Afrikat Morning Cruise

The sea calls early, and it answers. This luxury catamaran morning cruise lets you cruise the coast from Puerto Rico, then stop in a calm bay for swimming and snorkelling, with lunch and drinks included. I especially like the deck-time views and the fact you can go from lounging to water fun without extra planning. One thing to consider: a lot of the value is tied to the anchored swim stop, so it’s not a long, nonstop sightseeing sail the whole way.

You’ll be on the Afrikat (a beautiful, clean boat with an easy, social vibe) with a smallish group—max 66 people. Pickup is offered from centralised points in the south of the island, and the timing shifts by season, so you’ll want to match your day to the cruise schedule. If you want adrenaline, you can add jet skis, parasailing, or a speedboat ride for a set fee.

Quick picks: what’s especially good

• Included drinks that keep the mood relaxed: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• A true swim-and-snorkel stop in a calm, clear bay (optional, with equipment provided)
• Optional thrill add-ons like jet skis and parasailing, priced separately
• Lunch served on board (chicken wrap with pasta salad; dietary needs need notice)
• Onboard music and a friendly crew that keeps things moving without being pushy
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 66 travelers

Gran Canaria in 4.5 hours: timing that actually feels like morning

This is a morning cruise built for a “get out early, be back for your afternoon plans” kind of day. The trip runs about 4.5 hours, and the departure window changes with the season: during summer it’s roughly 09:30–14:00, and during winter it’s about 10:00–14:30. In practice, that means you’re not spending the whole day trapped on a boat. You’re getting the sea time and then you’re free.

The other timing angle is how the day is structured around the bay. You cruise along the coastline first, then you anchor in a calmer spot for swimming and snorkelling. If you’re hoping for lots of long, steady sailing with constant views the entire time, you might find the anchored portion feels like the “main event.” If you want to swim, snorkel, and have a break from the sun in between, that same structure is exactly what you want.

Also, it’s a good fit for people who like options. You can keep it simple—sun, shade, photos, a swim—and still end the trip happy. Or you can stack on extra water sports if that’s your travel personality.

Meeting point and pickup: how to not waste your first hour

The cruise meets at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a mystery drop-off.

If you’re using pickup: it’s only available from centralised pickup points in the south. That means it’s not a full-island taxi service. Pickup isn’t available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan. You’ll confirm the exact pickup time and place by checking your transport service confirmation 24 hours before departure (email is used, and yes, it may land in your junk folder).

If you’re arriving directly to Puerto Base, plan to be there about 20 minutes before the cruise leaves. That buffer matters. Boats run on their own clocks, and you’ll enjoy the day more if you’re not rushing while everyone else is already settled.

Practical tip: bring what you need for the bay (swimsuit, towel, and any snorkel gear you love). Once you’re anchored, things move quickly from lounging mode to water mode.

On board Afrikat: luxury feel, real comfort, and included drinks

Afrikat is set up for comfort, not just transport. Think clean surfaces, a spacious deck for hanging out, and a crew that makes the rhythm of the trip easy to follow. A lot of the good energy comes from how the staff interacts—welcoming, upbeat, and helpful when people need a hand (including if someone is prone to seasickness).

The included drinks are a major part of the value. Throughout the trip you’ll have access to beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Minimum drinking age is 18, so if you’re traveling with teenagers, make sure they’re clear on the rules ahead of time.

One small, thoughtful touch that stands out in the experience is the way they consider the ocean—for example, some onboard setups include eatable straws, which is a nice change from the usual single-use plastic routine.

Music also shows up during the sail time. Expect onboard sound, and in at least some departures, a saxophonist has played toward the latter part of the cruise. One practical note: don’t plan your whole day around a full-length performance. It tends to be short, more like a fun added layer than a concert.

Coast cruise to the calm bay: your swim-and-snorkel payoff

The heart of the day happens once you anchor. You cruise along the coastline, then you settle in a calm, crystal-clear bay where swimming and snorkelling are available.

Snorkelling is optional, and equipment is provided, but there’s one smart upgrade: bring your own snorkel gear if you have it. Provided gear can be perfectly fine, but having your own fit and setup can make the experience more comfortable, especially if you’re picky about mask comfort.

If you’re not into snorkelling, you can still enjoy the swim time. This is the part where you’ll want to be ready. Changing and getting in takes less time than you think, and it helps to have your essentials within reach.

For water-sports fans, this is also the moment when extra activities may be offered (some require a separate fee). The best approach is to watch the mood when you arrive at the bay. If the water looks calm and the timing works for you, grab your add-on early. If you’re unsure, start with a swim first.

If you’ve had trouble with motion sickness before, keep this in mind: even on a catamaran, some people feel it more than others. Tell the crew early if you’re sensitive. Getting ahead of it beats suffering through a whole morning.

Lunch on the water: simple, included, and adjustable if you plan

Lunch is included, and it’s served while you’re onboard. The standard meal is a chicken wrap with pasta salad. If you have dietary requirements, you need to communicate them at the time of booking. That advance notice matters because it’s the difference between a smooth meal and a scramble.

