Afrikat Morning Cruise

This is interesting because you get a classic morning sail along Gran Canaria, then you anchor for real water time, not just a quick look from the deck. I like the mix of cruising plus a swim stop, and I also like that lunch and drinks are included so the half-day feels complete. One consideration: if you’re hoping for the longest possible “moving time,” the anchored swim-and-snorkel block is the main event, so don’t expect non-stop speed.

A big part of the appeal is how the day is paced. You cruise the coast from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, then you head to a calm, clear bay to cool off, snorkel, and add optional add-ons like jet skis or parasailing. The main drawback to weigh is that the food is included but not everyone’s favorite, so go in expecting a satisfying lunch, not a gourmet meal.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Luxury catamaran style: a big, comfortable boat format with a deck made for sun, shade, and watching the coastline roll by
• Real swim and optional snorkeling: anchor in a calm bay, get time in the water, and use provided snorkel gear if you need it
• Included drinks all trip: beer, sangria, soft drinks, coffee, and water keep the vibe relaxed
• Add-on water sports at set prices: jet ski, parasailing, and donut rides cost extra, so you can control your budget
• Crew energy and onboard entertainment: music shows up, and the staff approach is consistently described as friendly and helpful
• Small-ish group for a big boat: capacity is capped at 66 people, which helps keep things organized

A Morning Cruise That Feels Like a Plan, Not a Promise

Afrikat’s morning cruise is built around a simple idea: let you enjoy Gran Canaria from the water, then give you time to actually get in the sea. You leave in the morning, cruise along the coast, and drop anchor at a calm bay where swimming and snorkeling are the centerpiece.

What makes it work is that the trip is structured. You’re not just stuck on a dock waiting to be entertained, and you’re not forced into a tight schedule where you barely have time to relax. It’s a sea day with options, so you can go full chill or chase the splashy stuff.

Also, the overall length is friendly. It’s listed at about 4.5 hours, so it fits well into a day that also includes beach time, lunch onshore, or exploring the towns.

Price and Value: Why This Costs What It Costs

At about $90.70 per person for a half-day, you’re paying for several things at once: the boat time, the included lunch, and the included drinks. That matters in Gran Canaria because boat tours can quickly turn into “pay for everything” experiences once you start adding water time and onboard extras.

Here’s what’s covered up front:

• Boat trip around 4.5 hours departing from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico
• Lunch: chicken wrap with pasta salad
• Drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• Swimming and snorkeling opportunity at the anchor stop
• Return transport from fixed pickup points in the South (details depend on where you are staying)

Then there are the add-ons you can choose to spend extra on:

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

So the value math is pretty clear. If you plan to drink something, eat onboard, and spend time in the water, you’re already using the included elements. If you’re not interested in water sports, you still get the boat cruise and the anchor stop with swim time.

If you’re picky about lunch quality, go with realistic expectations. Some people say the food was average, even while praising the overall atmosphere and boat experience. In other words, the cruise shines more for the sea time and vibe than for a “fine dining” lunch.

Entering Puerto Base: Times, Where You Start, and Pickup Reality

You’ll start at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The cruise ends back at that same meeting point.

Timing depends on season:

• Summer months: departures around 09:30 to 14:00
• Winter: departures around 10:00 to 14:30

Pickup is offered, but it’s not “anywhere on the island.” Collection works only from centralized pickup points in the South of the island, and it is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan. If you’re already in Puerto Base, plan to arrive about 20 minutes before departure.

One practical tip: confirm your pickup details about 24 hours before departure. The exact pickup point and time are sent by email, and it can land in your junk folder.

Cruising Gran Canaria’s Coast: How the Views Work on a Catamaran

Once you’re aboard, the feel changes fast. On a catamaran, you get stable deck time and big open-water views, which makes the coastal drive more enjoyable than a bus route with the same coastline pasted behind glass.

You cruise along the Gran Canaria coastline from Puerto Rico and head toward a calm, crystal-clear bay. From the deck, you’ll see the rhythm of coastal life: villages, bays, and beaches passing by while the sea air does what it always does, wakes you up without needing coffee.

If you’re the type who likes photographing places from moving water, this part is your warm-up. You get a chance to settle in, find a comfortable spot, and watch the coast roll through before the main water stop.

The key thing to remember: the cruise isn’t trying to be an all-day sightseeing loop. It’s a morning or mid-morning format, built for one highlight stop in the water.

The Anchor Stop for Swimming and Snorkeling: The Real Payoff

The cruise anchors in a calm bay, and this is where the itinerary earns its keep. You get time to swim in refreshing water and try snorkeling.

A few useful points so you don’t waste time once you’re in the bay:

• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can travel light
• It’s still a smart idea to bring your own gear if you’re picky about fit and comfort
• The time in the water is the moment most people remember, so plan to spend it active, not distracted

This is also where the “deck-to-sea” switch happens. On land, swimming can feel like a chore. Here, the sea time is built into the schedule, so you’re not fighting logistics or finding a random beach that might be busy or inconvenient.

