Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Gran Canaria’s south coast looks best from the water, and this four-hour catamaran trip gives you a simple way to enjoy it without arranging transport, lunch, or drinks separately. You’ll sail from Arguineguín, anchor near a beach, and have time to swim, sunbathe, or try an optional water sport.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas, and I like that food and drinks are included in the $77 price. The friendly captain and crew also earn strong marks. The main caution is that this can feel more like a lively party boat than a quiet dolphin-watching trip, with loud music, alcohol, limited shade, and a fairly basic lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Arguineguín departure: The catamaran follows Gran Canaria’s south coast toward a beach, then returns to the same dock.
• Beach stop included: You can swim in the Atlantic, sunbathe, relax, and eat lunch while anchored offshore.
• Dolphins are only a possibility: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, so book this for the boat day rather than for a dedicated nature trip.
• Water sports cost extra: Parasailing and jet ski rides can be added during check-in, then you reach the catamaran by Zodiac.
• Food is practical, not fancy: Lunch may include pasta salad, bread, fruit, nachos, and olives, with options suitable for vegans.
• The mood can be lively: Included drinks and loud music may suit a social group more than families seeking a peaceful sail.

Setting off from Arguineguín

Your outing begins with pickup from a designated point in Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas. That transfer matters. The south of Gran Canaria spreads its holiday resorts along the coast, and getting to Arguineguín independently can add a taxi fare and extra planning to your day.

At the Esnautica facilities, you check in before boarding. This is also where you can add parasailing or a jet ski ride if you want more action. Those extras are not part of the $77 price, so ask about the cost before committing. One recent party paid €40 for two people for a jet ski ride, though prices can change.

The catamaran leaves from Arguineguín dock and heads south. You’ll get a different view of the coast than you would from a resort promenade or road. The point here is not a long sailing expedition. It is a relaxed half-day outing built around open water, a beach stop, food, and social time.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. The captain and sailor have been praised for being friendly and helpful, which makes a difference on a boat where the crew handles boarding, drinks, the meal, and any water activities.

What the four-hour route is really like

The advertised route includes a coastal cruise and a stop at a beach. The exact beach and sailing conditions can vary, so do not expect a tightly scripted sightseeing tour with a running commentary at every point.

The cruise gives you time to sit back, watch the shoreline, and enjoy the motion of the boat. If the sea is calm, this should be the easiest part of the outing. If you are prone to seasickness, stay aware that four hours on the water is still a meaningful amount of time. Bring any usual motion-sickness remedy you rely on, though the tour details do not specify what is available onboard.

Dolphin sightings are possible, but they are not promised. That distinction is important. You might see wildlife during the coastal ride, but the trip should not be treated as a specialist dolphin excursion. If seeing dolphins is the main reason you are booking, you may be disappointed.

The catamaran is equipped with sails, but the available information indicates that the boat may run under motor rather than sail during the trip. If the romance of silent sailing is your main goal, check the operating plan before you book. This experience is better understood as a powered catamaran cruise with a beach stop.

Adding parasailing or a jet ski ride

The optional activities can make the trip more exciting, especially if you want more than swimming and sunbathing. You arrange them at check-in, and the people taking part remain with the activity before being carried to the catamaran by Zodiac.

That transfer is worth understanding. You do not simply board the main boat and step straight onto a jet ski. The water-sports participants have a separate part of the outing, then join the catamaran afterward.

Parasailing offers a short flight above the water, while a jet ski ride gives you speed and control close to the surface. Neither is included in the base price, so the total cost can rise quickly if several people in your group add extras.

I would add one only if you genuinely want an active break. If your ideal day is a quiet swim followed by lunch, you can skip both and still receive the main catamaran experience.

The beach stop and Atlantic swimming

The boat drops anchor near a beach and stays there for the main relaxation period. This is the heart of the trip. You can stretch out in the sun, swim from the boat, or simply enjoy being offshore away from the thickest resort crowds.

You should think of this as a boat-based beach stop, not a long walk on a sandy shore. The supplied details say the catamaran anchors at the beach, but they do not promise a shore landing. If you need to put your feet on the beach, confirm that point before booking.

The stop will suit you if you enjoy swimming and casual time on the water. It may feel slow if you do not want to bathe, use a paddleboard, or take part in another activity. One account found that the boat spent a long time anchored, making the experience dull for anyone who did not swim or paddleboard.

That is the central choice. Active swimmers may find the pause welcome. Non-swimmers may prefer a sightseeing cruise that keeps moving.

Shade can also be an issue. The covered rear area has been described as limited, and smoking there made it uncomfortable for some people. If you need shade, try to settle in early and ask the crew where the non-smoking area is. The boat’s exact seating arrangement may vary, but you should not assume every passenger will have a shaded seat.

Lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks

Food and drinks are included, which helps justify the price compared with paying separately for a boat ride, lunch, and beverages. The food is seasonal and suitable for vegans, according to the tour information.

