Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Four and a half hours of sea fun.

This Afrikat catamaran trip out of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria is built for an easy day: coast views, a proper swim stop in clear water, and time for optional speed and thrill add-ons. I love how pickup-to-drop-off makes it feel simple, even if you’re staying in the busy southern resort area.

I also like the onboard package—unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water) and a real lunch—so you’re not constantly scanning for payment points. One consideration: the headline water activities can depend on conditions, and extras like jet ski or parasailing cost extra if you want them.

Key Things I’d Remember Before You Go

• A catamaran cruise plus a long swim-and-snorkel bay stop (not just a quick stop-and-go)
• Unlimited beer and sangria on board, plus coffee, soft drinks, juice, and water
• Crew-led energy: lots of humor, with named staff like Potter, Nikita, and Matt showing up in the onboard vibe
• Lunch served on the boat with a chicken wrap option and pasta salad for special dietary needs if you arrange ahead
• Photo and souvenir touches like a reusable drinking glass and onboard moments (including live music on select mornings)

Why This Afrikat Catamaran Feels Better Than a Standard Boat Trip

If you’ve ever done a “sit on a boat, look at the coast, done” excursion, this one is a different style. The day is paced like a beach day that happens to be afloat. You cruise along the coastline, then you get time in the water—actual swimming and snorkel gear provided—before you head back.

The catamaran setup also matters. Catamarans tend to feel more stable than the single-hull boats, and you get plenty of space to move around, sunbathe, or just hang out in the breeze. That breeze is real, too. Even when it’s warm on land, being out on deck cools you down fast.

And unlike some tours where the food is an afterthought, this one feeds you properly. You’re not hunting for lunch in a tourist strip—crew serve it on board between water time.

Transfers From South Gran Canaria: The Make-or-Break Detail

One reason this trip works for a lot of people is that it’s designed around pickup and drop-off. There are 47 pickup locations across the south and west—places like Bahía Feliz, Playa del Aguila, Patalavaca, Playa del Cura, San Agustín, and multiple Maspalomas and Meloneras hotels/areas.

The course correction you should make: check your exact pickup point. The tour notes that pickup and drop-off aren’t available from every location, and it specifically says it doesn’t cover Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogan as pickup locations. (You’ll still be going to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria as part of the day, since that’s where the catamaran portion happens.)

The day also includes about an hour on the coach before you reach the marina area. That’s normal, but it’s worth factoring into your schedule—this is a half-day excursion that uses the full half-day, not a quick hop.

Boarding the Ship: What You’re Actually Paying For

You’re paying for three things that often get separated on other tours: time on the water, included food and drinks, and organized activity options.

Here’s what’s included:

• Catamaran cruise time plus the structured safety briefing (about 10 minutes)
• A lunch served by the crew
• Unlimited drinks on board: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• Snorkeling equipment (listed as optional, but it’s part of the swim plan)
• A reusable drinking glass souvenir

You’re also buying into the mood. The vibe on board comes through clearly in the pattern of comments about the crew’s humor and attentiveness. Names that pop up include Potter (the owner) and staff members Nikita and Matt. Even the live music detail has a specific rhythm: there’s live music on Friday morning only (it also notes no music on 27 February).

Practical takeaway: this is not just a cruise. It’s an activity day where staff actively keep things moving so you spend time enjoying rather than waiting.

The Mogán Water Stop: Your Real Reason for Booking

The highlight is the time in the bay near Mogán, where the tour anchors long enough for a proper break from cruising. This portion is listed as about 2.5 hours, and that’s what makes it feel like a swim day instead of a photo moment.

In that stretch, you can:

• Swim
• Use the snorkeling gear provided
• Choose other water options if you pay extra (more on that below)

This is the part of the day that matters most, because the coastline here is full of coves and cliffs, and the water is the payoff. If you’ve got kids, this is also where you’ll see why families like it: the day isn’t only “watching.” There’s a chance to get wet, see fish, and burn some energy.

A small realism check: water sports availability can vary by day. One comment noted a jet ski that wasn’t working, so if your heart is set on one specific motorized thrill, keep an open mind.

Lunch on Board: Simple, Filling, and Not Annoyingly Complicated

Meal time is one of those “sounds nice until it’s bad” parts of many tours. Here, you get a defined lunch plan:

• Chicken wrap, with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces
• Pasta salad for special dietary requirements if you communicate in advance

That advance communication point matters. If you’re vegetarian or have another specific dietary need, don’t assume they’ll guess. The tour explicitly says dietary accommodations require communication ahead of time.

One more practical detail: lunch happens after you’ve already settled into the water portion, so you’re not eating on a fully empty stomach. You’ll feel hungry in a good way—sun + sea air + swim time.

Unlimited Drinks: How to Use Them Without Turning the Day Risky

Unlimited drinks can be a fun perk. They can also turn a boat day into a long buzz if you’re careless. The smart move is simple: treat drinks like a built-in refreshment, not a challenge.

You’re offered:

• Beer and sangria
• Soft drinks and juice
• Coffee
• Water

One review theme that repeats: the unlimited drinks come fast and staff bring orders to you. You don’t have to keep leaving your seat or sunbathing spot to find a bartender.

