Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Gran Canaria by catamaran is a great no-stress way to spend half a day on the water. You sail along the south coast, then you drop anchor offshore for a proper swim break and lunch.

What I really like about this style of trip is the built-in rhythm. You are not just passing by the coast, you also get time to relax in the middle of the Atlantic, away from the busiest shore areas. I also like that the meal is vegan-friendly, with food that is adjusted for the season, plus lunch and drinks included.

One thing to think about before you book: this can lean toward a party mood on some departures. If you want a quiet cruise, or if you are traveling with kids and elderly family members who just want to sit and enjoy the sea, you may want to go into it with your expectations set.

Key Things You Should Know Before You Go

• South-coast sailing with an Arguineguín departure that quickly puts you on the water and heading south.
• Drop-anchor swim time offshore so you can cool off without fighting for beach space.
• Lunch that aims to work for vegans, with seasonal choices rather than a one-size-fits-all plate.
• Lunch and drinks included in the base price, which can change the overall vibe of the cruise.
• Optional parasailing or jet ski can be added at check-in, with riders later taken to the catamaran by Zodiac.
• Wildlife is a bonus, not the plan, so don’t book this only for dolphins.

A 4-Hour Catamaran That Mixes Coast Views With Real Time at Anchor

This is the kind of half-day outing that makes sense when you do not want a full-day excursion, but you still want more than a quick photo stop. You get the main coastal sailing, then you get anchored time where you can actually get in the water and spend time out in the open.

If you like the idea of a straightforward plan with hotel pickup, lunch, and drinks already sorted, this is easy to picture. The big question is your vibe preference. Some cruises feel lively because drinks flow and the music can run loud, while others feel more relaxed. Either way, you will be out on the water long enough to feel like you escaped the crowds.

Getting Picked Up and Checked In at the Esnautica Facilities

The trip starts with pickup. If you are staying in Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas, you are included for a hotel transfer. The operator reconfirms your exact pickup time, and you will ride in a branded Esnautica blue van.

After pickup, you head to the marina facilities for check-in. This is also when you can add optional extras like parasailing or a jet ski ride. If you book one of those activities, you do it first, then you do not just sit around. You are later transported by Zodiac to rejoin the catamaran.

This matters because it affects your schedule. You will not necessarily be on the main catamaran for every single minute right from the start if you add an extra thrill activity. For most people, that is a plus, because you still get the cruise experience, but it is good to know going in.

Sailing From Arguineguín, Then Heading South to the Beach Stop

Once everyone is sorted, the catamaran sets sail from the Arguineguín dock. The route follows the south coast, heading south toward the beach area where you will stop.

This stretch is what gives you the “catamaran cruise” feeling. You get open-water views, movement, and that easy sense of being away from land. It can also be the most comfortable part, since you are not stuck at anchor yet and you can enjoy the breeze.

Do not plan this segment like a long sightseeing tour. It is half-day timing, so the pace is purposeful, not slow. If you want to stare at the horizon and never lift a finger, you still can, but you will likely feel the trip speed up toward the anchor stop.

The Anchor-Offshore Beach Break for Swimming and Sunbathing

Here is the heart of the experience. When you arrive, the crew drops anchor and prepares food. You get a beach-style break, but you are offshore, with open water around you. That means you can relax, sunbathe, and take a bath in the Atlantic away from heavy tourist crowds.

This part is especially good if you:

• like swimming and want a break from sand and sun umbrellas
• want a swim that feels more “out at sea” than “on a beach”
• do not need constant entertainment as long as the water time is real

A practical note. The anchor stop can take long enough that if you do nothing but watch, it can feel slow. I suggest you plan to be active during the water break, even if that just means a few swims, relaxing in the sun, and then cooling off again.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Realistic Expectations for Food Quality

Lunch and drinks are included, and this is a big part of the value equation for the price. The meal is designed to be suitable for the season and is described as ideal for vegans.

In plain terms, do not assume a fine-dining spread. On some departures, the lunch is simple: things like pasta spirals with vegetables, plus bread and small snack sides. You might also see extra snacks like nachos and olives.

Drinks are where the tone can shift. Drinks are included, and on at least some trips the party energy is noticeable, with loud music and heavy alcohol flow. Staff are typically friendly, which helps, but the overall mood may not be what you want if your goal is quiet sea time.

My advice: if you are traveling as a family or with mixed ages, decide what “fun” means for your group before you go. If your idea of fun is calm views and easy conversation, treat this as a lively catamaran day with a swim, not a serene nature cruise.

Dolphins and Wildlife: Treat It Like a Bonus, Not a Promise

Potential dolphin encounters are part of the pitch. That is exciting, but it is also the one detail you cannot count on.

