A big catamaran makes Gran Canaria feel easy. This full-package cruise glides along the southern coastline from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, with time to snorkel, a boat visit to sea caves, and that classic “wow, I’m on the water” feeling. I really liked the included banana boat ride and the fact that lunch isn’t just snacks.

My second big win: you get a full on-board meal with paella plus sides like salad, papas arrugadas, pastries, and fruit, and the drinks flow with beer and mojitos alongside soft drinks and water. There’s even a kid-focused surprise on the boat, including a little ball pit area with viewing windows under the water, which makes the whole trip more fun for families.

One thing to plan around: there’s no pick-up service, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at Muelle deportivo in Mogán and arrive about 20 minutes early. Also, the cruise depends on weather, so have a flexible mindset if seas are rough.

Key highlights at a glance

• Big catamaran with kid-friendly extras, including a ball pit area and underwater viewing windows
• Snorkel stop plus lunch at a calm moment, with water sports time built in
• Full meal and drinks included: paella, papas arrugadas, salad, pastries, fruit, beer, mojitos, soft drinks, and water
• Boat time along the south coast, passing well-known beaches like Amadores, Tauro, and Cura
• Sea cave views from the water during the sail
• Included banana boat ride, plus optional add-ons like jet skis or parasailing

A 4-hour cruise that’s built for value

This is the kind of excursion that works well when you want a “best of the coast” day without spending hours driving or mapping bus routes. For about four hours, you’re out on a large catamaran, moving along the southern shoreline, then getting a stop that mixes snorkeling and lunch.

At $63.62 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re not only buying boat time. You’re also getting a plated-style meal (paella and sides) and drinks, plus an included banana boat ride. If you’d otherwise spend money on food and a separate activity, the package starts to make a lot of sense.

This cruise is set up for small-to-mid groups, with a maximum of 60 people. That matters, because it keeps things from feeling like a floating bus stop, and it gives you a better shot at actually enjoying the ride.

The sail from Puerto Rico to Mogán: south coast in one loop

You start at Muelle deportivo, in the area of C. Puerto Base, Mogán (near Puerto Rico). The cruise leaves at 10:30 am, and it returns to the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated drop-off.

The core of the experience is the coastline itself. As you head along the southern coast, you’ll sail past beaches such as Amadores, Tauro, and Cura, plus stretches known as Perche and Tiritaña, before reaching Mogán. Even when you don’t get off the boat at every place, this is a fast way to see the rhythm of the coast from sea level.

Practical tip: bring sun protection early. On these island sails, the deck can get bright fast, even if the morning starts comfortable. A hat and sunscreen aren’t optional in practice, they’re just smart.

The snorkeling and lunch stop: where the schedule turns fun

The itinerary includes a stop so you can snorkel and also have lunch “in peace,” meaning it’s timed to let people eat without constant scrambling. This is also when water activities come into play. The cruise is structured so you can get in the classic ocean time (snorkel) and still eat well.

Food is a major part of this pause. The full pack includes paella, salad, papas arrugadas, pastries, fruit, and a banana as part of the included extras. You’ll also have beer, mojitos, soft drinks, and water included.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Show up ready to swim. Have your towel and swimsuit on hand so you’re not hunting for them at the last second.
• If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the stop and hang out by the boat while others are in the water.
• If you want the most relaxed lunch, eat soon after you’re settled, then spend the rest of the stop on water time.

And yes, this is a real break in the action. One big difference between a “quick photo cruise” and this type of excursion is that you’re not just passing by. You get time to actually use the ocean.

Sea caves by boat: seeing the coast from a new angle

Between the coast sailing and the main stop, you also get boat visits to caves on the Canary coast. You won’t be hiking to them. This is strictly the view from the water, which is often the best way to appreciate caves and rock formations here.

From the deck, cave passes tend to feel more dramatic than they do from shore, mostly because you’re changing angles continuously as the catamaran glides. You’ll also get that “sound of the sea” effect, which makes everything feel more real than a lookout point.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is one of those windows where you’ll want to step toward the best side of the boat and keep your phone ready. Just don’t let the photo mission take over your whole attention—this one is about enjoying the ride.

Dolphins, decks, and the little details that make it feel special

One of the most memorable perks in the experience is the chance to spot wildlife. People have reported seeing lots of dolphins on this route. Dolphins aren’t guaranteed, but when they show up, the whole boat mood changes fast.

