Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

This catamaran day trip is basically a moving beach day. You cruise the southwest coast from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, then spend your time swimming, snorkeling, and playing on SUPs while drinks and food keep showing up. It’s an easy way to see a good slice of Gran Canaria without renting a car.

What I like most is the mix: you get proper time on the water, not just a quick dip between photos. I also like that lunch (morning) is served fresh with a Canarian feel, plus you’re given snorkeling gear and water-sports kit instead of paying extra to get in the water.

One possible drawback: the day depends on sea and weather conditions, so if conditions are rough, your schedule can shift. Also, the water can feel chilly depending on the season—bring a towel and plan to warm up after.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water make this feel like a true half-day party at sea
• Snorkeling + SUP + kayak are included, so you can pick your vibe (serious swim or just sunbathing)
• The trip runs as a small group (many tours feel more personal than big-boat cruises)
• You’ll have two different swim and activity stops, including one near the Mogán area
• Food is handled well: fresh seasonal lunch on the morning option, and light tapas on the afternoon option

Why This Catamaran Day Trip Works on Gran Canaria

If you’re spending time in the south of Gran Canaria, this is the kind of tour that makes your day plan feel better than just wandering streets and hoping you find a good beach. You start with a comfortable boat ride, then shift into water time that actually fills the middle of your trip.

The biggest reason this works is the pacing. You’re not rushing from one viewpoint to another. Instead, you’re cruising, stopping, then using the water gear right away. That means you get more moments in the sun and less time waiting in line.

Also, the included drinks are a real part of the experience. Yes, you can choose non-alcoholic if you want—but the point is that the crew keeps it flowing without making you feel like you’re stuck buying something every ten minutes.

Getting on Board in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

The day starts in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Pick-up is included for stays in the south of the island, and the operator confirms your exact pick-up time after booking (they vary pickup timing based on where you’re staying). Practically, that means you’ll want to check the email they send you, and also look in your spam folder.

When you reach the boat, you’ll find a modern catamaran setup with both shaded seating and a sun deck. That matters more than it sounds. On a warm day, shade is what lets you relax instead of roasting through the whole cruise. And on a breezier day, the sun deck becomes the “stay here and watch the coast” zone.

The crew is a standout in the feedback. You may meet staff such as Michelle, and guides/skippers including Callan and Raul. In the best cases, they’re friendly, attentive, and clear with instructions so you can feel confident using the equipment.

Cruising Gran Canaria’s Southwest Coast With Drinks Included

Once you depart, the vibe is relaxed. You sail along the southwest coast while you’re drinking soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water. You’ll see coves and beaches along the route, with the itinerary built to lead you toward places where the water is worth getting in.

This is also where the catamaran shape helps. It tends to feel stable and comfortable, even when you’re near open water. More than one person noted they didn’t feel seasick, or that the boat felt steady enough to handle the motion.

A practical note: if you’re sensitive to motion, it’s smart to plan for it. One review specifically recommended bringing sea-sickness tablets if you think you’ll need them. You won’t regret being prepared.

Two Water-Sport Stops: Snorkeling, SUP, and Kayak Time

The heart of this trip is the water time, and it’s structured so you’re not stuck waiting around. You get provided snorkeling equipment, plus SUP paddleboards and kayak gear. That gives you a choice depending on your mood:

• If you want to see fish and coral-like reef features, snorkel.
• If you want exercise with a view, use the SUP.
• If you prefer slower and more controlled paddling, choose the kayak.
• If you’d rather just float, some people simply enjoy swimming and photos from the water.

You’ll typically have two separate stops. The first is focused on getting into the sea and trying the included activities. The second stop often includes the lunch moment (morning option) or more swim time paired with snacks (afternoon option).

One detail I appreciate: you’re not only given gear—you get real chances to use it. Reviews repeatedly call out multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel, plus SUP and kayak time at the stops.

Mogán Swim Stop: Where the Underwater Fun Happens

You cruise toward a swim stop outside of Mogán, then you can make a splash right from the boat. The entry is set up so you can swim directly from the catamaran (typically via steps), which is great because you skip the awkward logistics of getting on/off in tiny launches.

For snorkeling, the key is that you actually get time. People reported seeing plenty of fish, with the snorkeling spot feeling like the kind of place where you get that moment of looking down and thinking: okay, this is worth it.

If you’re bringing kids or traveling as a family, it helps that snorkeling gear is provided. And some reviews note flotation assistance options (like vests for younger swimmers). Still, I’d use your own judgment and bring what your child needs if they’re picky about comfort in water.

Water temperature is the one variable. Even when the conditions are calm, the sea can feel chilly depending on the season. If you tend to run cold, be ready for that first plunge to wake you up.

Lunch at Tasarte (Morning Option) or Tapas Snacks (Afternoon)

Here’s a big reason this tour feels like more than a swim-with-drinks package: the food is timed into the stops.

For the morning sailing, you’ll stop where the crew picks up a freshly prepared lunch from a local restaurant on the beach of Tasarte. The lunch is brought to the boat (in some cases, even delivered via kayak). That’s a small moment, but it changes how the meal feels—less like a box lunch, more like you’re actually eating with the sea scene.

