Afrikat Morning Cruise

Gran Canaria’s Afrikat Morning Cruise turns a half-day on the island into a floating social outing, with cliff views, a swim stop, lunch, and drinks built into the fare. You sail from Puerto Rico toward a calm bay, then choose your pace: snorkel, pay for a water sport, ride the captain’s speedboat, or stretch out on deck.

I like the easy mix of activity and downtime, and I like that beer, sangria, coffee, soft drinks, juice, and water are included rather than sold one cup at a time. The crew’s warm service is another strong point, with past passengers singling out Monica, José, and Potter for their helpful, good-humored approach.

The main consideration is that this is not a long, sail-focused voyage. You get roughly four and a half hours aboard, but part of that time is spent at anchor for swimming and optional paid activities, and some people find the food only average or wish the boat spent more time cruising.

Key points before you book

• A calm-bay swim stop gives you time to swim and snorkel rather than simply watch the coast from the rail.
• Lunch and several drinks are included, with a chicken wrap and pasta salad served on board.
• Optional water sports cost extra, including jet skis, parasailing, and the donut ride.
• A maximum of 66 people keeps this a sizeable group outing, not a private sailing trip.
• Live music may be part of the return, with a saxophone performance adding to the atmosphere.
• Pickup is limited to fixed points in southern Gran Canaria, so check the transport details the day before.

Setting out from Puerto Rico at 10:00

The cruise begins at Puerto Base in Puerto Rico. The listed winter departure is 10:00, with a summer schedule of 09:30 to 14:00, while the booking information gives a 10:00 start time. Since the exact operating time can change by season, check your confirmation carefully.

If you arrive at Puerto Base on your own, get there 20 minutes before departure. The meeting point is at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas. The boat returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride home from another harbor.

The Afrikat is a luxury catamaran with room for up to 66 people. That capacity matters. You should expect a friendly group atmosphere, plenty of conversation, and shared access to the deck and water activities. You should not expect the quiet, personal feel of a small sailing yacht.

The catamaran is the right kind of boat for a coastal outing. Its broad deck gives you space to sit, watch the shore, and enjoy the sea air without being confined indoors. Bring sun protection, even if the morning feels mild. A hat, sunscreen, and a light layer are sensible choices for four and a half hours on open water.

Gran Canaria from the sea

Once the Afrikat leaves Puerto Rico, the point is not to reach a distant island or spend hours under sail. The pleasure comes from seeing the southern coast from a different angle.

You pass bays, beaches, villages, and rugged coastal scenery. From the water, the shoreline has a slower rhythm than it does from a road or hotel terrace. This is a good way to add a few hours of open-air sightseeing to a beach holiday without committing to a full-day excursion.

The cruise also gives you a break from the usual south-coast routine. Instead of moving between shops, promenades, and resort pools, you spend the morning watching the island slide past. I especially like this kind of outing for a first visit, because it gives you a basic sense of the coast before you decide where to return by land.

Do keep your expectations in check. The route description does not promise a particular village, cove, or landmark, and the exact cruising pattern may depend on weather and sea conditions. The value is the overall coastal view, not a checklist of named sights.

The calm bay and your swim choice

The boat anchors in a calm, clear bay for the main activity stop. This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to recreation.

You can swim in the sea, try snorkeling, or remain on board and enjoy the sun. Snorkeling equipment is provided, though bringing your own is recommended. That is useful advice if you already have a mask that fits well, since familiar equipment can make the difference between a relaxed swim and a leaky, frustrating one.

The stop suits mixed groups. One person can swim while another stays dry on deck. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, but you should be comfortable around open water if you plan to use the swim stop.

The bay is also where you can add paid activities. The options and prices supplied for the cruise are:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Captain’s speedboat ride: €5 per person

These charges are not part of the $90.70 base price. That is important when comparing the cruise with other boat outings. The standard fare gives you the boat, drinks, lunch, and access to swimming and snorkeling, but a full menu of water sports can push the day’s cost higher.

The captain’s speedboat trip is the least expensive add-on and may appeal if you want a short burst of speed without committing to a jet ski or parasailing. One account also praised a crew member named Potter for taking people toward caves by speedboat. The exact route and availability should be confirmed on board, since this is an optional extra rather than a guaranteed sightseeing stop.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

Food is served during the cruise, with a chicken wrap and pasta salad listed as the standard meal. Vegetarian options have been provided when arranged in advance, and you should communicate any dietary needs when booking.

I would rate the meal as practical rather than a reason to book the trip by itself. It gives you something substantial during a morning on the water, but food quality appears to be less consistent than the service and setting. Some people have found it perfectly satisfactory, while others wanted more from the meal.

