Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

This afternoon catamaran cruise in Gran Canaria is a smart mix of easy sailing and real time in the water. You cruise along the southwest coast, stop in a crystal-clear bay for snorkeling or swimming, and then choose how active you want to be with optional add-ons.

I especially like the all-inclusive drinks and the crew-prepared meal, because you do not have to plan food or keep spending to stay fueled. I also like the onboard energy, with staff who keep things fun, and the kind of entertainment touches that can include sax music from Ashleigh and the owner Potter popping in with personality.

One consideration: the deck can feel a bit crammed when everyone is sunning at once, and a few water-sport options are extra cost, so you should budget if you want the thrills.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Southwest coast sailing with photo-worthy views of cliffs and coves as you head toward and past Puerto de Mogán
• Swim and snorkel stop in clear water with optional snorkeling gear available on board
• Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water plus a crew-cooked meal
• Optional adrenaline add-ons like jet ski, parasail, donut inflatable, and a speedboat ride
• Pickup from multiple resort areas plus an option to check in at the harbor if you prefer to arrive yourself
• A souvenir reusable drinking glass that you actually get to use

What This 4.5-Hour Afrikat Cruise Feels Like

This is an afternoon outing that keeps a steady rhythm: cruise, settle in, then anchor for a swim stop, then finish with drinks and entertainment as you head back. The total time is about 4.5 hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper escape without eating up your whole day.

I like that it is flexible by design. You can go full chill on the sun cushions, or you can add water activities if you want your heart rate up.

Meeting Up in Gran Canaria: Pickup Zones and Harbor Check-In

If you are staying in the south and west resort belt, pickup is one of the easiest parts of the day. The service can pick you up from Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

A key detail: pickup is not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, or Puerto Rico. If you want to meet the boat directly at Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130, you sign in at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the start.

If you have mobility needs, tell the provider after booking so they can plan proper arrangements. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Cruising the Southwest Coast With Big Views and Quick Stops

Once you are aboard, you start cruising along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. You get time to look out over dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, which is the main payoff of a catamaran day like this.

The route also takes you past the fishing village of Mogán, which is worth watching as you pass rather than trying to squeeze it into a separate outing. Even if you are not jumping off to explore on land, the coastline views can make the cruise feel like more than just transport to the swim spot.

If you like photos, bring your camera and be ready as the coast opens up. From what I can see in the trip style, the best views tend to happen while you are still moving.

The Swim and Snorkel Bay: How to Get the Most From Your Water Time

The main moment is the anchor stop in a crystal-clear bay where you can swim and snorkel. You can use the onboard snorkeling equipment (it is optional), and the goal is simple, see more marine life without making the day complicated.

Pack smart: swimwear under your clothes, plus a towel and sunscreen. You will be happiest if you also wear or bring sunglasses, since the sun reflects hard off the water in this region.

Also, plan on staying close to where you can easily re-board. When you are in and out for swimming, it is easy to lose track of time if you drift too far.

Unlimited Drinks and a Crew-Cooked Meal That Actually Covers You

Food and drink are part of the value here, and they are not treated like an afterthought. You get unlimited drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water throughout the cruise.

For the meal, the crew serves a chicken wrap plus pasta salad. The chicken wrap is described as including bacon and a cheese topping, with salad and sauce optional.

If you have dietary requirements, you need to inform the provider when booking. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included, so if you want those, bring extra money.

One more practical touch: you also get a reusable drinking glass souvenir, which is a small thing but makes the onboard drink setup feel more intentional.

Optional Water Thrills: Jet Ski, Donut, Parasail, and Speedboat Upgrades

This cruise is at its best when you match the adventure level to your mood. If you want a calmer day, you can skip paid activities and just enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and drinks.

If you do want to add action, here are the extra-cost options listed:

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

A tip if you plan to do multiple add-ons: bring extra money or a bank card. On the day, it can be easier if you pay by card rather than trying to scrape together cash.

Also, keep expectations realistic. Not every sport is included, and if something outside the core plan is limited on the day, you might end up with less variety than you hoped.

Onboard Comfort and Shade: Sun Deck Reality Check

The experience is meant to be relaxing, but it is still a shared boat. One downside that can pop up is how busy the sun deck can get when everyone crowds into the same few spots.

Here is how I handle that kind of setup on trips like this: I bring a sun hat, I sunscreen early, and I try to rotate between shade and sun rather than spending the entire time in one spot. If you are sensitive to heat, pick a seat when the boat is still pulling away from the dock, not after the crowd has already formed.

Sunglasses are not optional here. With the water glare, you will thank yourself by midday.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a good fit if you want a fun half-day with minimal planning. It works well for couples, groups of friends, and people who want a break from the usual resort routine without committing to a full day tour.

It is also suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible, which makes it easier to include different mobility needs in one booking.

If you want silence and wide-open space, you may find the onboard crowd a little intense during peak sun time. In that case, you can still enjoy the cruise by prioritizing the swim and snorkel window and keeping your deck expectations flexible.

Value at About $91 Per Person: What You Really Pay For

At $91 per person, the price makes sense when you look at the full package. You are getting:

• Pickup and drop-off from central resort areas
• Catamaran cruise for about 4.5 hours
• Unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water)
• A crew-served meal (chicken wrap and pasta salad)
• Optional snorkeling equipment
• A reusable drinking glass souvenir

Then you add optional activities on top, which means you can keep costs under control if you skip the paid thrills. Or, if you do the jet ski or donut ride, the day can still feel like a lot of value for one bundled outing.

This is exactly the kind of tour where budgeting matters less than planning. Decide ahead of time which add-ons you actually want, then keep your spending aligned with your priorities.

Should You Book the Afrikat Afternoon Catamaran Cruise?

I would book this if you want a straightforward Gran Canaria experience: coast views, one great swim stop, and food plus drinks handled for you. The mix of relaxed cruising and optional activities gives you control over how active the afternoon becomes.

Skip it only if you are very heat-sensitive, hate cramped deck situations, or you are strictly looking for a no-extra-cost water sports day. Since several thrill options are add-ons, you should go in ready to spend a little if adrenaline is part of your plan.

If you do book, come prepared with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat, and check your pickup area carefully. That one detail can save you a lot of stress before you even reach the harbor.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria afternoon catamaran cruise?

The total duration is 4.5 hours.

What drinks and food are included in the price?

You get unlimited drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. A meal is served by the crew, described as a chicken wrap and pasta salad.

Where is pickup available for this tour?

Pickup is available from centralized points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

If I go directly to the harbor, where do I check in?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included as optional.

Which water sports cost extra?

Extra-cost options listed include jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasail (€32 per person), donut inflatable (€10 per person), and speedboat ride (€5 per person).

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.