Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

Gran Canaria’s southwest coast is best seen from the water, and this half-day catamaran trip gives you plenty of time to enjoy it without turning the day into a rushed checklist. You cruise from Puerto Rico toward Mogán and Tasarte, stop twice for swimming and water sports, and eat with the cliffs and open Atlantic around you.

I especially like the small-group feel and the easy mix of activity and downtime. You can snorkel, use a SUP board or kayak, then stretch out in the shade with a cold drink. The other strong point is the fresh Canarian-style lunch, with tuna or chicken, salad, potatoes, and mojo sauce on the morning sailing.

The main consideration is simple: 4.5 hours goes quickly, especially if you want to swim, eat, sunbathe, and enjoy the coast. Wine and cocktails are not part of the drinks package, and the sea can be chilly or rough enough to affect the stops.

Key points at a glance

• Two water stops: Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a SUP board at sheltered coastal spots.
• Morning lunch, afternoon tapas: Choose your sailing time carefully, since the food offering changes.
• Unlimited standard drinks: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Fresh local food: Morning menus can include tuna, chicken, Canarian potatoes, salad, bread, and mojo sauce.
• Comfortable catamaran: You get shaded seating, open deck space, and room to spread out.
• Hotel pickup in the south: Transport is included, but your exact pickup time depends on your accommodation.

Setting out from Puerto Rico toward Mogán

The trip begins at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, one of the main holiday ports on the island’s southwest coast. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island, and the transfer is generally handled by an air-conditioned minibus.

You receive the exact pickup time after booking, so check your email carefully, including the spam folder. This matters because pickup times vary by hotel and resort. The transport is a useful part of the package if you are staying in the south and do not want to arrange a taxi to the marina.

Once on board, you can choose between the shaded seating area and the open sun deck. That choice makes a real difference on a four-and-a-half-hour outing. The shade is welcome during the warmer months, while the front and upper deck areas are better for sunbathing and wide views.

The catamaran is spacious, clean, and stable enough for most people to feel comfortable. Several outings have included families, couples, and mixed-age groups, which gives the boat a relaxed rather than rowdy atmosphere. Still, no boat is completely immune to motion. If you are prone to seasickness, take sensible precautions before departure.

As the catamaran leaves Puerto Rico, the coast begins to look different from the busy resort areas on land. You pass coves and beaches backed by steep, dry hills, with the island’s rougher southwest side appearing beyond the developed waterfront. The boat ride itself is part of the appeal, not just a way to reach the swimming stops.

First stop: swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP

The first main stop is near a cove outside Mogán. This is the active part of the morning, though you are free to do nothing at all. You can climb into the water from the catamaran, swim around the boat, or use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The snorkeling is not a tropical reef experience, but the clear Atlantic water can offer good views of smaller fish and underwater rock. One outing even had a sighting of a small hammerhead shark, though wildlife is never guaranteed. Bring a waterproof camera if you have one, since this is where many of your best swimming photos will happen.

The operator provides snorkeling gear, two SUP boards, and a kayak. Because equipment is shared, you may need to take turns during a busy departure. That is worth knowing if your main reason for booking is paddleboarding or kayaking rather than the catamaran ride itself.

You can also simply swim or float beside the boat. Families should find the arrangement manageable, and a flotation vest has been available for children on past outings. Ask the crew if you need help with the equipment or want advice before entering the water.

The water may feel cold, even in good weather. That is especially true during the cooler months, though many people find the swim refreshing once they are in. Sea and weather conditions control the exact location and length of the stop, so the advertised activities are available subject to safety.

Paid add-ons such as jet skiing and parasailing may also be arranged during the outing. These are not included in the $97 price, and they can change the rhythm of the day. If you want a quiet cruise, stay with the included swimming and equipment. If you want more speed, ask the crew about the extra cost before committing.

Food with an Atlantic view at the second stop

The second stop is where the outing becomes more than a standard boat ride. The catamaran pauses near the beach at Tasarte, and the morning group receives a freshly prepared seasonal lunch.

The food has included a choice of tuna filet or breaded chicken, Canarian potatoes, salad, bread, and mojo sauce. The exact menu can change, since it depends on the season and available ingredients. That is a positive sign for freshness, but it also means you should not book expecting one fixed dish.

A particularly memorable detail is the way some of the food arrives. Warm Canarian potatoes have been brought from the shore by kayak, and part of the meal may come from a local restaurant on the beach. It gives lunch a sense of place that you do not get from a boxed meal handed out on deck.

The tuna and chicken options make the meal practical for mixed groups. Portions have generally been described as generous, with enough food to go around. You eat while looking back toward the coast, and you can usually take another swim during this stop if the conditions are right.

If you choose the afternoon departure, expect tapas-style snacks rather than the full morning lunch. That can suit you if you prefer a lighter meal or want to keep the afternoon flexible, but the morning sailing is the better choice if food is a major part of the experience.

Drinks are available throughout the trip. The package includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water. A welcome glass of cava has also been offered on some departures, but you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of the standard package.

Wine and cocktails are not included. If you do not drink alcohol, the value can feel a little lower because much of the package price reflects the steady supply of beer and sangria. If you do enjoy those drinks, the inclusion is a meaningful saving over buying each one separately at a marina or beach restaurant.