In real travel terms, this meal isn’t trying to be a fine-dining masterpiece. It’s doing a different job: keep you fed, keep the day rolling, and make sure you’re not paying extra for something quick in port. When you’re already spending your morning on the sea, having a included lunch saves time and effort.

If you’re traveling as a vegetarian or with other needs, don’t assume it’s automatic from the menu alone. Instead, make your request clearly during booking. The experience data indicates they can handle special dietary requirements when they’re informed in advance.

Optional thrills: jet skis, parasailing, donut rides, and the captain speedboat

Here’s where you can turn the morning into a choose-your-own-adventure. Several water sports are available, but they’re not included in the base price:

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

Those add-ons can be worth it if you want action without committing to a full-day tour elsewhere. The prices are clear, so you’re not guessing what you’ll spend once you’re already on board.

One extra note from past experiences: sometimes the speedboat portion (with a captain) can include pointed-out sights like sea caves. That’s not guaranteed on every sailing, but it’s the kind of detail you can reasonably expect the crew to talk about while you’re out.

My advice: pick just one add-on if this is your first time on this kind of cruise. You’ll have more energy for the swim stop and lunch, and you’ll still feel like you did something memorable. If you already know you love water sports, then add a second—just don’t overload the schedule.

Value check: is $90.70 a good deal?

At $90.70 per person, the price can feel like a splurge until you break down what you’re actually buying. You’re paying for:

• A 4.5-hour boat trip on a luxury catamaran
• Round-trip return transport from fixed pickup points (when your area qualifies)
• Unlimited access during the trip to beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• An included lunch meal
• A chance to swim and snorkel during an anchored bay stop (equipment provided)

When you compare that to the cost of a plain boat tour plus drinks plus a meal, this starts looking more like a bundled seaside day. The drinks alone are a big part of it. If you plan to have sangria or beer during the cruise, you’ll likely feel better about the total quickly.

The real value sweet spot is this: you get both the calm version (sun, swim, snorkel, music) and the optional active version (jet ski, parasail, donut). You don’t have to decide in advance beyond whether you might add the thrill activities later.

Who should book Afrikat Morning Cruise, and who might not

This cruise is a strong match if you want a relaxing morning with built-in fun. It’s great for couples, solo travelers, and groups who don’t want to plan a full itinerary. The included lunch and drinks make it easy to spend the whole trip without searching for food.

It’s also a good fit for people who like social energy. The onboard setup makes it easy to chat, and the crew’s style tends to keep things friendly and organized.

Families should note two points from the tour info: children must be accompanied by an adult, and there’s a minimum drinking age of 18 for alcohol. If you’re traveling with teens or kids, your best plan is to position the day around swimming and water time, not the bar.

People who might hesitate:

• If you’re the type who wants mostly nonstop sailing and constant movement, the anchored bay stop might feel like less “cruising time.”
• If you expect cocktails, wine, or spirits to be included, they’re not. The included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Tips to make your morning sail smoother

A few practical things can make this cruise feel effortless:

• Arrive early: if you’re going on your own, get to Puerto Base about 20 minutes before departure.
• Snorkel smart: if you have your own snorkel gear, bring it. Provided equipment is available, but personal fit is personal fit.
• Plan for add-ons: if jet skis or parasailing are on your list, expect extra fees (and bring a payment method you can use onsite).
• Bring sun protection: you’ll be in open air on the deck and in the water. Sunscreen and a hat go a long way.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, let the crew know early so they can help you settle in comfortably.

One more small thing: if you’re celebrating something, consider telling the crew ahead of time when you book. In the past, staff have recognized occasions and handled it with small gestures. It’s not a promise, but it’s a good way to make your day feel more personal.

Should you book Afrikat Morning Cruise?

I’d book this if you want one morning in Gran Canaria that feels like a proper day at sea, not a rushed checklist. The best reasons to say yes are the clear value package—boat time + lunch + drinks + swim/snorkel—and the fact you can choose your level of adventure once you’re there.

Skip it or think twice if you’re chasing nonstop sailing views for hours straight, or if your idea of a cruise includes cocktails and spirits as part of the deal. This is built around the included drinks and food, plus optional activities, not a full bar program.

If you’re flexible, enjoy the water, and want to leave with salty hair and sun-kissed memories, Afrikat’s morning cruise is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Morning Cruise?

It runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise leave?

Departure times change by season. In summer it’s roughly 09:30–14:00, and in winter it’s roughly 10:00–14:30. The meeting start time is listed as 10:00 am.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get a lunch meal (chicken wrap with pasta salad) and drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Is swimming and snorkelling included?

Yes. There’s a chance to swim and snorkel at the anchored bay stop, and equipment is provided. It’s also recommended that you bring your own snorkelling equipment.

What water sports cost extra?

Jet skis cost €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, and the donut ride costs €10 per person. A speedboat ride with the captain costs €5 per person.

Are pickup and children’s rules included?

Pickup is available only from centralised pickup points in the south of the island, and it’s not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.