Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

The best part of this 4.5-hour Afrikat cruise is the mix of easygoing sailing and lively water fun. You cruise past cliffs, coves, and the fishing village of Mogán, then anchor for swimming and snorkeling. The crew serves lunch and keeps the drinks coming, so you can settle into the afternoon instead of watching the clock.

I like the unlimited drinks and included meal, which make the $91 price easier to justify. I also like the choice of pace: you can stretch out on a sun cushion, join the speedboat ride, or pay extra for a jet ski, parasail, or donut ride. The main drawback is that the sun deck can feel cramped, and water sports may not operate on every departure.

Key points

• Cruise toward Mogán: See Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, fishing villages, cliffs, and small coves from the water.
• Swim and snorkel stop: Anchor in a clear bay, with snorkeling gear available at no extra charge.
• Food and drinks included: Expect a chicken wrap, pasta salad, and unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.
• Extra thrills cost more: Speedboat rides cost €5, donut rides €10, and jet skis or parasailing €32.
• Lively crew and entertainment: The crew, including owner Potter on some departures, is known for humor and a friendly tone. Music and saxophone performances may add to the return trip.
• Useful transport coverage: Pickup is available from central points in several southern resorts, but not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico.

Setting Sail from Puerto Rico

The cruise begins at Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. If you make your own way to the harbor, arrive at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure. That gives you time to check in without turning the first part of your afternoon into a sprint.

Hotel pickup is included from central points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. The exact pickup point depends on your area. There is no included pickup from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico, so check this carefully before booking.

Once aboard, you get the basic layout quickly. The catamaran offers open areas for sunbathing, seating for the meal, and access to the water when the boat anchors. The open deck is the place to sit if you want the best views, though it can become crowded when many people gather in the sun.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Their tone is part of the experience. This is not a quiet, formal sailing trip. It has a sociable holiday feel, with staff members joining in with jokes, helping people into the water, and keeping the afternoon moving.

Cruising the Southwest Coast Toward Mogán

The boat follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, where the view is best understood from offshore. You see steep cliffs, rough rock faces, coves, and stretches of resort coastline that look different from the sea. The route also gives you views toward the fishing village of Mogán.

This is a good reason to choose a boat trip instead of spending another afternoon beside a hotel pool. The boat lets you see the coast as a whole, not just one beach or harbor. You also get the cooling effect of the sea, which matters during the warmer months when the southern resorts can feel very hot.

The cruise is relaxed rather than heavily guided. You should not expect a long stream of historical or geological commentary. Instead, the value comes from the views, the open air, and the chance to move between sailing, swimming, eating, and sunbathing.

I would bring a camera, but protect it carefully around the swimming area. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are all essential. The sunlight on the water is strong, and the breeze can make you feel cooler than you really are.

The Swimming and Snorkeling Stop

At some point during the cruise, the catamaran anchors in a clear bay. This is the main active part of the trip. You can climb into the sea for a swim or use the onboard snorkeling equipment to look around below the surface.

The stop works well for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink. You do not need to commit to a full water-sports session to enjoy the afternoon.

The snorkeling is a pleasant extra, but you should set your expectations sensibly. This is not a specialist marine-life excursion with a guide identifying fish or taking you to a protected reef. It is casual, equipment-provided snorkeling during a boat cruise.

The water stop can also be the busiest part of the trip. People may all want to enter the sea at once, and the space around the boat can feel active. If you prefer calmer water time, wait a few minutes after the first rush or stay aboard until the crowd thins.

I like that the swimming stop breaks up the sailing. Four and a half hours in the sun can feel long if you remain seated the whole time. Getting into the water gives the afternoon a clear change of pace.

Lunch, Drinks, and What the $91 Covers

The included food is simple and practical. The crew serves a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce, along with pasta salad. You can request dietary arrangements when booking, but special requirements need to be stated in advance.

This is not a restaurant meal, and it is best judged as boat-trip food. The meal gives you something filling after swimming and water activities, while the pasta salad adds a second option rather than leaving you with a single snack.

Drinks are one of the stronger parts of the package. Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. You also receive a reusable drinking glass as a souvenir.

Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included. Some departures may offer cocktails for an extra charge, so bring a bank card or some cash if you want to buy drinks or add-on activities. The boat accepts card or Apple Pay for some extras, which is useful if you do not carry much cash.

At $91 per person, the price is not bargain-basement, but it covers a long afternoon, transport from many resort areas, a meal, a wide range of drinks, the catamaran, and snorkeling equipment. If you would buy several drinks and pay for a boat ride separately, the package offers fair value.

The value drops if you only want a short, quiet sail. You are paying for the full social setup, food service, swimming stop, and access to optional activities. I would choose it for a complete afternoon out, not for a peaceful two-hour cruise.

Choosing Between Sun Cushions and Water Sports

The cruise lets you choose your own level of activity. You can lie on the sun cushions, watch the coast, and drink sangria. Or you can spend extra money on one of several water activities.