The return cruise is part of the experience

After the second stop, the catamaran heads back toward Puerto Rico. This is your chance to settle into the deck, finish a drink, and watch the southwest coast slide past from the sea.

The return section is not packed with extra activities, which is useful. You have already had time in the water, and the slower finish lets the trip feel like a break rather than an organized sports session. Some people will want more time on board, but that is also the main sign that the schedule has been well judged.

The crew has been praised for being attentive without constantly demanding your attention. They keep drinks moving, help with water equipment, and make sure people understand what is happening. English, Spanish, German, and French support is available, which is useful on an international boat.

Crew members named on recent outings include Callan and Raul. The exact team can vary, but the general setup is hands-on and friendly. You are not left to work out the paddleboards or snorkeling equipment alone.

Keep your eyes open on the return route. Sightings of dolphins and even a right whale have occurred, but these are lucky extras, not promised parts of the trip. The coastline itself is the dependable attraction, with rocky coves, beaches, and dry hills that look more dramatic from offshore.

Is $97 good value for Gran Canaria?

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. Smaller harbor cruises and short sightseeing trips can cost less. They also tend to offer less time, fewer activities, and no substantial meal.

Here, your price covers the catamaran, four and a half hours at sea, hotel pickup and drop-off in the south, snorkeling gear, SUP boards, a kayak, food, and standard drinks. For a morning departure, that is a strong bundle if you plan to make use of the lunch and beverages.

The value is best for you if:

• You enjoy a few drinks during a boat trip.
• You want swimming and water sports without paying separately for each basic activity.
• You would otherwise need to pay for transport to Puerto Rico.
• You prefer a comfortable boat with space to sit in shade or sun.
• You want a half-day outing rather than a full-day cruise.

The value is less convincing if you do not drink alcohol and only plan to use the boat for sightseeing. One guest who mainly chose nonalcoholic drinks felt the price was closer to four-star value, which is a fair way to look at it. You are paying for the complete package, not just the transport across the water.

The trip also suits people who want a polished experience but do not want a formal luxury cruise. The catamaran feels clean and well kept, while the lunch remains straightforward and local rather than elaborate.

Morning or afternoon: choosing the right departure

The morning and afternoon sailings are not identical, so this choice deserves attention.

Pick the morning option if you want the full seasonal lunch. It is the better fit for a family day out, a long swim followed by a proper meal, or anyone who wants the food to count as lunch rather than a snack.

Pick the afternoon option if you want a later start and tapas-style food. It may work better with a slow morning, a late breakfast, or another activity earlier in the day. You still get the catamaran ride, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP time, but the meal is lighter.

The exact departure times depend on availability. The duration remains about 4.5 hours, and the operator confirms pickup details after booking.

Bring a towel. Swimwear, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes are sensible, though only a towel is specifically required. You should also keep in mind that the weather can be warm on deck while the sea feels cool.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this for couples, families, and groups of friends who want several activities in one easy outing. It works well for first-time visitors to Gran Canaria because you get coastal scenery, swimming, local food, and transport without having to plan each part yourself.

It is also a good fit for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can stay in the shade with a drink. That flexibility is more valuable than it sounds, especially when people in the same group have different ideas about an ideal day at sea.

Children can enjoy the swimming and boat setting, while adults have access to beer and sangria. Parents should still keep a close eye on children in the water, since the trip involves open sea rather than a supervised swimming pool.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a long sailing day, a serious snorkeling excursion, or a quiet yacht charter with no other people. You may also prefer another activity if you dislike shared equipment or need a fixed menu.

Sea conditions are the final unknown. The route and water stops can change for safety, so avoid booking this as the one activity you absolutely must have on a specific day if your plans cannot bend.

Should you book the Puerto Rico catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a well-organized half-day on the southwest coast, with swimming, simple water sports, fresh food, and drinks all handled for you. The best reasons are the spacious boat, the two useful water stops, and the local touch of warm Canarian potatoes and lunch arriving from the Tasarte shore.

Choose a morning departure for the full meal and an afternoon sailing for tapas and a later start. At $97, it is strongest value for people who will use the included drinks and activities. If you mainly want a scenic cruise and do not drink, compare the price with a simpler sightseeing boat.

For most visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria, this is an easy, sociable way to see the coast from a different angle. Just bring a towel, expect the sea to be cooler than the air, and leave room in your schedule for the possibility that you will wish the boat ride lasted longer.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran trip?

The experience lasts 4.5 hours, including the cruise, swimming stops, water activities, food, and return to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and cruises along the southwest coast toward areas near Mogán and Tasarte.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island. The operator confirms your exact pickup time after booking, and the time can vary by accommodation.

What drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Additional drinks such as cocktails are not included, and wine is not listed as part of the standard package.

Is lunch included on every departure?

The morning excursion includes a seasonal lunch. The afternoon excursion includes tapas-style snacks instead of the full lunch.

What food might be served?

The morning meal can include tuna filet, breaded chicken, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, salad, bread, and butter. The menu is fresh and seasonal, so it can change without notice.

Are snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and a kayak are included. Equipment may be shared, so you may need to take turns using the boards or kayak.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. You should also expect to spend time in the water and on the open deck, so swimwear and sun protection are practical choices.