Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks

Dolphins, lunch, and a swim make a strong mix. The Magic Select catamaran sets out from Morro Jable for about four hours, combining wildlife watching with time in the sea, music, food, and unlimited included drinks. I like the spacious modern boat and the friendly crew, especially the lively atmosphere created by team members such as Aaron, Juani, Oliver, and Luis on different departures. I also like that the trip is not only about spotting animals. You get a proper stop for swimming near quiet white-sand coves.

The main catch is that nature keeps its own schedule. Dolphins and whales are not guaranteed, and the planned cove stop may be shortened or missed because of sea conditions or the captain’s route. A few people have also found the food and wine disappointing, so you should book this for the whole boat outing rather than treating it as a guaranteed wildlife safari.

Key points to know before booking

• A four-hour sailing from Morro Jable: The trip begins at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the same port.
• Dolphin and whale watching: The crew searches the waters around Fuerteventura, but sightings cannot be promised.
• Swimming near the southern coves: The route includes a stop for a refreshing swim when conditions allow.
• Lunch and drinks included: Food is generally a simple chicken, rice, or paella-style meal, with a selection of drinks served during the trip.
• Pickup from selected resort points: Transport is offered in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía, but not from every hotel.
• A lively group outing: The catamaran can carry up to 70 people, with music, dancing, and a sociable mood onboard.

Leaving Morro Jable under a large white sail

The morning begins at the Magic & Sailing meeting point in the port of Morro Jable. If you arrange pickup, the operator uses selected points in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía rather than collecting from every hotel entrance. Those meeting points are intended to be within about a five-minute walk of the hotels in the area.

Your exact pickup time arrives by email, usually within about 12 hours of booking. Check your spam folder if it does not appear. The pickup service is useful, but allow some patience for transport. One departure had late pickup and drop-off, so you should not plan a tight appointment immediately after the boat returns.

If you make your own way to the port, arrive 30 minutes before departure. The scheduled start is 10:00 a.m. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes the logistics simpler than a boat trip that drops you somewhere else along the coast.

Once aboard, the most striking feature is the boat itself. The Magic Select is a modern catamaran with a large 150-square-meter sail. Its size gives you room to move between sun and shade, a useful detail on a bright Fuerteventura morning. Some departures carry around 50 people, and the official maximum is 70, so this is not a private sailing. Still, the boat’s size helps keep the group from feeling packed in.

The sailing element also matters. You are not simply riding a motorboat out and back. When conditions allow, the crew raises the sail and lets the catamaran move more quietly across the water. That makes the opening part of the trip feel calm and open, even though the day later becomes more social with music and dancing.

Searching for dolphins along the island’s coast

The first main task is finding dolphins and whales that pass through the waters around the Canary Islands. The captain changes course as needed and watches for movement in the sea. The crew’s attention is a real part of the experience. On one especially successful outing, dolphins appeared less than 45 minutes after leaving the dock, followed by more dolphins and a whale.

That kind of sighting is the best-case scenario, not a promise. On another trip, only four dolphins were seen from a considerable distance. A separate departure saw no dolphins or whales at all. You should therefore judge the tour by the full four-hour program, not by the hope of a close encounter.

When dolphins do appear, the experience can be memorable. They have been seen swimming alongside the catamaran for some time, giving you a chance to take photographs and videos. The crew is described as approaching gently, which is important for a wildlife trip. The captain may also keep searching after the first sighting rather than immediately turning toward the swimming stop.

The open sea can be hard on anyone prone to motion sickness. One person who became ill was looked after by the crew, but you should still prepare sensibly if boat movement bothers you. Eat lightly before departure, stay where the air feels fresh, and use the sun and horizon to help you feel steady. The catamaran is reported to move less than smaller boats on some crossings, but conditions vary.

The southern coves and the swimming stop

After the wildlife search, the captain heads toward the southern coast of Fuerteventura. The advertised idea is a stop near small, quiet coves with white sand. These areas offer a different view of the island from the resort beaches, with clear water and a more secluded feel.

The swimming stop is one of the most useful parts of the itinerary. After time spent watching the horizon, getting into the sea breaks up the day. You might swim from the boat, look for fish in the clear water, or simply sit on deck and watch others enjoy the stop. Several departures included a calm swimming area where people could see fish.

Do keep expectations flexible. One unhappy passenger said the catamaran did not visit any of the promised coves. The route can change, and a wildlife search, wind, sea conditions, or timing may affect how long the boat stays in one place. If seeing a specific beach or cove is your main goal, this is not the right substitute for a land excursion.

Bring swimwear under your clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. The deck has sunny and shaded areas, but the strong island light catches people off guard. Sunscreen is particularly important because you spend several hours surrounded by reflective water, even when the air feels pleasantly cool.