The included drinks are a real part of the value. You can choose from beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are extra or not included. The sangria has been described as light by some, closer to juice than a strong drink, so do not book this expecting a serious wine experience.

The atmosphere seems to be one of the cruise’s best features. The crew is known for being welcoming and quick to help, and solo passengers can find it easy to meet people. Music may also be included, with a saxophone performance reported toward the end of the return journey. If you enjoy a social boat ride with a bit of entertainment, this will likely appeal to you more than a quiet, formal sailing trip.

The crew’s personal touch also comes through in the details. Monica and José have been praised for offering island suggestions, while Potter has been warmly remembered for his humor and speedboat outings. Birthday gestures and help with special meals have also added a personal note for some people. Those moments are not guaranteed, but they suggest a crew that pays attention when you speak up.

What the $90.70 price really covers

At $90.70 per person, the Afrikat is not the cheapest way to get on the water. It is also more than a bare sightseeing boat trip, because the price includes a meal, a broad range of drinks, swimming, snorkeling equipment, and return transport from selected pickup points.

The fare makes the most sense if you plan to eat and drink on board, use the swim stop, and spend several hours enjoying the boat itself. If you only want a short coastal ride and do not care about lunch or swimming, you may find better value elsewhere.

The included drinks can add up quickly at a resort or marina, so the package becomes more attractive for people who expect to have several non-alcoholic drinks, a beer, or sangria during the outing. Still, budget for extras if jet skis or parasailing are central to your plan.

The 93 percent recommendation rate and 4.7 rating from 501 submitted ratings point to a reliably well-liked experience, but the lower scores explain the limits. The most common weak spots are the average food, light sangria, and disappointment from people expecting more continuous sailing or a better water-sports location.

Pickup, timing, and practical details

Return transport is offered from centralized pickup points in the south of Gran Canaria, depending on your area. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan according to the supplied details, so do not assume your hotel is covered simply because it is in the south.

You must check the transport confirmation 24 hours before departure for the exact pickup time and location. The details are sent by email, including to a junk folder in some cases, so check both your regular inbox and spam folder.

The activity is offered in English and accepts mobile tickets. It is near public transportation, and confirmation is received when you book. The minimum drinking age is 18.

The cruise requires suitable weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not reached.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling or changing the booking inside that 24-hour window does not qualify for a refund.

Who will enjoy the Afrikat most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a social half-day at sea rather than a quiet, private sailing trip. It works well for couples, families with supervised children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like meeting people during organized activities.

It is also a good fit if your group cannot agree on one activity. Swimmers can head into the bay, sunbathers can stay on deck, and thrill seekers can pay for a jet ski, parasail, donut ride, or speedboat trip.

You may want to think twice if your main goal is a long uninterrupted sail. One lower-rated experience specifically found the cruising time too short and the water-sports location disappointing. The Afrikat is best understood as a catamaran leisure outing with a cruise section, not a serious sailing expedition.

People with food allergies or special diets should contact the operator in advance. The standard meal is clearly stated, and vegetarian alternatives have been arranged, but last-minute requests are not the smart way to handle dietary needs.

Should you book the morning cruise?

Book the Afrikat if you want a polished, easy-to-organize morning that combines coastal views, a swim stop, lunch, drinks, and optional fun. The crew service, clean boat, included refreshments, and lively mood give the outing more substance than a simple ride along the shore.

Skip it if you want gourmet food, a strong sangria, or hours of uninterrupted sailing. Also compare the final price if you plan to add several water sports.

For most people staying in southern Gran Canaria, the cruise offers fair value when you use the inclusions and treat the water sports as optional extras. Arrive early, confirm pickup the day before, bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, and reserve enough energy for a sunny, social few hours on the Atlantic.

FAQ

Where does the Afrikat Morning Cruise depart?

It departs from Puerto Base, C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does the cruise start?

The booking information lists a 10:00 am start. Seasonal details also give a summer schedule from 09:30 to 14:00 and a winter schedule from 10:00 to 14:30, so check your confirmation for the exact time.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts approximately four and a half hours. It returns to the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Return transport is available from centralized pickup points in the south of Gran Canaria, depending on the area. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan.

When should I confirm my pickup details?

Check the transport confirmation 24 hours before departure for the exact pickup time and place. The information is sent by email, so check your junk folder as well.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The listed meal is a chicken wrap with pasta salad. Special dietary requirements should be given when booking.

What drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The boat anchors in a calm bay for optional swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, although bringing your own snorkeling gear is recommended.

How much do the water sports cost?

Jet skis cost €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, the donut ride costs €10 per person, and the captain’s speedboat ride costs €5 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.