Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

This Afrikat catamaran is interesting because it turns a normal cruise into a full, do-it-your-way sea day, with real time to swim and snorkel plus options to go faster if you want. I like how the crew keeps the day moving, but not rushed, so you can switch between relaxing on deck and getting in the water. The vibe, especially with owner Potter and the team running things, feels more like a fun beach outing than a rigid tour.

I also love that the trip bundles the good stuff together: a included meal and unlimited drinks right on board, plus snorkeling gear if you want it. One drawback to keep in mind is that the high-energy add-ons cost extra, and on some days a specific activity like a jet ski may not be available, so it’s smart to have a backup plan.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• A proper swim-and-snorkel stop in a crystal-clear bay, with gear provided
• Unlimited onboard drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• A crew that actually drives the fun, with guides using humor and a friendly, safety-first approach
• Add-on water sports at upfront prices, like jet ski, parasailing, and a captain-led speedboat ride
• Comfort on a catamaran, with sunbathing spots plus shade for downtime
• Pickup and drop-off around Gran Canaria’s south, with lots of hotel stops in the main areas

Setting Sail: Why This Catamaran Feels Like a Sea Day, Not Just Transport

If you’re looking for “time on the water” in Gran Canaria without spending your whole day figuring out logistics, this works well. You get a luxury catamaran ride along the coastline, then a long enough stop in the water to make it feel like a highlight, not a quick dip.

The big reason it feels good is pacing. There’s a short safety briefing before leaving, then you cruise, then you reach Mogán for your swim and snorkeling time, then you head back. In between, you’re not stuck doing one boring thing. You can lounge, take photos, eat, drink, and when you’re ready, hop in with the provided snorkeling setup.

It’s also a trip built for mixed groups. Based on how the crew runs the day, it suits couples, friends, and families, especially if you want one shared activity where everyone can choose their own level of thrill.

Getting From Your Hotel: Pickup Stops That Save You the Hassle

This is one of those tours where the value depends on the pickup. You’ll get collected from a long list of centralized points, mainly around the south, and you’ll be dropped back off in similar areas afterward. The transfer portion is about an hour each way on coach, so yes, it eats a bit of your half-day. But it saves you the stress of getting to the port and matching timing once you’re on holiday.

Two practical tips make this smoother:

• Be ready early at your assigned pickup stop. Even the best tours feel long if you’re waiting around.
• Double-check that your hotel area is covered. The pickup service does not operate from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogan, and the experience also notes that it’s based on specific designated locations.

If you’re staying in Maspalomas or the Playa del Cura to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria stretch, this is convenient. If you’re farther out or not in the covered zones, you may need your own plan for reaching the start.

On Board the Afrikat: Comfort, Crew Energy, and Drink Service That Works

Once you’re on the catamaran, the first thing you notice is the layout for moving around. It’s not a tiny party boat where you feel trapped. People report the boat is clean and spacious, with plenty of places to sit in sun and shade.

The crew energy is a major part of the experience. Announcements are fun, guides are friendly, and the overall tone feels upbeat without being chaotic. Multiple people highlight that the hosts keep things organized and make sure everyone is safe and included, even when the group includes kids.

Then there’s the included bar setup, which is a big deal for value. You get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. One of my favorite details is that the drink experience is practical, not just “here’s a cup, good luck.” The crew takes orders and brings drinks to you, and there’s even mention of a tap-your-own beer moment. It’s the kind of small comfort that makes the day feel easy.

The Mogán Water Stop: Snorkeling in Crystal Water and Time That Actually Lets You Enjoy It

The heart of this cruise is the time in Mogán, where you anchor and shift from cruising mode to swimming mode. You’re there for about 2.5 hours, and that’s long enough to do more than one thing without feeling rushed.

Here’s what to expect when you arrive:

• Swimming and snorkeling in clear water, with snorkeling equipment available.
• The chance to choose your level, from casual floating to staying in longer to see more fish.
• A water-sport menu where some thrill options cost extra.

In plain terms, this is the stop that turns the trip into a memory. Short tours often give you five minutes in the water and call it a day. This gives you real time to relax and then go for it.

One more reality check: water activities can depend on conditions and equipment. A few people mention that jet ski availability wasn’t possible on one day, while the rest of the experience ran as expected. So if you know you’re laser-focused on one add-on, consider treating the included snorkeling and swimming as your guaranteed win.

Lunch on the Water: What You Eat, When You Eat, and How Dietary Needs Are Handled

Food is included, served by the crew, and it’s timed so you’re not stuck hungry while waiting for water time. The standard lunch includes a chicken wrap, with optional bacon bits, plus salad and sauces. You’ll also get pasta salad, and special dietary meals are available if you communicate in advance.

