Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

Gran Canaria’s Afrikat cruise is part sightseeing trip, part floating lunch, and part water-sports session. You cruise from Puerto Rico toward Mogán, pass cliffs and coves, then stop in a clear bay for swimming and snorkeling. The mood is social and easygoing, with crew-prepared food and unlimited drinks included.

I like the all-inclusive setup, since you do not need to keep buying drinks every few minutes. I also like the choice built into the afternoon: you can race across the water on a jet ski, take a short speedboat ride, or simply stretch out on a sun cushion with a book.

The main thing to consider is space. The sun deck can feel crowded when everyone wants the best place to sit, and the optional water sports cost extra. Availability can also vary, so do not book this trip solely for a particular activity unless the operator confirms it.

Key points to know before you book

• A full 4.5-hour outing: This is a substantial half-day cruise, not a quick harbor ride.
• Coastal views toward Mogán: You pass dramatic cliffs, fishing villages, coves, and open Atlantic water.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Equipment is available during the stop in a clear-water bay.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect a chicken wrap, pasta salad, and unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.
• Water sports cost extra: Jet skis, parasailing, the donut ride, and the speedboat carry separate charges.
• Music and crew personality: Potter and the crew are known for a playful approach, and saxophone music has featured on some return trips.

Setting sail from Puerto Rico

The cruise begins at Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. If you are staying in parts of Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, or Playa del Cura, pickup from a central point may be available.

That transport matters more than it might seem. A boat trip can become a chore when you must arrange a taxi across the island, especially after a few drinks and several hours in the sun. Check your exact pickup point when booking, since transport is not offered from every resort. Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, and Puerto Rico are specifically excluded from the pickup service.

If you are already in Puerto Rico, going directly to the harbor is simple. The meeting point is at Calle Puerto Base, and you need to sign in at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure. That early arrival gives the crew time to organize boarding and any accessibility arrangements.

Once aboard, you can settle into the rhythm of the boat. The coast is the main show at first. You will see steep rock faces, small coves, and the southern shoreline opening toward the area around Mogán. This is not a guided cultural tour with a long list of historical facts. It is a relaxed way to see a stretch of coast that is best appreciated from the water.

The cruise toward Mogán

The journey along the southwest coast is the quiet sightseeing portion of the afternoon. From the catamaran, the resorts recede and the cliffs become more prominent. The views are broad rather than intimate, so bring sunglasses and a hat, especially if you plan to sit outside for most of the trip.

Mogán gives the route a pleasant sense of direction. You are not simply sailing in circles around the harbor. The cruise passes the fishing village and continues along a coastline marked by rocky edges and small inlets. Keep your camera handy, but protect it from spray and remember that strong sunlight can make screens hard to read.

I would treat this part as a chance to slow down rather than as a formal sightseeing commentary. You can enjoy the coast, talk with friends, and get a feel for the scale of Gran Canaria’s southern shore. If you need constant narration or a quiet sailing boat with very few people, this may not be the right outing.

The atmosphere leans toward fun rather than silence. Crew members have been praised for their humor and warm approach, with Potter often singled out as a lively presence. That can make a big difference on a shared boat. A good crew keeps the afternoon moving without making every minute feel scheduled.

Swimming and snorkeling in the clear bay

The most useful break comes when the catamaran anchors in a bay for swimming. The water is described as clear, and snorkeling equipment is available at no added charge. You can get in for a swim, look for marine life near the boat, or stay aboard and enjoy the sun.

This stop is a good reason to pack proper swimwear rather than treating the trip as a sightseeing cruise only. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A camera may be useful, but keep it secure around the water.

The snorkeling is casual. You are not joining a marine-biologist-led session, and no detailed underwater route is promised. It is better viewed as an easy chance to see what is around the boat, especially for people who want to try snorkeling without committing to a separate specialist tour.

Families and mixed-age groups should find the format flexible. Confident swimmers can get in, while less active members can remain on deck. The activity is listed as suitable for all ages, but anyone with mobility concerns should tell the operator after booking so the crew can make proper arrangements.

Lunch, drinks, and what is really included

The meal is served by the crew during the cruise. The standard food is a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce options, along with pasta salad. It is practical boat food rather than a restaurant lunch, designed to keep you going through a long afternoon outside.

Tell the operator about dietary requirements when you book. This is important because the listed meal contains several ingredients that may not suit everyone. Do not wait until boarding if you need a change.

Drinks are one of the strongest parts of the package. You can have unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. That helps the $91 price feel more reasonable, especially if you expect to spend several hours aboard and want more than a single included drink.

Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not part of the standard deal. Some customer feedback praised cocktails available during the trip, but you should budget separately for them rather than assume they are included. Bring a bank card or extra money for drinks, photos, souvenirs, and water sports.

