Afrikat Morning Cruise

Salt air beats a souvenir shop. This morning catamaran cruise is one of those Gran Canaria days that feels like a reset button: you cruise the coast, then you’re actually in the water. The day is built around time on the deck, a calm anchoring bay, and included drinks and lunch.

I especially like the mix of relaxed sailing plus active options. You get a swim and snorkel stop (equipment is provided, though I’d bring your own if you care about fit), and the crew is set up for easy water fun. Another big plus is the included beer and Sangria, so the cruise feels like good value instead of a pay-as-you-go outing.

One consideration: the included lunch is simple, and a few people found it only average. If you want a food-focused experience, you may end up judging it against better meals you’ve had on the island. If you’re chasing sea time, views, and a friendly crew, that part usually lands well.

Key takeaways before you go

• A real coast cruise from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico with a dedicated sailing stretch and a return to the same meeting point
• Swim-and-snorkel bay time in a calm, clear-water anchoring spot
• Included lunch plus beer, Sangria, soft drinks, coffee, and water
• Optional add-ons for Jet-ski, parasailing, donut ride, and a Captain-led speedboat trip
• Small-group feel with a max of 66 travelers on board
• Crew energy shows up fast, with live music surprises and named crew members like Potter, Monica, and José mentioned by guests

When the Afrikat Cruise Runs: Morning Hours in Summer vs Winter

This is a morning cruise with a straightforward start, and the timing shifts with the season. In summer, you’re typically out from 09:30 to 14:00; in winter, it’s 10:00 to 14:30. Either way, you get a half-day on the water, with a good chunk of daylight for swimming.

You’ll also want to plan your day around the feeling of it. This is not a long “see-everything” tour. It’s a “spend time on the sea, then enjoy a bit of adventure when the boat is anchored” kind of outing.

One practical note: you need good weather for the experience to run. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund, so don’t treat this like a fixed, must-attend appointment on your calendar.

Getting to Puerto Base: Meeting Point at C. Puerto Base, 1

The cruise starts and ends at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. That’s convenient because you’re not juggling a complicated pickup and drop-off after you’re out at sea.

If you’re arriving on your own, aim to be there early. If you’re going straight to Puerto Base, you should arrive about 20 minutes before departure so you’re not stressed during boarding.

Pickup can make it easier, but it’s not island-wide. Collection is from centralised pickup points in the South of the island, and it’s not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan. So if you’re staying in one of those areas, plan on getting yourself to Puerto Base.

The 4.5-Hour Catamaran Coast Cruise: Views, Deck Time, and Music

Once you leave, the vibe shifts to full-on coast cruising along Gran Canaria. You’ll cruise the coastline from Puerto Rico toward a calm anchoring area, watching villages, bays, and beaches slide past from the deck. Even if you don’t touch a water sport, the pacing works because you’re not staring at the same view for hours.

The catamaran format also helps. There’s usually room to spread out, and you get that open-water feeling without the motion overload some smaller boats can bring. If you’re sensitive to seasickness, I’d still take it seriously—one guest specifically mentioned their mum needing help—but having a crew that notices quickly is part of why people rate the experience well.

Music is part of the atmosphere here. Guests mention a saxophone and also a live music surprise on the return journey. The sax set timing can vary (I’d treat music as a bonus, not a guarantee of a full “concert” length), but it adds a laid-back party feel without turning the day into chaos.

Stop in the Calm Bay: Swimming and Snorkeling Without the Stress

The main action happens when the boat anchors in a calm, crystal-clear bay. This is where you get a proper break from cruising and into the water. You’ll be able to swim, and snorkelling is optional, with equipment provided.

Bring your own snorkel gear if you’re picky about fit or comfort. Even though equipment is supplied, it’s smart to use gear you’ve tested before. If you’re a first-timer, provided equipment lowers the barrier and keeps your day from turning into a last-minute gear hunt.

The anchoring setup is also why this works for different travel styles. You can go full active—swim, snorkel, and play around—or you can simply hang out on the deck with a drink while the sea does the entertainment.

One more practical reality: the bay time is the moment where you’ll judge whether your timing and expectations match the day. If your goal is constant high-speed thrills, remember that this stop is about water access and relaxation, not a nonstop adrenaline show.

Optional Water Sports: Donut Ride, Jet Ski, Parasail, and Captain Speedboat

If you want more than swimming, the cruise gives you add-on options with set prices. These are not included, but they’re right there in the flow of the day.

What’s offered (extra cost):

• Jet ski (priced per vehicle)
• Parasail (priced per person)
• Donut ride (priced per person)

There’s also a speedboat ride with the Captain for an extra fee. Guests mention a Captain-led trip that can include a look at sea caves, with a crew member named Potter specifically called out for the experience.

Important planning note: these add-ons depend on your comfort with water activities and the day’s conditions. The cruise itself requires good weather, and water sports will naturally be affected if sea conditions aren’t ideal.

If you’re traveling as a group, this is a nice way to split the difference between active and relaxed people. Someone can stay with the deck-and-drinks plan while others do the higher-energy options.

Lunch and Drinks Included: Real Value vs Food Expectations

The best value here isn’t the catamaran itself—it’s what’s included once you’re on board. You get:

• Lunch: chicken wrap with pasta salad
• Drinks throughout: beer, Sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water

The day feels like a package meal with a sea backdrop, not a situation where you spend the whole time checking prices. For $90.70 per person, that matters, because boat days can add up quickly once you factor in food and drinks.

