Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Gran Canaria’s southwest coast is at its best from the water: cliffs, coves and beaches roll by before the catamaran anchors for swimming, snorkelling and optional water sports. Afrikat makes that coastal outing a half-day plan, with lunch and drinks included.

I like two things in particular: the 2.5-hour stop near Mogán gives you time to enjoy the water without rushing, and the crew serves food and drinks rather than leaving you to fend for yourself. One consideration: jet skis, parasailing, the donut ride and captain-led speedboat trips cost extra, and some activities may not be available on your sailing.

The details to know before you book

• A long stop near Mogán: The itinerary allows about 2.5 hours for lunch, swimming, snorkelling and optional activities.
• Lunch and an open bar are included: Expect a chicken wrap and pasta salad, plus unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee and water.
• Snorkel gear is provided: You can take a swim or look for fish in the bay without bringing your own mask and snorkel.
• Water sports have separate prices: Listed options include jet skiing at €32 per vehicle, parasailing at €32 per person, a donut ride at €10 per person and a speedboat ride at €5 per person.
• Transfers depend on where you stay: Pickup and drop-off are available at designated points in parts of the south, but not everywhere.
• The crew helps set the tone: The team is often praised for being attentive and playful, though the exact crew can vary.

A coast-hugging cruise, not just a boat ride

The catamaran departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and heads along the island’s southwest coast. You get open-water air and views of beaches, cliffs and small coves, with time to settle into the boat rather than rushing from one stop to the next.

The appeal is the balance between motion and downtime. You can sit back as the coastline passes, find a sunny place to stretch out, or choose a shaded area when the sun gets strong. The boat is described as clean and spacious, with room for both sunbathing and sitting out of direct sun. That matters on a trip lasting several hours.

The crew gives a safety briefing before departure. That is useful even if you plan to stay aboard: the trip includes swimming and optional water sports, and you will want to know how the crew handles getting in and out of the water. Passengers have also appreciated the crew’s clear announcements and hands-on help, including assistance for someone feeling seasick.

The Mogán stop is the heart of the trip

After about an hour aboard, the catamaran reaches its stop near Mogán. The itinerary gives you around 2.5 hours there, a generous stretch for eating, swimming and deciding how active you want to be.

Snorkelling equipment is included, so you can head into the clear bay without bringing your own gear. The stop is the main reason to pack swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. You may also want sunglasses and a hat for time on deck. Bring a camera if you want one, but keep it secure near the water.

You can spend the whole stop swimming and relaxing, or pay for extra activities. The options listed include a jet ski, parasailing, a donut ride and a speedboat ride with the captain. The last one is priced at €5 per person, while the donut is €10 per person. Jet skiing costs €32 per vehicle, and parasailing is €32 per person.

Treat those activities as options, not guarantees. Equipment or conditions can affect what is running on a particular day. If a specific ride is the main reason you are booking, ask the operator about availability before you commit. Bring a credit card or cash for extras, photos or souvenirs.

The captain-led speedboat ride can also offer a different perspective on the coastline than the slower catamaran. One passenger described going out to see caves, but the exact route and availability are not specified, so do not book expecting a particular sight.

Lunch and drinks keep the day easy

The crew serves a chicken wrap, with optional bacon bits, salad and sauces, alongside pasta salad. The meal is a practical part of the package: you do not need to leave the bay or arrange lunch separately, and you can keep your time focused on the boat and water.

Special dietary needs require advance communication. A vegetarian meal has been prepared when requested on board, but it is safer to tell the provider when you book rather than rely on a last-minute fix. The stated standard meal includes chicken, so make your needs clear ahead of time.

Unlimited drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee and water. Cocktails, wine and spirits are not included. The crew may serve drinks to you, and one passenger noted a self-serve beer tap on their sailing, but service arrangements can vary. If a particular cocktail sounds tempting, remember that it is an extra.

Live music is offered on Friday morning sailings, except on 27 February. Check the date and departure time if music is important to you. It is a pleasant bonus, not a feature to assume on every trip.

