Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

This catamaran day feels like a small party. On Afrikat’s cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, you get sun-on-your-face coast views, a proper swim and snorkel stop, and a full onboard meal with unlimited drinks.

I love how social the crew makes it without turning it into a circus. Names like Potter and Nikita pop up in the best kind of way, with jokes, safety talk, and quick service. I also like the simple value: unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water, plus lunch that actually fills you up.

One thing to plan for: some optional water activities can be affected day to day, and add-ons cost extra, including jet ski and parasailing.

Key points before you go

• A real swim-and-snorkel bay time with gear available so you’re not just staring at the water from the boat
• Unlimited beer and sangria included, not a tiny first-round situation
• Friendly, funny crew energy that keeps the day moving and helps you feel comfortable fast
• Mogán-area stop for lunch and water time, not just a quick photo stop
• Optional water sports are priced separately so you can choose your own level of thrill
• Lots of sun and some shade on a clean, spacious catamaran

Why this Afrikat catamaran cruise fits Gran Canaria

If your idea of a good day in Gran Canaria is sea air, warm sun, and time in the water, this trip hits the sweet spot. You cruise along the southwestern coastline, then you actually stop long enough to swim and snorkel, with lunch and drinks waiting on the way back.

The main reason I think this one works is the mix. It’s not just transport from one viewpoint to another. It’s built around a relaxing catamaran ride plus a chunk of active beach time. And unlike some “boating tours” that feel like standing around, the onboard vibe is upbeat and the staff keeps things rolling.

It also feels like good value because the included drinks go beyond soft drinks. Beer and sangria are part of the deal, and you’ll get coffee, juice, water, and more while you lounge. For many people, that’s the difference between a pricey excursion and a day that feels like it paid for itself.

Pickup, coach ride, and getting to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

This is a pick-up-and-drop-off cruise with lots of starting points. You’ll find transfers offered from areas like Maspalomas, San Agustín, Playa del Aguila, Playa del Cura, Bahía Feliz, and several other hotel or neighborhood spots. The list is long enough that most people staying in the south should have something nearby.

A practical note: pickup is from designated areas, and the information says pickup isn’t available from places like Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogán. That doesn’t mean the tour is far away from those towns, it just means the meeting points are elsewhere.

Plan for the tempo. Your day runs about 4.5 hours total, and the schedule includes coach time before you reach the marina. Expect a short safety briefing once you’re there, then you’re underway. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll be in good hands; one review mentioned the crew helped a seasick passenger.

Also, bring the basics the day is built around: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Having these ready means you waste less time once you hit the water break.

Cruising the southwestern coast: sun, shade, and onboard comfort

Once you’re out on the water, the catamaran part is more than a transfer. You get a steady coastal cruise with the kind of views you usually only get by driving and pulling over constantly. The rhythm is calm: find a spot, watch cliffs and coves slide by, and let the sea breeze do its job.

The boat itself matters here. Reviews repeatedly mention it as clean, spacious, and not overpacked. That last part is key. A smaller-feeling group makes it easier to grab a sun seat, get to the drinks, and actually relax between stops.

Inside the experience, there’s also good pacing. The day is structured with cruise time out, then the longer water-and-lunch stretch, then cruise time back. You’re not stuck bouncing between activities back to back.

And if you like options, the cruise supports that. You can keep it simple (snorkel, swim, relax) or add the thrill rides when you’re at the stop. Either way, you’re still on a catamaran for comfort rather than being shoved into a tiny boat for hours.

The Mogán stop: lunch, swimming, and snorkel time

The centerpiece moment is the stop near Mogán, where you’ll get about 2.5 hours for lunch and water activities. This is where the tour earns its reputation as more than a “look at the ocean” outing.

You’ll anchor in a crystal-clear bay, then jump in and use the snorkeling gear provided (optional, but it’s there for you). The included gear is a big deal. It means you can show up, change quickly, and get into the water without hunting for a rental.

Lunch happens right in the middle of this window, which keeps the day from turning into hunger stress. The meal described for the standard option is a chicken wrap with optional bacon bits, plus salad and sauces. There’s also pasta salad for special dietary requirements if you communicate in advance.

One review shared that a vegetarian request was handled with fajitas after the person boarded. That’s a good sign, but I’d still treat the stated guidance seriously: if you have a dietary need, let the operator know ahead of time so they’re not improvising under pressure.

Back on the boat, you’ll find time to rinse, reset, and either book extra thrills or just hang out. Reviews mention both sunbathing areas and shaded places, so you can choose how hot you want the day to feel.

Water sports add-ons: what you can pay for on the bay

This trip gives you a menu. Snorkeling and swimming are part of the plan, while the higher-adrenaline options come as add-ons. That’s why the tour can work for different travel styles.