The optional prices are:

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

The €5 speedboat ride is the easiest add-on to recommend if you want a short burst of excitement without spending much. The donut ride costs more but gives you a more playful, group-style thrill.

Jet skis and parasailing are separate paid activities, so the base price does not cover them. You should bring extra money or a bank card if these are important to you. Also keep in mind that the availability of water sports can change. On one departure, the partner company did not operate, and the activities were unavailable during the cruise.

That point matters. Do not book this solely for a guaranteed jet ski, parasail, or donut ride. Book it for the catamaran cruise, food, drinks, and swim stop, then treat the water sports as a possible bonus.

A past issue with a banana boat ride also shows why it is worth paying attention to safety instructions and the crew’s handling of each activity. One participant fell into the water early and had to wait before being collected. The overall trip was still considered enjoyable, but the incident is a useful reminder that the add-on rides are not the main reason to book.

The Crew, Music, and Mood on Board

The crew receives some of the strongest praise for this experience. Potter, the owner, is described as a lively and funny presence, while other crew members are noted for being welcoming and attentive. The style is warm, informal, and social.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like a boat trip with conversation, jokes, music, and a bit of holiday noise. It may not suit you if you want silence and a private sailing mood.

Some departures include music during the return journey. A saxophone performance by Ashleigh was a highlight on one trip, adding a live touch after the swimming and lunch. Music is not presented as a guaranteed feature on every departure, so consider it an occasional extra rather than a fixed part of the package.

The crew also helps keep the day moving. They serve lunch, manage drinks, explain the activities, and help passengers get in and out of the water. That personal attention matters on a catamaran, where a little confusion around meal service or water access can quickly make the boat feel crowded.

The social mood is strongest when people join in. You can dance, chat, or simply sit back. The experience has enough structure to prevent boredom, but not so much that you feel directed every minute.

How Crowded and Active Is the Boat?

The boat can feel busy, especially on the sun deck. One detailed account found the upper area a little cramped, even though the overall trip remained great fun. That is a fair warning for anyone expecting wide-open space and total privacy.

Arriving on time helps you get a better choice of seating, but do not expect a guaranteed private spot. The most popular areas fill first, especially when the sun is out and the coast is at its prettiest.

The boat’s activity level also changes through the afternoon. The start may feel calm as everyone settles in. The swimming stop becomes more active, and the return can turn into a more social stretch with drinks, music, and dancing.

This is best for couples, families, and groups of friends who are happy sharing space. It is also suitable for all ages. Parents should still decide how much swimming and paid activity works for their children, since the trip includes open water and optional rides.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but you must tell the provider about mobility needs after booking so proper arrangements can be made. Do not assume every part of the boat or every water activity will suit every mobility level.

Who Will Get the Most from This Cruise?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several holiday pleasures in one package: coastal views, a swim, lunch, drinks, and the option of extra excitement. It works especially well when you want a full afternoon away from the resort without planning every detail yourself.

It is a good choice for:

• Couples who want a sociable day on the water
• Families looking for swimming and simple activities
• Friends who want drinks, music, and optional water sports
• Visitors staying in the southern resort areas covered by pickup
• Anyone who prefers a planned outing with food and drinks included

I would think twice if you want a small, quiet sailing boat or a serious snorkeling trip. I would also avoid making this your only plan if paid water sports are the main attraction, since those activities may not run on every departure.

The trip is also better suited to people who enjoy an informal group setting. You will share the catamaran, swimming area, meal service, and deck space with other passengers. That is part of the fun, but it is not a private charter.

Booking Details Worth Knowing

The activity lasts 4.5 hours, with starting times depending on availability. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Gran Canaria plans are still shifting.

Pickup is included only from specific central points. If you are staying in Puerto Rico, you can go directly to the harbor, but you still need to sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the excursion.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. Add a bank card or extra cash for water sports, photos, souvenirs, or drinks outside the included selection.

Tell the provider about food allergies, special dietary needs, or mobility impairments when booking. English and Spanish are available, and the activity is listed as suitable for all ages.

Should You Book the Afrikat Cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, all-in-one afternoon rather than a quiet sail. The strongest reasons are the generous drink package, included lunch, clear-bay swim stop, friendly crew, and the freedom to add a €5 speedboat ride or more ambitious water sports.

At $91, the cruise offers reasonable value when you use the food, drinks, transport, and snorkeling equipment. Just keep the limits in mind: the sun deck may be crowded, cocktails and spirits cost extra, and water-sports availability can change.

My practical advice is simple: choose a sunny day, bring a towel and plenty of sun protection, and treat the paid rides as optional. If you like a boat trip with humor, music, swimming, and a little commotion, Afrikat is a strong choice for your Gran Canaria holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria. If you go directly to the harbor, sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available from central points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico.

What food and drinks are included?

The crew serves a chicken wrap with optional bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce, plus pasta salad. Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

Are snorkeling equipment and water sports included?

Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the swimming stop. Speedboat rides, donut rides, jet skis, and parasailing cost extra.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

The activity is wheelchair accessible. Inform the provider about any mobility impairments after booking so suitable arrangements can be made.