Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Gran Canaria’s south coast looks best from the water, and this four-hour catamaran trip gives you a pleasant mix of open-sea views, swimming, lunch, and drinks. I like the hotel pickup and drop-off from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas, and I like having the option to add a jet ski ride or parasailing without booking a separate outing.

The crew is often praised for being friendly and helpful, which matters on a boat trip. The main caution is that this may feel more like a social cruise than a wildlife trip, with music, alcohol, and a fairly full boat. Dolphins are only a possibility, not the reason to book with certainty.

Key points to know before you book

• Arguineguín departure: The catamaran leaves from the dock and heads along Gran Canaria’s south coast toward a beach anchorage.
• Four hours on the water: The outing includes the cruise, a beach stop, food, drinks, and the return trip.
• Swimming away from shore crowds: You can sunbathe, swim, or use the paddleboard while the boat is anchored in the Atlantic.
• Food varies by season: A plant-based meal is intended to be available, but one reported meal included pasta salad, bread, melon, nachos, and olives.
• Water sports cost extra: Parasailing and jet ski rides can be added during check-in, but they are not part of the $77 base price.
• A lively mood is possible: Music and alcohol are part of the setup, so this may not suit anyone seeking a quiet nature cruise.

Setting out from Arguineguín

The day starts with pickup from your designated point in Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas. That transfer is a real convenience. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the port or worry about getting back after several drinks and a swim.

The boat leaves from the Arguineguín dock and follows the south coast toward the beach stop. The route gives you a different view of Gran Canaria, with the coastline seen from the water rather than from a road or hotel terrace.

At check-in, you can add parasailing or a jet ski ride. This is useful if someone in your group wants more action while others prefer a slower cruise. Anyone taking part in an extra activity remains with that service first, then returns to the catamaran by Zodiac boat.

One practical point: the catamaran has sails, but on one outing the boat used its engine rather than sailing. If sailing under wind power is important to you, ask about the plan before departure. The experience is best understood as a motor-assisted catamaran cruise, not a guaranteed sailing lesson.

What the four-hour schedule feels like

Four hours is enough time to enjoy the sea without giving up an entire day in Gran Canaria. You get a proper trip out from the harbor, time anchored at the beach, and the ride back to Arguineguín.

The exact balance depends on how long the boat remains at anchor. That stop is the heart of the outing, but it can feel long if you do not want to swim, sunbathe, use the paddleboard, or take part in an extra water activity.

I would treat the cruise as a relaxed half-day plan rather than a tightly packed sightseeing tour. There are no listed visits to coastal towns, historic sites, or separate beaches. The reward is time on the Atlantic, not a long list of stops.

You may also want to set your expectations about wildlife. The trip includes the possibility of seeing dolphins, but no sighting is promised. If spotting marine life is your main goal, this is a gamble. If you mainly want sea views, a swim, and an easy day with food and drinks, the dolphin chance is a pleasant bonus.

The beach stop and Atlantic swimming

When the catamaran reaches the beach, the crew drops anchor and prepares the meal. You can swim from the boat, sunbathe on deck, or simply sit with a drink and watch the coast.

The appeal is the break from the packed shore. You are not trying to find a free patch of sand or squeeze into a busy resort swimming area. Instead, you can get into the water from the catamaran and enjoy the open setting around the anchored boat.

This stop works best for people who are comfortable making their own fun. There is no suggestion of a guided beach walk or organized sightseeing. You choose how to spend the time, so bring the right attitude: this is a floating picnic and swim stop, not a guided visit to a beach town.

For active visitors, the optional jet ski or parasailing activities add a burst of excitement. The extra services are not included in the $77 price, and you pay for them separately at check-in. One French booking reported paying €40 for two people for the jet ski, but treat that as a useful example rather than a fixed current price.

Lunch, snacks, and drinks

Food and drinks are included, which helps make the price easier to judge. You do not need to carry a full picnic or buy drinks during the outing, and the open bar style can suit a social group.

The meal is described as seasonal and suitable for vegans. Still, do not expect a restaurant lunch. One meal served on a February outing consisted of spiral pasta with what was described as mayonnaise, cucumber, and sweetcorn, along with bread and a piece of melon. Nachos and olives were also available as snacks.

That can be perfectly fine after swimming, but it is a simple boat meal. If you want a substantial or carefully presented lunch, bring your expectations down. If you have a specific dietary need, confirm the details before booking rather than relying only on the general seasonal food description.

