Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Gran Canaria catamaran trip is its easy mix of proper time in the water and a relaxed meal at sea. You cruise from Puerto Rico toward Mogán and Tasarte, stopping in quiet coastal spots where you can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or simply float beside the boat.

I like the small-group feel and the spacious catamaran, which gives you room to sit in shade or stretch out on the sun deck. I also like that the $97 price includes lunch or afternoon tapas, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. The one thing to weigh is the weather: sea conditions can change the plan, and the water may feel chilly even in warm weather.

Key points at a glance

• Two water stops: Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use the SUP boards at one stop, then cool off again near lunch.
• Fresh Canarian-style meal: Morning departures include tuna or chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce.
• Comfortable boat setup: You get a clean, modern catamaran with shaded seating and plenty of open deck space.
• Drinks included: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are available throughout the cruise.
• Pickup from southern resorts: Transport is included for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria, with the exact time confirmed after booking.
• Optional paid thrills: Jet skiing and parasailing may be arranged during the trip for an additional charge.

Leaving Puerto Rico for Gran Canaria’s Southwest Coast

This four-and-a-half-hour outing begins at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, one of the south coast’s main boating hubs. If you are staying in the southern resort area, pickup and drop-off are included, usually in an air-conditioned minibus.

That transfer matters more than it may seem. You do not have to find a marina parking space, arrange a taxi, or worry about getting back after several drinks. Pickup times vary by accommodation, so check the provider’s message carefully after booking, including your spam folder.

Once aboard, you can choose between shaded seating and the open sun deck. The boat is spacious enough for the group to spread out, and several people describe it as calm rather than crowded. A group size of up to roughly 17 additional people has been mentioned, though the exact number can vary.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. Crew members named Callan, Raul, and Michelle have been praised for friendly, attentive service. Expect a practical crew that keeps drinks moving, explains the water activities, and helps people in and out of the sea.

As the catamaran heads west, the view changes from resort buildings to cliffs, coves, and less developed stretches of coast. This is not a history-focused sightseeing cruise, so do not expect a constant stream of commentary about every headland. The appeal is the open water, the coastal scenery, and the chance to spend a half-day outside without having to plan each hour yourself.

The First Stop: Snorkeling, Swimming, and Paddleboards

The first main stop is in a sheltered bay outside Mogán. This is the active part of the trip, and you can choose how much effort you want to put in.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack a mask and fins unless you prefer your own. The water can be clear enough to see fish close to the boat, and one outing even produced a sighting of a small hammerhead shark. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course, but the rocky coastal setting gives you a fair reason to bring an underwater camera.

The crew also provides stand-up paddleboards and a kayak. There are only a limited number of these, so you may need to take turns when several people want to use them at once. That is not a major problem on a relaxed trip, but it is worth knowing if you are expecting individual equipment for every person.

You can also swim directly from the catamaran using the steps at the stern. Life jackets and flotation aids are available, including options for children. Parents should still keep a close eye on young swimmers, since this is open sea rather than a pool.

Allow yourself time to do nothing. The water activities are a strong feature, but the boat is equally suited to sitting in the shade with a cold drink. Several people preferred the unhurried pace, and the crew does not appear to pressure everyone into trying every activity.

The water temperature deserves a note. It may feel brisk, particularly outside the hottest summer months. Bring a towel, and consider a light layer for the ride back if you tend to cool down after swimming.

The Second Stop and Lunch Near Tasarte

The second stop combines another chance to swim with the main meal. For the morning departure, the crew collects a freshly prepared lunch from a local restaurant near Tasarte. Food may be brought out to the boat by kayak, which is a memorable touch and keeps the meal connected to the coast rather than turning it into a standard buffet.

The usual choices include tuna fillet or breaded chicken, along with salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes. The potatoes are served with mojo sauce, a classic island accompaniment. Menus are seasonal, so the exact dishes can change without notice.

The food is more substantial than the phrase boat lunch might suggest. Portions are intended to go around, and the meal gives you a proper break after swimming and paddling. Tuna is the natural choice if you want something tied to the Atlantic setting, while chicken is the safer pick for less adventurous eaters.

Afternoon departures follow a different food plan. Instead of the full lunch, you receive tapas-style snacks. This suits people who prefer a later sailing, but it is an important price comparison point. If a full meal matters to you, choose the morning option after checking the available departure times.

You can continue swimming during this stop if conditions allow. Or you can stay aboard, eat slowly, and watch the coast. That flexibility makes the trip work for mixed groups, especially when one person wants water sports and another would rather sunbathe.

What Is Included in the $97 Price

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Gran Canaria. It is a stronger value if you plan to use several parts of the package.

