Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

A good catamaran trip is more than a ride with a view. Here, you get time to swim and snorkel in coastal coves, plus lunch and drinks aboard a spacious boat. The route heads from Puerto Rico along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, with stops near Mogán and farther along the shore.

I like two things in particular: the water activities are included, so you can try snorkeling, kayaking, or a SUP without adding a fee, and the meal gives the outing a local touch, with Canarian potatoes and mojo alongside fish or chicken. The boat also has sun deck space and shaded seating, so you can choose your level of sunshine.

One consideration: this is a half-day outing, and time in the water can feel short if you want to try every activity. The included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water; cocktails and other additional drinks cost extra.

• Two coastal stops give you time to swim, snorkel, and use the kayak or SUP.
• A seasonal meal is included on the morning trip; the afternoon trip serves lighter tapas-style snacks.
• Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included, with additional drinks excluded.
• Pickup and drop-off are included in the south of Gran Canaria, with your exact pickup time confirmed after booking.
• The catamaran has sun and shade, useful when you want a break from swimming or direct sun.
• The sea and weather shape the trip, so the route and stops may change for safety.

Setting sail from Puerto Rico

The trip begins at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, a practical starting point on the island’s southwest coast. You board a modern catamaran and settle into the space: sun deck for a warm, open-air ride, shaded seating for a cooler place to sit. That choice matters on a four-and-a-half-hour outing, especially if you are with children or simply prefer a break from the sun.

The cruise follows the coast toward coves and beaches, with the island’s dry, rugged shoreline as a constant companion. The first stop is described as just outside Mogán. You are not simply sailing past the scenery: the plan makes room for time in the water, which is the main reason to choose this trip over a sightseeing cruise.

Pickup and drop-off are included for stays in the south of the island. The provider confirms your exact time after booking, and it can vary with your accommodation. Check the provider’s email, including your spam folder, so you know where and when to meet the minibus.

First stop: snorkeling, swimming, and shared water gear

At the first stop, you can swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or try the kayak and SUP boards. The appeal is simple: you can get off the boat and explore the water at your own pace rather than watching the coastline from a deck chair. Fish have been spotted while snorkeling, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The gear is shared, not a personal craft for every person aboard. On one outing, there were two SUP boards and one kayak, and people took turns. If you have your heart set on a long paddle, be ready to share time and be flexible. Snorkeling gear is provided, but the experience will still depend on sea conditions and how comfortable you are in the water.

There is plenty to do if you would rather keep things easy. Swim straight from the boat, take a turn with the gear, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The crew can also arrange activities such as jet skiing or parasailing for an extra charge on some trips. Those are not part of the included price, so ask about the cost before agreeing.

The sea can feel cool, particularly outside the warmest months. Bring a towel, as recommended, and remember that the trip is subject to sea and weather conditions. A rough day can affect where the boat stops and what activities are safe.

Lunch on the water, with a local flavor

The meal is one of the more useful parts of the package. On the morning trip, you get a seasonal lunch; the afternoon option includes tapas-style snacks instead. The menu can change without notice, but typical dishes include tuna or chicken, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, salad, and bread.

The food is prepared fresh, and the morning meal is connected to the coast rather than being a generic snack box. The itinerary describes the crew collecting lunch from a local restaurant on the beach at Tasarte. On some trips, food has been brought out to the catamaran by kayak, a small practical detail that makes the meal feel tied to the shoreline.

Do not book expecting a fixed menu or a particular fish dish. The menu is seasonal, and the meal choice may come down to tuna or chicken. If you have dietary needs, check with the provider before booking; the available information does not specify special menus.

The afternoon trip is a different proposition. It still includes drinks and time on the water, but the food is lighter, so it may not replace lunch if you arrive hungry. Choose the morning departure if a full meal is part of the value you want. Choose afternoon if snacks are enough and the timing suits your day better.

Drinks, comfort, and the pace aboard

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included, with drinks served throughout the trip. That helps the price make sense if you plan to have more than one alcoholic drink. If you mainly want water or soft drinks, you may see less value in the drinks portion, though the cruise, food, transfers, and water gear remain part of the package.

