Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

You will feel the coast go by fast.

This Afrikat afternoon catamaran cruise is built for an easy day outside: you cruise along Gran Canarias southwest shoreline, then jump in for swimming and optional snorkeling in clear water. I love how the schedule keeps things simple—views, anchor time, food, and drinks—so the trip feels like a real break, not a checklist.

My favorite part is the all-inclusive onboard setup. You get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water plus a meal cooked by the crew (chicken wrap and pasta salad), and even a reusable drinking glass souvenir. The one thing to think about: if you want the headline water activities (jet ski, parasail, donut, speedboat), they cost extra and some days may run fewer options.

If you are looking for a laid-back afternoon in the sun, this one fits. Just go in knowing the sun deck can feel packed at peak moments, especially during the busiest stretches.

Key things to know before you go

• Unlimited beer and sangria plus soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water keep the mood easy for the full 4.5 hours
• Crew-served meal includes a chicken wrap (with options like bacon, cheese, salad, sauce) and pasta salad
• A swim-and-snorkel stop is the core of the day, with snorkeling gear available onboard
• Optional add-on thrills cost extra: jet ski, parasail, donut, and the speedboat ride with the captain
• Pickup is from resort hubs, and you can also check in directly at the Puerto Rico harbor at the Afrikat desk

A 4.5-hour catamaran cruise that feels like a real vacation

Gran Canaria is great for beach days, but this cruise is a different kind of relaxing. The catamaran takes you along the coastline, then shifts into swim mode once you reach the stop in the bay. You get the sun, the sea breeze, and the kind of scenery you cannot see from the road.

This is also one of those experiences where the “value” is not just the price. For about $91 per person, you are not paying extra for the meal or the main drinks. When you include the cruise itself, the anchor-time swim, and the drinks bundle, it adds up to a straightforward half-day that does not require a lot of planning.

Cruising the Gran Canaria southwest coast: Mogan cliffs and coves

The main cruising portion focuses on Gran Canarias dramatic coastline: passing cliffs, coves, and the coastline view toward the fishing village of Mogan. This is the part you will want to be on deck for. The catamaran format typically keeps the trip feeling airy, and the route gives you constant “look out there” moments without needing to hop between viewpoints.

If you like travel that mixes scenery with comfort, this fits your style. You can pick a spot, settle in, and let the coast come to you. It is also a good match for mixed groups—people who want to swim can do their thing, while others can just enjoy the ride, drinks, and photos from above the waterline.

A small note: one guest described the sun deck as a bit crammed. That means it is smart to be flexible with where you sit and to grab your preferred spot early, especially around the time you are transitioning toward swimming.

Swim and snorkel in a clear bay: the best part of the afternoon

The day’s rhythm turns when the boat drops anchor for a swim. You get the chance to jump in and enjoy the calm-water stretch in the bay—exactly what you want on a warm afternoon. If you want more than just floating, you can also use the snorkeling equipment provided onboard.

This stop is where the cruise earns its reputation. You are not just watching the sea—you are in it. And because the water is described as crystal-clear, you can usually get a decent look at marine life without needing complicated gear.

Practical tip: treat this like a beach outing. Bring your swimwear and a towel, and be ready to hop in soon after the boat anchors. Also, have sunscreen on before you board or right at the start, since the time in direct sun is the whole point.

If you are not a confident swimmer, you still can enjoy the bay time, but you should choose your entry carefully and stay close to the boat. The cruise itself is designed for all ages, yet sea time always calls for common sense.

Food and drinks: the crew meal plus unlimited classic pours

Onboard, the food is simple, filling, and made to match an active afternoon at sea. The crew serves a chicken wrap (with optional bacon, cheese topping, salad, and sauce) and pasta salad. If you have a dietary requirement, you need to inform the provider when booking so they can handle it.

Drink-wise, the included package is generous: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are all part of the unlimited plan. What is not included is cocktails, wine, and spirits—so if you expect a full bar menu, budget extra if those matter to you.

One reason this matters: it keeps the middle of the trip stress-free. You do not spend your time tracking what costs what. You can focus on the sea, the photos, and the swim.

Entertainment can also add to the mood. Several guests mention live fun on board, including saxophone moments from crew members such as Ashleigh/Ashley, and a playful onboard tone tied to the owner Potter. There is a humor-and-music vibe in the air, without turning the day into a loud party.

Optional water sports: what costs extra and what to choose

This cruise offers “extras,” but they are not all included. Think of the included day as the baseline: cruise + anchor swim + meal + unlimited included drinks. Then choose the thrills that fit your comfort level and budget.

Here are the add-ons listed, with the key details you need:

• Jet ski (€32 per vehicle)

Great if you want speed, but it is priced per vehicle, so plan your pairings with that in mind.

• Parasail (€32 per person)

Best for views from above the water and sky. This is a per-person choice, so it can add up quickly for a group.