Here’s what’s listed as not included, with the provided prices:

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

A few review details help you judge value. One person mentioned paying €42 per person for a bundle that included donut, speedboat, jet ski, and snorkelling. That’s a useful way to think about it: if you want the full experience, asking about bundles or combined options could save money compared to picking each item separately.

Also, note the practical reality: at least one review said jet ski wasn’t available that day. So if jet ski is your top priority, keep your expectations flexible. The snorkel and swim time still anchors the day, and the cruise portion is enjoyable even without the extra rides.

If you’re traveling with kids or you want a calmer experience, you can focus on swimming, snorkeling, and boat time. If you want speed, jet ski and the speedboat ride are there. This is one of those tours that lets you choose your own adventure length.

Food and drinks: the included onboard bar is the real star

I come away thinking the onboard drinks are a major part of why the price feels fair. You get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. One review specifically called out the idea of tapping your own beer, which is the kind of small detail that makes the whole day feel more fun than formal.

The tour also includes the meal served by the crew. The standard lunch is clearly planned: chicken wrap with possible bacon bits, plus salad and sauces; plus pasta salad for special dietary requirements if arranged in advance.

A couple of drink-related notes keep expectations clean:

• Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.
• Drinks come throughout the stop, and reviews mention staff taking orders and bringing drinks to you.

Live music is another wrinkle worth knowing. The information says live music is only on Friday morning, and it also notes it’s not on 27 February. One review described a sax player playing classics. Even if you’re not on a Friday morning, the crew energy usually fills that gap.

Value check: is an $88-per-person catamaran cruise a good deal?

At about $88 per person for a 4.5-hour trip, you’re paying for three things: transport by boat and coach, a proper swim-and-snorkel stop, and a meal plus unlimited drinks.

The included package is what pushes this into “worth considering” territory. Many cruises include basic drinks, but here you get beer and sangria without paying for each round. You’re also not just buying the boat ride; you’re buying time in the water with snorkeling gear available.

The add-on costs are where you can steer the budget. Jet ski and parasailing are priced per person or vehicle, and donut rides and speedboat rides are small add-ons that can still be fun. If you stay with snorkeling and swimming only, you can keep spending under control. If you want jet ski, you’ll pay more, but you also get a day that feels like a full activity program rather than a half-day.

One more value tip: bring some cash or a bank card, since the day includes optional water sports, photos/souvenirs, and those listed add-on activities. Reviews also mention photos and special touches, so being ready helps.

Who this tour suits best (and who might prefer something quieter)

This one is a strong fit for people who want a social, active sea day. Families can work well here too; one review mentioned the crew being attentive to a toddler. If you want variety without a lot of planning, snorkeling plus optional speed rides is a straightforward combination.

It’s also wheelchair accessible, based on the provided accessibility note. If mobility needs are part of your planning, the information says to inform the provider of any mobility impairments when booking.

You might think twice if you’re the type who wants a quiet, slow sightseeing cruise with no add-on pressure. Even though snorkeling is included, the bay stop is built to support multiple activities. If you don’t care about water sports at all, you’ll still enjoy swimming and the cruise, but your “extra” spending decisions will be more of a mental checklist than a welcome option.

Should you book Afrikat’s Gran Canaria fun catamaran?

I’d book it if you want an easy win: warm sun, a real swim stop, snorkeling gear ready, and a lunch plus unlimited drinks that keeps the day relaxed. The crew energy is a real selling point, and names like Potter and Nikita show up in the kinds of comments you want to hear: friendly, organized, and good at keeping people comfortable.

I wouldn’t book it as your only plan if jet ski is non-negotiable. At least one day had jet ski unavailable, and since jet ski is an extra, you’re paying for something that might not run. If you’re happy with swimming, snorkeling, and boat time as the core, that’s the sweet spot.

If you choose to go, do one smart thing: pack your swim gear and sunscreen. Then decide on add-ons only after you see how the bay time feels in the moment. That way you end up with a day that matches your mood, not just the brochure.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 4.5 hours total.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are offered from centralized points in the south and other designated areas. The exact start and end locations vary by area, and the activity says pickup isn’t available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogán.

What is included in the price?

Included are the catamaran cruise, pickup and drop-off from designated centralized points, unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), snorkeling equipment (optional), a meal served onboard, and a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

What drinks are included, and what is not included?

Included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

What food do you get onboard?

You’ll be served a chicken wrap for the standard meal, with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces. For special dietary requirements, pasta salad is mentioned, and it says communication in advance is required.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is included and marked as optional, and you’ll have time at the bay to swim and snorkel with the gear provided.

What water sports cost extra?

Jet ski is listed at €32 per vehicle, parasailing at €32 per person, donut ride at €10 per person, and a speedboat ride with the captain at €5 per person.

Is live music part of the trip?

Live music is listed as only on Friday morning, and it specifically notes it is not on 27 February.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. The activity notes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible?

The activity states it is suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible. It also asks you to inform the provider about any mobility impairments when booking.