Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

The best part of this Afrikat catamaran cruise is that it gives you a proper half-day on the water, not just a short boat ride. You cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, pass cliffs and coves, stop in a clear bay for swimming and snorkeling, then eat lunch while the crew keeps the drinks flowing.

I like the mix of easygoing sunshine and optional thrills. You can claim a sun cushion and do very little, or pay extra for a jet ski, parasail, donut ride, or speedboat trip. I also like the friendly character of the crew, especially Potter’s humor and the live saxophone music from Ashleigh on some departures.

The main thing to consider is space. The sun deck can feel crowded, particularly when everyone wants the best place to sit. Also, water sports may not operate every day, and cocktails, wine, and spirits cost extra, despite some past trips including special drinks.

Key things to know before booking

• Cruises toward Mogán: You get broad views of fishing villages, cliffs, coves, and the southwest coast from the water.
• Swimming stop included: The boat anchors in a clear bay, with snorkeling gear available if you want to look around below the surface.
• Food and unlimited drinks: Lunch includes a chicken wrap and pasta salad, with beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water included.
• Water sports cost extra: Jet skis are €32 per vehicle, parasailing is €32 per person, donut rides are €10 per person, and the captain-led speedboat ride is €5 per person.
• Pickup covers resort areas: Hotel pickup is available from selected central points, but not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico.
• Good for mixed groups: Children, relaxed sunbathers, swimmers, and adventure seekers can all find something to do, provided everyone is comfortable with a lively boat atmosphere.

Leaving Puerto Rico for Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

Your afternoon begins at Puerto Rico, either with pickup from a central point in one of the listed resort areas or by making your own way to the harbor. If you go directly, check in at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure at Calle Puerto Base.

The pickup zone is useful if you are staying in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, or Playa del Cura. It is not a full-island service, so check your location carefully before booking. If you are based in Puerto Rico, the practical choice is usually to meet at the harbor rather than expect a transfer.

Once aboard, the pace is pleasantly simple. You find a seat, settle on the sun deck, and watch Puerto Rico slip behind you. The catamaran gives you a broad view rather than the enclosed feeling of a small boat, although that open layout means the strongest sun and wind are part of the deal.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A camera is useful for the coastline, but protect it carefully around the swimming stop. You will also want a bank card or some extra cash if you plan to add water sports, buy a souvenir, or pay for photos.

Cruising past cliffs, coves, and Mogán

The cruise follows the southwest coast, where the view changes from resort buildings to cliffs, rocky inlets, and small coves. You also get views toward the fishing village of Mogán as the boat continues along the coast.

This is the part of the trip for doing less. The boat ride gives you a different angle on Gran Canaria, and you can enjoy the coast without committing to a full sightseeing day. I find this especially useful after several busy days of driving, walking, or visiting inland areas.

Do not expect a guided geology lesson or a long list of historical stops. The focus is the sea, the sun, the coastline, and the social mood onboard. The English and Spanish speaking host or greeter can help with the practical side of the outing, while the crew handles food, drinks, and activities.

The open deck is also where the main compromise appears. One past passenger found the sun deck a bit cramped, and that is worth keeping in mind if you want a quiet, private boat trip. This is a popular shared outing with music, water sports, and plenty of movement. You can relax, but you will not have the stillness of a small private charter.

Anchoring in a clear bay for swimming and snorkeling

At the swimming stop, the crew anchors in a clear bay and gives you time to get into the water. Snorkeling equipment is available, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The value here is the change of pace. After the steady cruise, the stop lets you cool off, swim, or simply watch others take part while you stay on deck. The water is described as crystal-clear, though visibility and marine life naturally depend on conditions that day.

I would bring your own towel and take the sunscreen advice seriously. Gran Canaria’s afternoon sun can feel mild when you are moving through the breeze, then surprisingly strong once you are sitting still on deck.

Swimming is optional, so non-swimmers can still enjoy the stop. The activity is suitable for all ages, but you should tell the operator about mobility needs when booking. The boat is wheelchair accessible, yet arrangements may need to be made in advance to make boarding and movement onboard work well for you.

Choosing between a quiet afternoon and extra water sports

The optional activities are what make this cruise work for mixed groups. One person can stretch out on a sun cushion while another pays for a fast ride.

The available extras are:

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

The speedboat ride is the easiest add-on to justify at just €5 per person, especially if you want a short burst of excitement without spending much. The donut ride is also a low-cost way to add some fun, though it is more physically demanding than the price suggests.

Jet skiing and parasailing need more thought. At €32, they can be reasonable if they are a priority, but the costs add up quickly on top of the cruise price. Keep your card or cash handy, and do not assume every activity will operate on every departure.

One important caution comes from a previous trip when water sports were unavailable because the partner company was not running that day. The cruise itself continued, but the lack of advance notice was disappointing. If a jet ski or parasail is the main reason you are booking, ask about availability before you go.

Past trips have also included a speedboat ride in the overall fun, but the stated price information treats it as a €5 extra. Plan around the published inclusions, not around a special arrangement from another departure.

Lunch, drinks, and what all-inclusive really means

The crew serves a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce, plus pasta salad. The sauce is optional, which helps if you prefer a plain wrap. You must tell the provider about special dietary needs when booking.

