Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

That first sip on a moving deck changes the day. This half-day catamaran cruise is built for lazy time on the water, with unlimited drinks and real sea views. You’ll sail out of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, hit two splash stops, and get a proper meal plan (lunch or tapas depending on your sailing).

What I like most is the combo of water sports you can actually use plus a food setup that feels like more than snack food. The crew keeps things smooth, and you get gear for snorkeling, SUP paddleboarding, and kayaking without having to hunt around. One thing to consider is that sea conditions and water temps can make the swims feel a bit brisk, especially outside the warmest months.

This is also one of those trips that fits almost any style of holiday. You can do the full action plan, or just float, sunbathe, and watch the coast roll by. At $97 per person for 4.5 hours with drinks and activities included, it’s a solid value if you’re aiming for a simple, fun sea day rather than a busy sightseeing marathon.

Key Things You Should Notice Before You Go

• Two chances to get wet: a swim and snorkeling stop near the south coast and a second stop near Tasarte for more time in the water plus your meal.
• Included gear, not just offers: snorkeling equipment plus SUP paddleboards and a kayak are part of the experience.
• Drinks are part of the rhythm: beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are served throughout the cruise.
• Food is fresh and seasonal: you’ll get a hot meal on the morning sailing or light tapas on the afternoon sailing, with items like tuna, chicken, salad, and Canarian potatoes with mojo.
• Comfort matters on catamarans: expect plenty of shade and sun deck space so you can choose your level of sun.
• South Gran Canaria pickup: pickup and drop-off are included for stays south of the island.

Southwest Gran Canaria by Catamaran, Not a Bus Tour

If your idea of a great Gran Canaria day involves open sky, salt air, and a warm drink in hand, this catamaran trip hits the target fast. You start in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and cruise along the island’s southwest coastline, where the scenery shifts from built-up waterfront to more rugged coves and beaches.

The duration is about 4.5 hours, and that time feels right for what you get. It’s long enough to do real swimming and at least one or two water activities, but short enough that you’re not stuck out at sea all day wondering when it ends. You also have morning and afternoon options, which helps if you want to line it up with beach time on either side.

One practical detail I’m glad you should know: you’re not just dropped at a random pier and left. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations south of the island, and the transfer typically runs on time. That matters here because half-day trips live or die by timing.

Getting On Board: Shade, Space, and a Friendly Crew

Catamarans make a difference for comfort. You usually get more deck space than you’d expect from a typical speedboat or small charter, and you can move around without feeling trapped in one corner. On this trip, that flexibility is key because you’ll want to shift between shade and sun as the day moves.

Crew energy is another big piece. Many people highlight how attentive and helpful the staff are, with instructions coming in multiple languages (English, Spanish, German, and French). In real terms, that means you can understand how to use the snorkeling gear and when to get in the water without guessing.

I also like that you’re not treated like a passenger who just sits there. People mention being offered drinks during the cruise, and that the whole setup feels organized rather than chaotic. When the crew stays on top of the flow, water sports feel easier, and lunch timing feels less rushed.

Drinks and Value: Why $97 Can Make Sense Here

Let’s talk money in plain terms. At $97 per person for a 4.5-hour catamaran ride, you’re not only paying for the boat. You’re getting a package that includes unlimited beer and sangria, plus soft drinks and water. You’re also getting snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and a kayak, and you’ll eat onboard (lunch in the morning, tapas in the afternoon).

If you add up what a lot of people do on vacation, this is where the value pops:

• A boat day with swim stops often costs similar money on its own.
• Water activities like SUP and snorkeling gear are sometimes extra.
• Food and drinks often come as separate purchases if you’re on a basic cruise.

Here, the drinks and meal are built into the experience. You won’t be stuck calculating how many beers you can afford before you hit the snack bar. That said, the included alcohol plan is beer and sangria, not cocktails, and some people prefer non-alcoholic options. If you’re planning to drink mostly other spirits or wine, you may feel the “value” math shift, because additional drinks are not included.

Overall, the price works best if you want a simple sea day where the boat, drinks, and food are part of one smooth plan rather than a collection of separate purchases.

Morning vs Afternoon: Lunch at Tasarte or Tapas and More Time to Swim

This trip has two sailing choices, and they change the food format. Either way, the second stop is your main anchor point.

Morning option: sit-down lunch with ocean views

On the morning sailing, you’ll stop at the beach area of Tasarte where the crew brings food from a local restaurant. The menu is fresh and seasonal, but people commonly mention choices like:

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

Lunch is served while you’re still in the sea-day mindset, with ocean views around you. Some people also mention that parts of the meal can be delivered to the boat using watercraft, which adds a fun, practical touch.

Afternoon option: lighter tapas-style snacks

If you pick the afternoon sailing, you’ll get light tapas-style snacks instead of a full hot lunch. Think of it as the energy boost that keeps you comfortable for more swimming and sun deck time, without turning the sea day into a long sit-down meal.

Either way, the food timing fits the cruise rhythm. You eat after you’ve had at least one chance in the water, so you’re hungry in a normal way, not a rushed, hanger-after-a-long-walk way.

