Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

This Gran Canaria catamaran day trip is interesting because it bundles a scenic sail along the southwest coast with real time in the water, plus a meal that is part of the experience instead of an afterthought. I love how the crew stays friendly and on it, with names like Callan and Raul popping up in the onboard stories, and I love that you get both unlimited sangria and beer and a seasonal lunch with Atlantic views.

One thing to consider before you book is the price value, because this outing is built around included drinks. If you will mostly skip the alcohol, you may feel like you are paying a premium for the boat and activities without fully using the biggest included perk.

Key points before you sail

• Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water make it feel like a true half-day floating party
• Fresh seasonal lunch (morning) or light tapas-style snacks (afternoon) keep the day from feeling rushed
• Snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and a kayak mean you can switch between above-water and underwater fun
• Two water stops at stunning coves give you more than one chance for photos and a swim
• Comfortable catamaran setup with shade plus a big sun deck helps you relax whether it is bright or breezy
• Small-group feel shows up in the reviews, which usually means the crew can actually help you

Booking the right kind of day: why this 4.5-hour catamaran works

This is not a long, all-day production. It is a focused 4.5-hour catamaran trip from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, designed to get you moving, fed, and back on land without eating up your whole vacation day. The timing matters because you get several “activity blocks” in a short window: sail time, swimming and snorkeling time, then food, then more water time before heading back.

You also get the kind of variety that helps if your group has mixed interests. Some people want to snorkel. Some just want to float, sunbathe, and take photos. Some want to paddle. This trip covers all of that with included gear, not just a one-time gimmick.

And yes, the included drinks are a big part of the mood. But even if you go non-alcoholic, you still get the boat, the water stops, and the meal.

From pickup in the south to the moment you step onboard

Most of the day’s comfort starts before the catamaran even leaves port. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island, and the provider confirms your exact pickup time after you book. Reviews also describe a smooth ride to the dock in an air-conditioned coach, which is a small thing that makes the whole day easier.

When you reach the boat, the layout is built for relaxing. Expect shade options plus a sun deck where you can stretch out. People repeatedly note that the catamaran does not feel overly crowded, which helps when you want to move between relaxing and gear time without playing deck Tetris.

One practical note: bring a towel. You will thank yourself when you rinse off and head back to pickup.

The sail along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast (and why the timing feels good)

Once you depart Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, the trip heads along the island’s southwest coast. This part of the day is about views and positioning. You get to see coves and beaches from the water and build up to the first swim stop.

You also get the right kind of pace. It is not constant, full-throttle activity. The sail gives you a breather, and you can already start enjoying the onboard drinks while the crew gets things organized for water time.

Some reviewers talk about a first stop that feels like a “nice warm-up bay,” roughly around three quarters of an hour into the outing, where you can swim, snorkel, and use the SUP or kayak. Even if the exact timing varies by conditions, the flow stays the same: sail, gear, water, then the meal stop.

Included drinks: the included party factor, not just a free-for-all

If you like your boat days with a drink in hand, this one delivers. The package includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water throughout the cruise. You do not have to chase anyone for refills, and reviews describe the crew repeatedly offering drinks during the day.

What this means for you in real life is simple: you can treat the cruise like a proper outing, not a “pay for everything” tourist trap. Even non-drinkers still get soft drinks and water, and that is enough to stay comfortable between swim breaks.

Worth considering: cocktails are not included. If you want mixed drinks beyond sangria and beer, you will pay extra. One review calls out that the value feels strongest if you plan to drink mostly included options.

Lunch on the water: what you eat, where you eat, and why it feels special

You get two different food setups depending on which sailing time you choose.

Morning option: seasonal lunch with ocean views

For morning departures, lunch is described as seasonal and freshly prepared. Typical dishes mentioned include filet of tuna and breaded chicken, served with salad and Canarian potatoes with mild mojo plus bread. That combo is very “Gran Canaria,” and it is the kind of meal that tastes better when you are already hungry from sun and sea air.

One of the coolest practical details is how warm food is handled. Several reviews mention that items can arrive to the boat by kayak, so the lunch feels fresh and hot instead of like a rushed picnic. You get that small “we made this for you” feeling without you doing any work.

Afternoon option: light tapas-style snacks

For afternoon departures, the meal shifts to light tapas-style snacks rather than a full seated lunch. The upside is that you stay lighter on your feet for the water activities. The downside is obvious: if you are craving a real meal moment, the morning option may fit better.

Either way, you are eating while you are still surrounded by water and coastline. That is what makes the food feel like part of the trip instead of a stop you endure.

Snorkeling and swimming stops near Mogán: what to expect in the water

The itinerary includes swim and snorkel time at stunning spots along the way, including a stop just outside Mogán. The snorkeling gear is provided, so you can jump in without buying equipment first. Reviews also mention seeing plenty of fish, so bring your sense of wonder and keep your expectations realistic: you are snorkeling, not doing a deep-sea expedition.

