Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The best part of this 4.5-hour catamaran trip is the mix of easygoing sailing and active stops. You can stretch out in the shade, swim from the boat, or grab a paddleboard without having to plan separate activities.

I like the small-group feel and the useful all-in price, which covers food, drinks, water gear, and south-coast pickup. The main thing to consider is that the included drinks do not cover cocktails, and wine is not part of the standard selection.

Key points at a glance

• Two well-spaced water stops: Swim and use the snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and kayak at one bay, then stop again around the meal.
• Fresh Canarian-style food: Morning trips include a seasonal meal with fish or chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo.
• Plenty of room aboard: The modern catamaran has a sun deck and shaded seating, and the group size is kept comfortable.
• Unlimited included drinks: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are available during the cruise.
• Pickup from southern resorts: Transport is included south of the island, with the exact time confirmed after booking.
• A calm choice for mixed groups: You can swim, paddle, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the coast without a packed schedule.

Sailing from Puerto Rico along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

You board in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, one of the island’s main resort harbors, and head along the southwest coast toward the coves near Mogán and Tasarte. This is a good side of the island for a boat day because the trip combines resort convenience with a more rugged stretch of shore once you leave the harbor.

I like the way the cruise gives you time to settle in before the first swim. You are not rushed straight from the dock into an activity. Find a place on the shaded seating area if the sun is strong, or claim space on the upper deck for a better view and more sun.

The catamaran is modern, clean, and spacious enough for people to spread out. Several reviews describe groups of roughly 17 passengers, though the exact number may vary. That smaller feel matters. You get room to move around, and the crew can keep an eye on people in the water without turning the outing into a crowded party boat.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. Some named crew members, including Callan and Raul, were praised for their friendly approach on particular departures, but the staff lineup can change. The useful point is that instructions are available in several languages, which helps when the crew explains water safety or organizes equipment.

The first stop is built for swimming and water sports

The first main stop is outside Mogán, at a sheltered coastal spot chosen for swimming and water activities. You can enter the Atlantic from the catamaran’s steps, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or take a turn on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak.

This stop is the active heart of the trip. The snorkeling is not presented as a specialist reef excursion, so you should set your expectations accordingly. Conditions and marine life vary, but people have reported seeing plenty of small fish, and one outing even had a brief hammerhead shark sighting. That kind of encounter is luck, not a promise.

The water can feel chilly, even in warm weather. I would bring a towel, as requested, and keep your first swim modest if you are sensitive to cooler Atlantic water. You can also skip the water entirely and stay on deck. That flexibility is one reason this trip works for couples, families, and groups with mixed interests.

The equipment is included, but it is shared. There are snorkeling sets for the group, along with SUP boards and a kayak. Most people who want to try them should get a turn, though you may need to rotate rather than use a board for the whole stop. If you have your own mask and snorkel, bringing them could make things simpler, but they are not required.

The water stop lasts long enough for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling without making the day feel like a race. Families should note that flotation support is available for children, based on the experience of a family with a nine-year-old. As always, parents remain responsible for supervising children in the water.

Lunch brings the boat day together

For the morning departure, the meal is a proper lunch rather than a token snack. The menu changes with the season, but dishes have included tuna filet or breaded chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce.

The potatoes are worth paying attention to. Canarian potatoes, known locally as papas arrugadas, are a classic island food, and the mojo sauce gives them a distinctly local character. The meal is simple, filling, and well suited to a day spent swimming rather than formal dining.

Food is prepared fresh and brought to the boat from the beach area near Tasarte. On some trips, warm potatoes and other food have been delivered by kayak, which is a fun and unusual touch. You eat with views of the Atlantic rather than inside a restaurant, and that setting is a large part of the meal’s appeal.

The second stop is tied to lunch, but you can usually cool off in the water again while the crew organizes the food. This gives you a useful choice: keep swimming, sit down to eat, or simply relax with a drink.

Afternoon departures follow a different food plan. Instead of the full lunch, you receive tapas-style snacks. That makes the morning trip the better pick if food is important to you or you want a substantial meal. The afternoon option may suit you better if you want a lighter outing or prefer to spend more of the day on your own schedule.

Because the menu is seasonal, you should not book expecting one exact dish. Fish and chicken have both appeared, and the available choice can change. Vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions should check with the provider before booking, since no special menu details are provided here.

Unlimited drinks add real value to the $97 price

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Gran Canaria. It becomes much better value when you count what is included: the catamaran, pickup and drop-off south of the island, lunch or tapas, snorkeling equipment, kayak, SUP boards, beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water.

