Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

This is the kind of trip that turns Gran Canaria’s coastline into your whole day plan. You’ll cruise out of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, then spend real time in the water—snorkel gear, SUP paddleboards, and a kayak are included—before warming up with seasonal food and drinks.

I especially like the setup: you get multiple ways to be active (swim, snorkel, paddle) without paying extra just to have fun. I also like the way the crew runs the boat—friendly, attentive, and able to explain what to do in several languages, including names like Callan and Raul that have popped up in guest feedback.

One thing to factor in: the trip is very sea-and-weather dependent, and the water can feel chilly, so it’s not the best choice if you hate cool swims or you’re looking for long land sightseeing.

Key highlights at a glance

• South coast sailing from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria with coves and beaches along the way
• Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water while you cruise and hang on the deck
• Included snorkeling gear + SUP boards + kayak so you can switch activities whenever you want
• Two water stops, with the second one built around food at the Tasarte area
• Fresh seasonal meal (morning) or tapas-style snacks (afternoon) rather than a sad boxed lunch
• A small-group feel on a modern, spacious catamaran with plenty of sun and shade

Setting Sail From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria in 4.5 Hours

This catamaran day trip is built for people who want a memorable ocean experience without committing to a full day out of your resort. You’re on the water for about 4.5 hours, which is the sweet spot: long enough to feel like you actually left land, short enough that you’ll still have energy afterward for dinner.

Most days run as a morning or afternoon sailing, so you can match it to your plans. Either way, you’ll cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, passing coves and beaches and then hitting swim-and-play stops offshore. The vibe stays relaxed: you’re not racing from one viewpoint to another. You’re in the sea, on deck, and in that comfortable in-between zone where you can do nothing or do a lot.

Price and what it really includes (the value test)

The price is $97 per person, and the value comes from what’s packed into that ticket. You’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re getting:

• the catamaran cruise
• unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
• a meal plan (morning lunch or afternoon tapas-style snacks)
• snorkeling equipment plus SUP paddleboards and kayak
• pickup and drop-off from south of the island

That matters because boat trips often charge you twice: once for the ride, then again for the fun. Here, the fun gear is included. And the food part isn’t presented as an afterthought—there’s a proper seasonal menu in the morning option and lighter tapas-style snacks in the afternoon option.

Now, a balanced note. If you drink mostly non-alcoholic beverages, you may feel like the included drinks are not as exciting as they are for beer and sangria drinkers. Also, cocktails aren’t included. So if your idea of a “great day at sea” means lots of mixed drinks or wine-focused dining, you’ll want to adjust your expectations.

Drinks and lunch: what you can expect in real life

On board, the drinks are part of the rhythm of the trip. You’ll cruise while sipping sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water, and the crew keeps things moving so you’re not stuck waiting for someone to track you down.

Morning option: seasonal lunch

For the morning sailing, you stop for a sit-down seasonal lunch, freshly prepared and served with ocean views. Based on the menus that guests have described, expect choices such as:

• filet of tuna or breaded chicken
• Canarian potatoes with mild mojo sauce
• salad and bread

Afternoon option: tapas-style snacks

For the afternoon sailing, food is lighter—think tapas-style snacks rather than a full lunch. You still get that “eat something real while you’re still in the sea mood” feeling, not a dry snack that ruins the vibe.

One practical takeaway: bring a mindset that the meal is designed for a boat day. It’s tasty, filling, and meant to keep you comfortable during swimming and paddling.

The swim-and-snorkel stops near Mogán and Tasarte

The trip’s heart is its water time. You’ll get two separate stops where you can cool off, swim, and use the gear. The first stop is in the Mogán area, where you can snorkel and paddle right from the boat. The second stop is tied to the food service near Tasarte, which is where the lunch (morning) or snack (afternoon) happens.

What makes the Mogán stop special

This is where you go to test the underwater world. You’ll have snorkeling equipment available, and the catamaran makes it easy to get in and out. Several guests mention seeing lots of fish, and once in a while you might get a surprise animal encounter—there have been mentions of dolphins and even a right whale sighting when conditions allow the crew to adjust.

A real-world tip: the water may feel chilly even when the island weather is sunny. If you’re the type who only likes warm water, plan for a quick adaptation moment and then you’ll probably be fine.

What makes the Tasarte stop special

This is the food stop, but it’s not just “eat and leave.” You can keep swimming while the crew handles the meal service, and the plan is designed so you don’t feel like you’re trapped waiting around. One of the smartest touches here is that the food delivery can happen by kayak, which adds a fun, local flavor to the whole logistics.

Snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking: how to get the most from included gear

The snorkeling and paddling gear is part of what makes this tour better than the “just cruise and wave from the deck” type of trip. You’re given the tools, then you choose how active you want to be.

Snorkeling gear that actually matters

Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and the boat is set up so you can use it during the swim stops. If you’ve never snorkeled before, you’ll still be able to join in. The crew gives instructions, and you can keep it simple: float, breathe, and look around.

SUP and kayak: pick your comfort level

SUP paddleboards and a kayak are included. In practice, the SUP is the easiest for most people to figure out once you’re standing and balancing. The kayak is great if you want slower movement and more control. Either way, you’re exploring from the surface—so you’re not just watching life happen behind glass.

If you’re traveling with kids, you may find flotation options on board. One guest specifically noted a flotation vest for their child, which tells me the crew has thought about family comfort.

Sea sickness: a practical heads-up

A few guests mention that sea sickness can happen for some people, even though the catamaran is stable. If you know you’re sensitive, bring your usual remedy. This isn’t a dramatic warning. It’s just smart planning.

The catamaran experience: shade, space, and staff that stay on it

This is a modern catamaran, and you feel that quickly. There’s enough room to spread out, with sun deck space plus shaded seating areas. That combination is underrated. If you’ve ever done a boat tour where you spend the whole time battling for a spot under the sun, you’ll appreciate having shade options without giving up your view.

Group size also plays a role. Guests describe it as not overcrowded, and one person mentioned being part of a small group of about 17. That helps the crew manage everyone and makes the whole day feel more personal.

The hosting style is another big strength. People consistently describe the crew as friendly and attentive, and the staff can explain things in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and French. Names like Callan and Raul have come up as part of that welcoming feel, and Michelle has also been mentioned by name.

For transport, pickup and drop-off are included for stays south of the island, and the exact timing is confirmed after booking. In simple terms: you’re not left hunting for the boat on your own.

Morning vs afternoon: choose your food style and your pace

You basically have two different flavors of the same experience.

Morning sailing

Pick morning if you want the full meal moment: a seasonal lunch that’s served during the second stop. This option tends to fit well if you like having the heavy food early and then going easy afterward.

Afternoon sailing

Pick afternoon if you’d rather snack while you’re still in beach mode. You’ll get tapas-style snacks instead of a formal lunch, but you still get the water time: snorkel, swim, and paddling.

Either way, you’ll be back in time to enjoy the rest of Gran Canaria without feeling like the day got swallowed.

Optional extras: jet ski and parasailing if you want a thrill

Some trips offer extra activities for an additional cost, and this one does too. Guests mention options like jet skiing and parasailing, with setups coordinated by the crew so you still fit within the schedule. If you’re curious, ask at the start of the day what’s running that day and how it fits with the other swim stops.

If you’re not into extra thrills, you won’t feel pushed. The included snorkeling and paddling are more than enough for a satisfying half day.

Who should book this catamaran trip (and who should skip)

This catamaran fits best if you want:

• a fun mix of water time plus food and drinks
• included snorkeling and paddling gear
• a relaxed schedule with no complicated planning
• a comfortable boat with shade and room to sit

It’s also a good option for mixed groups—couples, families, and friends—because everyone can choose their effort level: some people snorkel, others paddle, others mostly sunbathe.

Skip it if:

• you’re only interested in land sights and long driving stops
• you’re expecting wine and fancy cocktails included
• you strongly dislike cold water swims and you don’t want to compromise

Should you book Exclusive Boat’s Gran Canaria catamaran trip?

I’d book this if you’re looking for a high-value half day where your money goes to actual experiences: cruising, swimming, snorkeling, and paddling, plus a real meal plan and unlimited core drinks. It’s also a smart choice if you’d rather spend your vacation day on the water than planning buses to viewpoints.

If your drinking focus is mostly non-alcoholic, or you’re set on cocktails or wine, the experience may still be great—but you should adjust what you expect from the bar. And if you’re sensitive to sea motion, bring your own remedy and keep your plan simple.

Overall, this is one of those tours that’s easy to recommend: it’s straightforward, good value for what’s included, and built so you can actually enjoy the sea rather than just pass it from a distance.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day trip?

The duration is 4.5 hours.

Where does the trip depart from?

It sails from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and returns there.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.

What meals are included?

For the morning option, you get a seasonal lunch served on board. For the afternoon option, you get light tapas-style snacks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water are included, and the amount is listed as unlimited. Additional drinks like cocktails are not included.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can also use SUP paddleboards and kayaking gear during the swim stops.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included with the trip.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide offers instruction in English, Spanish, German, and French.

What about weather cancellations?

The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions.