Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Gran Canaria catamaran cruise is the balance between easygoing sailing and active time in the water. You cruise past beaches, cliffs, and coves, then spend about two and a half hours anchored near Mogán for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and optional rides.

I like the unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water, and I like that snorkeling equipment is included rather than treated as an extra. The clean catamaran has both sunbathing and shaded areas, with a crew that keeps the mood light without forcing you into every activity.

The main consideration is that the water sports cost extra, and equipment such as jet skis may not always be available on the day. The one-hour transfer each way can also make this feel like a long half-day if you are staying far from the port.

Key points to know before booking

• A proper half-day at sea: You get 4.5 hours for the full outing, including transfers, sailing, the Mogán stop, and the return journey.
• Food and drinks are included: Lunch is a chicken wrap or pasta salad, with unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.
• Snorkeling costs nothing extra: Masks and other equipment are supplied, though participation is optional.
• The fun extras have separate prices: Jet skiing costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing €32 per person, donut rides €10 per person, and the captain’s speedboat ride €5 per person.
• The crew shapes the mood: Potter, the owner, and crew members such as Nikita and Matt are praised for friendly, funny, attentive service.
• Pickup is wide but not universal: Centralized pickup points cover many resort areas, but not Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

Setting out from Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

This is an Afrikat cruise, operated from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. The route follows the island’s southwest coast, where the dry hills meet the Atlantic in a succession of beaches, rocky cliffs, and small coves.

That setting matters because this is not simply a short ride out of a harbor. You have time to settle into the catamaran, feel the sea air, and watch the coast change from the water. The sailing is part of the attraction, while the anchored stop gives you a fixed place to swim and take part in activities.

The trip lasts 4.5 hours in total. If you use the shared transport, allow roughly one hour each way for the coach ride, plus a 10-minute safety briefing before the catamaran leaves. You should think of it as a relaxed half-day outing rather than a quick boat transfer.

The safety briefing is useful, especially if you plan to try the speedboat, jet ski, parasailing, or donut ride. The crew speaks English and Spanish, and the activity is suitable for all ages. Children and less confident swimmers can stay aboard or use the water at their own pace, though anyone with mobility concerns should tell the provider when booking.

What the coach transfer means for your day

Pickup and drop-off are available from many centralized points around the southern resort areas. Listed locations include Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés, Puerto de Mogán area resorts, Taurito, Amadores, and several hotel and shopping-center meeting points.

This is convenient if you do not have a car. It also means you need to confirm your exact meeting point and allow time to reach it. The long list of stops is useful for coverage, but shared transport can add waiting and road time.

Pickup is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria is the departure port, so if you are staying there or in Mogán, you may need to make your own way to the marina. The information supplied gives no general promise of pickup outside the designated areas, so do not assume your hotel is covered.

The same area-based service operates after the cruise. Bring your booking details and arrive ready for the scheduled pickup. A missed coach could be awkward because the catamaran departure is tied to the group schedule.

Boarding the Afrikat catamaran

Once aboard, you can choose how much action you want. The boat provides places to sit in the shade and areas for sunbathing, so you are not forced to spend the whole trip in direct sun.

The catamaran has been repeatedly praised for cleanliness and space. That is important on a boat where you may be wet, eating lunch, carrying towels, and sharing the deck with people using different parts of the boat. A clean deck and clear layout make the day more comfortable.

The atmosphere is social and playful. Potter, identified as the owner, is often singled out for his humor and personal touch. Nikita and Matt are also named for their warm service, while the wider crew handles announcements, drinks, safety, and the water activities.

You can expect jokes and conversation rather than a quiet sailing lecture. That suits families, couples, and groups who want a cheerful day out. If your ideal boat trip is peaceful and silent, the entertainment-focused style may feel a little lively.

On Friday morning departures, live music may be included. Past sailings have featured a saxophone player, but this is not offered every time. The activity information specifically limits live music to Friday mornings, and it is not available on February 27.

The Mogán stop: two and a half hours to use your way

The main stop is near Mogán, where the catamaran anchors for about 2.5 hours. This is the heart of the outing and gives you enough time to mix swimming, snorkeling, food, and paid activities instead of rushing from one thing to the next.

The water is described as clear, making this the best time to use the supplied snorkeling equipment. You can enter the sea to look for fish and enjoy the bay, or remain on deck and watch the activity from above. Some people may want a short swim, while others can spend much longer in the water.

Snorkeling is optional and included. You should still bring your own towel and swimwear, and remember that the boat is not a beach club with a sandy shore. You are using the water directly from the anchored catamaran, so ladders and deck access matter more than beach facilities.

The stop also gives you time to order lunch and drinks. That makes the schedule feel less hurried than a cruise that serves food while constantly moving. You can eat, relax, then return to the water or try an activity.

Sea conditions can affect the program. Optional equipment may be unavailable on a particular day, as happened with jet skis on some departures. Treat the paid activities as possibilities rather than guarantees, especially if one specific ride is the sole reason you are booking.

Choosing the paid water sports

The included snorkeling is the simplest way to enjoy the stop, but the boat also offers several paid additions:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person

These prices are modest compared with many resort activities, particularly the €5 speedboat option. A speedboat ride can add a burst of excitement without committing much extra money. The donut ride is also a low-cost choice for families or groups who want a shared thrill.