The drinks are reported as plentiful, and that shapes the atmosphere. This is not necessarily a quiet coastal cruise with one soft drink and a notebook. Music and alcohol can make the trip cheerful for a group of friends, but the sound and drinking may be less welcome for families with children or older relatives.

Music, shade, and comfort on board

The boat’s mood deserves as much attention as the route. Friendly staff are a strong point, and the captain and crew have been described as helpful. That personal service can make a big difference when you need help boarding, ordering a drink, or getting back to the catamaran after an extra activity.

Comfort is less certain. One February trip had 35 people, and the boat felt crowded enough that some people had to stand. The back section was the only shaded area on that outing, and smokers occupied much of it. If you are sensitive to smoke, want shade, or need a seat for the whole cruise, this is worth considering before you book.

There was also a report of the single toilet becoming blocked and overflowing during the trip, with no handwashing facilities or hand sanitizer available at that time. That may have been a maintenance problem on one departure, but it is a fair reminder that this is a small excursion boat, not a cruise ship with several bathrooms.

I would bring hand sanitizer, a hat, sunscreen, and a light cover-up. These are sensible items for any four-hour boat ride, especially when shade may be limited. You should also expect some movement from the sea, even on a calm day.

Is the $77 price good value?

At $77 per person, the tour sits in a reasonable range for a half-day outing that includes transport, the catamaran ride, lunch, and drinks. The hotel transfer adds value, especially if you are staying in Maspalomas or one of the Mogan-area resorts.

The price is strongest for you if you plan to use the whole package. Swim, enjoy the food, have several drinks, and make good use of the four hours, and the cost feels fair. It is less attractive if you mainly want a short wildlife search or a guaranteed sailing experience.

You should also budget for optional activities if they appeal to you. Parasailing and jet skiing are not included, and their availability and price should be checked at the facility. The ability to add them on the spot is handy, but it can also make the final cost higher than the advertised base rate.

The lunch is basic, so I would not book this because of the food alone. Think of lunch and drinks as practical extras that keep you comfortable during the cruise. The main purchase is the time on the water and the easy transport.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it most to couples, friends, and families who want an uncomplicated half-day at sea. It suits you if you like swimming, sun, music, casual drinks, and the freedom to spend the beach stop as you please.

It can also work for mixed groups. One person can choose parasailing, another can ride a jet ski, and others can remain on the catamaran. The Zodiac transfer brings participants back after the extra activity, so the whole group does not need to take part in the same thing.

Families should read the atmosphere carefully. The boat may include loud music and a good deal of alcohol, and the seating can feel tight when the group is full. If your children mainly want to see dolphins or your older relatives need a calm, shaded seat, a quieter boat trip may suit you better.

Wildlife fans should also be cautious. You might see dolphins, but this is not sold as a guaranteed marine-life encounter. The tour gives you a chance to look out over the water, but the beach stop, food, and social setting are the dependable parts.

Useful details for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water without a fuss. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel, along with hand sanitizer because sanitation facilities may be limited.

Ask at check-in about the current food, the extra activity prices, and the expected group size. These details matter more than they might on a land tour because space, shade, and meal choices affect the whole four-hour experience.

If you want the quietest possible time, ask where smokers may sit and how loud the music is expected to be. You may not be able to control the atmosphere, but knowing what to expect helps you decide if this is the right outing.

The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available schedule for your date. The live guide service is offered in Spanish and English.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you want a social four-hour cruise with hotel transport, a simple included meal, drinks, swimming, and optional water sports. The friendly crew and easy format are its strongest assets, and the $77 price is fair when you use the full package.

Skip it if your priority is guaranteed dolphin watching, quiet sailing, generous shade, or a polished lunch. You should also think twice if loud music, alcohol, smoking, or a crowded boat would spoil your day.

My practical verdict: this is a good-value coastal outing for an easygoing group, but it needs to be booked as a casual party-style catamaran day, not as a focused wildlife cruise or refined sailing trip.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip take place?

The excursion runs along the south coast of Gran Canaria, starting from the Arguineguín dock and heading toward a beach before returning to the dock.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran excursion lasts four hours, including the outward cruise, beach stop, and return trip.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included in the base excursion price.

Is the food suitable for vegans?

The food is intended to be suitable for vegans and changes according to the season. The exact meal is not fixed.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The catamaran anchors at a beach, where you can relax, sunbathe, or swim in the Atlantic.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphin encounters are a possibility, but the tour does not guarantee wildlife sightings.

Can I add a jet ski ride or parasailing?

Yes. You can ask about adding parasailing or a jet ski ride during check-in at the Esnautica facilities. These activities cost extra.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.