Afrikat Afternoon Cruise

Gran Canaria’s south coast makes more sense from the water: the catamaran gives you open views of the shoreline, then drops anchor in a sheltered bay for a swim and snorkel. I like that this is a proper half-day outing, not a quick harbor loop, and that the crew serves food and drinks on board.

I also like the choice between a quiet spell on deck and optional, faster-paced water sports. One thing to weigh: the meal is listed as a chicken wrap with pasta salad, not a varied buffet, and the most energetic activities cost extra.

Key points before you book

• The catamaran leaves from Puerto Base at 2:30 pm. Arrive 30 minutes early if you are meeting the boat there.
• The main stop is a calm bay for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, but getting in the water is optional.
• Included food is a chicken wrap and pasta salad. Special dietary needs should be shared when booking.
• Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, champagne, and spirits cost extra.
• Water sports are optional add-ons. Prices listed are €32 per vehicle for a jet ski, €32 per person for parasailing, and €10 per person for the donut ride.
• Pickup is limited to selected central points in the south. It is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

A coastal cruise with time to get in the water

Afrikat is a 4.5-hour afternoon catamaran cruise departing from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico. The route follows Gran Canaria’s coast toward a calm bay, where you can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The boat returns to the original meeting point.

That mix is the trip’s main appeal. You get a view of the island from offshore, a meal and drinks without needing to plan a separate stop, and a chance to cool off in the sea. If you want a full day of sightseeing on land, this is not it. If a relaxed stretch on the water sounds like a good use of an afternoon, it fits the bill.

The advertised start time is 2:30 pm. The tour is offered in English, and the maximum group size is 66 people. That is large enough for a lively boat atmosphere, so do not expect a private sailing. Individual bookings are limited to 12 people.

Leaving Puerto Base and taking in the coast

The cruise begins at Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria, at C. Puerto Base, S/N, in Mogán. The catamaran heads along the south coast, with views of Gran Canaria from the water as the boat makes its way toward a calm, clear bay.

A boat trip changes your perspective: instead of looking down at the sea from a beach, you see the shoreline spread out from offshore. It is also a chance to sit back and feel the breeze, with no need to navigate or arrange your own transport between stops. The emphasis is on scenery and leisure rather than a narrated sightseeing tour, so book this for the sailing and sea time, not for a detailed history lesson.

If you are going directly to the port, arrive 30 minutes before departure. Hotel transport is offered from central pickup points in the south, but the exclusions matter: pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. Since the departure point is in Puerto Rico, some people staying nearby may need to get themselves to Puerto Base. Check your transport confirmation 24 hours before sailing for the exact pickup time and place, and check your email junk folder if it has not arrived.

Anchoring for a swim and snorkel

At the bay, you can take a swim in the sea or try snorkeling. Equipment is provided, and both activities are optional. If you would rather stay dry, there is no obligation to get in the water; you can remain aboard and enjoy the stop from the catamaran.

The bay is described as calm and clear, which is the right setting for a relaxed swim. Still, sea conditions can vary, and the tour does not promise a particular level of visibility or marine life. Bring your own comfort level to the decision: snorkeling is a nice extra, not the sole reason to book.

There is also an optional speedboat ride with the captain for €5 per person. It is a comparatively inexpensive add-on if you want a brief change of pace, but it is separate from the cruise itself.

Choosing the optional water sports

If you want more action, the crew can arrange a donut ride, jet skiing, or parasailing at the bay. The listed prices are €10 per person for the donut ride, €32 per jet ski vehicle, and €32 per person for parasailing. These charges are not included in the cruise fare, so factor them in before you treat the advertised price as your full day’s cost.

The activities are optional, and you can enjoy the cruise without booking any of them. That is useful if your group has mixed appetites for speed and adventure: one person can try a water sport while another stays on board. If you do choose an activity, read the participation terms carefully and consider your travel insurance. The terms state that water sports carry a risk of falling into the water or contact with other participants, and that participants take part at their own risk.

What you get to eat and drink

The meal inclusion is a chicken wrap with pasta salad. The overview describes a Canarian-style buffet, but the specific meal information names the wrap and salad, so that is the sensible expectation to bring. Do not book on the assumption that there will be a large spread of regional dishes or a choice of buffet items.

Special dietary requirements should be shared when you book. If you have a strict dietary need, it is worth confirming what can be accommodated rather than relying on the standard meal.

Included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are excluded. One useful point for budgeting: even though drinks are included, a cocktail order adds to the cost. The value depends partly on how much you expect to drink and whether you plan to pay for water sports.

Is $93.16 a fair price?

At $93.16 per person, the base fare covers a 4.5-hour boat trip, the listed meal, several drink options, and the chance to swim and snorkel with equipment provided. Return transport is also included for eligible pickup areas. For a half-day outing that combines sailing, food, and time in the water, that can be reasonable value, especially if you use the included transport and stick to the included activities.

The price becomes less attractive if you expect a full buffet or intend to add several water sports. A jet ski, parasailing, or other extras can raise the total quickly. Think of the base fare as the cost of the cruise, meal, drinks, and swim stop, not as an all-inclusive adventure package.

The crew is a strong part of the appeal. Praise for the team’s friendliness, organization, and attention to people on board is a recurring theme in the feedback, and one account describes a saxophonist playing on the return to harbor on a Friday. That is a pleasant possible bonus, but it is not listed as a regular feature, so do not count on live music for your sailing.

Food opinions are more mixed than comments about the crew and activities. The specific menu is simple, so if meal quality is central to your decision, this may not be the right cruise to book for its dining. I would see lunch as practical onboard fuel, with the sea and sailing as the main event.

Pickup, timing, and practical details

The boat leaves at 2:30 pm, and the outing lasts about 4.5 hours. The activity ends back at the meeting point. If you are using hotel transport, the exact collection point and time depend on your area and are sent by email. Confirm them 24 hours before departure.

Most travelers can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18. The operator lists the activity as near public transportation, but the simplest plan is to confirm your transport arrangements in advance rather than assume a particular route or stop.

The booking confirmation is issued at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Who will enjoy the Afrikat cruise?

This trip suits couples, families with older children, and groups who want a sociable afternoon at sea without planning every detail themselves. It works especially well if you enjoy swimming, want a scenic break from the resort, or like having the option to add an activity once you see the conditions.

It is less suitable if you are seeking a small private boat, a detailed guided tour of the island, or a substantial Canarian food experience. The boat can carry up to 66 people, the listed meal is modest, and water sports cost extra. Those are not hidden catches, but they shape what you are paying for.

I would book it for the catamaran ride, the bay stop, and the helpful convenience of included drinks and eligible hotel pickup. If the add-ons are your main attraction, budget for them upfront and remember they are optional. If you are content with a relaxed cruise and a swim, the base fare covers the essentials.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

The cruise is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. It departs at 2:30 pm and returns to the original meeting point.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria at C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas. Arrive 30 minutes before departure if you are meeting the boat there.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transport is available from selected centralized pickup points in the south of Gran Canaria. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. Check your transport confirmation 24 hours before departure for your exact collection details.

What food is included?

The listed meal is a chicken wrap with pasta salad. Contact the operator when booking if you have a specific dietary requirement.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The boat anchors at a bay where you can swim and snorkel, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Both activities are optional.

How much do the water sports cost?

The listed prices are €32 per jet ski vehicle, €32 per person for parasailing, €10 per person for the donut ride, and €5 per person for the speedboat ride with the captain. These are optional and are not included in the cruise price.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

Yes. Children may participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.