Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

The best part of this Afrikat catamaran cruise is the mix of easygoing boat time and proper water fun. You cruise from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, pass cliffs and coves, then stop in a clear bay for swimming and snorkeling. It feels more like a half-day on the sea than a simple sightseeing ride.

I like the unlimited drinks and crew-served lunch, which save you from watching every euro once onboard. I also like the choice between lying on a sun cushion or paying for a jet ski, parasail, donut ride, or speedboat trip. The catch is that the sun deck can feel crowded, and water sports may not operate every day.

• Cruise toward Mogán: See fishing villages, cliffs, coves, and the southwest coast from the water.
• Swim and snorkel stop: Use the supplied equipment or simply cool off in the bay.
• Lunch included: Expect a chicken wrap and pasta salad, with dietary needs given at booking.
• Drinks included: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are available without extra charge.
• Optional thrills: Jet skis, parasailing, donut rides, and a captain-led speedboat ride cost extra.
• Entertainment can add energy: Some sailings feature music, including saxophone performances.

A half-day on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

This is a 4.5-hour afternoon outing from Puerto Rico, in the southwest of Gran Canaria. The boat heads along the coast toward the fishing village of Mogán, giving you a different view of the island than you get from a road or hotel terrace.

The scenery is the quiet star at first. You pass dramatic cliffs and small coves, with the Atlantic opening out beside you. Gran Canaria’s southwest coast is known for sunny weather and steep coastal views, so an afternoon at sea makes good sense when you want a break from the resort routine.

The pace is designed to be relaxed. You can sit on the comfortable sun cushions, take in the views, and help yourself to drinks. If you want more action, the crew opens up time for swimming and optional water activities.

I would not book this as a small, silent sailing trip. It is a social catamaran outing with food, drinks, music on some departures, and plenty of activity. That suits a group holiday, a family day, or anyone who likes a bit of holiday noise. It may not suit you if you want solitude or a quiet wildlife cruise.

Leaving Puerto Rico for the Mogán coast

You can use the included transfer from central pickup points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup is not offered from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico, so check the meeting details carefully before booking.

If you are staying in Puerto Rico or prefer to arrive independently, go to Calle Puerto Base and sign in at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure. That small time buffer matters. You do not want to arrive at the harbor while boarding is already under way.

Once aboard, settle in quickly and choose your spot. The sun deck is the natural place to be for views and sun, but it can feel cramped when the boat is full. If you prefer shade or less movement, find a comfortable position early rather than waiting until everyone has spread out.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. The supplied information does not give a fixed group size, so expect a shared excursion rather than a private charter. The tone can be lively, and the crew’s humor is part of the appeal. Potter, the owner, is specifically noted for helping create a fun atmosphere, while Pedro is remembered for adding jokes and extra touches on an earlier sailing.

Coastal views and the approach to Mogán

The first section is about watching the coast change as the catamaran moves away from Puerto Rico. You see steep rock faces, small inlets, and the fishing village of Mogán from offshore. This is a pleasant way to understand the coast’s shape without committing to a full land excursion.

The views are best from outside, so bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. A phone with a secure grip is wise, since the boat is moving and spray is possible. You will want swimwear and a towel ready rather than buried in a day bag.

The trip does not promise a guided history talk or a long stop in Mogán. Think of the village as part of the coastal panorama, not as a destination where you get off and explore. That is useful to know if your main goal is visiting Mogán itself. For that, book a separate land trip.

I like this part because it gives the afternoon a sense of movement. You are not anchored in one place from the start. The boat carries you past different coastal views before the swimming stop gives the day a more active turn.

The swimming and snorkeling stop

The main stop is in a clear bay where you can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and gear unless you prefer your personal equipment.

This is the part that gives the cruise real value for many people. A standard coastal cruise can become repetitive after an hour or two. Here, you can get into the water, cool down, and look for marine life close to the boat.

Keep your expectations sensible. The activity information does not promise a guided snorkeling session, a reef, or a particular species of fish. You get the chance to use the equipment and explore at your own pace. Water conditions and visibility can affect what you see.

If swimming is not for you, you can stay on the catamaran and enjoy the sun cushions, food, or drinks. That makes the outing workable for mixed groups, where one person wants water time and another would rather sit back.

Bring your own towel and sun cream. You should also reapply sunscreen after swimming, even if the afternoon feels breezy. The sea wind can hide how much sun you are getting.

Lunch, sangria, and what all-inclusive really means

The crew serves a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce as optional additions, along with pasta salad. Special dietary requirements must be reported when you book. This is a practical lunch, not a formal meal, and it fits the setting well.

You also get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. That is a strong part of the $91 price because drinks at a resort or marina can add up quickly. It also means you can enjoy the afternoon without repeatedly opening your wallet.

The package does not include cocktails, wine, or spirits. Bring extra money or a bank card if you want those drinks, water activities, souvenirs, or photos. One useful point is that card or Apple Pay may be accepted for some water sports, but you should not rely on that without checking your own sailing.

