Afrikat Morning Cruise

The Afrikat pairs a coast-hugging catamaran cruise with time to swim, eat, and lounge in a sheltered bay. I like that the beer, sangria, soft drinks, and lunch are included, and that you can choose between a quiet sunbed hour and optional water sports. Some sailings also feature live saxophone music, though it may be a short set rather than the soundtrack for the whole cruise.

I also like the crew’s hands-on approach: named crew members Monica and José have offered island tips, while Potter has been praised for his speedboat trips. The main trade-off is that the actual sailing time is only part of the outing. Much of the experience happens at anchor, and the meal is a simple chicken wrap with pasta salad rather than a restaurant-style lunch.

• A 4.5-hour coastal cruise leaves from Puerto Base and follows Gran Canaria’s south coast.
• The swim stop is the heart of the day, with snorkelling and optional paid water sports in a calm bay.
• Lunch and a range of drinks are included, while cocktails, spirits, and several activities cost extra.
• The crew and onboard atmosphere earn strong praise, with friendly service and occasional live saxophone.
• The boat can carry up to 66 people, so expect a shared outing, not a private sailing.
• Price is $90.70 per person, with return transport from some central pickup points, depending on your area.

Sailing south from Puerto Base

The Afrikat departs from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, on Gran Canaria’s south coast. You board a large, award-winning catamaran for a half-day outing that trades road views for a perspective from the water. As the boat follows the coast, you can watch villages, bays, beaches, and cliffs pass by, with the island’s sunny south side as the backdrop.

The published start time is 10:00 a.m. The schedule varies by season: summer departures are listed from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while winter departures run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The trip is described as about four and a half hours, although one itinerary detail lists four hours. Check your confirmation for the exact timing on your date.

This is not a sailing lesson or a long offshore voyage. The boat’s purpose is to give you a comfortable ride along the coast, then pause somewhere suitable for swimming and activities. If your main aim is to spend hours under sail, the time underway may feel brief. If you want a relaxed mix of views, water time, food, and drinks, the format makes sense.

An anchored bay for swimming and snorkelling

The cruise heads along the coast to a calm bay, where the catamaran anchors. This is the most active part of the day, but you set your own pace. You can swim, try snorkelling, stay aboard, or take part in one of the paid water sports.

Snorkelling equipment is described as provided, though you are also advised to bring your own. If you have a mask and snorkel that fit well, packing them is a sensible choice. The swim is optional, so you can enjoy the stop without getting in the water.

Paid activities include a jet ski for €32 per vehicle, parasailing for €32 per person, and a donut ride for €10 per person. A short speedboat ride with the captain costs €5 per person. These extras can add up, especially for a family or group, so decide in advance which ones matter to you. The speedboat option has been used for trips to see caves, but the description does not promise a cave visit as part of every sailing.

There is a useful distinction here: the cruise gives you access to the bay and a chance to swim, while the more energetic activities are add-ons. You can keep the day inexpensive after paying the ticket price by sticking to the included swim and snorkel time.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard rhythm

Lunch is a chicken wrap with pasta salad. It is a straightforward meal suited to a boat outing, not a highlight to book the trip around. If you have dietary requirements, tell the operator when you book. One diner praised the crew for arranging vegetarian options, but you should make your needs known ahead of time rather than assume a specific alternative will be available.

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not. That included bar service adds real value over four and a half hours, especially if you would otherwise buy several drinks separately. Still, do not expect a sophisticated wine list or a cocktail bar. The offering is geared toward casual refreshment.

Some people find the sangria quite sweet, and the meal may strike you as average. That is worth keeping in perspective: the food is one part of a boat day, and the price also covers the cruise, drinks, and return transport from eligible pickup points. Eat a proper breakfast if you know a wrap will not be enough for you.

Friendly crew, music, and a social feel

The crew is a major part of the Afrikat experience. Monica and José have been singled out for friendly service and practical suggestions about what to see around the island. Potter has been praised for his humour and for taking people out on the speedboat. These names give you a sense of the personal touch, but the crew roster and who is working can vary.

