Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

Sun, sea, and a saxophone finish the day. This 4.5-hour Afrikat catamaran cruise combines a southwest-coast sail with swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. I like the friendly crew, especially the lively host Potter, and I like that hotel-area pickup is included from many resorts. The main catch is that the upper deck can feel crowded, and water sports may not operate every day.

The cruise is also more active than a simple sightseeing sail. You can swim in a clear bay, borrow snorkeling gear, ride a speedboat, or pay extra for a jet ski, parasail, or donut inflatable. I would treat those extras as optional bonuses, not part of the basic value, since availability can change and the advertised prices are added to the $91 ticket.

If you prefer a quiet, small-boat outing, this may feel busy. But if you want a sociable afternoon with food, drinks, music, coastline views, and plenty of ways to get wet, Afrikat offers strong holiday value.

Key points to know before you book

• The cruise leaves Puerto Rico and follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, with views toward cliffs, coves, and the fishing village of Mogán.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included, with equipment available onboard for use in the anchorage bay.
• The meal is simple but practical, a chicken wrap with optional bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce, plus pasta salad.
• Drinks are generous but not fully open-bar, since cocktails, wine, and spirits cost extra or are not included.
• The crew creates a party-like mood, with friendly hosting and, on some outings, live saxophone music from Ashleigh.
• Water sports cost extra, including a €32 jet ski, €32 parasail, €10 donut ride, and €5 captain-led speedboat ride.

Setting sail from Puerto Rico

Your afternoon begins at Puerto Rico, on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. If you arrange pickup, transport is available from central points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

That pickup service matters more than it may seem. Puerto Rico is not close to every resort, and finding your own way there can add time and taxi cost. Pickup is not offered from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico itself, so check your exact accommodation area before paying. If you go directly to the harbor, you need to register at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure.

Once aboard, the point is to settle in quickly. You can find a place on the sun cushions, take in the coast, and start making use of the drinks service. The boat is designed for a social afternoon rather than a silent nature trip, so expect conversation, music, and a lively atmosphere.

The catamaran gives you a better view than a coach ride along the coast. From the water, the southwest shore opens into a run of cliffs, small coves, and dry volcanic slopes. You also get a different look at Mogán, known here as a fishing village seen from offshore rather than as a stop on foot.

The coast between Puerto Rico and Mogán

The first part of the trip is the easiest time to slow down. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and strong sunlight. The views are the main attraction at this stage, and the boat gives you room to enjoy them without another activity demanding your attention.

I like this section because it gives the cruise a sense of place. You are not simply being taken to a swimming platform. You are following a real stretch of Gran Canaria’s coast, passing dramatic cliffs and coves that are difficult to appreciate from inland roads.

Still, it helps to set realistic expectations. This is not a guided geology tour, and the supplied information does not promise a detailed commentary about every headland. The appeal is the combination of open water, coastal scenery, and a relaxed sailing rhythm.

The drinks service adds to the easygoing feel. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included without a set limit. That is useful on a sunny afternoon, especially if you plan to swim or take part in an activity. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included, so bring a card or extra money if you want those.

Swimming and snorkeling in the clear bay

The boat anchors at a bay where you can swim in the sea. This is the central outdoor moment of the trip, and it breaks up the sightseeing with a chance to cool down.

Snorkeling equipment is included, though using it is optional. You can simply swim, stay on deck, or watch others take to the water. If you enjoy looking below the surface, this is a useful inclusion because you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel.

The water is described as crystal-clear, but marine life can never be guaranteed at a specific anchorage. Think of the snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than a dedicated wildlife excursion. Conditions, visibility, and what you see will depend on the day.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun cream, hat, and sunglasses. A hat with a secure fit is sensible on a moving boat, and sunscreen needs regular attention because the breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is. A waterproof phone pouch is not listed as required, but it would be a sensible personal precaution if you plan to photograph from the swim stop.

The main practical issue is movement around the boat. Families and mixed-age groups can all use the swimming stop, but you should tell the operator about mobility needs when booking. The activity is wheelchair accessible, although suitable arrangements need to be made in advance.

Choosing the paid water sports

The optional activities give this cruise a different character from a standard catamaran outing. You can stay on the sun cushions, or spend extra for more speed and noise.