The biggest win here is flexibility. You can snorkel for a bit, then switch to just swimming, or back to relaxing on the deck. This matters if you do not want your whole day to be one long activity.

Gear reality check

Snorkeling, SUP boards, and the kayak are included, but it is still a shared setup. Some people mention taking turns using the available equipment. That is normal on a boat, and it is part of why the day feels friendly rather than chaotic.

If you need help with flotation support for kids, reviews note that floatation vests are available.

Water temperature and motion

Even on sunny days, the sea can feel chilly. One review calls it chilly but refreshing, so plan for that. Also, if you get motion sickness, you might consider bringing tablets, since a few reviews recommend it.

The catamaran is described as stable enough to avoid major seasickness for most people, but I always tell friends the same thing: if your stomach is sensitive, do not gamble.

SUP paddleboards and kayaking: the best way to explore at your own speed

This is the part that turns the cruise from passive to active. The trip includes SUP paddleboards and kayak gear, and the gear is brought to the water stop so you can use it while you are there.

Why I like this for travelers: paddle time is low-pressure exploration. You can go slow, stay close to the group, and get a different angle on the coastline than you do from the deck. It also gives you something to do between snorkeling sessions without committing to a long swim.

Just know that if the group is into water sports, you will likely take turns. That is still fine, and it keeps the atmosphere calm.

Extra activities on select days: jet ski and parasailing

There are optional paid upgrades mentioned in reviews, including jet ski and parasailing. Some people even say these were set up alongside the included activities.

If you are curious, ask onboard what is available at that time and confirm the cost before you commit. This is one of those “add-on” choices where you either want the thrill or you do not, and you can keep your day as chill as you like.

Wildlife sightings: a bonus, not a guarantee

This kind of coastal sailing can lead to wildlife moments. Reviews include stories of dolphins, a hammerhead shark, and even a right whale spotted on the return route, with the crew going off course to see it.

Do not plan your whole day around a specific sighting. But it is good to know you might get a memorable “right there” moment if conditions and animals line up.

Who this trip is for (and who should pick a different Gran Canaria day)

This catamaran fits best if you want a smooth, social, water-focused half day in Gran Canaria’s south with minimal planning. It is especially good for:

• Couples who want a relaxing cruise with built-in fun
• Families with kids who like snorkeling, paddling, and swim breaks
• Friends who want included drinks and a friendly crew, not a rigid schedule

It may not be the best match if:

• You want a heavy history or culture lecture on the water (this is about sea time)
• You are strongly alcohol-free and the idea of paying for included drinks feels off (one review notes value depends on drinking mostly sangria or beer)
• You are extremely sensitive to cold water and motion, since sea conditions can affect comfort and timing

Price and value: does $97 per person make sense?

At $97 per person for a 4.5-hour catamaran with drinks, gear, and food, the value comes down to one question: will you use the included perks?

If you will drink mostly the included options, eat the lunch or snacks, and actually get into the water with snorkeling or SUP, it feels like a solid deal. That is the experience most reviews point to: plenty of drinks, fresh food, and multiple chances to swim and paddle.

If you are mainly abstaining from alcohol or you plan to stay fully hands-off (no snorkeling, no paddleboarding, no kayaking), the price can feel steeper. Still, you are paying for the boat, the crew, the water stops, and the provided gear. You just might not extract as much enjoyment per dollar.

My practical take: this is priced like a fun day package. Treat it like one, and you will usually feel you got your money’s worth.

How to make the most of your catamaran day

A few small choices can level up the day fast:

• Wear or pack swim shoes if you are unsure about rocky edges at stops.
• Bring a towel and anything you need for sun (even if shade is available).
• If you might feel motion, consider tablets ahead of time.
• For snorkeling, take your time and focus on breathing. The fish will come to you.

Also, be ready to rotate between activities. The day is set up for multiple water moments, so switching gears keeps things fresh.

Should you book this Gran Canaria catamaran day trip?

Book it if you want a low-stress 4.5-hour sail with real water time, provided snorkeling gear, included SUP and kayak, and a meal that tastes like it belongs to the island. You will like it most if you enjoy onboard energy, especially the included beer and sangria.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you prefer a quieter experience where alcohol perks matter less to you, or if you want a longer, on-land itinerary. This is a sea-day. If that is your vibe, it is a strong pick.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Gran Canaria catamaran day trip?

The trip lasts 4.5 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water.

Is lunch included?

Yes, the morning option includes a seasonal lunch. The afternoon option includes light tapas-style snacks.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling gear is included, and you can also use SUP paddleboards and kayak gear.

Does the trip include pickup and drop-off?

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

Do you need to bring anything?

You should bring a towel.

What if the sea is rough or weather changes?

This trip is subject to sea and weather conditions for safety, so the schedule can be affected.

Are extra drinks like cocktails included?

No. Additional drinks such as cocktails are not included.

What languages is the live tour guide available in?

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