Swim Stop Near Mogan: Snorkeling You Can Actually Do

The first swim stop is described as near coves and beaches along the way, with one stop just outside of Mogán. This is where the trip starts to feel like more than a scenic cruise.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, which is a key detail. You’re not just invited to look; you’re given the gear so you can hop in. And because it’s a catamaran, the approach is typically easy, with you entering the water from steps and getting back onboard without drama.

What to expect underwater? You’re in the Atlantic off Gran Canaria, so you can often spot small fish and colorful life around the snorkel zones, especially when visibility is good. Some people mention seeing fish up close and even unusual sightings like a hammerhead shark during a snorkeling session. That’s not guaranteed, but it tells you the water can be lively.

If you’re new to snorkeling, the included gear and crew guidance make it more approachable. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll still appreciate having SUP and kayak available after your swim.

The Tasarte Stop: Second Splash, Then Food

The second stop near Tasarte is where the trip’s pacing makes sense. You get another chance to cool off in the water, and then lunch or tapas happens right there in the sea-day flow.

A lot of people describe this as the moment they really settle into the experience. The first stop is about getting your bearings and using the snorkeling gear. The Tasarte stop is where you can take your time, decide whether you want to keep swimming, and then enjoy the meal without feeling like you have to rush.

This is also the stop where SUP paddleboarding and kayaking equipment tends to feel especially fun. You’re out in the water, then climb back onboard, eat, and keep going. It’s a good cycle for families too, because younger kids can do short bursts without committing to a long activity stretch.

SUP, Kayak, and the Simple Joy of Moving Slowly

One reason this trip earns strong scores is that it’s not “do one thing only.” You get snorkeling plus options to explore from above and at the surface.

SUP paddleboards are easy to use as long as you follow crew instructions. Kayaking adds a different feel, because you move closer to the waterline and can adjust your distance from the boat. It also works well if you want a quieter experience than snorkeling.

A practical heads-up from the way this works: you might not get unlimited, uninterrupted turns with every piece of gear. On busy days, equipment gets shared. Still, people commonly report plenty of time to use snorkeling and at least one other activity.

If you hate doing anything that requires “coordination,” you can still have a great day. You can skip the active gear and just enjoy sitting, shade-hopping, and swimming on your schedule.

Optional Extra Activities: Jet Ski and Parasailing

You can also add higher-energy options on some sailings, like jet skiing or parasailing. The important thing is that these are not included. If you want them, plan to budget extra.

This matters because the included activities already fill the day. Add-ons are for people who want even more thrills, not for anyone who just wants the basics.

Catamaran Comfort and Sea-Sickness Reality

Catamarans tend to feel steadier than you’d expect, and many people report feeling comfortable even if they were worried about motion. Still, water and wind can vary by day. Your comfort will depend on the conditions and how you personally react to waves.

If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, bring your usual tablets or prevention method. People have specifically suggested doing that for smoother sailing.

Also, pack a towel. It’s listed as something you’ll want, and you’ll use it after swimming and snorkeling. If you have a small bag, keep your towel and sunscreen in one place so you’re not rummaging while others are in the water.

What You Actually See on This Route

This is not a “look at famous landmarks” day. It’s a coastline day, where the scenery is built from coves, beaches, and the feeling of sailing along the south coast.

What you see depends on the exact swim stops and wind, but the overall vibe stays consistent: you’re moving through a coastal area with plenty of spots to pause, get in the water, and then continue. That’s why it works as a repeatable experience too. Even if you’ve been to Gran Canaria before, a different swim cove or slightly different timing can make it feel new.

And if you’re lucky, you might spot wildlife. People mention dolphins on some departures, whales on the way back, and other sea life sightings. You should treat that as a bonus, not a promise, but it’s encouraging to know the area can be active.

Who This Trip Is Best For

This is a smart pick for:

• couples who want a relaxing, social sea day with drinks and food included
• families that like structured fun but not long, exhausting sightseeing
• first-timers who want an easy introduction to Gran Canaria’s ocean side without planning the details
• beach lovers who want a change of scenery and a water-focused day

It’s also a good option if you’re not trying to prove anything. You can do snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, or you can do one swim stop, snack, and sunbathe. The day is built to accommodate different energy levels.

If your top priority is high culture, museums, or deep land-based history, this probably won’t be your best use of time. But if you want a genuinely enjoyable half-day at sea, it’s hard to beat.

Should You Book This Catamaran Day Trip?

Yes, if you want an organized sea day where drinks and food are part of the package, and where included snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking give you real options once you’re out on the water. The time length also makes it an easy fit, and the comfort of a spacious catamaran plus a helpful multilingual crew makes the whole thing feel low-stress.

I’d skip it or think twice if:

• you mostly want drinks other than beer and sangria, since additional cocktails are not included
• you’re very sensitive to cold water and rougher conditions, because the trip is still subject to sea and weather conditions
• you want a land-heavy day with major sights, because this is focused on the coast and the ocean experience

If you’re in the middle, this is the kind of half-day you’ll remember for the right reasons: time on the deck, easy water access, and a meal that actually feels like a highlight rather than a checkbox.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day trip?

The experience lasts about 4.5 hours.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water are included.

Is lunch included?

For the morning option, lunch is included. For the afternoon option, you get light tapas-style snacks.

Are snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and gear for SUP paddleboarding and kayaking are included.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

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

What languages are available for the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, Spanish, German, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel.