Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Gran Canaria’s south coast looks different from the water, and this four-hour trip pairs the views with a stop to swim or sunbathe. Dolphins may appear, but they are not guaranteed, so treat wildlife as a bonus rather than the main event.

I like two practical touches: hotel pickup and drop-off are included in several south-coast resorts, and lunch and drinks are part of the fare. The beach stop also gives you time to get in the Atlantic or simply stretch out on deck.

One thing to weigh carefully: this may be a lively, drink-focused outing, not a quiet wildlife cruise. Music, a busy boat, and basic food may not suit every family or anyone expecting a polished sailing experience.

At a glance

• Departure from Arguineguín: The catamaran heads along Gran Canaria’s southern coast toward a beach stop.
• Four hours on the water: The trip includes the coastal ride, time at anchor, and the return to the dock.
• Swim or sunbathe: At the stop, you can relax on board, take a bath in the Atlantic, or enjoy the sun.
• Food and drinks included: Lunch varies with the season and is described as suitable for vegans.
• Optional add-ons: Parasailing and jet ski rides can be added at the Esnautica facilities during check-in.
• Pickup in select resort areas: Hotel transfers are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas.

Setting off from Arguineguín

The trip begins with pickup at your designated place, followed by a ride to the Esnautica facilities for check-in. The operator says it will confirm the exact pickup time and use a blue van marked Esnautica, so keep an eye out for that name when you are ready to go.

The boat leaves from Arguineguín and follows the south coast toward the beach. The coast is the main attraction on this first stretch: you get a view of the shoreline from the water, rather than from a resort road or beach chair. Keep your expectations measured, though. The tour mentions possible dolphin encounters, not a guaranteed sighting, and there is no promise of a dedicated wildlife-search route.

If you are keen to see dolphins, bring patience and think of any sighting as luck. This is a coastal catamaran outing with a beach stop, lunch, and drinks, not a wildlife tour built around tracking animals. That distinction matters, especially if you are booking for children whose main wish is to see dolphins.

Choosing a jet ski or parasailing add-on

You can ask about parasailing or a jet ski ride during check-in at Esnautica. Neither activity is included in the $74 price, and you pay for any add-on separately on the spot. If you want one, make that decision before the boat departs so you can understand the extra cost and how it fits into the trip.

People who book an add-on stay to take part in it, then travel to the catamaran by Zodiac. That means the main boat may already be underway when they join. If you are traveling with others, check whether everyone wants the same plan: the add-on participants and the people who board the catamaran first may not follow the same timing at the start.

The extras can add a burst of activity to an outing that otherwise includes a cruise and a long stop at anchor. But they are optional, not essential to the basic tour. If your ideal day is a quiet swim and a slow ride along the coast, you can skip them.

The beach stop: time to swim, rest, and eat

At the beach, the catamaran drops anchor and the crew prepares lunch. You can sunbathe, swim in the Atlantic, or stay aboard and take in the setting. This pause is a welcome change of pace after the ride out, especially if you want time in the water rather than a tightly scheduled tour with quick photo stops.

The wording promises a stop at a beach, but the described plan is to anchor and relax, not necessarily to step ashore. Think of this as a swim-and-sun break from the boat. If you have a particular beach landing in mind, confirm that detail with the operator before booking.

Lunch is seasonal and described as vegan-friendly. Food on one trip was a simple pasta salad with cucumber and sweetcorn, bread, melon, plus nachos and olives as snacks. That gives you a useful sense of the style: casual and filling enough for a short outing, but not a restaurant meal. If you have dietary needs, ask the operator what will be served on your date rather than relying on the general vegan-friendly description.

Drinks are included, and the atmosphere may lean toward a party outing. One account described loud music and plentiful alcohol, while also noting that the crew was friendly and the drinks were freely available. That may suit you if you want a sociable boat trip. If you are hoping for quiet conversation, a calm family outing, or a focused wildlife experience, the music and drink service are worth considering before you commit.

What the boat atmosphere may be like

The boat’s mood is an important part of this choice. The tour is sold as a catamaran trip with food and drinks, but the actual feel can depend on the group and the day. Reports from one trip described loud music and a fairly full boat, with 35 people aboard and some having to stand. That is a useful caution if you value space, shade, or an easy place to sit throughout the ride.

