Afrikat Morning Cruise

Morning on a catamaran changes your whole day. This half-day Gran Canaria cruise focuses on the coastline from a deck seat, then slows down at an anchored swim spot, with beer and sangria plus lunch included. You get a real sea-day rhythm without needing to plan every detail yourself.

Two things I like a lot: you can go for a swim and snorkel during the anchor stop, and the vibe is kept social with a fairly small max group size of 66 travelers. The crew also keeps the day moving, with helpful attention if someone gets seasick.

One drawback to consider: the included lunch is a set meal, a chicken wrap with pasta salad, so if you expect a big gourmet feast, you may find it just OK.

Key things you should know before you go

• Cruise from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico along Gran Canaria’s south coast with views from open deck time
• Anchor in a calm, clear bay and swap dry land for water, swim first or snorkel first
• Snorkeling is optional, equipment is provided, and they still recommend bringing your own gear
• Water sports cost extra but the pricing is clear (jet ski, parasailing, donut ride, and a captain speedboat add-on)
• Included drinks are a real part of the value: beer, sangria, soft drinks, coffee, and water throughout
• Pickup is only from central south island points and not from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan

The big picture: what this cruise is really like

The Afrikat Morning Cruise is built for people who want a classic “out on the water” morning, but without the hassle of renting gear, driving a boat, or chasing reservations. You board for a roughly 4.5-hour experience, spend time cruising along the coast, and then settle into a swim stop where you can snorkel if you want.

The tone matters here. This is not the kind of trip where you feel rushed every five minutes. It has a relaxed flow, with plenty of time to watch the shoreline slide by, then switch to fun in the water. And because drinks and lunch are included, you are not doing constant decisions about what to buy.

Price and what you get for $90.70

At about $90.70 per person, you are paying for a full half-day boat experience with food and drinks baked in. That is the key to the value. If you tried to recreate it separately, you would likely pay for transport to a marina, a boat charter, and then still add lunch and drinks. Here, that bundle is already decided for you.

Where the cost can shift for you is what you do at the swim stop. Optional activities like jet skis (€32 per vehicle), parasailing (€32 per person), and donut rides (€10 per person) are extra. There is also a captain speedboat ride (€5 per person). If you plan to only swim and snorkel, your spending stays predictable. If you want action, you should budget a little more upfront.

Where you board, when you go, and how pickup actually works

You meet at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The cruise runs in a set window that changes by season. In summer, expect departures in a 09:30 to 14:00 rhythm. In winter, it runs closer to 10:00 to 14:30. In other words, you are getting a real morning cruise, not a late afternoon lounge.

Pickup is available, but only from centralized pickup points in the south of the island. They specifically note that pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan. Also, you must check your exact pickup time and place by confirming your transport service 24 hours before departure, since collection points are tied to area.

If you are arriving directly at Puerto Base, arrive 20 minutes before departure. It is a small thing, but it makes boarding stress-free. You then finish back at the meeting point.

The Afrikat catamaran: comfort, space, and the onboard rhythm

This is a luxury catamaran experience, and the size helps. With a maximum of 66 travelers, you avoid that super-zippered feeling you get on very large boats. I like that because it makes it easier to find a spot on deck, and it is easier for the crew to keep track of what people want to do next.

Onboard, you get your first taste of the day’s included perks: you can have beer, sangria, soft drinks, coffee, or water during the time on board. That matters because the drinks are not only a final-minute add-on. They are part of the cruise pacing.

There is also music onboard. Some guests describe live music on the return part of the trip, including a saxophone moment. It is not something you should plan around, but it is a nice extra when it happens.

Cruising the Gran Canaria coast: what you see and why it feels good

The sailing portion is where you get the “watch the island drift past” experience. You head out from Puerto Base and cruise along the coastline toward a calmer, clearer bay. From the deck, you see villages, bays, and beaches sliding by, and the speed feels controlled enough that you can actually enjoy the views.

Mornings tend to be the sweet spot for this kind of cruise. You generally get better light for coastline views, and the water time feels like a reward instead of something you dread. Even if you have visited Gran Canaria by car before, seeing it from the sea gives you a different scale, especially around coves and inlets.

The anchor stop: swimming, snorkelling, and the gear question

The trip includes time at a stop where the boat anchors in a calm, crystal clear bay. This is the main event if you like water time. You can jump in for a swim, and you can snorkel as well.

Snorkeling is optional. Equipment is provided, but the trip also recommends that you bring your own gear. That is a very practical tip. If you have a favorite snorkel mask or your own mouthpiece setup, bringing it usually means a better fit and less fiddling once you are in the water.

If you are not a strong swimmer, you do not have to force it. A lot of people treat this as a float-and-relax break, not a training session. Just be honest with yourself about what you can comfortably do, and tell the crew what you want to attempt.

