Afrikat Afternoon Cruise

You’ll watch Gran Canaria from the water. This 4.5-hour Afrikat catamaran cruise is all about sea views and an easy afternoon—hotel pickup, a relaxed bay stop, and onboard snacks and drinks.

What I love most is the smooth setup: pickup where available and a clear flow once you’re aboard. I also like that you get real time to swim and snorkel, not just a quick stop.

The onboard meal plan is another highlight: a simple but satisfying lunch (chicken wrap with pasta salad) and plenty of included drinks while you’re cruising and at anchor. It keeps the trip feeling like you’re spending your time outside, not lining up.

One thing to consider: the fun stuff that many people book for (jet ski, parasailing, donut ride, and even the speedboat with the captain) costs extra, and optional water sports come with your own risk—so it’s worth deciding ahead of time what you’ll actually do.

Key points to know before you go

• Hotel pickup in South Gran Canaria (limited zones): convenient, but it’s only from central pickup points and not from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán
• 4.5 hours with a real swim/snorkel moment: you anchor in a calm, clear bay after cruising the coastline
• Included lunch + drinks: chicken wrap with pasta salad plus beer, sangria, coffee, soft drinks, juice, and water
• Optional thrills are add-ons: jet ski, parasail, donut ride, and captain speedboat are extra
• Small feel for a group day: up to 66 travelers maximum, and bookings are limited to 12 people per group
• Live music can happen: one review notes a saxophone appearance on the return to harbour (including on Fridays)

Gran Canaria at 2:30 pm: what makes this cruise feel special

This is the kind of tour that works because the timing is friendly. A 2:30 pm start gives you a low-pressure afternoon where you can sleep in, grab lunch on your own schedule, then head toward the water when the light is good and the sea breeze finally shows up.

The boat itself is a big part of the vibe. You’re sailing on the catamaran Afrikat, and the whole day is designed around that “out on the water” feeling: cruising along the coastline, then anchoring in a calm, clear bay where you can actually get in the water. It’s not a land tour where you’re mostly walking and waiting. Here, you’re doing the main event—watching the island—while everything else is built around it.

And yes, the views matter. You’re seeing Gran Canaria from a perspective you can’t get from the promenade: cliffs and shoreline shapes rolling past on the water, the coastline folding into distance, and that constant sense of movement without being rushed.

The 4.5-hour flow: cruising, anchoring, and how the time is used

The trip runs about 4 hours 30 minutes total. In plain terms, it goes like this:

First, you leave from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico and cruise along Gran Canaria’s coastline. That section is built for sightseeing without stress. You get to relax, take photos when the light lines up, and settle into the boat’s rhythm.

Then comes the best part for most people: you anchor in a calm, crystal-clear bay. This is where the schedule turns from “watching” to “doing.” You have a chance to swim and snorkel, and equipment is provided. In other words, you’re not just getting told to go dip your feet in—you’re actually getting a proper water break.

After that, you return back to the meeting point (so you’re not transferring to something else or arranging a separate ride home). The tour ends back at the same place it starts, keeping the day simple.

What’s optional vs. built in

A key detail for planning: swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience time (with equipment), but most “big water action” is optional and extra. That includes the donut ride, jet ski, parasailing, and the speedboat ride with the captain. You can absolutely enjoy the cruise without paying for those. If you want them, it’s smart to budget before you board so there are no surprises.

Swimming and snorkeling: the included part that’s actually worth your time

The snorkeling setup is one of the easiest “yes” options on this cruise because it’s included in the experience time, with equipment provided. You also have the chance to say hello to the fishes, which is the kind of simple promise that tends to be accurate when a boat anchors in a clear bay.

You don’t need to be an expert swimmer. This is set up as casual fun, and most of the experience is about enjoying the sea rather than turning it into a training session.

Practical note: when you pick optional water sports, the rules around risk matter. The operator’s guidance makes it clear that non-obligatory water sports come with customer responsibility and you should be prepared with your own travel insurance if you choose them. For snorkeling and swimming, you’ll still want to use common sense with buoyancy and entry/exit areas.

Food and drinks on board: what’s included, and what to expect

If you want a cruise that doesn’t require constant spending once you’re on the boat, this one is set up that way. Throughout the time on board, you have a choice of included drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, water, and coffee. That matters because it lets you focus on the afternoon instead of calculating every sip.

Lunch is also included. You’ll be served a chicken wrap with pasta salad. If you have dietary requirements, you’ll need to contact them at booking time so they can try to accommodate you.

Why the meal choice can feel good (or not)

Here’s the honest tradeoff. The lunch is included and convenient, but it’s not positioned as a huge buffet of island dishes. Some people love the simplicity. Others want a broader spread and complain when they expect something like a full Canarian buffet.

My advice: treat lunch as fuel, not as the main cultural meal of your trip. If you want a big Canarian food mission, pair this cruise with a solid dinner ashore afterward.

Cocktails and premium alcohol

Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not included. So if you’re thinking you’ll spend the afternoon ordering fancy drinks, you’ll pay extra. The included beer and sangria are the easy baseline.

Optional water sports: the add-ons that change the price (and the fun)

This cruise is a perfect platform for two different styles of afternoons: calm sea time, or a louder, faster version with extra activities.

You can add any of these (pricing listed in euros):

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Captain speedboat ride: €5 per person

There are also other optional speed and adventure options mentioned on board (so you’ll see what’s available and then decide). The key point is that these activities are optional extras, not the foundation of the tour.