My advice for a calmer, nicer day: sip and snack normally. Even with shade on board, you’re in sun and salt air, so hydration matters. And if you’re planning snorkel time, staying light on alcohol is your best “enjoy the water clearly” strategy.

Optional Water Sports: What Costs Extra and How to Choose

This is where the tour can turn from great value to “did I overspend?” if you add everything without a plan.

What’s listed as not included (so you pay on the day):

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person

Not included also lists cocktails, wine, and spirits, so if you’re expecting a full bar menu, plan on sticking mostly to what’s included unless you confirm otherwise.

How I’d decide:

• If you want adrenaline but you’re traveling with others, jet ski €32 per vehicle can be a good trade-off because you’re sharing the vehicle cost. (Still, it’s vehicle-based pricing, so check how the operator pairs riders.)
• If you want the biggest “above the water” moment, parasailing gives a different view than snorkeling—but it’s per person.
• If you just want something playful for a short moment between swimming sessions, a donut ride at €10 can be a low-cost add-on.

Also keep in mind that some optional activities may not run that day due to conditions. That’s not unusual on the water, and one comment specifically said jet ski wasn’t possible when they went. So if this is your #1 bucket list item, build in flexibility.

The Crew and the Little Touches That Make It Feel Personal

What makes this excursion stand out isn’t just the itinerary. It’s the people running it.

Across comments, the theme is consistent: the crew is friendly, funny, and attentive without being pushy. Staff do safety briefing steps and keep announcements lively. And specific names show up often enough to give you a sense of a real team rather than a rotating staff.

Potter, Nikita, and Matt are named, and that’s meaningful because it signals a stable operation. People also mention a sax player during live music moments (again, tied to Friday morning), which is the kind of quirky detail that makes the day memorable without feeling forced.

There are also little touches like:

• Photos and special drink moments noted by guests
• A reusable drinking glass souvenir
• Places to relax, with shade and sun options on the boat

Timing, Pace, and Comfort: What the 4.5 Hours Really Means

The duration is 4.5 hours total. But the day is not just “boat time.” It includes a coach pickup stretch and structured phases:

• Coach ride to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria (about 1 hour)
• Safety briefing (about 10 minutes)
• Catamaran cruise (about 1 hour)
• Mogán swim and lunch period (about 2.5 hours)
• Return and coach ride back (about 1 hour)

This pacing is why it works. You’re not rushing. You’re not stuck on the boat for only a tiny anchor stop. The schedule gives you cruise time for scenery and then enough time to actually enjoy the water.

If you’re the type who gets restless when a day is overlong, this duration is also a plus. It’s short enough to stay fun even with kids, but long enough that you don’t feel robbed.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Spend the Day “Planning” Instead of Enjoying)

The tour’s own checklist is solid. Pack it like a swim day:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Credit card and/or cash (for extras, souvenirs, photos)
• Camera

A simple strategy: keep a small dry bag with your essentials. You’ll want sunscreen and sunglasses handy before you’re out on deck, and you’ll appreciate having everything in one place when you’re switching between lounging and getting wet.

Also, bring your best attitude for wind. Coastal breezes feel great—but they also whip hair and can dry you out faster than you expect.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Want a Different Style

This fits best if you want:

• A fun day on the water that doesn’t require planning meals
• Included snorkel gear and time to swim
• A relaxed cruise with optional add-ons for extra thrills
• A crew that leans into humor and energy (Potter and team are clearly part of the appeal)

It may be less ideal if:

• You only want a quiet, silent cruise with minimal movement and no extras
• You’re strongly against paying extra for water sports (because the speedboat, jet ski, parasailing, and donut rides are not included)
• You’re counting on one specific motorized activity without flexibility

Should You Book the Afrikat Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re aiming for value: a real half-day outing with unlimited drinks, lunch on board, and meaningful time swimming and snorkeling in a bay near Mogán.

Before you click confirm, do two quick checks:

• Choose your pickup point carefully so the transfer is smooth.
• Decide ahead of time what, if anything, you’ll pay extra for. Jet ski and parasailing are fun, but they’re not required to enjoy the day.

If you like sea air, a sun-and-water schedule, and a crew that keeps things light, this is one of the easiest “good decision” tours in Gran Canaria for a 4.5-hour window.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat catamaran cruise?

The total duration is listed as 4.5 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The catamaran portion is at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from centralized points is included, depending on your area. Pickup and drop-off outside the designated areas aren’t included.

What drinks are included on board?

Unlimited drinks are included: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served by the crew. It includes a chicken wrap option, and a pasta salad option for special dietary requirements if you arrange it in advance.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and snorkeling is part of the swim stop plan (snorkeling equipment is listed as optional, but the tour includes gear for snorkeling time).

Are jet skis and parasailing included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are listed as not included and have set extra prices.

Are cocktails or wine included?

No. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are listed as not included.

Is live music included every day?

Live music is only on Friday morning, and it is noted as not on 27 February.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, your camera, and extra money or a bank card for paid activities and souvenirs.