Motion sickness tip

One helpful detail from guest feedback: when someone got seasick, the staff was attentive and supportive. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring what works for you, like medication you already use, and let the crew know early so they can guide you to a better spot on board.

Optional thrills at sea: jet ski, parasailing, donut rides, speedboat with the captain

Here is where you can turn a relaxed cruise into a full-on water adventure. At the swim stop, they offer discounted add-ons for extra fun.

If you want the biggest adrenaline hit, consider:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person

There is also an option for a faster ride with a captain on a speedboat, listed at €5 per person. Some guests describe this speedboat part as a highlight, including a chance to see caves from the boat. Even if you only do the snorkel and swim, you can still watch these activities and decide on the spot.

Lunch and included drinks: the real value, and the food reality check

This is one of the clearest “pay once, eat on board” parts of the experience. Lunch is included, along with a steady drink setup.

Included lunch: chicken wrap with pasta salad.

For dietary needs, they ask that you communicate in advance. That is important because the base menu is set, and special requests need time to be handled correctly.

Included drinks: beer and sangria, plus soft drinks, juice (listed), coffee, and water.

Now the honest part. Most people seem to like the meal and the overall day vibe. But at least a few guests felt the food was just average, and one noted that the sangria can taste more like juice. That does not mean the meal is bad, it just means your expectations should match a boat-lunch style: filling, easy to eat, and designed to keep you fueled for swimming, not for fine dining.

My practical take

If you show up hungry, the lunch will do its job. If you are picky, plan to message your dietary needs ahead of time and expect a simpler menu than a restaurant.

The crew vibe and little extras that add up

The crew is a big part of why this cruise gets such strong ratings. You are not dealing with a stiff, corporate feel. People describe the team as friendly, welcoming, and attentive. That matters because on a boat, small moments count: where you sit, how quickly you get swim instructions, whether you feel comfortable choosing an activity.

There are also small “care about people and the ocean” touches mentioned by guests. One standout example is the mention of edible straws, which signals they are thinking about single-use waste. If you care about that stuff, it is a nice positive.

Some guests also mention how specific crew members helped them with island recommendations, including names like Monica and José. Even if you do not need advice, that kind of local-minded service tends to make the overall experience feel warmer.

And yes, if your water day includes a speedboat add-on, guests specifically called out a crew member named Potter as an excellent guide.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This cruise is a strong fit if you:

• want a morning sea day with real views from the water
• like the idea of swimming and snorkelling without organizing your own gear
• appreciate that lunch and drinks are included, so you can stop making purchase decisions

It is also a good option for solo travelers. One guest described going alone and still feeling social and supported, which tracks with the group size and crew approach.

You might skip it if:

• you only want a long cruise and less time anchored. The core of the experience centers on the sailing plus that one main bay stop.
• you expect the included meal to be restaurant-level. It is a set lunch meant for a boat schedule.
• you want to base your whole day on paid extras. Jet ski and parasailing are great, but they add cost quickly.

Families can usually make it work, too. Just remember: children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Booking timing and weather: what can change the day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor enough to cancel, you should expect a different date offer or a full refund.

It also depends on a minimum number of travelers. If the minimum is not met, you can expect a change of experience or refund. That is pretty standard for half-day tours, but it is still good to keep in mind if your schedule is tight.

My decision guide: should you book Afrikat Morning Cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, well-packaged half-day at sea where the value comes from the bundle: catamaran cruising, one main swim stop, and included drinks and lunch. At $90.70, it makes the most sense if you will actually use the swimming time and enjoy the included beer and sangria.

Consider a different option if food quality is your top priority or if you only want a very active itinerary. Also, double-check that pickup points work for you. If you are staying where pickup is not offered, your plan will need to focus on arriving to Puerto Base on your own.

Bottom line: if you like the idea of a morning cruise with water time and a friendly crew, the Afrikat experience is a solid bet. And if you are the type who looks at add-ons like jet skis and parasailing and thinks, why not, this can turn into one of your best half-day memories in Gran Canaria.

FAQ

What is the Afrikat Morning Cruise duration?

It runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise depart from, and does it return there?

You depart from C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available from centralized pickup points in the south of the island, but it is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan. You confirm the exact pickup time and place 24 hours before departure.

What drinks and lunch are included?

Included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Lunch is a chicken wrap with pasta salad. If you have dietary requirements, you must communicate them in advance.

Can I swim or snorkel, and do I get equipment?

You get the chance to swim and snorkel at the bay stop. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you are recommended to bring your own gear if you can.

What if weather is bad or the tour needs to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. It can also be canceled if the minimum number of travelers is not met, with a different date or refund offered.