Keep your expectations at the level of a simple boat lunch. Food served on one outing included pasta spirals with mayonnaise, cucumber, and sweetcorn, plus bread, melon, nachos, and olives. Another account found the meal too basic to count as a proper lunch.

That does not make it useless. A bowl of pasta and snacks can fill you up after swimming, and the vegan-friendly approach is useful for mixed groups. But this is not a meal-focused cruise, and you should not book it for gourmet cooking.

Drinks are available throughout the trip, and the supply has been described as generous. That is a strong point for people who want a social afternoon without buying each drink individually. It also changes the feel of the experience. With alcohol flowing and music playing, the mood may be closer to a casual party boat than a calm family sail.

If you are bringing children, older relatives, or anyone who dislikes loud music and drinking, this deserves careful thought. The social atmosphere may be fun for a group of friends and less comfortable for a family hoping to watch dolphins in peace.

Comfort, crowding, and onboard facilities

The boat can carry a fairly large group for its size. One outing had 35 people, and some passengers had to stand. That does not mean every departure will be equally crowded, but it shows why the boat may not feel spacious during a busy sailing.

A four-hour trip gives comfort issues time to matter. You will want a place to sit, access to shade, and a toilet that works properly. There is one toilet onboard, and a serious maintenance problem was reported during one trip. Handwashing facilities were also said to be lacking, with no hand sanitizer available at that time.

These details are not reasons to reject the tour automatically, but they are practical warnings. Use the toilet before boarding, carry personal sanitizer, and bring a light cover-up or sun protection. You should also ask about smoking areas if anyone in your group is sensitive to smoke.

The boat itself has received mixed comments about maintenance. The crew, by contrast, has been praised for being kind and helpful. That combination suggests a service team working hard within a boat that may show signs of wear.

Is $77 good value?

At $77 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the included parts of the package. You receive the four-hour cruise, lunch, drinks, and transport back to your pickup point. For someone staying in Maspalomas, Mogan, or Playa de Mogan, the transfers remove the need to arrange a separate ride to Arguineguín.

The value is strongest for a social group that will swim, drink, eat, and enjoy the music. Add a jet ski or parasailing, and you get a fuller activity day, but the final bill will be higher.

The value is weaker if you mainly want wildlife. There is no guarantee of dolphins, and the boat may spend a large portion of the outing anchored. It is also weaker for anyone expecting polished facilities or a substantial lunch.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 17 reviews, but that average hides a clear split in expectations. People who wanted friendly service, activities, and a relaxed boat party were very pleased. People who wanted quiet wildlife watching, roomy seating, a better meal, or strong onboard facilities were much less satisfied.

Who should book this Gran Canaria catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy half-day on the water with transport, food, and drinks handled in one booking. It works especially well for friends, couples, and active families who plan to swim or add a water sport.

You should also like a social setting. The music and drinks are not minor details. They shape the outing, so expect conversation, background noise, and a livelier crowd rather than a quiet sail.

I would be cautious about booking it for elderly relatives, very young children, or anyone with limited mobility unless you first confirm the seating and facilities. The details provided do not describe accessibility arrangements, and reports of crowding, limited shade, and one toilet make comfort less certain.

This is also not my first choice for a dedicated dolphin search. Wildlife may appear, but the boat’s main promise is a coastal cruise with a swim stop and refreshments.

Practical tips for a better day

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. You will spend time in open sun, and shade may be limited.
• Carry hand sanitizer, since onboard handwashing facilities may not be available.
• If you want shade, board promptly and ask the crew where it is best to sit.
• Tell the staff about dietary needs at check-in, especially if you need the vegan meal option.
• Ask about the current price of parasailing or the jet ski before paying for an add-on.
• If you dislike smoke, find out where smoking is permitted before settling in.
• Treat dolphin sightings as a bonus, not the purpose of the booking.
• If you do not swim or want a water sport, bring a book or another quiet way to pass the anchored portion of the trip.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Gran Canaria plans are still taking shape. Starting times depend on availability, so check the current schedule before you commit.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you want a friendly, social boat day with a beach stop, included drinks, basic lunch, and hotel transfers. The $77 price makes good sense when you value convenience and plan to swim or enjoy the optional activities.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, a serious dolphin-watching outing, a roomy boat, or a high-quality meal. In that case, the loud music, party atmosphere, possible crowding, and simple food could leave you wishing you had chosen a different kind of cruise.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart?

The catamaran departs from the Arguineguín dock after check-in at the Esnautica facilities.

How long is the excursion?

The excursion lasts four hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included in the tour price.

Is the food suitable for vegans?

The meal is described as seasonal and suitable for vegans.

Are parasailing and jet ski rides included?

No. Both are optional add-ons available for purchase during check-in.

Is a dolphin sighting guaranteed?

No. Dolphins may be seen during the coastal cruise, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The catamaran anchors near a beach, where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the Atlantic.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.