Should you buy the extras?

Think about what you want your afternoon to feel like:

• If you’re here for the island views, relaxing, and swimming/snorkel time, you can skip the extras and still have a full experience.
• If you crave adrenaline and want a “highlight moment,” the donut ride and parasailing are the obvious choices to consider first.

Also, read the room: optional water sports involve water entry and possible rougher handling. Even when staff is great (and many people say they are), physics still exists. Plan accordingly—especially if someone in your party is more cautious.

Pickup and meeting point: how to keep the afternoon from getting messy

This tour offers return transport from your hotel, but only depending on your area. Pickup is available from centralized pickup points in the South of the island.

Two important location notes:

• Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.
• You must check your transport service confirmation 24 hours before departure to confirm the exact pickup time and place (they’ll email it, and it can land in spam).

If you’re arriving directly at Puerto Base, Puerto Rico, plan to be there about 30 minutes before departure. That buffer helps you avoid last-minute stress and gives you time to find the meeting spot.

Mobile ticket and basic convenience

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is near public transportation. For most people, that makes the logistics feel manageable even if the pickup doesn’t cover their exact lodging.

The crew and atmosphere: why the boat feels friendly

Good cruises are mostly about people. On this one, the service style comes through in the way they keep the day flowing: serving food, handling drink service, and organizing the moments when everyone moves together.

You’ll also notice how the boat supports different energy levels. Some people head straight for the water; others stay aboard with a drink and photos. The mix is part of the fun.

One detail I found charming (and very “vacation”) is the live music element. A review mentions a saxophone performance on the way back to harbour—on Fridays as well. Even if you’re not counting on it, the fact that they sometimes add something like that tells you the cruise tries to feel like an experience, not just transportation.

Value at $93.16: what you actually get for the money

This isn’t the cheapest boat day on Gran Canaria. But the pricing makes sense when you break it down.

For about 4.5 hours, you’re getting:

• a catamaran cruise with a coastline view
• a bay anchor stop with swimming and snorkeling included
• lunch (chicken wrap with pasta salad)
• a broad range of included drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water)
• optional thrill activities if you want to add them
• return transport from your area (when pickup applies)

So the value isn’t just the boat ride. It’s the “included” part that reduces your on-the-day spending.

A smart tip based on one person’s experience: pricing can vary depending on where you book. If you care about getting the best price and want transparency, booking directly with the operator can be worth considering.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might want another plan)

I’d point this cruise at people who want:

• a short, relaxing afternoon at sea
• real water time without hiking or switching activities
• a mix of views plus the option to get active

It’s especially good for couples and small groups because it keeps a social vibe without becoming a chaotic crowd day. With a maximum of 66 travelers and a booking limit of 12 people per group, it tends to feel organized rather than overwhelming.

Families and age considerations

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18, so this is not a “kids-free party boat.” Most of the experience still works well for families, but you’ll want to supervise water time carefully—especially if your kids want optional water sports.

When to think twice

Consider skipping the optional water sports (or at least going in with extra caution) if:

• anyone in your party is prone to motion sickness
• you don’t have travel insurance for the optional activities
• you prefer to keep costs stable and predictable

One negative account also hints at disappointment with food and drinks compared to expectations. The practical takeaway is: don’t book this expecting a giant Spanish buffet. Book it for the catamaran, the bay time, and the included drinks.

Practical tips to make your afternoon smoother

A few small decisions can make a big difference on a boat day:

• Wear swim-ready clothes under light layers. Then you’re not hunting for a change when you arrive at the anchoring bay.
• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Sea reflections can be sneaky.
• If you plan to snorkel, pack a quick-dry towel and consider reef-friendly habits (even if you’re using provided equipment, comfort still matters).
• If you think you might do an extra water sport, decide before boarding how you’ll manage costs. Jet ski, parasailing, and donut rides add up quickly.
• If you’re using pickup, track your email the day before. Pickup time can hinge on your area, and it’s confirmed by the emailed transport detail.

Also, keep expectations realistic about the included lunch. It’s filling and convenient, but it’s designed for service on a schedule, not a slow food experience.

Should you book the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

Yes, if you want an easy afternoon where the main thing is the sea—and you’d like swimming/snorkeling without turning it into a logistics project. The included lunch and broad drink options make it feel like you’re buying a complete experience, not a barebones boat ride.

Skip it or look closely if you:

• want a big buffet-style meal experience
• expect premium cocktails or champagne included
• only want thrill sports (because you’ll pay extra for the biggest activities)

My final take: for $93.16, this works best when you treat it as a relaxed catamaran day with real water time and optional upgrades. If that’s your style, you’ll likely feel like the afternoon just got simpler.

FAQ

What time does the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise start?

It starts at 2:30 pm and runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but it depends on your area. Pickup is available only from centralized pickup points in the South of the island, and it is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. You’ll confirm the exact pickup time and place by checking the email you receive 24 hours before departure.

What’s included on board?

You get a boat trip, a meal (chicken wrap with pasta salad), and drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. You also have a chance to swim and snorkel, with equipment provided.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. You’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What optional water sports cost extra?

Optional extras include jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasailing (€32 per person), donut ride (€10 per person), and a captain speedboat ride (€5 per person).

What about dietary needs?

If you have specific dietary requirements, you should contact them at booking time so they can advise on options.