Sunshine at sea, no early start. This afternoon catamaran sails out of Puerto Rico harbour at about 15:30, then tracks the south-west coast with chances to spot beaches, caves, and small coastal villages along the way. I like that the pace is relaxed, with time to enjoy the water instead of rushing from one stop to the next.

What I really like is the onboard setup. There’s a clean boat with plenty of sun-bed space, plus a restroom on board, so you’re comfortable even if you simply want to soak up the light and skip the extras.

One thing to keep in mind: the trip depends on weather. If conditions are poor, you may get offered a different date or a refund, but there’s no guarantee you can swap on the spot just because you’re having a rough-weather day.

Key highlights at a glance

• A true afternoon schedule: departure around 15:30, so you skip the morning rush
• Two swim stops along the south-west coast, with multiple water activities
• Free gear and equipment: snorkelling kit, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards
• Drinks and snacks included (beer, sangria, soft drinks, water), plus more options you might see onboard
• Small group feel with a maximum of 20 people

Afternoon catamaran timing that fits real life

This trip is built for people who don’t want their vacation to start before lunch. You leave Puerto Rico harbour around 15:30, and the whole experience runs about 3 to 4 hours. By the time you head back, you still have evening time to find a casual dinner, walk the waterfront, or just collapse with sand-free feet.

The location also makes sense. You’re sailing the south-west side of Gran Canaria, not the far ends of the island. If you’re staying closer to the tourist strip, you may qualify for pickup, and the operator specifically notes pickup in the area between Mogán and Bahía Feliz. If you’re unsure, you’ll want to contact them ahead of time.

Group size matters on this kind of boat trip, and this one caps at 20 travelers. In practice, that usually means you can find space to stretch out, and the crew can keep things friendly without turning it into a cattle call.

The south-west coast ride: views plus a slow rhythm

After you depart from Puerto Rico harbour, you cruise along the south-west coast. The idea here is simple: enjoy the scenery from the water while the captain chooses a route with good coastline views, including beaches and caves.

I like this style because it doesn’t force you into a strict sightseeing checklist. You’re not doing wall-to-wall monuments. You’re moving slowly, looking at cliffs and coves, and getting that sense of the island that you miss when you only drive inland and stop for quick photos.

A practical note: bring a layer. Even if it’s warm on shore, ocean wind can cool things down, especially if the sky is overcast. The boat has sun beds, but they’re still outdoors, and the breeze can be real.

Two swim stops with snorkeling, kayaks, and paddle boards

The heart of the trip is what happens once you stop. You get two swim stops, and at each one you can choose your level of effort.

Here’s what’s included at no extra charge:

• Snorkelling equipment
• Kayaks
• Stand-up paddle boards

You can snorkel, then switch to a kayak, then end up on a paddle board. Or you can do just one activity and spend the rest of the time floating and relaxing. This flexibility is a big part of why the trip works so well as an afternoon activity.

Also, the water time isn’t presented as a single, short window. With two stops, you’re more likely to find a moment when you feel comfortable getting in and still have time left to try something else.

What’s not included:

• Jet ski
• Parasailing

Those are offered at extra cost, so if you want the high-energy options, you can add them. If you don’t, you won’t feel like you’re missing out, because the included gear covers the core “active but relaxed” beach day vibe.

Onboard comfort: sun beds, a restroom, and snacks that actually help

Boat days go smoother when the basics are covered, and this one checks several boxes.

You get:

• Snacks during the trip
• Restroom on board
• Sun-bed space for lounging

This matters more than you’d think. On a hot afternoon, having a real place to sit (not just a narrow bench) and an onboard restroom can save you from constant trips back and forth. It’s small, but it changes your mood.

Food and drink are also part of the value:

• Beer
• Sangria
• Soft drinks
• Water
• Snacks included

You may also find cocktails, wine, and champagne available onboard, depending on how the operator runs the bar that day. One review called out that sangria could use a little extra work, but the overall consensus was that the bar service is solid and the experience feels well looked after.

One practical tip: even with snacks onboard, if you’re starting from a late lunch or you skip breakfast, consider having a light meal before you go. Then you can enjoy the boat food without it feeling like a substitute for dinner.

Crew and small-group vibe: more personal than party boat

This trip feels like a “friendly crew running a tight ship” situation. The boat stays clean, and the staff is described as attentive and helpful, which is exactly what you want when you’re coordinating swimming stops, equipment, and safety.

I also like that there’s a strong emphasis on taking care of details. One standout example from the experience details: they were able to return a forgotten item (a hat), which sounds minor until you realize how common it is for these things to disappear.

Because the group stays small (max 20), you’re not fighting for space or waiting around for gear. The boat setup encourages you to find your spot quickly, and then you can settle into the rhythm: sail, stop, swim, snack, drink, relax.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and you want a shared experience that still feels calm, this is a good match.

Weather reality: what to pack and how to stay flexible

Weather can make or break an ocean outing, and the operator is clear that this experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

But here’s the nuance I’d plan for: ocean weather can be unpredictable, and not all “not-perfect” days feel the same. One account described cloudy, colder conditions and mentioned there wasn’t an option to change the day because the week was full. That’s a reminder to treat this as weather-dependent fun, not a guaranteed sunshine-only plan.

What I’d pack for your best chance of comfort:

• A light windbreaker or jacket (for the ride and shade)
• Swimwear you can layer into quickly
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A towel (if you have one—bring what you normally use)
• Water-friendly sandals or shoes you trust

If you’re prone to getting cold in wind, dress for that. You’ll enjoy the water more when you’re comfortable on deck.

Price and value: what $84.10 buys you at sea

At $84.10 per person, the price lands in the middle of the catamaran spectrum for Gran Canaria. What makes it feel reasonable is what’s actually included.

You get:

• Two swim stops
• Snorkelling equipment
• Kayaks
• Stand-up paddle boards
• Snacks
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Water
• Restroom on board

So you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for a short “mini-escape” with real time on the water plus the gear to make it fun.

The extras (jet ski, parasailing, and possibly upgraded drink options like cocktails or champagne) are there if you want them. But you don’t need to buy extras to have a full afternoon.

Also, this trip is offered in English, and there’s a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you like keeping things simple on your phone.

Who this afternoon catamaran suits best

This trip is ideal if you want:

• A relaxed schedule with an afternoon start
• Multiple ways to enjoy the water (snorkel, kayak, paddle board)
• A small-group feel instead of a crowded party boat
• Included drinks and snacks so you’re not constantly paying onboard

It may be less of a fit if you’re looking for a long, “see everything” sightseeing day. This is not that. It’s a sea day with stops and water time, built around enjoying the coast from the water.

It also helps if your group includes different energy levels. The active people can snorkel and paddle. The calmer crowd can sunbathe and swim whenever they feel like it.

One more practical note: the experience lists service animals allowed, and it’s described as near public transportation, so it’s easier than some remote tours to get to.

Should you book this afternoon catamaran with Exclusive Boat Co?

If you want an afternoon plan in Gran Canaria that feels like a real day out on the water—snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and drinks included—this is a strong choice. The small group cap and the onboard comfort details (sun beds, restroom) make it better than “just another boat.”

I’d book it if weather isn’t a deal-breaker for you and you’re comfortable dressing for a breezy ocean ride. If you’re the type who needs guaranteed perfect conditions and the flexibility to change plans, read the weather timing carefully and bring layers.

In short: this is a good-value sea afternoon that’s more about time in the water than time chasing sights.