Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

A catamaran that feels like an afternoon party. This Afrikat cruise out of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria blends big-coast views, a swim-and-snorkel bay, and an upbeat crew mood, with moments like owner Potter and live saxophone by Ashleigh mentioned in feedback. You’ll also sail past the southwest coast and the fishing village of Mogan, which makes the time feel longer than 4.5 hours, even before you factor in the unlimited drinks.

What I especially like is how much is already included, so you can stop thinking about costs once you’re on board. First, you get a proper meal from the crew, plus a generous drinks list (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water). Second, you can choose to snorkel using the onboard equipment at the anchored swim stop, in a clear bay where marine life is the point.

One thing to plan for: the sunny deck can feel a bit cramped at peak moments, and some of the headline water activities cost extra.

Key things I’d plan around

• Sail the southwest coast, with views of the dramatic cliffs and the fishing village of Mogan as you go
• All-inclusive drinks listed clearly, but cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included
• Swim and snorkel stop with optional gear, so you’re not just watching from the rail
• Optional thrill rides like jet ski, donut, speedboat with the captain, and parasail, all priced separately
• Pickup is selective, mainly from central resort areas on Gran Canaria, not every town
• Day-of activity can vary, since at least one past booking reported water-sport partner service was not running

A 4.5-hour cruise that starts with real coastline

This is an afternoon catamaran cruise along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, designed for a relaxed pace with a few optional “hold on tight” moments. After pickup from the right resort zones, you cruise while the crew sets the tone, then you anchor for the swim and snorkel part.

The route matters because Gran Canaria’s south coast looks different from the inland viewpoints. As you head along the cliffs and hidden coves, you pass the fishing village of Mogan, which is one of the most recognizable spots in the area for this kind of coastal cruising. If you like seeing a place from the water, this is the right kind of trip.

What’s actually included in the price (and what isn’t)

At around $91 per person, the value comes from how much is bundled in. You’re not just paying for “transport and a view.” You’re paying for a catamaran ride plus a straightforward package of food and drinks.

Here’s what’s included:

• Unlimited drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• A crew-served meal: chicken wrap (bacon and cheese topping, plus salad and sauce optional) and pasta salad
• Optional snorkeling equipment on board
• Pickup and drop-off from centralized points in several resort areas
• A reusable drinking glass souvenir

Here’s what you should budget extra for:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasail: €32 per person
• Donut inflatable: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person
• Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included

That drinks list is a big deal. Unlimited beer and sangria plus coffee and water means you can pace yourself without turning the trip into a running tally of purchases. And because the meal is served by the crew, you’re not stuck with only snacks.

Also, tell the provider about dietary requirements when booking. The info is clear that special diets must be communicated ahead of time.

The swim and snorkel bay, where the trip earns its keep

The core experience happens after you cruise along the coast and reach a bay where the catamaran drops anchor. That’s when you get a refreshing swim, and you can use the onboard snorkeling equipment to look around.

The bay is described as crystal-clear, and that’s what you want for snorkeling, even if you’re not an expert. The best way to make this part feel worth it is simple: treat it like a short “activity window,” not a casual linger. Put on your swimwear early, keep your towel accessible, and use the time while others are still settling.

If you’re only here for the calm part, you can still do plenty without snorkeling. The trip also leans into lounging, with comfortable sun-cushions mentioned as part of the onboard setup. So you can split your afternoon between sun and water.

Optional water sports and how to choose without overspending

The trip gives you a menu of add-on thrills. The key is deciding which ones you actually want, then timing them so you don’t feel like you’re running a checklist.

These are listed options with extra costs:

• Speedboat ride with the captain (short thrill): €5 per person
• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Donut inflatable: €10 per person
• Parasail: €32 per person

There are also mentions of discounted rates on different water sports activities, which can help if you want more than one ride. If you’re cost-conscious, I’d pick one high-adrenaline option, then add the smaller one only if you still feel energized after the swim.

One practical point from how this trip is run: the swim stop is the anchor moment, so do your planning around that. If you buy too many add-ons, you risk turning the afternoon into a scramble between sun and safety briefings.

Onboard food, drinks, and the crew energy

Food and drink are served by the crew, which changes the feel from a casual “grab and go” outing. The meal is chicken wrap with optional components (bacon and cheese topping, plus salad and sauce optional), paired with pasta salad. It’s easy to eat on a moving boat, and it keeps you from needing a separate lunch plan before your afternoon starts winding down.