Your price includes:

• The catamaran cruise
• Hotel pickup and return in the south of the island
• Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water
• Lunch on the morning excursion
• Tapas-style food on the afternoon excursion
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP boards
• Kayak use

The unlimited drinks help explain the price. If you plan to have sangria or beer during the cruise, the package can compare well with a cheaper boat ride where food and drinks are sold separately. If you mainly drink water or soft drinks, the value is less dramatic, though the meal and equipment still add weight to the price.

Cocktails and other additional drinks are not included. Wine is also not listed as part of the standard drinks package, which may matter to a group that prefers white or rosé wine. Sangria is the closest included option.

Paid jet skiing and parasailing may be offered during the outing. These are extras, not part of the $97 package, and availability depends on the day and conditions. They provide more excitement if you want it, but you can have a full day without paying for them.

Morning or Afternoon: Choosing the Better Departure

The morning sailing is the better choice if you want the full lunch. You get the main meal near Tasarte, plus the same access to swimming and equipment.

The afternoon sailing offers tapas instead. It may fit better if you prefer a slower start or want to spend the morning at your hotel, but do not book it assuming you will receive the tuna and chicken lunch. Confirm the current departure details before paying.

The total time is four and a half hours. That is long enough for two water stops and a meal, but short enough to leave room for dinner or another evening plan. Some people wished the trip lasted longer because the boat was comfortable and the pace was gentle. I see that as a good sign for the quality of the time aboard, but it also means you should not expect a full-day sailing.

How the Boat Feels Underway

The catamaran is one of the stronger parts of the experience. It is described as clean, modern, and spacious, with both shade and sun. You can move around rather than being fixed in one cramped seat.

A catamaran also tends to feel steadier than a smaller speedboat, though no boat can guarantee a completely smooth ride. One person who worried about seasickness found the vessel stable, while another suggested taking motion-sickness tablets if you know you are prone to it.

The cruise is built around comfort rather than speed. You are not racing from one attraction to another. The boat gives you time to look back at the cliffs, watch the coastline recede, and enjoy the sea between activities.

There is no promise of dolphins or whales, but marine life can appear. A right whale was spotted on one trip, and another outing included dolphins. Treat that as luck, not as part of the schedule.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups who want several activities bundled into one simple half-day. It is especially useful for a group with mixed interests because you can swim, paddle, snorkel, eat, drink, or sit in the shade without splitting up.

Families should appreciate the flotation support and the roomy boat. Children can try snorkeling or paddleboarding, while adults can keep the pace relaxed. Parents still need to supervise in the sea, and younger children may prefer the quieter shaded area to the open deck.

It also works well for a birthday, anniversary, or first holiday together. The welcome drink, attentive service, fresh meal, and uncluttered schedule create a celebratory feel without requiring formal dress or a long day away from the resort.

This is less suitable if you want serious sailing instruction, a packed sightseeing commentary, or a private charter. You are sharing the catamaran with other people, and the activities depend on the sea. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes open water or expects hotel-style dining.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Bring a towel. That is the one item specifically required, and you will need it after swimming or snorkeling.

Wear a swimsuit beneath your clothes and bring sun protection. The boat offers shade, but you will still spend time exposed on the water. A dry layer can be useful for the return trip, particularly outside summer.

Keep your booking email handy. The exact pickup time depends on your accommodation, and the provider sends that information after booking. Check your spam folder if it does not appear.

If you are choosing between departures, pick morning for the full lunch and afternoon for tapas. If you want jet skiing or parasailing, keep extra money available, since those activities cost more.

Finally, keep your plans flexible. Sea and weather conditions can change the route, the swimming stops, or the water activities. That is normal for any open-water excursion, not a flaw unique to this one.

Should You Book the Puerto Rico Catamaran Cruise?

I would book it if you want a comfortable, social half-day with food, drinks, and several ways to get in the water. The strongest reasons are the spacious boat, helpful crew, two swim stops, and the fact that snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP boarding are included rather than sold as separate upgrades.

The value is best for people who will enjoy the drinks and morning meal. Choose the afternoon only if tapas suit you, or if the timing fits your plans better. Skip it if you want a private boat, guaranteed wildlife, or a highly detailed coastal tour.

For most visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria, this is a well-rounded way to see the coast without giving up an entire day. At $97, it earns its price through the combination of transport, lunch or tapas, equipment, and attentive service.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and travels along the island’s southwest coast.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts four and a half hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food is included?

Morning departures include a seasonal lunch, commonly tuna or chicken with salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. Afternoon departures include tapas-style snacks.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Cocktails and other additional drinks cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the swimming stops.

Can I use a kayak or paddleboard?

Yes. SUP boards and a kayak are available during the water stop. Equipment may be shared if several people want to use it at once.

Are jet skiing and parasailing included?

No. Jet skiing and parasailing may be available for an additional charge.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. You should also be prepared for changing sea and weather conditions, since the activity is subject to safety requirements.