• Donut inflatable (€10 per person)

A classic “hold on and laugh” ride across the waves. It is per person and not priced like the high-speed options, so it is often the easiest impulse add-on.

• Speedboat ride with the captain (€5 per person)

Low-cost and short, a way to add motion without going all-in on the big-ticket rides.

One past guest noted that water sports availability can vary if a partner provider is not running. So if water sports are a must for your plan, keep a little flexibility in mind and do not assume every option will be operating that day.

Also, quality-of-the-moment matters. One guest had a disappointment with a shorter banana-boat experience and a pickup mishap. The takeaway for you is simple: if you choose a water sport, pay attention to instructions, confirm how the return pickup works, and make sure you stay within the crew’s visible safety area.

Getting there smoothly: pickup zones and Puerto Rico harbor check-in

Logistics can make or break a half-day tour, and this one tries to keep it workable. You can get pickup and drop-off from centralized points depending on where you are staying. Areas listed include Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

If you are staying closer to the Puerto Rico harbor, you may need to go straight to the pier instead of relying on pickup. The info says you can check in at the Afrikat desk at Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130, and you should sign up at least 20 minutes before departure.

Important practical note: pickup is not available from every part of the island. The guidance specifically flags that it is not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico, so double-check your hotel against the included pickup areas.

English and Spanish-speaking hosts are there, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible. If mobility needs are part of your plan, make sure you tell the provider after booking so they can prepare the right arrangements.

Price and value: does $91 feel fair?

At $91 per person for 4.5 hours, this cruise is aiming at “pay once, enjoy the whole afternoon.” And for many people, that is exactly the point.

What you get included:

• Catamaran cruise
• Unlimited included drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water)
• Meal served by the crew (chicken wrap + pasta salad)
• Snorkeling equipment (optional)
• Pickup and drop-off from listed central points
• Reusable drinking glass souvenir

What costs extra:

• Jet ski, parasail, donut, and speedboat ride
• Cocktails, wine, and spirits

So the real question is your style. If you are the kind of person who wants drinks flowing, a proper meal, and a swim in clear water, this price structure works well. If you want multiple big thrills—jet ski plus parasail plus donut—you can easily add more spend on top, and the cruise starts to look less like a bargain and more like a choose-your-own-adventure day.

My practical advice: treat the included parts as the main event. Add one or two extras only if they genuinely sound fun to you. That way you stay in control of your budget.

Who should book this catamaran cruise, and who should skip it

This is a good fit if you want:

• A half-day plan that is simple and not rushed
• A scenic cruise with a built-in swim stop
• Unlimited included drinks with a crew meal included
• Optional snorkeling without bringing your own gear

It is less ideal if you:

• Expect a full bar (cocktails, wine, spirits cost extra)
• Have water sports as your top priority and need every option available
• Are sensitive to crowding on deck, since at least some departures can feel busy

If you are traveling with kids, the activity is described as suitable for all ages. It is also wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus when you are planning for mixed mobility needs.

If you are a solo traveler, you still get good value here because the included meal and drinks make it an easy way to spend a few hours without hunting down lunch or pacing your spending.

Should you book Afrikat’s afternoon catamaran with food & drink?

Yes, if you want a straight, sun-soaked afternoon with swim time, snorkeling gear, a crew-cooked meal, and unlimited included drinks—all wrapped in a scenic ride along Gran Canarias southwest coast. This is the kind of tour where spending less time planning usually means you enjoy more.

Consider skipping or going in with low expectations if you need a packed menu of water sports or you are counting on every add-on being available the day you go. Also factor in extra costs if you plan to do the higher-priced rides.

If you do book, do this: pack your swim gear, towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and arrive with the mindset that the anchoring swim stop is the heart of the day. Add one thrill only if it truly sounds worth it to you.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria afternoon catamaran cruise?

The duration is 4.5 hours. Starting times vary, so it is worth checking availability for the time that fits your day.

What’s included in the price?

You get the catamaran cruise, pickup and drop-off from centralized points (area dependent), unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), an onboard meal served by the crew, and optional snorkeling equipment. You also receive a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

What food will I get onboard?

The crew serves a chicken wrap and pasta salad. Chicken wrap options can include bacon and cheese topping, plus salad and sauce optional, and special dietary requirements should be shared when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included as an optional onboard add-on, and you’ll have a chance to swim and snorkel during the anchored bay stop.

Are jet ski, parasail, and donut included?

No. Those water sports are listed as additional charges: jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasail (€32 per person), donut (€10 per person), and a speedboat ride with the captain (€5 per person).

Where can I get pickup from, and what if I’m near Puerto Rico harbor?

Pickup is possible from listed central areas such as Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. If you want to go directly, you can check in at the Afrikat desk at the Puerto Rico harbor (Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130) at least 20 minutes before the excursion starts.