Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Four and a half hours, and you’re already smiling. This Afrikat catamaran cruise out of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria mixes sun-on-deck sailing, a proper swim-and-snorkel stop, and an easy party vibe without feeling chaotic. I especially liked the unlimited drinks—beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water—kept coming while the crew kept the atmosphere light.

Two things I’d put near the top: the crew’s energy (I heard names like Potter, Nikita, and Matt floating around, and they really do act like hosts) and the practical water time. You get snorkeling gear for the swim stop, plus options to add more thrills if you want them. The one drawback to plan around: some of the extra water activities can be weather- or equipment-dependent, so don’t count on every add-on being available every day.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Unlimited beer and sangria plus coffee and water keep this feeling like a proper value day, not a budget compromise.
• A real swim-and-snorkel bay stop is the heart of the trip, and it’s long enough to actually enjoy it.
• Crew-led fun: you’ll get safety info, jokes, and service that stays attentive even when people are ordering drinks.
• Optional extras cost extra, with listed prices for jet ski, parasailing, donuts, and a speedboat option.
• Long pickup coverage: lots of drop-off points across the south, but not every area is included.

Entering The Afrikat Catamaran Experience at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

This trip starts with that very specific holiday feeling: sea air, sunglasses on, and the sense that the day’s already in motion. You’ll get a pickup from designated areas (many across the south and east), then ride by coach for about an hour before you reach Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Once there, there’s a short safety briefing, then you settle in on the catamaran.

On board, the vibe is more “party cruise with structure” than “free-for-all.” You’ll find places to relax in the sun or under shade, and the boat is described again and again as clean and spacious. If you’re worried about being cramped, the overall feedback points the other way: it’s not set up to feel like sardines.

One small practical note: you’ll want your swim stuff ready. This is the kind of day where you go from deck to water fast, and you’ll be happier if you’re not digging through a bag while the sun is doing its job.

The Cruise Part: Coastal Views Without Stress

The sailing section isn’t meant to exhaust you. It’s about getting moving along Gran Canaria’s southwestern coastline while you warm up and get your bearings. There’s about an hour on the catamaran segment before you reach the main activity area, so you’re not standing still waiting around.

What I like about this design is the pacing. You’re not spending the whole time just looking at the sea from shore. Instead, the cruise acts like a transition—cool breeze first, then a swim stop that feels like the payoff.

Also, that breeze matters in Gran Canaria sun. Even when it’s warm, being on the water keeps your energy level up. It’s one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner” days, especially if you’ve already had a full schedule and want something that feels different from walking.

Mogán Water Time: Snorkeling, Swimming, and Optional Thrills

The heart of the trip is the long stop in the Mogán area, built for water time. Plan on roughly 2.5 hours there, which is a good chunk—you can snorkel, swim, and still have time to relax afterward.

You’ll be offered snorkeling equipment for the bay stop (it’s included, and you use it if you want). The water activity is the main draw, and the snorkel stop is consistently praised for showing plenty of fish. If you’re new to snorkeling, you won’t be dropped into chaos. You’ll get gear and a straightforward way to enjoy the underwater bit without making it a whole production.

Now, the extras: you can pay for more action during the stop. The listed options include:

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

And the trip also mentions discounts on certain water activities, depending on what’s running.

Here’s the practical truth: don’t build your whole dream day around one single paid thrill. People did report some days where jet ski wasn’t available, while the rest still ran great. So if your main goal is the swim-and-snorkel bay, you’re still covered even if an add-on gets canceled or delayed.

If you’re sensitive to motion, this is still usually manageable. You’ll do the sailing portion first, then the calmer bay swimming. One review specifically noted helpful crew support for someone who got sea-sick, which is a nice sign that they take comfort seriously.

Lunch and the Unlimited Drinks That Make It Feel Like a Full Day

If you’re trying to decide between a cheaper boat option and this one, this is a big reason to lean toward Afrikat. You’re not just buying a seat on a boat—you’re getting a meal served by the crew plus unlimited drinks.

What you eat

Lunch is described as a chicken wrap (with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces) and a pasta salad option for special dietary requirements. If you have dietary needs, it’s important to communicate that in advance so the crew can handle it. One person was vegetarian and got a fajitas-style lunch handled onboard, which suggests they actually try to accommodate rather than sending you away.

What you drink

The onboard bar includes unlimited:

• beer
• sangria
• soft drinks
• juice
• coffee
• water

A lot of people talk about how quickly drinks get served, even when orders pile up. One small detail I’d highlight: there’s mention of tapping your own beer. That’s the kind of silly little touch that makes it feel less like a strict tour and more like a day out.