The boat itself adds to that “more than expected” feeling. On the reviews, the kids area gets called out: a small ball pit inside, plus viewing windows where you can look under the water. That combo is surprisingly effective at keeping children engaged without forcing adults to hover the whole time.

For grown-ups, the underwater viewing windows are a neat touch even if you’re not snorkeling. You still get a close-up feel for what’s happening below the surface while staying dry.

Lunch on the water: paella, papas arrugadas, and drinks that are included

This cruise doesn’t treat food as an afterthought. The included meal covers multiple classic pieces:

• Paella
• Salads
• Papas arrugadas
• Pastries
• Fruit
• Plus the banana as part of the included extras

On the drinks side, you get beer and mojitos, along with soft drinks and water. That makes the experience feel like a proper outing rather than a “bring-your-own-sandwich and hope for the best” day.

A balanced note: drinks are included, which is great for many people, but it’s also worth planning smart. If you’re sensitive to sun plus alcohol, pace yourself. The cruise is only about four hours, so you don’t want to end the day feeling wiped out.

If you have dietary restrictions, the info provided doesn’t spell out alternatives. I’d check your needs when you book, especially if you avoid certain ingredients. The good news is that the menu is clear, so you can ask targeted questions.

Banana boat ride and optional add-ons like jet skis

The full package includes a banana boat ride. That’s one of the included activities that turns this from a simple sightseeing cruise into a hands-on water day.

There are also extra water sports that you can usually pay for separately. One review highlights jet skis and parascending (parasailing) as add-on options. The takeaway is simple: you can keep this to the included stuff, or level up if you want more speed and height.

Practical planning: if you think you’ll want extra activities, keep some spending flexibility. The included package already covers a big chunk, but optional add-ons can push the total cost up.

Who should book this catamaran cruise

This cruise fits best if you want:

• A 4-hour break that combines sailing, cave views, and a snorkel stop
• A meal and drinks included experience, not a bare-bones tour
• A boat that’s comfortable for families, thanks to kid-focused on-board details

It’s also a good choice for couples and small groups who don’t want to rent a car just to see the south coast from the water. The route packs in several coastal zones in one go, which is hard to replicate neatly on your own in a short time.

I’d hesitate if you strongly prefer private tours or if you don’t like sharing space at all. With a maximum of 60 people, it’s not huge, but it is still a group setting.

Also remember that weather can cancel the trip due to unpleasant conditions. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s why you should avoid planning a tight schedule around this one.

Tips to get the most from your morning at sea

These small moves matter on a cruise day:

• Arrive about 20 minutes early so you can find your way to the dock without stress.
• Bring towel, swimsuit, hat, and sun protection cream. The deck can get intense.
• If you plan to snorkel, set up your essentials quickly during the stop so you don’t waste your limited time.
• If you’re doing optional add-ons, ask on the day what’s available and how it’s scheduled, since timing can shift.

And bring a light mood. The whole experience works when you accept it’s part cruise, part beach break, part water-activity day.

Should you book this full package catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s south coast with real value baked in. The winning combo is the included boat time plus a proper meal (paella and papas arrugadas), plus drinks, plus the included banana boat ride. Add in the cave views and the chance of dolphins, and you get a day that feels like more than the sum of its parts.

Skip it if you’d rather do everything at your own pace from shore, or if you don’t want to handle getting to the meeting point yourself (no pick-up). Also pass if your vacation schedule can’t flex in case weather forces a cancellation.

If you’re choosing between “see the coast” and “do the coast,” this one leans hard toward doing it.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Muelle deportivo, C. Puerto Base, 8, 10, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does it start?

The start time is 10:30 am.

What’s included in the full package?

Beer, mojitos, soft drinks, and water are included, along with paella, salads, pastries, and fruit. The full pack also includes extras such as papas arrugadas and a banana boat ride.

Is pick-up service included?

No. Pick up service is not included.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes, this tour uses a mobile ticket.

Are there stops for snorkeling and lunch?

Yes. There is a stop where you can snorkel and have lunch, with time that also allows for water sports.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat, and sun protection cream.

What happens if weather is bad?

The trip could be cancelled due to unpleasant weather conditions. If it’s cancelled for poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.