Shade may also be limited. The shaded rear area was reported to be occupied by smokers on one trip, which made it less comfortable for others. If you are sensitive to smoke, ask about the smoking arrangements before booking. You may also want to bring sun protection and be ready to spend time in the sun rather than assume you will have a shaded seat.

The catamaran has sails, but do not book on the assumption that you will spend the trip under sail. One account described a lot of time at anchor and questioned whether the sails were used. The exact sailing conditions and operation may vary, but the main promise here is a coastal boat trip, not a hands-on sailing lesson or a guaranteed sail-powered crossing.

Crew, comfort, and the less glamorous details

The most consistent positive detail is the crew. The captain and sailor were described as friendly and helpful, which can make a real difference when you are boarding, asking about add-ons, or figuring out where to sit. The staff’s warm manner is a point in the tour’s favor, even if the boat or food does not meet every expectation.

Comfort and maintenance are less certain. One trip had a toilet that became blocked and overflowed before the return, and there were no handwashing facilities or hand sanitizer available. These are practical details, not minor luxuries on a four-hour trip that includes food and swimming. If clean facilities are important to you, ask the operator about the current condition of the boat and what hygiene supplies are available.

The time at anchor is another trade-off. It gives you a proper chance to swim, sunbathe, and eat, but it can feel long if you do not swim or simply want to keep moving along the coast. Bring a book or other quiet entertainment if you expect to stay aboard for much of the stop. If you love the water, pack swimwear and a towel so you can make the most of it.

Is $74 good value?

At $74 per person, the fare covers the four-hour catamaran trip, lunch, drinks, and pickup and drop-off from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas. Taken together, those inclusions can make the outing a convenient half-day choice, especially if you are staying in one of the pickup areas and would otherwise need to arrange transport to the port.

The value depends on what you want from the boat. If you are happy with a social atmosphere, simple food, time to swim, and a chance of seeing dolphins, the package puts several pieces of a beach day together without needing to organize each one yourself. The included drinks also add value if you plan to make use of them.

The price is less compelling if you are mainly paying for a high-quality meal, a quiet cruise, guaranteed wildlife, or a spacious place to lounge. The food is informal, and one trip felt crowded enough that some people had to stand. Parasailing and jet skiing cost extra, so include those in your budget if they are part of your plan.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would consider this trip for couples or groups of friends who want a relaxed, sociable outing with swimming, drinks, and coastal views. It also makes sense if you are staying in one of the included pickup areas and prefer having transport arranged. The friendly crew and simple format are appealing if you want a straightforward few hours on the water rather than a formal sailing excursion.

Families should think about the atmosphere and the reason for booking. Children who enjoy swimming and music may have a good time, but the tour does not guarantee dolphins, and the music and drink-forward setting may not suit every family. If you are traveling with elderly relatives or anyone who needs dependable shade, seating, or good restroom facilities, ask specific questions before reserving.

This is not the best fit for someone seeking a quiet nature trip, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or a polished lunch service. Nor should you assume there will be room for everyone to sit in shade. The best match is a flexible visitor who values the outing as a whole and is comfortable with some uncertainty around the boat’s atmosphere and comfort.

A few practical details before you book

The activity lasts four hours, but starting times depend on availability. The live guide speaks Spanish and English. Pickup is included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas, with the exact time reconfirmed by the operator.

The stated price is $74 per person. Lunch and drinks are included; jet ski rides and parasailing are not. You can reserve without paying immediately, and the tour offers a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want an easy half-day on the water, enjoy a social boat atmosphere, and would be happy with a swim stop, simple lunch, and drinks even if dolphins never appear. The included resort pickup makes the price easier to justify, and the friendly crew is a real plus.

Skip it if wildlife is your priority, if loud music and alcohol would spoil the day, or if you need reliable shade, seating, and facilities. If you are unsure, ask about the current group size, smoking arrangements, lunch, and onboard restroom before paying. Those answers will tell you more about whether this catamaran suits your kind of day than the dolphin possibility alone.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The excursion lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The catamaran departs from the Arguineguín dock and travels along the south coast toward a beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas. The operator reconfirms the exact pickup time and uses a blue Esnautica van.

Are lunch and drinks included in the price?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included. The food is seasonal and described as suitable for vegans.

Can I add a jet ski ride or parasailing?

Yes. You can ask about a jet ski ride or parasailing during check-in at the Esnautica facilities. These activities cost extra and are not included in the tour price.

Will I see dolphins?

Dolphins may be encountered during the coastal trip, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Spanish and English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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