Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

Sun, sea, and snacks on Gran Canaria by catamaran.

This Afrikat afternoon cruise runs along the southwest coast from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, with coast views toward Mogán’s fishing village, plus a proper pause to swim and use the onboard snorkeling gear. You get that mix of easy cruising and real time in the water, with optional add-ons if you want to turn the volume up.

I especially like the unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water) and the fact that lunch is handled by the crew. On top of the food, the onboard vibe can include entertainment, and I’ve seen names like Potter and Ashleigh (saxophone) pop up in guests’ stories.

One thing to plan for: the most action-heavy water sports cost extra, and the shared sun deck can feel a bit tight at peak moments when everyone wants the same shade-free spots.

Key highlights I’d book for

• South-coast cruising toward Mogán with dramatic cliffs and coastal views, not just straight sailing
• Unlimited beer, sangria, and soft drinks plus coffee and water, served as part of the cruise
• Crew-prepared meal onboard: chicken wrap and pasta salad, with salad/sauce options
• A real swim-and-snorkel stop in a clear-bay anchoring moment with snorkeling equipment available
• Optional add-ons like jet ski, parasail, donut inflatable, and a speedboat ride for extra charge

An Afternoon Catamaran Cruise That Feels Like the Main Event (Not a Side Trip)

A 4.5-hour sail is a sweet spot in Gran Canaria. It’s long enough to feel like you’ve changed the pace—time on the water, food and drinks taken care of, and a swim stop that isn’t just a quick dip. And it’s short enough that you won’t lose a whole day trying to “fit in” the island.

This particular Afrikat Gran Canaria outing is built around the same idea: you cruise along the coastline, then you get anchored in a clear bay where you can swim and snorkel. The optional water activities are there if you want them, but the base experience still works even if you just want sun, sea, and an easy schedule.

If you like trips where the crew keeps things moving, you’ll probably feel at home here. Stories include a lot of praise for the staff’s humor and energy, and it’s not hard to see why: this is the kind of outing where people are ready to relax first, then try something sporty.

Getting From Central Pickups to the Harbor Without Stress

Most people won’t need a car. Pickup is offered from centralized points across Gran Canaria, including Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

Two practical notes for your planning:

• Pickup is not available everywhere (the info explicitly says not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico).
• If you’re going to the harbor directly, you’ll check in at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the start at Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130.

This matters because timing on boat trips is unforgiving. If you’re staying in one of the pickup areas, you can show up relaxed, which is exactly the mood you want for an afternoon cruise.

Cruising Along the Southwest Coast: Views Toward Mogán and the Cliffs

Once you’re aboard, the sailing portion is where the day starts to feel special. You travel along Gran Canaria’s southwest coastline with views toward Mogán—specifically, the fishing village feel—then past dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Even if you don’t care about every detail, the coastline scenery does the work.

I like this section because it sets expectations: this isn’t a “look at the same shoreline for an hour” situation. You’re moving through different coastal angles, and that keeps the trip feeling fresh rather than repetitive.

Also, this is a catamaran, which generally means a stable ride compared with smaller boats. You still get ocean movement, but it’s the kind of motion you can tolerate while eating and sipping.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop: What You’re Really Paying For

The anchor-and-water moment is the heart of the cruise. You drop anchor so you can swim, and snorkeling equipment is available onboard if you want it. This is the part that turns a standard sightseeing sail into a real “time in the water” experience.

To get the most out of it, bring what they ask for:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen and sun hat
• sunglasses and a camera

Here’s the simple logic: the bay stop is when you’ll spend the most time exposed to sun and water. If you show up prepared, you’ll enjoy the moment instead of doing awkward sunscreen math while everyone else is already in.

If you’re unsure about snorkeling, you can still enjoy the swim. The equipment being provided lowers the friction—no need to rent gear or hunt for a shop.

Food and Drinks on Board: Unlimited Sips Plus a Crew-Cooked Meal

One reason this cruise is such good value is that it feeds you properly and keeps drinks flowing. Included drinks cover beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. No bring-your-own-water panic. No hunting for a bar menu.

