Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Afrikat catamaran cruise is the long stop in a clear bay near Mogán. You are not simply ferried along the coast and sent home. You have time to swim, snorkel, eat lunch, and add a water sport without rushing from one activity to the next.

I like the friendly, playful crew, especially Potter, who helps give the trip its social feel. I also like the simple value: lunch, snorkeling gear, a four-and-a-half-hour cruise, and unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. The main catch is that jet skis, parasailing, donut rides, and the captain’s speedboat cost extra, and a particular activity may not operate on your sailing.

• A full two-and-a-half-hour stop near Mogán gives you time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and optional water sports.
• Unlimited drinks are included, with beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water available from the bar.
• The Afrikat has both sunny and shaded areas, so you can enjoy the sea without baking all afternoon.
• Optional activities are reasonably priced, including a €32 jet ski, €32 parasail, €10 donut ride, and €5 speedboat trip per person.
• Pickup is offered from many resort-area points, but not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.
• Live music is limited, with performances on Friday mornings only, except February 27.

Why This Cruise Works Better Than a Simple Boat Ride

Many boat trips give you a short swim stop, a snack, and a slow ride home. This one is built around time in the water. The catamaran leaves Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, follows the southwest coast, and anchors near Mogán for roughly two and a half hours.

That timing matters. You can swim and snorkel without feeling that the crew is about to pull everyone back aboard. You can eat lunch, sit in the shade, order another drink, and then decide if you want a speedboat ride or another turn in the sea.

I also like that the day works for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can sunbathe, and someone else can pay for a jet ski. You do not all have to choose the same activity.

The mood is sociable rather than quiet and formal. The crew uses jokes, announcements, music on selected Friday sailings, and personal attention to keep the boat lively. That suits families, couples, birthday groups, and friends who want a fun day out. If you want a silent sailing with little interaction, this may feel too animated.

Getting to Puerto Rico from the Resort Areas

Pickup and drop-off are available from a large number of designated points around southern Gran Canaria. These include places around Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Bahía Feliz, Taurito, Amadores, Patalavaca, and nearby resort areas.

The coach transfer takes about an hour each way. That is a serious part of the day, so keep it in mind when comparing this excursion with an activity that starts at your hotel or nearby port.

The pickup system is useful if you are staying in one of the listed areas, but it is not universal. Transport is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. The information also lists Afrikat Catamaran among the possible points, so if you are staying close to the marina, check the exact meeting arrangement rather than assuming a hotel pickup.

Bring your booking details, swimsuit, towel, sun cream, sunglasses, and hat. A card or cash is useful for paid water sports, souvenirs, and photos. Sun protection matters here because the boat gives you several hours outdoors, and the sea breeze can make strong sunshine feel less intense than it is.

Safety Briefing and Setting Sail

Once you reach Puerto Rico, expect a safety briefing of about 10 minutes before boarding or departure. This is short but worthwhile, especially if you plan to use the speedboat, jet ski, or other equipment.

The catamaran portion lasts about an hour on the way to the swimming area. You will see the southwest coast from the water, with beaches, cliffs, coves, and resort buildings appearing from a different angle than they do on land.

The Afrikat is described as a luxury catamaran, with room for sunbathing and shaded seating. Several people specifically appreciated the clean boat and the choice between sun and shade. That choice is more important than it sounds. The open sea is pleasant in the breeze, but sitting under cover gives you a welcome break when the sun is high.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in a central area where movement may feel less noticeable, keep some water nearby, and avoid drinking too much alcohol before the boat settles. The crew has helped passengers who felt seasick, but prevention is still the smarter plan.

The Mogán Bay Stop: Swim, Snorkel, and Eat

The main stop near Mogán lasts about two and a half hours. This is the heart of the excursion.

Snorkeling equipment is provided at no extra charge, though taking part is optional. The clear water and fish close to the boat make this a worthwhile inclusion, especially for beginners who want a low-pressure introduction to snorkeling. You are not signing up for a technical sea excursion. You are simply given time to get into the water, look around, and return to the boat when you have had enough.

The stop also allows for a regular swim. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can float, cool off, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The activity is suitable for all ages, but parents should still keep close watch over children in the water.

Lunch is served by the crew. The standard meal is a chicken wrap with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces, along with pasta salad. Vegetarian and other special dietary needs can be accommodated, but you need to tell the provider in advance. One passenger who forgot to mention a vegetarian requirement was given a fajita-style meal after speaking to the crew, but advance notice is the sensible approach.

The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. Do not expect a restaurant meal, but you can expect something more substantial than crisps and sandwiches. Lunch helps make the package good value, particularly for families who would otherwise buy food and drinks separately during a half-day outing.

Choosing the Extra Water Sports

The included snorkeling is enough for a relaxed day, but the optional activities are what give this cruise its energetic edge.

The listed prices are:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person

The captain-led speedboat trip is the cheapest add-on and can be a good choice if you want a quick thrill without committing much money. One passenger used it to see the coastal caves, adding a little sightseeing to the fast ride.

The donut ride is a short, playful option for families and groups. Parasailing gives you a higher view of the coast, while the jet ski is the most active choice. Some people have combined several activities, with one group paying about €42 each for a donut ride, speedboat, jet ski, and snorkeling.

There is one practical warning: availability can change. Jet skis were not working on some departures, and other activities may be affected by equipment, weather, or operating conditions. Treat these as optional extras, not guaranteed parts of the base booking. Bring extra money or a bank card, but do not plan your entire day around one particular machine being available.

Food, Drinks, and Life on Board

Unlimited drinks are part of the ticket. You can order beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water from the onboard bar. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

The beer and sangria are popular choices, and the crew may take orders and bring drinks to your seat. That service makes the day feel more relaxed than having to queue at a crowded bar. One detail that some people enjoy is the option to pour your own beer.

The drinks package adds real value at a coastal attraction, where buying every drink separately can quickly push up the cost. Still, pace yourself. Alcohol, sun, and boat movement are a poor mix if you overdo any one of them.

The atmosphere depends partly on the crew. Potter, the owner, is often singled out for making the day fun, while crew members such as Matt and Nikita have also been named in positive comments. The style is warm and joking, with announcements designed to keep people involved without turning the entire sailing into a loud party.

Live music is not a daily feature. It is scheduled for Friday mornings only, and not on February 27. A saxophone performance has been part of some sailings, but you should book this for the sea, food, and water activities rather than expecting a concert.

Is $88 Good Value?

At $88 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the included parts of the package. You get transport from designated pickup points, the catamaran cruise, lunch, unlimited listed drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

The value is strongest for people who want an all-in-one half-day. You do not need to find a separate restaurant, rent snorkeling gear, or arrange transport to the port if you are in a covered resort area.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink alcohol, dislike group boat trips, and have no interest in swimming or snorkeling. In that case, much of the package is not useful to you. You may prefer a shorter coastal sailing or a quieter private trip, though those options are not described here.

Budget another €10 to €32 per person if you want to add water sports. The cheap speedboat ride is an easy extra, while a jet ski or parasail makes the outing noticeably more expensive. Since activities may not always be available, keep your plans flexible.

Who Will Enjoy the Afrikat Most?

I would recommend this cruise to families, couples, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want several holiday activities bundled into one outing.

It suits you particularly well if:

• You want swimming and snorkeling without arranging equipment yourself.
• You like a friendly crew and a social atmosphere.
• You want both relaxation and optional thrills.
• You value lunch and drinks being included.
• You are staying near one of the southern resort pickup points.
• You want a boat with both sun and shaded seating.

It may not suit you if you want a quiet, private sailing, dislike organized group activities, or need every advertised water sport to be guaranteed. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but tell the provider about mobility needs when booking so the crew can prepare appropriately.

The activity is also suitable for all ages. Families should check the conditions and safety instructions for each paid water sport, since the base cruise and snorkeling are not the same as riding a jet ski or parasailing.

Small Details That Make the Day Better

Arrive ready to get wet. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, pack a towel, and use waterproof protection for your phone or camera. The boat offers plenty of chances for photos, but sea spray and wet hands make ordinary phones risky.

Use sunscreen before boarding and reapply during the day. A hat and sunglasses help during the open-water ride, while a light cover-up is useful if the breeze picks up.

If you want a paid activity, ask about availability early rather than waiting until the final minutes of the bay stop. This gives you a better chance to fit the activity around lunch and snorkeling.

For food requirements, contact the provider before the sailing. The crew has handled vegetarian meals, but advance communication avoids uncertainty.

Finally, expect the day to take longer than the time spent on the boat itself. The outline includes about an hour by coach each way, an hour on the catamaran in each direction, the safety briefing, and the long stop near Mogán. The total activity lasts about four and a half hours, but transfers add to your day.

Should You Book This Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruise?

I would book it if you want a cheerful, active half-day with food and drinks already covered. The strongest parts are the generous Mogán stop, clean catamaran, friendly crew, good snorkeling access, and reasonable add-on prices.

I would skip it if your ideal boat trip is quiet, private, or focused only on scenery. Also, do not book solely for the jet ski or live music. Water sports can be unavailable, and music is limited to Friday mornings.

For most holidaymakers staying in southern Gran Canaria, the $88 package offers a practical mix of sea views, swimming, lunch, drinks, and optional excitement. Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a little extra cash, then let the bay stop shape the day.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about 4.5 hours. The outline includes coach transfers, a safety briefing, catamaran travel, and about 2.5 hours near Mogán for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and optional activities.

Where does the cruise depart?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria after the safety briefing.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from designated points in several southern Gran Canaria resort areas. Transport is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

What drinks are included?

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

What food is served?

Lunch includes a chicken wrap with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces, plus pasta salad. Special dietary needs should be communicated in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and snorkeling is optional.

How much do the extra water sports cost?

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

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. You should inform the provider about any mobility impairment when booking.