I see the drink package as a major part of the price for people who will use it. Beer and sangria are available throughout the cruise, and the crew keeps drinks moving rather than making you search for a bar. If you mostly drink beer or sangria, the package can feel generous.

If you mainly drink water or soft drinks, the value is less dramatic. Cocktails are extra, and wine is not included in the regular formula. One group specifically wished that cava or white and rosé wine were available, so this is worth knowing if you do not enjoy beer or sangria.

The welcome drink may include cava on some departures, but you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of the published package. The reliable inclusions are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Shade, sun, and a relaxed pace

The boat gives you two useful ways to spend the cruise. The shaded seating area works well during the hottest part of the day, while the sun deck is better for stretching out and watching the coast.

I like that the itinerary leaves room for doing nothing. You do not need to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard to get value from the trip. You can sit with a drink, watch the shoreline, and let the crew handle the practical details.

The pace is also suitable for a celebration or a family outing. A birthday group described the experience as smooth and easy, while families appreciated having enough room for children and adults. Couples can find quieter corners, though the mood will depend on the makeup of your departure.

The cruise is not a narrated sightseeing tour in the traditional sense. One person specifically wished for more commentary about the coast. The crew may point out places or talk with you, but you should not expect a long, formal lesson about Gran Canaria’s geology or history. If detailed guiding is important to you, this is primarily a sailing and swimming day, not a coastal lecture.

Optional thrills, and what costs extra

The included activities are snorkeling, swimming, SUP paddleboarding, and kayaking. Some departures also arrange jet-ski rides and parasailing for an additional fee.

Those paid options can add a burst of excitement, especially for teenagers or anyone who wants more speed. They are not necessary to enjoy the trip, and you should budget separately if you are interested. The exact availability and price can depend on the day.

This arrangement is useful because it lets one group split up without forcing everyone into the same activity. One person can parasail, another can snorkel, and someone else can remain on the catamaran with a drink. Just confirm the extra cost before committing.

Pickup is helpful, but watch your email

Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodation areas south of the island. The transfer is handled by an air-conditioned minibus, and departures have generally been described as prompt and well organized.

Your exact pickup time depends on where you are staying. The provider confirms it after booking, so check your email and spam folder. This is a small detail, but missing the message could create an avoidable problem on the morning of the cruise.

The trip offers morning and afternoon starting times. Choose the morning departure if you want the fuller meal and a longer-feeling day on the water. Choose the afternoon sailing if tapas are enough and you want to keep your morning free.

Sea and weather conditions can change the plan. The operator may adjust the trip for safety, and the water stops are naturally dependent on conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication. The catamaran is stable, and many people find the ride comfortable, but several hours on the ocean can still affect sensitive passengers.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a well-organized half-day at sea without arranging transport, food, and equipment separately. It is especially good for couples, families, and groups where some people want water sports while others prefer sunbathing.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to see the southwest coast from the water without committing to a full-day sailing adventure. The route, two water stops, included meal, and return transfer make the day easy to fit into a short holiday.

You may want something else if you are looking for a quiet private charter, a serious snorkeling expedition, or a detailed coastal tour with constant commentary. The boat is comfortable and relaxed, but it is still a shared experience. You will also need to accept a seasonal menu and shared use of the boards and kayak.

The strong rating of 4.8 from 845 reviews reflects a consistent pattern: the crew, boat, food, drinks, and organization receive the most praise. The less common criticisms are practical rather than serious. Some people want more time on board, more coastal commentary, a wider drinks list, or warmer water.

Should you book it?

I would book this trip if you value convenience and want several experiences in one price. The crew service and spacious catamaran are the biggest reasons to choose it, while the swimming, food, and unlimited drinks make the $97 fare easier to justify.

Pick the morning sailing for the full lunch and the best food value. Pick the afternoon option for a lighter tapas meal. Bring a towel, check the pickup email, and do not assume cocktails, wine, jet skis, or parasailing are included.

If you want a relaxed day with genuine time in the water, this is a strong choice from Puerto Rico. If you only plan to drink soft drinks and avoid the activities, the price may feel high. For most people who use the boat, food, drinks, and water gear, it offers a polished and pleasantly easy day on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and sails along the southwest coast toward areas near Mogán and Tasarte.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours. Morning and afternoon sailing times are available, subject to availability.

What food is included?

The morning excursion includes a seasonal lunch. Dishes can include tuna, breaded chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. The afternoon excursion includes tapas-style snacks.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Additional drinks such as cocktails are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and a kayak are provided for use during the water stops.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are included south of the island. The provider confirms the exact pickup time after booking, and the time can vary by accommodation location.