For your planning, think of wildlife as a maybe. The cruise is mainly about sailing plus the offshore swim and lunch. If your top priority is seeing dolphins for sure, you will be happier with a plan that offers stronger wildlife guarantees. On this trip, dolphins are the kind of surprise that can happen, not the foundation of the experience.

If you are simply happy being out on open water and you will enjoy the day even without wildlife sightings, you are in the right mindset for this tour.

Optional Parasailing or Jet Ski: How the Add-Ons Fit the Day

If you want more action, parasailing or a jet ski ride can be added at check-in for an extra cost. The key detail is how the operator manages timing. People who book an add-on may stay with the added activity, then join the catamaran later via Zodiac transfer.

That means the add-on does not replace the cruise. It adds to it, and you still end up doing the main catamaran sailing and the anchor swim break as part of your 4-hour outing.

Should you do it? If you love thrill activities, it is a chance to pack more into a short day without going back for a separate booking. If you are not keen on speed or heights, skip it and focus on the swim and rest time, which is what this tour is really built around.

Comfort, Shade, and On-Board Practicalities

This is where a few real-world details can help you decide if the format fits your comfort level.

First, this is a group cruise. You should expect a decent headcount and not everyone will have the same comfortable seating arrangement for the whole trip. If you are sensitive to crowding, treat this as a “grab your spot and enjoy it” outing rather than a spacious private charter.

Second, shade can be a limited resource. The areas that offer shade can also attract smokers. If you strongly prefer a no-smoke environment, pick your spot early or plan to spend more time on the open-water side during the sailing and more time away from the smoker-prone shaded corners during the anchor stop.

Third, basic personal hygiene may be limited. It is smart to bring your own hand sanitizer. On at least some departures, there was no reliable handwashing setup onboard, so you will feel better if you come prepared.

Finally, think about toilets. If you are traveling with someone who needs restroom access frequently, use the opportunity before you get fully underway, then handle the long water time with snacks, drinks, and breaks in mind.

Price and Value: Does $74 Make Sense for What You Get?

At around $74 per person, the value is strongest when you want three things together:

1. hotel pickup and drop-off in the Mogan and Maspalomas area
2. a catamaran cruise experience
3. lunch and drinks included

Many half-day tours in the Canaries try to charge extra for food and beverages, so having them bundled is a real plus. The vegan-friendly angle is also meaningful because it signals you will not be stuck with an afterthought meal.

Where the value can shift is on quality expectations. If you expect gourmet lunch or a calm, nature-only atmosphere, you may feel the price is not buying that. If you want a practical, water-focused day where you get food and drinks without extra planning, the $74 price starts to feel fair.

So I would frame it like this: this is a convenience-driven cruise. You pay for ease, time on the water, and included basics. You get what you expect from a short half-day, not a long, high-service premium experience.

Who This Catamaran Trip Is Best For

This tour fits best when you want a mix of sailing and downtime, and you do not mind a lively vibe.

You will likely enjoy it if you:

• like swimming and sunbathing during a dedicated stop
• want lunch and drinks handled for you
• are traveling in the Mogan or Maspalomas area and want pickup included
• are okay with dolphins being a maybe

You might want to pass or consider a quieter alternative if you:

• are booking for guaranteed dolphin viewing
• want a calm, low-music cruise, especially with children or elderly relatives
• hate crowding and limited shade
• need strong onboard hygiene and facilities

Should You Book This Gran Canaria Catamaran Tour?

Book it if your goal is simple: half a day out on the water, a real swim break offshore, and food and drinks included in one smooth package. The pickup from Mogan and Maspalomas makes it especially convenient, and the anchor stop is the part that can turn a regular trip into a day you feel.

Skip it if you are chasing wildlife certainty or you need a quiet, family-soft cruise feel. Also, if you know you will struggle with loud music and heavy drinking energy, you may be happier with a tour that is designed to be calmer.

If you do book, I suggest you plan for comfort. Bring your own hand sanitizer, choose your shade spot thoughtfully, and decide in advance how much you care about wildlife sightings. Then you can relax, enjoy the south-coast sailing, and make the most of that Atlantic swim time.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran tour?

The duration is 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas.

What is included in the price?

The catamaran excursion plus lunch and drinks are included.

Are parasailing and jet ski included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are optional add-ons you can purchase on the spot at check-in.

Does the tour include a guide?

Yes. There is a live tour guide who speaks Spanish and English.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran sets sail from the Arguineguín dock.

Will there be dolphins?

Dolphin encounters are possible, but they are not guaranteed.

How does the extra parasailing or jet ski activity work?

If you add an activity at check-in, you do it first and then you will be transported by Zodiac to rejoin the catamaran.

Do I get lunch and drinks on board?

Yes. Food is prepared when you reach the beach stop, and lunch and drinks are included during the trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.