You also receive a reusable drinking glass as a souvenir. It is a small extra, but a useful one. It fits the casual, practical character of the trip better than a disposable cup would.

Choosing your level of action

Afrikat lets you make the afternoon as active or as lazy as you like. The simplest choice is to remain on the catamaran, swim during the stop, and spend the rest of the time on the sun cushions. That is enough for a pleasant boat outing.

For more action, the available extras include:

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

These prices can make the cruise better value for different types of groups. One person can relax while another pays for a short thrill. The €5 speedboat ride is especially easy to add without changing the overall budget much.

The donut ride is a good fit if you want a quick burst of fun without paying for a full motorized rental. The jet ski costs more, but it gives you control of the machine. Parasailing adds height and a wide view of the coast. Exact operating conditions and availability can change, so ask the crew on the day.

One important caution: water sports may not always run. A partner company has occasionally been unable to operate, and notice may come only after the cruise is underway. I would regard the extras as optional bonuses, not guaranteed reasons to book.

The same goes for the speedboat ride. Some customers have found it included in their overall experience, while the stated pricing lists it as a €5 extra. Confirm the current arrangement when you board so there is no confusion.

Music, dancing, and the social mood

This is not a hushed sailing trip. The cruise can become lively, particularly on the return journey. Saxophone music from Ashleigh has been part of some outings, and it adds a memorable change of pace after the swimming stop. Music, drinks, and dancing can turn the last stretch into more of a party than a sightseeing ride.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like meeting people and want an entertaining afternoon. It may not suit you if you are hoping for a quiet escape or a small private sailing experience.

The crew is central to the mood. Potter has been described as funny and energetic, and Pedro was praised for adding humor and small touches to the day on an earlier outing. Crew members may vary, but the overall style is clearly informal and people-focused.

I would choose a seat with a view early, then accept that the boat will become more social as the day develops. The sun deck can feel cramped when everyone gathers outside, especially in strong afternoon sunshine. If personal space matters to you, plan to move around the boat rather than trying to hold one perfect spot all afternoon.

Is $91 a fair price?

At $91 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Gran Canaria. But the price includes 4.5 hours aboard the catamaran, a meal, unlimited listed drinks, snorkeling equipment, and possible pickup from a central resort point.

The value depends on how you use it. If you only want a short boat ride and do not drink alcohol, the price may feel high. If you want a half-day activity with food, swimming, transport, and several drink options already covered, it is easier to justify.

The included drinks matter most for couples and groups who would otherwise buy refreshments throughout the afternoon. The included snorkeling gear also saves you from arranging a separate rental. The reusable glass is minor, but it rounds out the package.

Add-on costs can change your final spend. A speedboat ride is modest, while a jet ski or parasail adds a noticeable amount. Set your budget before boarding, particularly if several people in your group want to try different activities.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, but the key practical task is checking your pickup area and confirming any special requirements before the day.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it most to people who want a social, easy-to-arrange afternoon rather than a specialist sailing excursion. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a friendly shared activity.

You are likely to appreciate it if you want:

• A clear plan lasting most of an afternoon
• Swimming and snorkeling without booking a second activity
• Food and common drinks included in the price
• Optional thrills without forcing everyone in your group to participate
• Coast views toward Mogán
• A crew with humor and a lively style

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowded decks, loud music, or optional sales for extra activities. The meal is straightforward, not a long gourmet lunch, and the cruise does not promise a private or peaceful setting.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but mobility impairments should be reported after booking. That allows the provider to prepare properly. Since this is a boat outing with swimming and water sports, practical arrangements matter more than they would on a standard land tour.

Final verdict: should you book Afrikat?

Book this cruise if you want a full half-day on the water with a good mix of views, swimming, food, drinks, and lighthearted entertainment. The strongest value comes from the all-inclusive meal and drinks, plus the freedom to add a speedboat ride or more serious water sport if you wish.

Skip it if your ideal boat trip means silence, lots of open space, or guaranteed access to a particular activity. Also check pickup carefully, and treat the jet ski, parasail, donut, and speedboat as extras that may depend on conditions and availability.

For most visitors staying along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, Afrikat offers an easy and entertaining way to break up a resort holiday. Bring sun protection, arrive ready to swim, and keep a little extra money available. That combination gives you the best chance of enjoying the cruise without unpleasant surprises.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 4.5 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The direct meeting point is the Afrikat desk at Puerto Rico harbor, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available from central points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura, depending on the area.

Is pickup available from Las Palmas or Puerto Rico?

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

What food is served?

The meal includes a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and optional sauce, plus pasta salad. Tell the provider about 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.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available during the swimming stop at no extra cost.

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 speedboat ride with the captain costs €5 per person.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Tell the provider about any mobility impairment after booking so proper arrangements can be made.