Transfers can save a lot of holiday planning

Pickup and drop-off are included from designated points, with a broad network of stops around the southern resort area. These include locations around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Meloneras, Patalavaca and Taurito. The exact meeting point depends on where you are staying, so check the one assigned to you rather than assuming a hotel-door pickup.

The transfer information excludes Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico and Mogán. Some passengers may instead make their own way to the port; if you are staying nearby, that can be simpler than using a shuttle. Confirm your transport arrangement before travel, especially if your accommodation is outside the stated pickup area.

There is one timing detail worth checking. The activity is described as 4.5 hours, while the itinerary also lists roughly an hour by coach each way, in addition to the boat schedule. Ask the operator how much total time to allow from pickup to drop-off. That helps you avoid booking another activity too close to your return.

What the $88 fare does, and does not, cover

At $88 per person, the fare covers the catamaran cruise, designated-area transfers, a meal, unlimited listed drinks, snorkelling equipment and a reusable drinking glass souvenir. The value comes from having several parts of a half-day outing bundled together, especially if you expect to eat and have a few drinks on board.

The price is less of an all-in deal if you want to try several paid water sports. Two or three extras can noticeably raise the cost, so decide in advance how much you want to spend. For example, a donut ride and a captain-led speedboat trip add €15 per person; jet skiing and parasailing together add €64, with jet ski pricing per vehicle.

You can still have a full day without paying for any extras. Swim, snorkel, eat, enjoy the view and relax aboard. The cruise is likely best value for people who want a mix of included comforts and activity choices, rather than a bare-bones sailing or a guaranteed package of motorised sports.

Who will get the most from Afrikat

This trip suits families, couples and groups who want a social day on the water without planning every detail themselves. The listed activity is suitable for all ages, and the crew has been praised for helping children and nervous passengers feel comfortable. The boat also has both sunny and shaded places, which gives you some choice about how you spend the crossing.

It is a good fit if you enjoy swimming and want snorkelling gear provided. It also works for mixed groups: one person can sunbathe while another pays for a ride or heads into the bay. The trip’s relaxed format means you do not have to join every activity to make the outing worthwhile.

If you are prone to seasickness, consider that this is several hours on the water. A passenger who became unwell received help from the crew, but that does not remove the possibility of discomfort. Tell the crew if you need assistance, and consider your own usual precautions before boarding.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility needs, contact the provider when booking so the crew can discuss them in advance. That is particularly useful for a trip where boarding and getting into the water are part of the day.

Practical choices that make the day better

Pack swimwear, a towel, sun cream, sunglasses and a sun hat. Keep a card or cash handy for optional activities and any purchases not included in the fare. A reusable drinking glass is provided as a souvenir, so you do not need to bring your own cup.

If you need a special meal, communicate that before the sailing. If you want a particular water sport, check its availability rather than assuming every option will run. And if you are relying on a pickup, confirm the exact location and total schedule, especially if you have plans later in the day.

The most praised parts of this outing are the friendly, entertaining crew, the clean boat, the food and drink, and the time available for swimming and activities. Those details make the cruise more than a transfer along the coast. Still, the crew and activity availability can change, and the included drinks have clear limits.

Should you book this catamaran cruise?

Book Afrikat if you want a well-supported half-day at sea, with a proper swim stop, lunch and drinks already arranged. The strongest value is in the included basics and the flexibility to relax or add an activity. If you mainly want a quiet sailing with no sales or add-on choices, or need a particular water sport to be guaranteed, check those details first.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The activity is listed as 4.5 hours. The itinerary also shows coach transfers of about an hour each way, so confirm how much time to allow from pickup to drop-off.

What food is included?

The crew serves a chicken wrap with optional bacon bits, salad and sauces, plus pasta salad. Contact the provider in advance about special dietary requirements.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee and water are included. Cocktails, wine and spirits cost extra.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, and you can swim or snorkel during the stop near Mogán.

How much do the optional water sports cost?

The listed prices are €32 per vehicle for a jet ski, €32 per person for parasailing, €10 per person for a donut ride and €5 per person for a speedboat ride with the captain. Availability can vary.

Where can I get picked up?

Pickup and drop-off are available at designated points in parts of the south, depending on your location. The service is not offered from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogán.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the provider when booking to discuss any mobility impairments.