One more practical detail: cocktails, wine, and spirits aren’t included. So if you’re a dedicated cocktail person, budget a little extra.

The Crew: The Real Reason People Want to Go Again

I’ll be honest: on a trip like this, the boat matters, but the crew makes the day. The consistent praise is about hosts who are friendly, funny, and alert—making sure you’re safe, fed, and not stuck waiting forever for drinks.

Names come up in the feedback: Potter is often mentioned as the owner/host, with Nikita and Matt also singled out. You can expect announcements that don’t feel robotic, plus a lot of humor mixed into the safety-and-activities rhythm. If you’re traveling with kids, this matters because it helps keep the day moving while still feeling supervised.

There’s also a live music note worth filing away: live music is only on Friday morning. One review mentions a saxophonist playing classics, which sounds like a genuine crowd-pleaser rather than background noise.

How the Pickup and Drop-Off Really Affects Your Day

This is one of those tours where logistics can make or break the vibe. Here, the company covers a lot of hotels and areas, with a big list of pickup and drop-off points across the south. The day includes about an hour by coach before boarding, then return by coach afterward.

Two practical cautions:

1. Pickup isn’t universal. The info states it’s not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico itself, or Mogan. You’ll need to be on one of the designated pickup points.
2. Expect a transfer time cushion. Even when the tour is 4.5 hours, your total door-to-deck experience includes that coach ride.

If you hate early starts or long waiting, this matters. But if you’re already staying in the Maspalomas area, Playa del Cura, or similar south-side neighborhoods, the wide pickup coverage is a real convenience.

Extra Costs: What You Might Spend Beyond the $88

The base price is listed at $88 per person, with the trip lasting about 4.5 hours. For what’s included, that price can feel fair—because you’re getting:

• catamaran cruise
• lunch
• unlimited beer/sangria/soft drinks/juice/coffee/water
• snorkeling gear (optional use)

That’s a lot for one half-day. The value mostly holds if you’ll actually drink and swim. If you’re a strict non-drinker or you don’t care about snorkeling, you might feel differently. But if you’ll use the drinks and do the water stop, the $88 starts looking like a practical bundle deal.

Then there are optional add-ons (mostly the thrill rides). Those are where costs can jump. As long as you treat extras as a bonus instead of a requirement, it stays good value.

Also note: cocktails, wine, spirits aren’t included, and you may want extra money (cash or card) for souvenirs and photos. The info explicitly suggests bringing cash/credit card for water sports, souvenirs, and photos—so have that ready.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Is Best For

This is a strong match if you want:

• a short, fun day at sea without complex planning
• a snorkel stop that’s actually built into the schedule
• unlimited drinks with lunch, so you don’t feel like you’re constantly leaving the boat to eat
• a crew that keeps the mood light and moves things along

It’s suitable for all ages, and it’s listed as wheelchair accessible. The key is being able to transfer and access the boat safely, which the provider can advise on when you book if you have mobility needs.

If you’re the type who wants a quiet, slow sightseeing sail with no activity options, you might find the extra water fun too loud or too busy for your taste. But if you want a day that’s easy, social, and gets you wet, this one fits.

Should You Book Afrikat Gran Canaria Catamaran? (My Take)

Book it if you’re looking for a half-day that feels like a complete experience: cruise + meal + unlimited drinks + a proper swim-and-snorkel stop. The best-case version is exactly what people keep celebrating—good food, friendly hosts (with names like Potter showing up again and again), and enough time in the water to enjoy it rather than rushing through.

Don’t book it as a guarantee of every paid thrill. Some activities can be unavailable, and you’re buying the core experience of the catamaran day plus water time, not a promise that jet ski and every extra will work the same way on your date.

If you’re okay treating extras like optional bonuses, this is one of the more straightforward value plays in Gran Canaria for a sunny sea day.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed at 4.5 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from designated centralized points, depending on where you’re staying. The info also states pickup is not available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan.

What drinks are included on board?

Unlimited drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is chicken wrap (with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces). For special dietary requirements, pasta salad is offered, but you need to communicate your needs in advance.

Can I do jet ski or parasailing?

Yes, but they cost extra: jet ski is listed at €32 per vehicle and parasailing is €32 per person.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. You may also want a camera. The info recommends having cash and/or a bank card for extras like water sports, souvenirs, or photos.