Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Afrikat catamaran cruise is that it is not just a sightseeing sail. You get a proper half-day on the water, with coastal views, lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and a menu of optional water sports at a sheltered bay near Mogán. The crew keeps things lively without turning the boat into a floating nightclub.

I especially like the comfortable mix of activity and downtime, plus the friendly crew led in part by people such as Potter, Nikita, and Matt. The boat has sunny areas and shade, and the included food and drinks make the $88 price easier to justify. The main thing to keep in mind is that jet skis, parasailing, donut rides, and the captain’s speedboat trip cost extra, and some activities may not operate on your sailing.

Key points to know before booking

• A full 4.5-hour outing: Allow extra time for the coach transfer, which can take about an hour each way.
• One useful water stop: You get about 2.5 hours near Mogán for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and optional paid activities.
• Unlimited basic drinks: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included.
• Good boat setup: You can sunbathe in the open air or find shade when the heat gets strong.
• Extras are reasonably priced: Jet skis cost €32 per vehicle, parasailing €32 per person, donut rides €10 per person, and the captain’s speedboat €5 per person.
• Best for mixed groups: Families, couples, and friends can choose their own pace instead of committing to one long water sport.

From hotel pickup to Puerto Rico harbor

The day begins with pickup from one of many centralized points around the south of Gran Canaria. These include locations around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Meloneras, Amadores, Taurito, Patalavaca, and nearby resort areas. The exact pickup point depends on where you are staying, so check it carefully rather than assuming the coach comes to your hotel door.

The coach ride to Puerto Rico can take about an hour. That is useful if you are staying away from the harbor, but it also means the advertised 4.5 hours refers to the activity itself, not necessarily the complete time out of your day. If you are already close to the port, you may be better off making your own way there, although the information says pickup and drop-off are not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

At the harbor, you receive a short safety briefing of about 10 minutes. I like seeing this included before the boat leaves. It sets out the basic rules for moving around the catamaran and for taking part in the water activities, which matters more on a trip where people may be drinking, swimming, and climbing in and out of smaller craft.

The boat is described as clean, spacious, and well maintained. It has areas for sunbathing as well as shaded seating. That detail matters in Gran Canaria, where the sun can feel pleasant at first and intense later in the day. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. A waterproof phone case is also sensible, although it is not specifically listed among the required items.

Sailing the southwest coast for one hour

Once underway, you cruise along the southwest coast for about an hour. The scenery is made up of beaches, cliffs, coves, and resort-lined stretches of coast. This is not a quiet sailing expedition. The atmosphere is social, with music, announcements, drinks, and crew interaction, but there is still plenty of time to sit back and watch Gran Canaria from the sea.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Potter, who is also associated with the boat, receives particular praise for keeping people involved, while Nikita and other crew members are noted for being welcoming and attentive. Matt is also singled out for making one birthday outing especially memorable. You can expect jokes, introductions, and plenty of conversation rather than a formal guided tour.

That style will suit you if you like your boat trips relaxed and sociable. If you want silence, serious coastal commentary, or a small private charter, this is not the right fit. The crew aims for fun, and some announcements are deliberately playful.

Live music is available on Friday mornings only, except on February 27. A saxophone performance has been part of some sailings, adding a pleasant touch to the trip. Since music depends on the day, do not book this cruise specifically for the live performance unless your date matches the stated schedule.

The Mogán stop gives you time to choose your own pace

The main stop lasts about 2.5 hours near Mogán. This is where the cruise changes from sightseeing to a water-based activity session. The boat anchors in a clear bay, and you can swim or use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The stop is long enough to do more than one thing, which is important because a short 20-minute swim would feel rushed.

Snorkeling is included, but it is optional. You might see plenty of fish close to the boat, and the equipment is described as good quality. You should still remember that sea conditions and visibility can change. The water may look clear, but this is not presented as a specialist snorkeling trip or a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

I like the way the stop works for different interests. One person can snorkel, another can swim, and someone else can stay on deck with a drink. Families can split up without losing the main structure of the day. The activity is listed as suitable for all ages, but children and less confident swimmers should follow the crew’s instructions closely.

The paid activities give the stop more energy:

• Jet skiing costs €32 per vehicle.
• Parasailing costs €32 per person.
• A donut ride costs €10 per person.
• A speedboat ride with the captain costs €5 per person.

The captain’s speedboat trip is particularly good value if you want a short burst of speed without paying for a longer activity. It has also been used to see coastal caves. The donut ride is a simple group thrill, while parasailing offers a higher view of the bay. Jet skiing is the most expensive option, but it is still modest beside many resort water-sport prices.

Availability can change. Jet skis were not working on at least some sailings, so do not build your entire day around one particular extra. Bring cash or a credit card for these activities, photos, souvenirs, and any other purchases. The drinks included in the fare do not cover cocktails, wine, or spirits.

Lunch and drinks on the catamaran

Lunch is served by the crew during the main stop. The standard meal is a chicken wrap with optional bacon pieces, salad, and sauces, along with pasta salad. The food is more substantial than the usual token snack served on short boat trips, and it gives you something useful to eat between swimming and water sports.

Special dietary requirements need to be communicated in advance. A vegetarian meal has been prepared when requested on board, but you should not rely on a last-minute change. Tell Afrikat when booking so the crew has time to plan it.

Basic drinks are unlimited throughout the cruise. These include beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. You can order from the onboard bar, and the crew may bring drinks to you rather than making you queue constantly. That small service detail helps keep the day relaxed, particularly when the boat is busy.

The beer and sangria are among the most useful inclusions for adults, while families can rely on juice, soft drinks, coffee, and water. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included. Some people have especially enjoyed the beer setup, including the chance to pour their own beer on certain sailings. A reusable drinking glass is also provided as a souvenir.

Drink sensibly if you plan to swim or pay for an activity. The crew gives a safety briefing, but your own judgment still matters when you are moving around a boat or entering the water.

How crowded is the Afrikat boat?

Capacity can affect the feel of any catamaran cruise. Several sailings have been described as uncrowded, with room to find a comfortable place in the sun or shade. Other dates may feel busier, particularly during high season, so you should not assume every departure will have the same amount of elbow room.

The boat itself is often praised for being clean and spacious. That makes a difference during a 4.5-hour outing. You are not confined to one seat, and you can move between the shaded areas, open deck, bar, and swimming point.

The crew also appears comfortable handling mixed groups. Birthdays, families with toddlers, couples, and groups of friends all fit the format. The staff has been helpful with nervous passengers and with someone who became seasick. Still, this is an open-water boat trip, so anyone prone to motion sickness should consider taking their usual precautions and sitting where the crew recommends.

Wheelchair access is available, but you must tell the provider about mobility needs when booking. The boat includes water entry and deck movement, so ask ahead about the exact assistance available for your situation.

Is $88 good value?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but it includes several things that quickly add up separately. You receive the catamaran cruise, a meal, unlimited basic drinks, snorkeling equipment, a reusable glass, and transport from designated pickup points. The combination makes it stronger value than a simple one-hour boat ride.

The price works best if you plan to stay on board for the full experience and make use of the included food, drinks, swimming, and snorkeling. If you only want a quiet sail and do not drink or swim, you may find a less expensive sightseeing cruise more suitable.

The optional activities are not forced on you. You can enjoy the bay without buying anything extra, then add a €5 speedboat trip or a €10 donut ride if you want more action. A person who adds several activities could spend considerably more than the base fare. One group paid about €42 per person for a combination of water activities, which shows how quickly the extras can become the main part of the budget.

For a family, I would decide in advance which activities matter most. For a couple or group of friends, splitting the cost of a jet ski or choosing the inexpensive speedboat ride can keep the day affordable.

Who will enjoy this Gran Canaria cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a social half-day with many options rather than a formal sightseeing tour. It suits people who like a crew with personality, casual entertainment, swimming, and a drink in hand while the coast passes by.

It is especially useful for groups with different tastes. You do not all need to book the same activity. One person can snorkel, another can sunbathe, and another can try parasailing.

Families should like the flexibility and the included food, although parents will need to keep an eye on young children around the water and the paid activities. Couples can use it for a relaxed day out, while groups of friends may want to budget for the jet ski, donut, or speedboat.

I would think twice if you dislike organized coach transfers, loud social energy, or the idea of spending several hours around other people. Also consider the weather and sea conditions. The cruise may be enjoyable in cooler months, but you still need swimwear, a towel, and sun protection because the boat is exposed.

Should you book the Afrikat catamaran cruise?

You should book it if you want an easy, well-filled day on the southwest coast, with friendly crew, good food, unlimited basic drinks, and real time in the water. The boat’s clean setup and shaded areas make the long stop comfortable, while the optional activities let you control how active the day becomes.

The main cautions are simple: water sports cost extra, availability is not guaranteed, and transport can add two hours to your day. Check your pickup location, tell the provider about dietary or mobility needs, and bring a card or cash for extras.

For most families, couples, and friend groups staying in southern Gran Canaria, this is a strong choice. It gives you more than a coastal ride without demanding that you spend the whole day racing around on water toys.

FAQ

How long does the Afrikat catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts 4.5 hours. The coach transfer can take about one hour each way, depending on your pickup location.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria after a short safety briefing.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from designated centralized points in certain resort areas. The service is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

What food is served?

The standard meal includes a chicken wrap with optional bacon pieces, salad, and sauces, plus pasta salad. Special dietary needs should be communicated in advance.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can use it during the stop near Mogán.

How much do the optional water sports cost?

Jet skiing costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing €32 per person, a donut ride €10 per person, and the captain’s speedboat ride €5 per person.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

The activity is listed as suitable for all ages. Children should follow the crew’s safety instructions, especially during swimming and water sports.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. You should inform the provider about any mobility impairments when booking.