The food is practical boat-trip fare rather than a restaurant meal. That is exactly what I want here: something easy to eat on deck, filling enough to carry you through the afternoon, and not so elaborate that you need a table and cutlery for half an hour.

Included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. That can make the $91 price look much better than a basic cruise fare, since you are not paying separately every time you want a drink. A reusable drinking glass is also included as a small souvenir.

Read the drinks list closely. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included. One enthusiastic past passenger praised the cocktails, but the published terms say they cost extra, so budget for them separately. Do not book this expecting a premium open bar.

The crew’s role adds to the enjoyment. Potter is known for a lively sense of humor, and the crew has been praised for being welcoming and attentive. On some departures, Ashleigh plays saxophone during the return trip, adding a more memorable finish than a standard recorded playlist.

Music, humor, and the feel onboard

This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. The social atmosphere is part of the product.

Potter’s humor has been a highlight for many people, and the crew appears to make an effort to keep the mood warm and informal. That helps if you want a holiday afternoon with some energy. It may be less appealing if you are looking for a calm, couples-only escape.

The saxophone performance from Ashleigh is a particularly nice touch when scheduled. Live music while you head back along the coast gives the final stretch a sense of occasion, and you can enjoy a drink, chat, or dance if that suits you.

The mood can vary by day and crowd. Some departures may feel like a relaxed afternoon in the sun, while others may be louder and more active. The boat has enough choice to let you avoid the main action for a while, but you cannot completely separate yourself from it.

Is the $91 price good value?

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Gran Canaria. It becomes better value when you use the main inclusions: 4.5 hours onboard, transport from listed resort areas, lunch, unlimited beer and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the coastal cruise.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging transport, buying food and drinks separately, and paying for a shorter boat trip. If you already have a car and do not drink, the package may feel less compelling. If you want a simple afternoon where most costs are covered, the price is easier to defend.

The included drinks are most valuable for people who plan to spend several hours in the sun. Water, coffee, juice, soft drinks, beer, and sangria mean you can stay refreshed without carrying supplies or repeatedly opening your wallet.

The extras are the part that can push the total higher. A couple doing jet skis, parasailing, and a donut ride could spend much more than the advertised fare. I would decide in advance which activity matters most and treat the rest as optional.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now-pay-later booking make this easier to fit into a changing holiday plan. Still, check the available starting time and pickup point before you commit.

Who will enjoy this catamaran afternoon?

I would recommend the cruise for families and groups with different ideas of fun. Strong swimmers can head into the bay, children can enjoy the water-based excitement, and less active adults can stay on deck with food and drinks.

It also suits couples who want a lively shared experience rather than a private sunset sail. The music, humor, and optional rides give it more personality than a simple coastal transfer.

You should think twice if you dislike crowds, loud entertainment, or being in direct sun for several hours. The sun deck can feel tight, and the boat’s appeal depends partly on the group atmosphere.

It is also not the right choice if you need guaranteed access to a particular water sport. Availability can change, so contact Afrikat before departure if jet skiing, parasailing, or another extra is essential to your plans.

My advice for making the most of the trip

Arrive early if you are meeting at the harbor. The direct meeting point is at Puerto Base, and the instructions ask you to sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel you do not mind carrying around. Sunglasses with a secure fit, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen will make the open deck much more comfortable.

Tell the provider about dietary requirements and mobility impairments when booking. The activity is wheelchair accessible, but advance notice helps the crew prepare suitable arrangements.

If you want a particular sun-deck position, do not leave boarding until the last moment. On a busy departure, the most comfortable spots may fill quickly.

Finally, keep expectations realistic. The cruise gives you a pleasant coast outing, food, drinks, swimming, and a chance to add water sports. It is not a private yacht charter or a formal marine excursion.

Should you book the Afrikat cruise?

Book it if you want a social, active half-day at sea with lunch and drinks covered. The combination of southwest coast views, a swimming stop, friendly crew members such as Potter, and possible saxophone music from Ashleigh gives the afternoon plenty of character.

I would especially choose it for a family or group where some people want thrills and others want to sit in the sun. I would skip it if you want peace and quiet, guaranteed water sports, or a private and spacious boat.

For most visitors based in the southern resort areas, the included drinks, meal, snorkeling gear, and 4.5-hour schedule make $91 a fair package price. Just budget for extras, confirm your pickup point, and remember that cocktails and premium drinks are not included.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The direct meeting point is the Afrikat desk at Puerto Rico harbor, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130. You should check in at least 20 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available from central points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

Is pickup available from Las Palmas or Mogán?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico. If you are in Puerto Rico, you can meet the boat directly at the harbor.

What food is served onboard?

The meal includes a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and optional sauce, along with pasta salad. You must inform the provider about special dietary requirements when booking.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The boat stops in a clear bay for swimming, and snorkeling equipment is available for optional use.

How much do the water sports cost?

The jet ski costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, the donut costs €10 per person, and the captain-led speedboat ride costs €5 per person.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. You should inform the provider about any mobility impairments after booking so suitable arrangements can be made.