The outing has a sociable feel. You may chat with other people on board, especially during the swim stop and meal, but you are not required to join in. One solo participant found it easy to make friends, while families have also enjoyed the day together. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the maximum group size is 66, so this is a shared cruise rather than an intimate charter.

Live saxophone has been part of some trips, often as a pleasant surprise on the return leg. It may only play for the final 20 minutes, so treat it as a bonus rather than a guaranteed concert. Music and crew banter help give the return journey a celebratory mood, but if you prefer a quiet boat, the general social atmosphere is worth considering.

What $90.70 buys, and what it does not

At $90.70 per person, the ticket is best judged as a bundle. You get the catamaran trip, lunch, several types of drinks, a chance to swim and snorkel, and return transport from certain central pickup points. For someone who plans to use the bar and spend time in the water, that is a reasonable package for a half-day at sea.

The value changes if you want several paid activities. A couple who each add parasailing, for example, will pay €64 extra, and a family adding jet skis or rides will need to budget beyond the ticket. The speedboat ride is less costly at €5 per person, but it is still an add-on. Check current prices and payment details with the operator before departure, as the listed charges may change.

You are also paying for the boat and the service, not just transport from one place to another. The crew’s warmth and the relaxed format matter here. On the other hand, if you do not care for swimming, drinks, or group outings, you may get better value from another way of seeing the coast.

Pickup, timing, and a few practical details

Return transport is offered from fixed, central pickup points in some areas of southern Gran Canaria. The exact pickup time and location are sent by email, so check your confirmation and junk folder 24 hours before departure. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán, according to the stated pickup details. The wording can be confusing because the boat itself leaves from Puerto Rico. If you are staying nearby or plan to go directly to the harbour, confirm your arrangements rather than assuming a hotel pickup.

If you are meeting the boat at Puerto Base, arrive 20 minutes before departure. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. The catamaran is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the details do not specify particular accessibility features. Ask the operator directly if you have mobility or boarding concerns.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and your own snorkelling kit if you prefer using familiar equipment. A light layer may be useful if you want one after swimming. The operator says the cruise depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants; if it is cancelled for either reason, you are offered another date or a refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Who will enjoy the Afrikat most?

I would put this trip high on the list if you want an easy, sociable half-day that combines coastal scenery with a proper swim stop. It suits couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who are comfortable sharing a boat. You can make the outing as relaxed or active as you like, which is a real advantage when a group has different ideas of a good day.

It is less suited to anyone seeking a long sailing passage, a quiet private charter, or a standout meal. Seasickness is also worth thinking about: one person in the group may feel unwell even when the crew is helpful. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly and ask a medical professional about suitable precautions.

Should you book this cruise?

Book the Afrikat if you want a comfortable way to see the south coast, swim in a bay, and have lunch and drinks taken care of. The warm crew, included refreshments, and choice of optional activities are its strongest points. Keep expectations realistic about the meal, the short stretch of sailing, and the extra charges for water sports.

If you mainly want a long open-water cruise, compare other options before booking. But for a lively, flexible boat outing with a swim stop and a welcoming crew, the Afrikat offers a good balance of ease and activity.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat cruise?

It is listed as approximately four and a half hours. Seasonal schedules show departures from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in summer and 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in winter. One itinerary detail gives a four-hour duration, so confirm the timing for your sailing.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from C. Puerto Base, 1, Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, and returns to the same meeting point.

Are drinks and lunch included?

Yes. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water, and a chicken wrap with pasta salad are included. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not.

Are snorkelling equipment and water sports included?

A swim and snorkelling opportunity is included, and snorkelling equipment is described as provided. Jet skis, parasailing, donut rides, and the captain’s speedboat ride cost extra.

Is pickup available?

Return transport is offered from fixed central pickup points in some areas. The exact time and location are sent by email, and pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. You can also meet the boat directly at Puerto Base.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund or change.