Still, keep expectations grounded. The lunch is included and practical, and it’s not described as gourmet. Some people felt the food could have been better, and one note even suggested the Sangria tasted similar to juice. My advice: treat lunch as fuel, then focus your main “wow” factor on the time in the water and the views outside the boat.

Dietary needs are handled with an advance request. If you need special dietary requirements, you should communicate that during booking, and the crew can provide adaptations (there’s at least one mention of vegetarian options being accommodated).

Also, there’s an 18+ drinking age, so make sure that matches your group.

Crew and Atmosphere: Friendly Service, Clean Boat, and Named Helpers

A big part of why this cruise gets strong marks is the human factor. People describe a welcoming, friendly crew and a well-run atmosphere that makes solo travelers feel comfortable joining in. If you’re the kind of person who likes meeting others without forced mingling, this tends to fit.

There’s also a quality-of-boat angle. Guests talk about the boat being very clean and the facilities being well cared for. That sounds basic, but it changes the whole feel of a day on the water.

Several named crew members show up in the stories:

• Potter, mentioned in connection with the speedboat/Captain experience
• Monica and José, mentioned for giving recommendations about where to go and what to see on the island
• A saxophonist also gets noted for adding mood and fun

One fun detail: there’s mention of edible straws, which signals an effort to be more ocean-friendly. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of choice that adds up when you care about marine environments.

Seasickness and Comfort: How to Plan for a Smooth Ride

Gran Canaria cruises can be calm, but the sea isn’t guaranteed to be flat. The good news is that the cruise is run by a team that’s used to the real world—people notice when you need help, and they respond.

If you’ve ever been seasick before, I’d treat this as a real risk. The itinerary doesn’t include any special medical support, so you’ll want your own plan: hydration, choosing a comfortable spot on board, and bringing any motion-sickness remedies you trust.

Comfort tips that matter here:

• Wear something you don’t mind getting wet.
• If you’re snorkeling, keep your gear secured and dry your hands before adjusting.
• Sun protection matters because deck time and a water stop mean repeated exposure.

Price and Value: Why $90.70 Often Feels Fair

Let’s talk money like a traveler, not a spreadsheet. At $90.70 per person, you’re buying:

• About 4.5 hours on a catamaran
• Lunch (included)
• Multiple drinks (included)
• A swim/snorkel opportunity with equipment provided
• Return to the meeting point, plus pickup from select southern areas

In other words, you’re paying for time and atmosphere, not just transport. If that matches your style, it’s a fair deal because most of the expensive stuff (boat + drinks + lunch) is already handled.

Where it may feel less “worth it” is if you want premium food quality or constant speed thrills. The add-on water sports cost extra, so budget for that if Jet-ski or parasailing is your priority.

Also check group fit. With a maximum of 66 travelers, you’ll have enough people to feel social, but it shouldn’t feel like a mass event. That size tends to support staff attention, which is another reason the experience holds up.

Who This Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A classic Gran Canaria sea day with views and swimming
• Included drinks and lunch so you’re not constantly budgeting
• Easy optional adventure without planning an entire itinerary
• A relaxed atmosphere where solo travelers can still enjoy themselves

It’s also smart for couples who like shared experiences. Some guests even frame this as a highlight because it’s one of those days that stays fun even without adding every optional activity.

Who might rethink it:

• If you need a long, nonstop action schedule, you may want a more extreme day out.
• If your focus is top-tier dining, the included lunch may not feel like the main attraction.
• If you need a specific pickup area, confirm whether pickup is available where you’re staying since it’s limited to centralised southern points.

Should You Book Afrikat Morning Cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a half-day at sea that mixes relaxing deck time with a real swim/snorkel break. The included drinks and lunch make it feel like you’re getting more than just a boat ride, and the overall vibe—friendly crew, clean ship, and music touches—seems to do its job.

I’d hesitate only if food quality is your top priority or if you’re expecting unlimited high-speed water thrills. The day’s structure is built around anchoring, swimming, and optional add-ons, not nonstop motion.

If you’re booking, I’d take two practical steps:

• Plan to arrive a little early at Puerto Base (or verify your specific pickup point by email before departure).
• Decide in advance whether you’ll budget for Jet ski, parasailing, or the Captain speedboat ride, so you don’t make the decision on a tight emotional timeline while you’re already onboard.

FAQ

What time does the Afrikat Morning Cruise start?

In summer it typically runs from 09:30 to 14:00, and in winter from 10:00 to 14:30. The cruise leaves from Puerto Base and returns to the same meeting point.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The tour also ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is available from centralised pickup points in the South of the island, depending on your area. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan.

What’s included on board?

The cruise includes the 4.5-hour boat trip, beer, Sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water, and lunch (a chicken wrap with pasta salad). Snorkelling and swimming are also included as activities, and equipment is provided.

Do I need my own snorkel gear?

Snorkelling equipment is provided, but it’s recommended that you bring your own equipment if you prefer it.

What water sports cost extra?

Jet ski, parasailing, and donut ride cost extra (Jet-ski and parasailing have set per-person or per-vehicle prices, and donut ride has a per-person price). A speedboat ride with the Captain is also extra.