If you get nervous about snorkeling, don’t overthink it. You can treat it as a relaxed look around, just enough to see what’s near the surface, then return to sun and slow drifting.

Optional Thrills: Jet Ski, Parasailing, Donut Ride, and the Speedboat Add-On

If you want more action beyond swimming, you have structured add-ons with set prices. You don’t have to do everything, and that’s part of the advantage. You can go from “easy swim” to “hold on tight” without changing tours.

Add-ons listed include:

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

One detail that’s worth taking seriously: one person felt they expected more time underway on the water activities and felt the movement time was shorter than imagined. That doesn’t mean the tour is wrong for most people, but it does suggest you should think of the add-ons as short thrills, not full stand-alone excursions.

That said, the water sport options are also the reason this tour works for mixed groups. Someone can swim and snorkel while another person grabs a jet ski or parasailing slot, and you still meet back at the boat for lunch and drinks.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Onboard Vibe: Music, Clean Spaces, and Social Energy

This cruise includes lunch and a full drinks setup. Throughout the trip you can have sangria, beer, soft drinks, coffee, or water, served while you’re on board.

Lunch is included as a chicken wrap with pasta salad. For special dietary needs, you must communicate in advance, so do that early when booking if you have restrictions.

Food ratings seem to run warm but not universally perfect. Some people say it’s average, while others describe the overall eating and drinking setup as a highlight. Either way, the lunch is timed to keep the trip comfortable, not to force you into an awkward hunger gap.

The onboard vibe gets strong praise in the details: friendly crew, music that adds mood, and a social atmosphere that can help solo travelers meet people. Some people mention live music, including saxophone, plus a surprise music moment on the return, so you may get a soundtrack that helps the cruise feel fun even if you’re quiet.

Cleanliness and care also come up. People highlight that the boat is well kept and super clean, which matters when you’re going to be in and out of the water and still want a comfortable place to relax after.

One extra sustainability-leaning touch appears in the reviews too: edible straws are mentioned as a small but memorable detail. Even if you don’t care about that personally, it signals they’re paying attention to how your choices affect the ocean.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Another Half-Day)

This is a good fit if you want:

• a half-day catamaran experience with comfort and open-water views
• a guaranteed chance to swim, plus optional snorkeling
• included lunch and drinks, so you’re not nickel-and-diming yourself
• optional add-ons if you want to trade chill for action for a bit

It’s also a decent pick for mixed groups. Water time and deck time keep different personalities satisfied, and you can choose which add-ons to spend on.

You should think twice if your priority is a long, continuous cruising route with minimal anchoring. The anchor stop is the main water moment. If you imagined hours of movement at high speed, you may feel like the “main highlight” is shorter than your mental picture.

It’s also not a private charter situation. The maximum group size is 66 people, and that’s still a lot of people on a boat. Most of the experience is well organized, but you should expect some shared space and standard busy-boat logistics.

A Few Practical Tips So Your Day Runs Smooth

Before you go, here are the things that tend to make or break a sea day like this:

• Pack snorkel swim basics even if equipment is provided, especially if you’re particular about fit
• Bring sun protection, because you’ll likely spend real time on deck
• Decide in advance which add-ons you want, so you don’t end up comparing prices while everyone is gathering
• If you have dietary needs, communicate when you book, since lunch is pre-set unless you’ve informed them

Also, remember the drinking rules. There’s a minimum drinking age of 18, and children must be accompanied by an adult. So if you’re bringing teens or younger kids, plan around those rules.

Should You Book Afrikat Morning Cruise?

If your idea of a great Gran Canaria day is water views plus real sea time, I’d say yes. This is one of those half-day tours that gives you enough structure to feel easy, while still leaving room for choice. The included drinks, included lunch, and anchor-stop swimming make it feel like more than just “a ride.”

Book it especially if:

• you want a relaxed morning on the water
• you care about your time in the sea, not only photos from the deck
• you’re open to optional extras like jet skis or parasailing, but you don’t need them all

Skip it if:

• your main goal is long cruising time with constant motion
• you’re very picky about food quality and want a standout meal onboard
• you’re sensitive to weather changes, because the experience requires good weather

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Morning Cruise?

It runs about 4.5 hours (the exact schedule depends on season).

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does the cruise start in summer versus winter?

In summer, departures run about 09:30 to 14:00. In winter, departures run about 10:00 to 14:30.

Is pickup available, and where does it work?

Return transport from fixed pickup points is offered, limited to centralized pickup areas in the South of the island. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is included (chicken wrap with pasta salad). Drinks included are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Can I swim and snorkel, and is equipment included?

You have a chance to swim and snorkel at the anchor stop. Snorkel equipment is provided.

Are jet skis, parasailing, and donut rides included?

No. Those are add-ons with listed prices: jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasailing (€32 per person), and donut ride (€10 per person).

Is a speedboat ride included?

No. A speedboat ride with the captain is an add-on at €5 per person.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.