Lunch, drinks, and the mood on deck

Food is served after the swimming portion or during the later part of the trip. The meal has been described as chicken with rice, chicken paella, or a similar simple dish. Many people found it tasty and filling, especially when paired with the sea views and the relaxed pace.

This is casual boat-trip food, not a restaurant meal. One particularly negative experience described the food as poor and the wine as unpleasant. Most comments are more positive, but the mixed reaction is useful. If you have strict dietary needs or expect a polished dining service, confirm what can be provided before booking rather than assuming the menu will suit you.

A broad selection of drinks is included throughout the excursion. Several departures were described as having drinks available freely, with cold white wine served alongside lunch. The all-inclusive drinks are a genuine part of the value, especially for a four-hour outing. You are paying for a boat ride, wildlife search, food, swimming, and refreshments in one package.

The atmosphere depends heavily on the crew and the people aboard. Music often plays, and the team may encourage dancing and singalong moments. Juani is frequently praised for keeping the mood moving, while Aaron and Oliver are noted for being attentive and good-humored on particular trips. Other crew members, including Luis, Luca, Hajid, Cris, Jose, Fron, and Judni, have also been named in accounts of enjoyable departures.

That energy is a plus if you want an easy social day. It can be less appealing if you are looking for silent sailing and serious wildlife photography. The Magic Select is best understood as a friendly boat party with nature watching, not a quiet scientific expedition.

Is $93.12 good value?

At $93.12 per person, the price is not a budget activity, but the package includes several costs that would otherwise add up: approximately four hours at sea, the catamaran, crew, wildlife searching, a swimming stop, lunch, and drinks. Pickup from selected resort areas is also available.

I think the value is good if you use the whole package. A successful dolphin or whale sighting can make the outing feel special, but the food, drinks, swimming, and time on the water still give the day shape if wildlife stays hidden. The reported overall score of 4.6 out of 5, with 91 percent recommending it, supports the idea that most people find the full experience worthwhile.

The price is harder to justify if you only want a close dolphin encounter. Wildlife is unpredictable, and one departure saw animals only from far away. The route may also miss the coves, and food quality is not perfectly consistent. Book it for a pleasant half-day on the sea, with animal sightings as a welcome bonus.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip most?

I would recommend the Magic Select to couples, families, and groups who want a mix of relaxation and entertainment. You can sit in the shade, stretch out in the sun, eat lunch, listen to music, and swim, all without changing locations or arranging separate activities.

It also works well for people staying in the southern resorts. Pickup from selected locations in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía removes some of the transport hassle, while those staying elsewhere can meet the boat directly in Morro Jable.

Families should appreciate the variety. A child who loses interest in dolphin watching still has the swimming stop, food, and activity on deck. Couples may prefer a quieter corner of the catamaran, though the music and dancing mean this is not an especially private romantic cruise.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group activities, loud music, or uncertain wildlife trips. The boat can carry up to 70 people, and the crew actively creates a party atmosphere. I would also think twice if you need a guaranteed visit to a particular cove or have high expectations for lunch.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable clothes that can handle sea spray and bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Keep your phone or camera protected when the boat is moving, especially if you plan to record dolphins close to the vessel.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. The operator does not list this as a private or small-group trip, so expect a shared excursion.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cause cancellation, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Magic Select?

Book it if you want a well-rounded half-day at sea rather than a narrow wildlife tour. The strongest reasons are the roomy catamaran, included drinks, swimming stop, friendly crew, and the chance to see dolphins or whales. The boat’s mix of calm sailing and lively music gives the outing broad appeal.

Skip it if you need guaranteed animals, a guaranteed cove visit, or gourmet food. For everyone else, $93.12 is a fair price for four hours of transport, entertainment, lunch, swimming, and open-water views. Arrive early, wear sunscreen, keep your schedule afterward loose, and treat any dolphin sighting as the lucky extra that can turn a good boat trip into a magical one.

FAQ

How long is the Magic Select catamaran trip?

The experience lasts approximately four hours. It starts at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the meeting point in the port of Morro Jable.

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

It starts at Fuerteventura Boat Trips, Magic & Sailing, in the port of Morro Jable. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is offered from selected points serving the resorts of Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía. Pickup is not available from every hotel. The operator sends the pickup time within approximately 12 hours after booking.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and a selection of drinks are included during the excursion. Food has included simple dishes such as chicken with rice or chicken paella.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales?

No. The crew searches for dolphins and whales, but sightings are not guaranteed. Some departures see dolphins or whales, while others do not.

What happens if the trip is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, and a similar option is offered if that minimum is not reached.