This matters because it’s not just “you get food, good luck.” You do have to plan ahead if you have dietary requirements. If you forget to mention it, you could end up with fewer options. But if you do tell the provider early, the crew can adjust.

One helpful detail from real-world feedback: some riders who needed vegetarian options were given an alternative lunch rather than the standard wrap. That’s a good sign that the team takes dietary notes seriously when they’re provided ahead of time.

Unlimited Drinks and the Reality of What’s Included

Let’s talk money, but also sanity. Unlimited beer and sangria are included, plus soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. That’s a solid base if you want to relax and keep the day feeling festive.

What’s not included is also worth noting. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not part of the unlimited package. So if you’re someone who mainly drinks cocktails, budget extra or switch to the included beers and sangria.

Also, the drink system is part of the fun. People mention the crew bringing drinks to you rather than sending you back and forth across the boat. It keeps the energy up while you’re anchored, and it helps you stay present for the swimming and snorkeling time.

Speed, Donuts, and Parasailing: Optional Upgrades and When They’re Worth It

If you want more action, you can add water sports. Here are the listed extras and how to think about them:

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

The key is deciding what kind of thrill you want. Jet skis are for riders who want hands-on speed. Parasailing is for people who want a bigger wow factor from above. The donut is for a quick laugh and a short, bumpy ride. The captain-led speedboat ride is cheaper and can be a good choice if you want a coastal look without committing to the bigger pricing.

Value tip: if you plan to do multiple add-ons, ask yourself what you’ll enjoy after the adrenaline wears off. Many people rate the included snorkeling as the most relaxing reward. So, I’d pick one bigger thrill plus snorkeling, rather than trying to do everything. The day is short enough that overbooking can turn fun into logistics.

One extra detail that helps decision-making: people report these upgrades are fairly priced compared to what you might pay on your own. That doesn’t guarantee every activity runs every day, but it suggests the add-ons are not just random cash grabs.

Cruise Views Around Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: The Scenery Part You Won’t Rush

Between pickup, sailing, and the water stop, you still get plenty of coastline viewing. You cruise along the southwestern coastline of Gran Canaria, with beaches, cliffs, and coves you can see from the deck.

The catamaran makes a difference here. It’s stable enough for relaxing, and the open deck means it’s easier to catch the sea breeze and get good photo angles without constantly repositioning.

If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want non-stop speed, this is a nice compromise. The sailing keeps things peaceful, then Mogán turns it into an active sea day. You get both modes in one half-day.

Live Music and the Little Touches: Friday Morning Adds a Fun Twist

There’s a specific perk for some travel dates. Live music runs only on Friday morning, and it is not on 27 February. In feedback, people mention a sax player and classic tunes that add a playful atmosphere while you’re onboard.

Even when live music isn’t scheduled, smaller touches help. People mention special drinks, photo moments, and the crew making time feel celebratory rather than mechanical. These are not major “in your pocket” changes, but they matter. They make the trip feel remembered, not just checked off.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Might Want a Different Day

This excursion is a strong match for you if:

• You want a half-day with both relaxation and water time
• You like included meals and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, not just a barebones snack
• You’d rather pay once and then choose optional thrills based on your energy level
• You want a friendly crew atmosphere, with people described as welcoming and humorous

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re mainly after luxury comfort and quiet sightseeing, because the boat day is lively by design
• You’re planning to do every extra activity. Some activities are extra, and equipment can fail occasionally
• You’re not in the covered pickup zones, since the transfer is tied to specific centralized stops

If you like your days active but not complicated, this hits the sweet spot.

Should You Book Afrikat Gran Canaria Fun Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, if what you want is a fun, well-run sea day that gives you real water time. At $88 per person, the value is strongest because you’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re getting the cruise, pickup and drop-off within covered areas, a full meal, and unlimited drinks.

The best way to make it a slam dunk for your trip:

• Treat snorkeling and swimming as the anchor experience you can count on
• Add one thrill activity if you really want it, but don’t assume every upgrade will be perfect on the day
• Communicate dietary needs in advance, especially if you need an alternative lunch

If you do those three things, you’ll spend your day on a catamaran feeling like you’re on holiday, not managing a schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

The duration is 4.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

It includes pickup and drop-off from designated areas, the catamaran cruise, unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), snorkeling equipment if you want it, and a meal served by the crew.

What food is served on board?

The main lunch includes a chicken wrap, with optional bacon bits, plus salad and sauces. There is also pasta salad for special dietary requirements, but you must communicate needs in advance.

Are jet ski, parasailing, or donuts included?

No. Jet ski costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, and donuts cost €10 per person. A speedboat ride with the captain is €5 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available and included as part of the experience.

What drinks are included, and what is not?

Included drinks are unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are from specific centralized points that include many areas around the south. The activity notes it does not provide pickup outside designated areas, and it specifically states it is not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogan.

Is live music part of the trip?

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