a maximum capacity of 66. The cruise is offered in English, and the meeting point is near public transport.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The cutoff follows local Gran Canaria time.

The provider is Afriyacht SL. You should receive pickup details by email, but check them again one day before departure. That small step is especially important because the included transport is area dependent.

Should You Book the Afrikat Cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized half-day on the sea with a swimming stop, included drinks, and the option to add a little adventure. The strongest parts are the coastal views, the clear-bay swim, the spacious catamaran, and the crew’s friendly attention.

Skip it if a modest meal matters greatly to you, if the price leaves no room for paid extras, or if you want a small and silent boat. I would also compare the direct price with third-party rates before paying.

For most holidaymakers staying in southern Gran Canaria, the Afrikat makes a convenient and entertaining afternoon. Go for the sea time and the setting, treat lunch as secondary, confirm your pickup carefully, and decide your water-sports budget before you step aboard.

FAQ

Where does the Afrikat cruise depart from?

It departs from Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria at C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain, in Puerto Rico.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 2:30 p.m. If you arrive directly at Puerto Base, arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the Afrikat cruise last?

The boat trip lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. It ends back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transport from your hotel is included when your area is covered. Pickup is available from centralized points in southern Gran Canaria, but not from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

When will I receive my pickup time?

Check the transport confirmation 24 hours before departure. The exact pickup time and location are sent by email, including to your junk inbox if necessary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included meal is listed as a chicken wrap with pasta salad. You should contact the operator when booking if you have special dietary requirements.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you have the chance to swim and snorkel at the anchored bay.

How much do the optional water sports cost?

A jet ski costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, a donut ride costs €10 per person, and the captain’s speedboat ride costs €5 per person. These activities are not included in the cruise price.