The included reusable drinking glass is a small but useful souvenir. It is not a reason to book the trip, but it is a nicer touch than a disposable cup and gives you something practical to take away.

Food portions and drink service can feel different depending on how busy the boat is. The meal is best viewed as a convenient lunch during a boat outing, not the reason to skip a restaurant dinner later.

Choosing between a sun cushion and a water sport

The cruise lets you set your own level of activity. You can remain on deck with a drink, swim at the bay, or pay for extra thrills.

Current 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 speedboat ride is the easiest extra to justify at €5 per person. It adds a short burst of speed without changing the day’s budget much. The donut is also reasonably priced if you want something playful and do not mind getting bounced around.

Jet skiing and parasailing cost more, so decide before you board how much you want to spend. At $91, the base fare is already a substantial day-trip expense, but it covers the cruise, meal, standard drinks, transfer from eligible areas, and snorkeling equipment. Add-ons are best treated as optional bonuses rather than expected parts of the package.

The water sports are provided through a partner, and they may not run on every sailing. One departure had no water sports available because the partner company was not operating that day. That is the main practical warning here: do not book this trip solely for a jet ski or parasail unless you are comfortable with the possibility that the activity may be unavailable.

A past banana boat experience also went poorly when a participant fell off and was collected only after the ride continued. The current listed activities are jet ski, parasail, donut, and speedboat, not banana boat, but the story is a useful reminder to listen carefully to safety instructions and tell the crew if you need help.

Crew, music, and the mood onboard

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Potter is known for a playful sense of humor, and Pedro has been praised for adding jokes and small extras. You should expect a friendly, informal approach rather than a formal presentation.

Some departures include music, and one especially memorable sailing had Ashleigh playing saxophone during the return. That kind of live touch can turn the last stretch into a small party, with people drinking, dancing, and watching the coast slide past.

Music and entertainment are not clearly guaranteed on every departure, so treat them as possible additions rather than part of the fixed package. The same goes for the exact crew lineup. The experience may feel different depending on the day, the group onboard, and the conditions at sea.

The mood is best for people who like interaction. Families, couples, and groups of friends can all use the afternoon differently, but the boat is not built around quiet personal space. If you want a calm reading session, bring realistic expectations and claim a less crowded spot early.

Is $91 good value?

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Gran Canaria. It becomes better value when you use several of the included features: the 4.5-hour cruise, pickup from an eligible area, lunch, unlimited standard drinks, swimming, and snorkeling gear.

The strongest value comes from reducing small extra costs. A marina lunch, several drinks, transport, and a separate swim stop could easily add up. Here, they are bundled into one afternoon.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, do not swim, and plan to sit quietly throughout. It is also less attractive if you expect cocktails, premium alcohol, a private boat, or guaranteed water sports. Those are either excluded or uncertain.

I would compare the fare with the type of day you want, not just with other boat prices. If you want an active social outing with food and drinks, the package is sensible. If you want a small sailing boat and a guide focused on nature, spend your money elsewhere.

Who should book the Afrikat cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Couples and friends who want a fun afternoon rather than a formal excursion
• Families who need both swimming and non-swimming options
• Visitors staying near the listed pickup areas
• People who enjoy combining sightseeing, food, music, and water sports
• Anyone who wants to keep drink costs predictable

You should think twice if you dislike crowded sun decks, need a very quiet boat, or are booking mainly for a specific paid activity. You should also check accessibility needs in advance. The activity is wheelchair accessible, but customers with mobility impairments must inform the provider after booking so proper arrangements can be made.

The activity is suitable for all ages, but the water sports have their own safety and participation requirements. Ask the crew about those before paying for an add-on.

Practical details before you go

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Carry a bank card or extra money for optional activities, premium drinks, photos, and souvenirs.

Tell the provider about food allergies or dietary requirements when you book. The stated meal includes chicken, bacon, cheese, salad, sauce, and pasta salad, so you should not wait until lunch service to explain your needs.

If plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging the rest of your Gran Canaria stay.

Should you book this Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a social, activity-packed afternoon with a meal, unlimited standard drinks, a swim stop, and optional thrills. The crew atmosphere, possible music, and views toward Mogán give it more character than a simple ride around the harbor.

Do not book it expecting a private sailing, guaranteed parasailing, or a quiet nature trip. The sun deck may feel crowded, and the partner-run water sports may not be available every day.

For most visitors staying near the southwest resorts, this is a good use of half a day. I would reserve it for a sunny afternoon, bring your swim gear, and treat the paid activities as optional. The base cruise already gives you plenty to do.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours and takes place in the afternoon.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Puerto Rico at Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130. If you go directly to the harbor, sign in at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from central points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico.

What food is included?

The crew serves a chicken wrap with optional bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce, plus pasta salad. You must provide special dietary information when booking.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops in a clear bay for swimming, and snorkeling equipment is available at no extra charge.

How much do the 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 captain-led speedboat ride.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. Customers with disabilities or mobility impairments should inform the provider after booking so suitable arrangements can be made.