Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Gran Canaria outing is the combination of two proper swim stops and an easygoing catamaran ride along the island’s southwest coast. You can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, or simply stretch out in the sun while the crew keeps drinks moving.

I like the generous space aboard and the fresh meal, especially the tuna or chicken served with salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. The main consideration is timing: at 4.5 hours, this is a satisfying half-day rather than a full day at sea, and some people wish they had longer aboard.

Key points at a glance

• Two water stops: Swim and use the snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and kayak at sheltered coastal spots.
• Fresh Canarian-style lunch: The morning trip includes tuna or chicken, salad, bread, and potatoes with mojo, subject to seasonal changes.
• Drinks included: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the cruise.
• Small-group feel: The catamaran has been described as comfortable, spacious, and carrying around 17 passengers on some departures.
• Pickup from southern resorts: Transport is included for locations south of the island, with the exact pickup time confirmed after booking.
• Optional thrills: Jet skiing and parasailing may be arranged for an added fee.

A comfortable half-day on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

This excursion is built around ease. You are picked up from your accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria, taken to Puerto Rico, and shown aboard a modern catamaran with both shaded seating and open deck space.

Once underway, the pace is relaxed. You are not rushed from one activity to the next, and you do not need to bring a packed lunch or buy drinks at each stop. The crew serves beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water as the boat follows the coast toward the coves near Mogán.

The catamaran itself is a large part of the appeal. It has room to sit upright in the shade, lie down in the sun, or move around when you want a different view. A few people describe the boat as feeling almost luxurious, but I would set expectations sensibly: this is a friendly recreational cruise, not a private yacht charter.

The group size helps. Around 17 people have been carried on some outings, and that is small enough to avoid the packed-party-boat feeling. You still share the water equipment and dining space, but the boat should not feel crowded in normal conditions.

Leaving Puerto Rico and following the coast toward Mogán

Puerto Rico is the departure point, but the scenery quickly becomes the main event. From the water, the southwest coast gives you a different view of Gran Canaria’s dry, rugged terrain, with beaches and coves appearing around the headlands.

You can choose between a morning departure with a full lunch or an afternoon sailing with tapas-style snacks. The morning option is the better fit if food matters to you or if you want the most complete version of the day. The afternoon trip may suit you if you prefer a lighter bite and a later start.

The onboard atmosphere is sociable without being described as loud or forced. Crew members keep an eye on the group, offer drinks, explain how to use the equipment, and give instructions in English, Spanish, German, or French. Names connected with particularly attentive departures include Callan, Raul, and Michelle, though the crew can vary.

One small limitation is the commentary. You will see striking coastal scenery, but detailed information about the island is not always a central part of the outing. If your priority is geology, local history, or a guided coastal lecture, this is not the strongest choice. It is mainly a sea day with some sightseeing along the way.

First stop: snorkeling, swimming, SUP, and kayaking

The first water stop is the most active section of the trip. The boat anchors near a quiet bay outside Mogán, and you can climb down into the Atlantic for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The coastal water can be clear enough to spot fish, and one departure even had a brief hammerhead shark sighting. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course, but the chance to see fish close to the boat adds interest to what could otherwise be a simple swim.

You also get access to SUP boards and a kayak. These are shared rather than one per person, so you may need to take turns during a busy departure. That is worth knowing if everyone in your group wants a long paddle. The good news is that the water activities are included, not added as surprise charges.

The water may feel cool, even in warm weather. Several people found the swim refreshing, while anyone sensitive to cold should bring a towel and be ready to spend part of the stop on deck. A flotation vest has been available for children on some outings, but you should follow the crew’s current safety instructions.

This stop works for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel and paddle, while less active passengers can stay aboard, sit in the shade, or enjoy the view. You do not have to take part in every activity to get value from the trip.

Second stop: a fresh lunch by the water

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 on the beach at Tasarte. The food is brought to the catamaran, at times by kayak, which is a fun and memorable touch.

The meal has included a choice of tuna fillet or breaded chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. The potatoes are a local staple, and the mild mojo served on some departures has suited people who prefer gentle rather than fiery flavors.

The menu is seasonal, so you should not treat those dishes as a fixed promise. The food can change without notice, but the basic idea remains the same: a proper meal with Atlantic views rather than a prepacked sandwich.

The lunch is generous enough to satisfy you after swimming and paddling. It also adds real value to the $97 price, especially if you would otherwise buy a meal and drinks during a separate boat trip. Food is served aboard, and you can continue enjoying the setting instead of returning to shore for lunch.

Afternoon departures include light tapas-style snacks instead of the full meal. That difference matters. If you are comparing departure times, choose the morning option if you want tuna or chicken with potatoes and salad. Choose the afternoon option if you want the same coastal cruise and water activities but do not need a large lunch.

You can swim again during this stop, but the schedule is not designed around long periods at each location. Some people wish the whole experience lasted longer, particularly when the boat begins its return to Puerto Rico.