For the afternoon sailing, you still eat, but in a lighter format: light tapas-style snacks instead of the full seated lunch.

Either way, you’re eating while still close to the action. You’re not paying for food only to stare at a plate indoors.

What’s on the Plate: Canarian Potatoes, Mojo, Tuna, and Chicken

The menu is fresh and seasonal, so it can change. But the common favorites show up again and again in the feedback, and you can plan around them.

A typical lunch setup includes:

• Tuna (often served as a filet-style option)
• Breaded chicken as another entree choice
• Canarian potatoes with mild mojo sauce
• Salad, bread, and other meal staples

What I like about this is that it’s not trying to be fancy. It’s Canarian comfort food that tastes like the island—plus it’s paired with sea air and plenty of activity, so it hits differently than a normal lunch stop.

Also, you can keep your drink pacing pretty relaxed. One review noted they ended up choosing mostly non-alcoholic options, and that worked fine. The tour doesn’t force you into beer or sangria; it gives you the option.

Drinks, Add-Ons, and How to Think About Value

You’re included for soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water. Cocktails and other extra drink options aren’t included, so if you want something specific, you may have to pay.

Then there are add-ons that show up on some days, like jet ski or parasailing. These are not part of the base price. But if you want adrenaline, you can usually add it rather than switching tours.

Now for the real question: is $97 per person worth it for a 4.5-hour outing?

For Gran Canaria, value comes from three things here:

1. Time on the water with equipment included (snorkeling gear, SUP boards, kayak)
2. Food that’s more than a snack on the morning option (and tapas on the afternoon option)
3. A drink package feel without constant upsells

Most similar tours either overload you with extra costs (for water gear or meal choices) or keep the time on the water short. This one gives you multiple swim and sport opportunities while keeping the included basics tight.

If you’re the type who would otherwise pay separately for boat time, rentals, and lunch, this starts to look like a fair deal fast.

Crew and Group Size: The Difference Between Crowded and Comfortable

The quality of the crew is repeatedly mentioned, and it’s not just about being friendly. It’s about being organized and present without hovering.

You’ll likely notice that instructions are offered in multiple languages—English, Spanish, German, and French—so you’re not stuck guessing what to do if you’re not fluent in Spanish. That helps especially with snorkeling and paddle gear.

Many comments also point to the boat feeling not too crowded. One review described a small shared group—around 17 people—while another mentioned a relaxed, uncluttered feel. Smaller groups matter because you spend less time waiting for your turn and more time doing the activity.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and What to Do If You Get Motion Sickness

This trip is subject to sea and weather conditions, so plan for the reality that the ocean can change the plan. If the water is rough, operators may adjust. You’ll also feel it in the schedule, especially if they’re protecting swimming safety.

If you’re worried about motion sickness, the data you have from the experience is mixed but helpful: plenty of people said they felt fine, and at least one person advised tablets if needed. So my practical advice is simple: if you’ve been seasick on boats before, don’t gamble on a “maybe today will be different” mindset.

And don’t underestimate comfort factors. Bring a towel (this is specifically listed), and plan on doing a rinse-up in the way that works for you after swimming.

Who This Catamaran Day Trip Is Best For

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A half-day that actually includes swimming and equipment
• A day that feels social but not chaotic (smaller group feel)
• Included food and drinks so you don’t turn your day into a budget math exercise
• A practical way to see the south coast without driving

It’s also good for couples and friends who want a shared experience, and for families who like water play, as long as kids can handle the sea and follow safety instructions.

If you’re someone who wants deep cultural stops, museum time, or an itinerary packed with land-based sights, this won’t be that tour. This one is for the sea people.

Should You Book This Catamaran Trip With Food and Drinks?

I’d book it if you match the vibe: you want sun deck time, you want to get in the water, and you’d rather spend your money on experiences than on add-ons.

Skip or reconsider if:

• You’re highly weather-dependent and can’t be flexible about sea conditions
• You strongly dislike alcohol and would rather pay less for a non-alcoholic version (even though non-alcoholic options are available, the package is built around drinks)
• You only want one short swim stop and would get bored if there are multiple activity rounds

If you’re on the fence, here’s my quick decision test: if you’d pay for a snorkeling or boat day and still want lunch and drinks handled, this is a clean value play at $97 for about 4.5 hours. The included snorkeling, SUP, and kayak time is what turns it from a “nice trip” into a “good day.”

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The duration is 4.5 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, and pickup/drop-off is included for locations south of the island.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water.

Is lunch included?

It depends on the sailing option. The morning excursion includes a seasonal lunch. The afternoon excursion includes light tapas-style snacks.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling, SUP paddleboarding, and kayaking are included, along with snorkeling equipment.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear or a towel?

Snorkeling equipment is provided. You should bring a towel.

Is a live guide provided, and in which languages?

Yes. There is a live tour guide in English, Spanish, German, and French.

Is the pickup time fixed?

Pickup included, but the exact pickup time can vary depending on where you stay. The provider confirms the exact time after booking.

What if the weather is bad?

The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions for safety.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are cocktails or other additional drinks included?

Additional drinks like cocktails are not included.