Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The best part of this 4.5-hour catamaran trip is its easy rhythm: sail, swim, eat, and sail some more. From Puerto Rico, you follow the rugged southwest coast toward coves near Mogán and Tasarte, with two water stops and plenty of time to use the boat as a floating sun terrace.

I like the small-group feel and roomy catamaran, which keeps the day relaxed rather than crowded. I also like that snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a kayak are included, along with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. The main drawback is simple: 4.5 hours can feel short, especially if you want to try every water activity.

Key Points Before You Book

• Two swimming stops: The first is set aside for snorkeling, swimming, SUP paddleboarding, and kayaking. The second includes time in the water while food is brought aboard.
• Fresh Canarian-style lunch: Morning departures usually offer tuna or chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce.
• Unlimited included drinks: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are available during the cruise. Cocktails and some other drinks cost extra.
• Comfortable boat layout: You get a spacious catamaran with shaded seating and open deck space for sunbathing.
• Pickup from southern resorts: Transport is included from locations south of Gran Canaria, with the exact time confirmed after booking.
• A good choice for mixed groups: You can swim and paddle, or simply sit back with a drink while other people use the equipment.

From Puerto Rico to Gran Canaria’s Southwest Coast

Your day begins at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, the main departure point for the cruise. If you are staying elsewhere in the south, pickup and drop-off are included, usually by air-conditioned minibus. The precise pickup time depends on your accommodation, so check the provider’s message after booking, including your spam folder.

Once aboard, you can choose between the shaded seating area and the open sun deck. That matters in Gran Canaria, where some people want steady sun and others prefer a roof overhead. The catamaran is described as clean, modern, and spacious, with enough room to move around without feeling packed in.

The boat heads along the southwest coast toward Mogán. You’ll see beaches and small coves from the water, then reach a quieter bay for the first stop. This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with historical commentary. The focus is on the sea, the views, and a slow half-day away from the resort streets.

Guiding is available in English, Spanish, German, and French. Crew members called Callan and Raul received special praise for making the day welcoming, while Michelle and the wider crew were also singled out for attentive service on another trip. Staff generally keep drinks moving and help people get settled with the water equipment.

The First Stop: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Paddleboards

The first stop is the most active part of the trip. You can swim directly from the catamaran, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or take turns with the SUP boards and kayak. The boat carries two paddleboards and one kayak, so equipment is shared rather than supplied one per person.

That arrangement works best if your group is happy to take turns. Several people can snorkel at once, but the boards and kayak may become popular during a busy departure. Bring a towel, and if you are not a strong swimmer, use the available flotation equipment. A child was able to use a flotation vest on one trip.

The water can be chilly, even in warm weather. That is part of the trade-off with a sea excursion, but the cool water is refreshing once you are in. Snorkeling conditions vary with the sea, yet the stop has produced clear views of fish, including one report of a small hammerhead shark. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than part of the bargain.

You can also choose not to get wet. The catamaran offers deck space for reading, sunbathing, or watching the activity from above. That mix makes the trip useful for couples and families where not everyone wants the same kind of day.

Lunch Near Tasarte, Served With Ocean Views

After the first water stop, the boat continues along the coast toward the wild side of Gran Canaria. The scenery becomes the main event here: steep coastal slopes, open Atlantic water, and beaches that look different from the usual resort views.

For the morning departure, lunch is served during the second stop near Tasarte. The meal changes with the season, but common dishes include a choice of tuna filet or breaded chicken, Canarian potatoes, salad, bread, and mojo sauce. The food is arranged through a local restaurant on the beach, and some of it has been brought out to the catamaran by kayak.

The Canarian potatoes are a fitting local touch. These small potatoes are commonly served with mojo, a garlicky sauce that may be mild or more strongly seasoned depending on the preparation. The meal is not a formal restaurant lunch, but it is more substantial than the snack spread found on many boat trips.

There is usually another chance to swim during this stop. You can eat, take photographs, or jump back into the Atlantic while the crew handles the meal. Ocean views make even a straightforward lunch feel special, though the wind and boat movement may make eating outdoors a little less tidy than eating at a table on land.

The afternoon departure works differently. Instead of the full lunch, you get tapas-style snacks. This is important when comparing time slots: choose the morning trip if a proper meal matters to you. Choose the afternoon trip if you prefer a later start and are happy with lighter food.

Drinks, Service, and the Feel Aboard

The included drink selection is one of the strongest parts of the value. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are available throughout the cruise. A welcome glass of cava has also been offered on some departures, although you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of every trip unless it is confirmed at booking.

If you mainly drink sangria or beer, the $97 price begins to look quite fair. You are paying for the catamaran, transport, food, water equipment, and an open bar over several hours. Someone who drinks only water or soft drinks may find the price less compelling, though the boat and included activities still carry much of the value.

Cocktails and additional drinks are not included. If you prefer wine, note that the standard package is not described as including it. Sangria fills part of that gap, but a group that avoids beer may want to check the available alternatives before booking.

The service style is friendly and attentive. The crew regularly offers drinks, helps with equipment, and keeps the timetable moving without making the day feel rushed. That balance is important on a short cruise. You want help when you need it, but you do not want constant announcements interrupting the quiet parts.

What the 4.5-Hour Schedule Really Feels Like

Four and a half hours is enough time for two stops, lunch or tapas, and a good stretch of sailing. It is not enough time for a long coastal voyage with several beaches and a full set of water sports at every stop.

The morning trip gives you the most food and a full day feel. The afternoon trip may suit you if you want to sleep in, spend the morning at the hotel, or fit the cruise around another activity. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Many people find the length well judged because the trip delivers several different experiences without taking over the entire day. Still, if you enjoy being on the water, you may wish it lasted longer. The return to Puerto Rico can arrive sooner than expected once lunch and swimming are finished.

The sea and weather control the final plan. The operator can change or cancel parts of the trip for safety, so keep that in mind when building a tight itinerary. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring suitable medication. The catamaran is stable, and some people who worried about seasickness had no trouble, but the Atlantic can still move.

Optional Thrills Beyond the Included Gear

The included activities are enough for most people. Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding give you several ways to enjoy the water without paying more.

On some departures, jet skiing and parasailing can be arranged for an additional charge. These are optional add-ons, not part of the $97 base price. They can work well if one person in your group wants more speed while others stay aboard, but ask the crew about availability and cost on the day.

The water sports are best treated as flexible extras rather than a timed lesson. The boat carries limited boards and a kayak, and people use them in turns. If you have your heart set on a particular activity, ask the crew early so you understand how the rotation will work.

Who Will Like This Gran Canaria Boat Trip?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and mixed-age groups who want a comfortable day at sea without booking a private yacht. It suits people who like having choices: sunbathe, swim, snorkel, paddle, or simply enjoy a cold drink and the coast.

Families should appreciate the flotation equipment, open deck, and choice of calm and active pursuits. Children who enjoy water sports may want to try parasailing or a jet ski, but those cost extra and are subject to conditions.

This is also a good fit for a first boat trip in Gran Canaria. The schedule is straightforward, transport is handled for you, and the crew supplies the main equipment. You do not need to plan separate food stops or rent snorkeling gear.

It may be less suitable if you want a long sailing route, detailed island history, or a quiet adult-only setting. The atmosphere is relaxed, but it is still a shared group outing. And if you want a full afternoon of serious paddleboarding, the limited number of boards may disappoint.

Practical Tips for Getting Good Value

Book the morning option if you want the full tuna-or-chicken lunch. The afternoon trip includes tapas-style food, which is lighter and better suited to a later start.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a cover-up for the ride back. Only a towel is specifically required, but those basics will make the day easier.

Wear secure footwear for moving around the catamaran and getting into the water. Keep valuables to a minimum, since you will be switching between swimming and sitting on deck.

If you drink alcohol, the included beer and sangria add real value. If you do not, judge the price mainly by the quality of the boat, transport, food, and included water sports.

Leave room in your schedule before and after the cruise. Pickup times vary by hotel, and sea conditions can affect the exact rhythm of the day.

The cancellation terms are helpful for uncertain plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The provider confirms the pickup time after booking.

Should You Book It?

Book this Gran Canaria catamaran trip if you want a polished, easy half-day with good food, open-bar drinks, and real time in the water. The spacious boat, small-group atmosphere, helpful crew, and included gear make it stronger than a basic sightseeing cruise.

I would be cautious only if you dislike shared equipment, need a very long sailing day, or do not drink and mainly want a low-cost excursion. For most visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria, the $97 price is reasonable because it combines transport, lunch or tapas, drinks, two swim stops, and a comfortable catamaran in one booking.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and sails along the southwest coast.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts 4.5 hours. Available start times depend on the date and selected departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of Gran Canaria. The provider confirms your exact pickup time after booking.

What drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Additional drinks such as cocktails are not included.

Is food included?

Yes. Morning departures include lunch, while afternoon departures include tapas-style snacks.

What is served for the morning lunch?

The seasonal menu can change, but dishes may include tuna filet, breaded chicken, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, salad, and bread.

Are snorkeling and water sports included?

Snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and a kayak are included. The equipment is shared among the group.

Can I go jet skiing or parasailing?

Jet skiing and parasailing may be available for an additional cost. They are not included in the main tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. You should also consider bringing swimwear and sun protection for the swimming and snorkeling stops.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, Spanish, German, and French.

Can the itinerary change because of the weather?

Yes. The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions, and the operator may adjust the plan for safety.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.