The meal served by the crew is:

• a chicken wrap (with bacon and cheese topping; salad and sauce optional)
• pasta salad

If you have dietary needs, you’ll want to inform the provider at booking. The info specifically notes that special requirements must be shared when you book—so don’t assume the day-of solutions will happen.

Also, there’s a reusable drinking glass souvenir included. That’s small, but it’s the kind of touch that makes the experience feel complete. You’re not just consuming and forgetting; you get a reminder you actually used.

Entertainment and the Onboard Vibe: Humor, Music, and Real-Life Deck Comfort

This is where the stories get lively. Names that show up include Potter (described as a very funny host) and Ashleigh on saxophone. Even if live entertainment isn’t always the exact same each day, the overall theme seems consistent: the crew makes the trip feel like a party that still runs on a schedule.

One practical consideration: the sun deck can feel crammed at certain times. That doesn’t mean the experience is bad—it just means you should think strategically about where you’ll hang out. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces, you may want to take breaks around the edges rather than staying fixed in the most popular spot.

The good news is that this outing still works for different styles:

• If you want a relaxed, chat-with-your-group afternoon, you’ll find room to do that.
• If you want action, the onboard options keep the day from going stale.

Extra Thrills (That Cost Extra): Jet Ski, Parasail, Donut, and a Speedboat Ride

This cruise offers optional water activities with clear per-person or per-vehicle pricing. You’ll want extra cash or a bank card ready since you may need it for these add-ons.

Here are the listed options and costs:

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

A few tips for deciding:

• If you’re traveling with people who won’t tolerate bumps, pick one add-on max and let the rest enjoy the swim stop and cruise.
• If you’re the adventurous type, stacking add-ons can turn the day into a full-on workout, which is part of the appeal.

Also, there’s a note that discounted rates on different water sports may be available. Since that depends on what’s running, the safest plan is to treat the published prices as your baseline and ask what’s available on your sailing day.

Value for Money: Why This Often Beats DIY on a Timed Afternoon

At $91 per person, you’re paying for a bundle: transportation from many central areas, the catamaran cruise, unlimited drinks, a meal, and snorkeling equipment. The add-ons are extra, but the core experience is already substantial.

Here’s how the value plays out in real life:

• Drinks are included (including beer and sangria), so you don’t waste time budgeting for onboard costs.
• Food is handled by the crew, so you’re not timing lunch around buses, restaurants, or beach snacks.
• The swim stop is part of the service, which is hard to replicate with DIY planning unless you already know boat operators and have a clear route.

If you’re staying anywhere within the pickup coverage, it’s usually a smoother plan than trying to drive to a harbor and figure out the right water activity on your own.

Should You Book This Afternoon Afrikat Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social, sun-and-water afternoon with included drinks and food and a real chance to swim. It’s a strong fit for couples, small groups, and anyone who likes having a set plan rather than improvising all day.

I’d think twice if:

• your group hates tight deck spaces and you’re likely to spend most of the time on the sun deck
• you expect snorkeling and all water sports to be included in the price (the main swim/snorkel is included, but major add-ons cost extra)

If you’re on the fence, a good approach is simple: decide what matters most to your group. If the winning combination is cruising + drinks + meal + a swim stop, you’re in the right place.

FAQ

What’s included in the price for this catamaran cruise?

The price includes pickup and drop-off from designated central points (area dependent), the catamaran cruise, unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), the meal served by the crew, optional snorkeling equipment, and a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

Is snorkeling included, or do I pay extra?

Snorkeling equipment is included onboard and snorkeling is available during the swim stop. You only pay extra for the optional water sports like the jet ski, parasail, donut, or the speedboat ride.

What optional water sports can I add, and how much do they cost?

Jet ski is €32 per vehicle, parasail is €32 per person, the donut inflatable is €10 per person, and the speedboat ride with the captain is €5 per person.

Where does pickup work from on Gran Canaria?

Pickup is listed from Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. The info also says pickup isn’t available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan and Puerto Rico.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 4.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the time you want.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.