Unlimited drinks can be a lot, so I appreciate that the list is clear and limited to what’s included. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water cover the basics. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included, which helps you avoid surprises if you normally prefer mixed drinks.

The crew vibe shows up in feedback, including humor from Potter and entertainment details like saxophone by Ashleigh on the return. That kind of small live touch matters because it turns the “ride back” into something more fun than just watching the coastline fade.

Where pickup works, and how to avoid check-in headaches

This is one of those trips where logistics can make or break your day. Pickup is included, but only from specific centralized resort areas in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

Pickup is possible from those areas, but not from everywhere. The info specifically says pickup service is not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico. Since the harbor boarding option exists too, this setup keeps things organized.

If you’re coming directly to the harbor, Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130, you need to sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the start.

Two extra tips that come straight from what you’re told to bring:

• Bring a towel and sun cream
• Bring your sunglasses and sun hat, plus your camera if you want coastal photos

Value for money, at roughly $91 per person

Here’s how I’d judge the value, not just the headline price. For $91, you typically get:

• 4.5 hours on a catamaran
• a meal served on board
• unlimited drinks from the included list
• optional snorkeling equipment
• pickup and drop-off from multiple resort zones
• a reusable drinking glass souvenir

If you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat trip plus lunch plus drinks plus snorkeling gear rental, this starts to look efficient. The optional water sports can raise your total, but you can control that. If you stay with the included swim and snorkel, you can keep spending predictable.

The best fit is when you want “one ticket, mostly taken care of.” This trip is built for that.

The only things to watch before you book

The feedback pattern is strong, with an overall rating of 4.6 from 139 reviews, and a lot of people praising the staff and the fun atmosphere. Still, I’d plan around the two practical issues that can show up.

First, deck space can feel cramped in the sun deck area at busier moments. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces or heat, choose your spot early and consider spending time on less crowded areas when possible.

Second, the availability of water sports can depend on partner service on the day. One past booking reported there were no watersports running because the partner operating them did not run that day, and the notice came mid-way through the cruise. That doesn’t mean it’s common, but it is a reason to keep your expectations flexible.

Who should book this cruise

This is a great pick if you want:

• an easy afternoon plan without managing lunch or transport twice
• a clear swim-and-snorkel window
• the option to add thrills if you feel like it

It can also work for groups and mixed ages, since it’s suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible. If you’re traveling with someone who wants to snorkel while you want to lounge, you can split your time on the same boat.

If you hate crowds or you need quiet, you might prefer a smaller craft. For most people, the energy level is part of the fun.

Should you book Afrikat’s afternoon catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a fun 4.5-hour break that combines coast views, a real onboard meal, and unlimited included drinks, plus a swim-and-snorkel stop that is the point of the trip. It’s also a good value when your lodging area matches one of the pickup zones.

I’d think twice if you strongly prefer a lot of space on board, or if the idea of paying extra for jet ski, parasail, donut, or a speedboat ride with the captain feels annoying. And if live water sports are the main reason you’re booking, know that day-of partner availability can affect what you can do.

If you book, do the boring prep that makes everything better: swimwear on under your clothes, towel and sun hat ready, and sunscreen applied before you’re out in the sun.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat afternoon catamaran cruise?

The duration is 4.5 hours. Starting times vary by availability, so you’ll want to check what’s offered for your dates.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the catamaran cruise, pickup and drop-off from designated centralized areas, unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), an onboard meal served by the crew, optional snorkeling equipment, and a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included on board as an optional add-on.

What drinks are not included?

Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included. The included drinks list is beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

What food is served onboard?

The meal described is a chicken wrap (with bacon and a cheese topping, and salad and sauce optional) plus pasta salad. If you have dietary requirements, you must inform the provider when booking.

Does the tour include pickup from all parts of Gran Canaria?

No. Pickup is possible from specific central points including Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup is not listed for Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, or Puerto Rico.

If I board at the harbor in Puerto Rico, where do I check in?

You should sign up at the Afrikat desk at Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130, at least 20 minutes before the excursion start time.

Are the optional water sports included?

No. Additional water activities cost extra, including jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasail (€32 per person), donut (€10 per person), and a speedboat ride with the captain (€5 per person). There can also be discounted rates on different water sports depending on what’s available.

Is the cruise suitable for people with disabilities?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility impairments, you should inform the provider after booking to help ensure proper arrangements.

What should I bring to the cruise?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The guidance also recommends camera-ready items if you want photos.