Drinks, extras, and what you really pay for

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included and served throughout the cruise. This is one of the strongest parts of the value for people who plan to drink beer or sangria. You do not need to keep track of a running bar bill for the standard drinks.

Cocktails and other additional drinks are not included. Wine is not listed as part of the package either, which may disappoint a group that prefers white or rosé wine over beer. If you mostly drink water or soft drinks, the value is still reasonable, but it will not feel as generous as it does for a beer or sangria drinker.

At $97 per person, the cost covers more than a boat ride. You are paying for transport from southern resorts, the catamaran, multilingual crew, equipment, drinks, and either a fresh lunch or lighter afternoon food. Buying these items separately would be difficult, and the included water sports remove the usual equipment rental fees.

Jet skiing and parasailing can sometimes be arranged during the outing for an extra charge. These are optional, not part of the advertised package. This keeps the base price more manageable for people who only want to swim and snorkel, while giving thrill-seekers a way to add something bigger.

How pickup and timing affect your day

Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodation in the south of Gran Canaria. Exact times depend on where you are staying, and the provider confirms the details after booking. Check your email, including the spam folder, because the pickup time can vary by resort.

Transport has been handled by air-conditioned minibuses, with several departures described as punctual and comfortable. That is useful in a spread-out resort area, where getting to Puerto Rico independently can take more planning.

The activity lasts 4.5 hours, not counting the transfer from your accommodation. Leave room around the scheduled time, especially if you have an evening flight, a dinner reservation, or another timed activity.

The two available sailing periods give you some flexibility. A morning departure gives you the full seasonal lunch. An afternoon departure provides tapas and may be better for a slower start to the day.

Sea and weather conditions can change the route or activities. That is standard for a coastal excursion, but it matters here because snorkeling and paddleboarding depend on a safe anchorage. Bring a towel, use the provided equipment as directed, and expect the final plan to respond to the Atlantic rather than a rigid timetable.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and small groups who want a polished sea outing without organizing separate transport, lunch, and equipment rentals. It works especially well for a mixed group because active passengers can use the water gear while others relax on the boat.

Families should appreciate the space, shaded seating, and range of activities. A child who does not want to snorkel can stay aboard, while older children may enjoy the paddleboards or an optional parasailing session. Parents should still pay close attention to the crew’s safety guidance around the water.

It is also a good choice for a birthday or relaxed group celebration. The welcome drink on some departures has been cava, while the regular included drinks keep the mood informal. You get a social outing without committing to a loud party cruise.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet private sailing experience, a serious marine-wildlife tour, or a long list of historical commentary. It is also not ideal if you dislike shared equipment or feel unwell on boats. The catamaran is stable, but sea sickness can still occur, and some people recommend bringing motion-sickness tablets if you know you are prone to it.

Practical tips for getting more from the trip

Bring a towel, and wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly. Sunscreen is a sensible addition, since the open deck can feel much stronger than the temperature on shore.

If lunch is important, book the morning sailing. The afternoon outing has tapas-style snacks rather than the full tuna or chicken meal.

Arrive ready to share the SUP boards and kayak. The snorkeling gear is provided for everyone, but the larger watercraft are limited, so you may need to wait your turn.

If you do not drink alcohol, do not assume the price is poor value. You still receive transport, lunch or tapas, boat time, and water activities. Still, the package is at its best for people who will make use of the included beer or sangria.

Keep your schedule loose after the cruise. The boat and weather set the rhythm, and the return can feel too soon if the conditions are especially good.

Should you book this Gran Canaria boat trip?

Book it if you want a well-organized half-day with a comfortable boat, two swim stops, good food, and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the spacious catamaran, attentive multilingual crew, fresh morning lunch, and the fact that snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking are part of the base price.

Think twice if you want a full-day sailing, detailed island commentary, or a private experience. Also compare the morning and afternoon departures carefully, since the morning includes a full seasonal lunch while the afternoon includes lighter tapas.

For most people staying in southern Gran Canaria, this is a practical and enjoyable way to get on the Atlantic without handling the details yourself. At $97, it offers solid value, particularly for beer and sangria drinkers or anyone who would otherwise pay separately for transport, food, and water activities.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and cruises along the southwest coast.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran activity lasts 4.5 hours. Pickup and drop-off transfers take additional time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of Gran Canaria. The exact pickup time depends on where you are staying and is confirmed after booking.

What drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included during the cruise.

Are cocktails included?

No. Additional drinks, including cocktails, are not included in the price.

Is lunch included?

The morning excursion includes lunch. The afternoon excursion includes light tapas-style snacks instead.

What food might be served for lunch?

The seasonal menu can change, but dishes have included tuna fillet, breaded chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are kayaking and paddleboarding included?

Yes. SUP boards and a kayak are available during the water stops. They are shared among the group.

Can I cancel the booking?

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