Cocktails and other drinks are not included. Wine is not listed among the included options, so if you prefer it to beer or sangria, check what is available and what it costs before you go. This is a small detail, but it can affect how you judge the all-in price.

The boat is described as spacious, with plenty of room to sit or sunbathe. It is not a formal sailing lesson or a lecture-heavy coastal tour. The focus is a relaxed outing, with the crew helping with drinks, gear, and the practical business of getting in and out of the water. Some departures include comments about the island, but do not count on a detailed guided tour of the coastline.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. That range is helpful if your group has different language needs, especially when getting instructions for water activities. The exact crew can vary by departure.

The second stop and the return to Puerto Rico

After the first swim stop, the catamaran continues along the coast toward a second place to cool off. On the morning trip, this stop is tied to the meal at Tasarte; on the afternoon trip, expect tapas-style food. You may have time for another swim while lunch is collected or served, though the precise rhythm depends on the day.

Two stops are a sensible balance for a 4.5-hour trip. The first gives you a proper window for swimming and water sports; the second breaks up the return and pairs the sea time with food. If you want an entire day of paddling and snorkeling, this is not that. If you want a half-day that combines time on the water with a meal, the format is a good fit.

The return leg is a chance to sit back and watch the coast pass. Dolphins or whales have been seen on some outings, but sightings are an occasional bonus, not a promise. If the crew spots wildlife, the route may change briefly, depending on conditions.

Is $97 a fair price?

At $97 per person, this is best judged as a bundle, not as a boat ride alone. The price covers a 4.5-hour catamaran cruise, drinks, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards and a kayak, food, and south-island pickup and drop-off. If you would otherwise pay separately for transport, a meal, and several drinks, the package can be good value.

The value is strongest for people who will use the water gear and enjoy the included drinks. The morning outing also gives you a proper lunch, which makes it easier to build a relaxed day around the trip. If you do not drink alcohol, do not plan to swim, or want only a short scenic cruise, the price may feel less compelling.

Optional jet skiing or parasailing can add to the cost. Treat those as extras, not as part of the advertised package, and check the price before you decide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later add flexibility, though you should still confirm the exact terms when booking.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this trip if you want a mix of sailing, swimming, food, and drinks without planning each part yourself. It suits couples, friends, and families who are happy with a relaxed group outing and are willing to take turns with shared water gear. The boat has enough space to sit in the shade or lie in the sun, so you do not need to be active at every stop.

It also works for mixed-age groups. You can snorkel or paddle, or simply stay aboard while others get in the water. A flotation vest was available for a young child on one outing, but the supplied details do not confirm what equipment is available on every departure. Ask the provider directly if a child in your group needs a particular safety item.

This is not the right choice if you need a guaranteed wildlife encounter, a long stretch of uninterrupted snorkeling, or a fixed menu. Sea conditions may change the stops, and the food is seasonal. If you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing suitable medication; some people have felt unwell, while others found the catamaran stable.

Should you book the Gran Canaria catamaran trip?

Book it if you want an easy half-day on the water, with the practical pieces handled: transport, a comfortable boat, two chances to swim, shared water gear, drinks, and either lunch or tapas. For $97, it offers solid value when you make use of more than just the cruise.

Choose the morning departure if you want the fuller meal, and the afternoon if light snacks are enough. Bring a towel, check your pickup email, and keep your plans flexible in case sea or weather conditions affect the route. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong way to see Gran Canaria from the water without turning the outing into a complicated production.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The trip lasts 4.5 hours. Check availability for the starting times offered on your date.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The trip departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and sails along the southwest coast.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for locations in the south of the island. The provider confirms your exact pickup time after booking, and it can vary based on where you are staying.

What food is included?

The morning trip includes a seasonal lunch. The afternoon trip includes tapas-style snacks. Dishes may include tuna or chicken, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, salad, and bread, but the menu can change.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included. Additional drinks, such as cocktails, are not included.

Can I snorkel or use a kayak or SUP?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a kayak, and SUP boards are provided. The kayak and boards are shared, so you may need to take turns.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. The trip includes swimming stops, and the water may feel cool.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions, which may affect where the boat goes and which stops are possible.