Parasailing and jet skiing cost more, so budget before boarding. One useful detail is that you may need to pay for the activities separately by card or cash. Bring both if possible, along with extra money for photographs, souvenirs, cocktails, or other purchases.

The captain’s speedboat trip can be a good choice if you want to see the coast at a faster pace. One previous outing included a trip toward the caves, which added a little coastal interest beyond the main cruise. The exact route and availability can depend on the day.

I would not pre-plan every minute around the extras. Start with snorkeling and swimming, then decide how much of the remaining stop you want to spend on rides. This keeps the trip enjoyable if weather, sea conditions, or equipment changes the plan.

Lunch and the open bar

Lunch is prepared and served by the crew. The standard meal is a chicken wrap with salad, sauces, and optional bacon bits, alongside pasta salad. If you have special dietary needs, contact the provider in advance rather than relying on a last-minute request.

The food is practical boat fare, not a restaurant meal, but it suits a day in the sun. A wrap is easy to eat on deck, and pasta salad gives you a second option. Bring your appetite after swimming, but do not expect an elaborate menu or a choice of several hot dishes.

The drink package is one of the strongest value points. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are unlimited while aboard. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included, so do not assume the package is an all-inclusive bar.

Crew members take drink orders and bring them to you, and some boats have self-service beer available. A reusable drinking glass is included as a souvenir, a small but useful touch for the day.

Remember that alcohol and strong sun can catch up with you quickly. Alternate beer or sangria with water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat. The boat has shade, but you still need to choose it deliberately during the sailing and anchor stop.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, the cruise sits above a basic sightseeing boat ride but includes much more than sailing. Your price covers the catamaran, meal, unlimited beer and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, a 4.5-hour schedule, and area-based coach transfers.

That package can represent good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling. It is especially attractive for a family or group that will make use of the included food and drinks.

The value is less clear if you do not drink alcohol, dislike group activities, or plan to spend most of the time quietly reading. You may also spend more once the paid sports begin. For example, adding a €32 jet ski and a €10 donut ride changes the day’s cost quickly, though the listed prices are reasonable for resort activities.

I would compare the total price you expect to pay, including extras and transport, rather than judging the $88 ticket alone. For an active half-day with food and an open bar, it is a solid package. For a simple coastal sail, it is more than you need.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend Afrikat to families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants an easy activity with several ways to spend the day. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, eat, listen to music on selected departures, or pay for a faster ride.

It also works well for mixed groups. One person can try a jet ski while another stays in the shade, and children or nervous swimmers can enjoy the crew and boat without taking part in every activity. The crew has been praised for helping people who were uneasy on boats, as well as for being attentive to toddlers.

The boat’s wheelchair accessibility is a useful feature, but mobility needs should be explained when booking. The information does not provide detailed access measurements, so ask direct questions if you need a specific boarding or restroom arrangement.

I would choose another outing if you want a small private charter, a serious marine wildlife trip, or a long day focused on quiet snorkeling. This is a social, hosted cruise with food, drinks, music on some mornings, and optional thrills.

What to bring for a comfortable afternoon

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A camera is also suggested, but protect it from spray and wet hands.

Bring a credit card and some cash. You may want them for jet skis, parasailing, the donut ride, the speedboat, photos, souvenirs, or drinks outside the included package.

Wear something comfortable for the coach and catamaran. You will move between dry seating, sunbathing areas, and the water, so a simple cover-up or change of clothes can make the return trip easier. No special snorkeling equipment is needed because it is supplied, though you may bring your own if you prefer.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your plans are still shifting, but you should still check the departure time and pickup point before booking.

Should you book the Afrikat cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, activity-packed half-day with lunch, an open bar, coastal views, and a proper stop for swimming and snorkeling. The included equipment and drinks give the $88 price real substance, while the low-cost speedboat ride makes it easy to add excitement without spending heavily.

Be more cautious if you want guaranteed jet skiing or another specific activity. Those extras depend on availability and conditions, and they cost more. I would book with a flexible attitude, start with the included snorkeling and sailing, and treat the paid rides as bonuses.

For most visitors staying in Gran Canaria’s southern resorts, this is a convenient way to get out on the Atlantic without arranging several separate activities. The clean boat, shaded seating, friendly crew, and generous time at anchor make it a strong choice for a relaxed day with plenty to do.

FAQ

How long does the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts 4.5 hours in total. The schedule includes coach transport where applicable, a 10-minute safety briefing, catamaran sailing, and about 2.5 hours near Mogán for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and optional activities.

Where does the cruise depart?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Pickup and drop-off are available from many centralized points in the surrounding resort areas, depending on location.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from designated centralized points in the covered areas. Transport is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

What food is served onboard?

Lunch includes a chicken wrap with salad, sauces, and optional bacon bits, plus pasta salad. Special dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and spirits cost extra.

Is snorkeling included in the price?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can use it during the stop near Mogán. Snorkeling is optional.

How much do the extra water activities 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.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. You should inform the provider about any mobility impairments when booking so suitable arrangements can be discussed.