The listed prices are:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasail: €32 per person
• Donut inflatable: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person

The €5 speedboat ride is the easiest extra to justify if you want a short burst of fun without spending much. The donut is also a modest add-on, though it can be more physical than its cheerful name suggests.

A jet ski or parasail costs more, so decide before you board how much you want to spend. Some outings may offer discounted rates for several activities, and card or Apple Pay payment has been available, which is useful if you do not carry cash. Still, bring a bank card or extra money because these activities are not covered by the ticket.

Do not assume every activity will run on every departure. The operating company may not offer water sports on a particular day, and this has caused disappointment when passengers only learned about it after the cruise began. If the rides matter to you, ask about availability before departure.

There is also a past warning about one banana boat experience in which a passenger was left in the water briefly after falling off. The current listed options mention a donut rather than a banana boat, but the point remains useful: listen carefully to the safety instructions and make sure you are comfortable with the activity before taking part.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

The crew serves a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce options, along with pasta salad. It is straightforward food, not a restaurant meal, but it fits the setting. You can eat without leaving the boat, and the combination should help take the edge off a long afternoon in the sun.

Tell the provider about special dietary needs when booking. The available meal description is specific, so you should not assume a wide range of alternatives will be ready without advance notice.

The unlimited drinks are one of the better parts of the package. Beer and sangria suit the holiday mood, while water, juice, soft drinks, and coffee give you nonalcoholic choices. I would still make water a priority, especially if you plan to swim or try a ride.

The mood depends heavily on the crew. The strongest praise goes to the staff’s friendliness, humor, and attention from the start of the outing to the return. Potter is singled out as a lively personality, and the crew’s warmth helps turn the boat into a social occasion rather than a basic transfer.

Music may add another layer. One outing featured Ashleigh playing saxophone on the return, with dancing and drinks on deck. That is a memorable touch, but it should be treated as a possible feature rather than a guaranteed performance on every cruise.

How crowded does the catamaran feel?

The boat can feel full, particularly around the sun deck. One account described the upper area as a little cramped in the sunshine, even while calling the overall experience great fun.

That trade-off is common on a popular half-day boat trip. A fuller boat helps keep the price reasonable and creates the lively atmosphere many people want. It also means you may not have unlimited space to stretch out or move between the best viewing spots.

If you want a quiet, private day at sea, this is not the right format. If you enjoy meeting people, music, shared activities, and a crew that keeps the energy moving, the fuller setting may work in your favor.

Arrive on time, especially if you are meeting the boat directly. Early arrival should give you a better chance of settling into a comfortable spot, though the exact seating arrangement is not specified.

Is $91 good value?

At $91 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the main inclusions. You are paying for a 4.5-hour catamaran cruise, coastal views, the swim stop, snorkeling equipment, lunch, unlimited listed drinks, and possible resort-area transport.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, drinks, and a boat transfer. The included transport can also save money and effort for people staying in the covered resort areas.

The price looks less attractive if you want a luxury sailing experience with lots of personal space. It also rises quickly if you add several water sports, cocktails, photos, or souvenirs. A group that chooses a jet ski, parasail, and donut ride could spend noticeably more than the headline fare.

I would compare the cruise with what you want from the afternoon. For active families, couples, and friends, the mix of swimming, food, drinks, and optional rides is good value. For serious snorkelers or people seeking a small, quiet vessel, a specialist trip may make better sense, though that is not what this cruise is trying to be.

Who will enjoy Afrikat most?

I would recommend it to you if you want several holiday activities in one outing. You can sightsee, swim, eat, drink, listen to music, and decide on the spot whether to pay for a ride.

It suits families because the activity is described as suitable for all ages, though parents should judge the water sports according to each child’s comfort and ability. It also suits groups of friends who want a social afternoon rather than a formal sightseeing tour.

Couples can enjoy the quieter parts of the cruise, particularly the coastal run and the return sail. But you should be comfortable with a lively shared setting. The boat may not provide the private, romantic atmosphere that some couples expect from a sunset or small-boat charter.

People with mobility impairments should contact the provider after booking. The activity is wheelchair accessible, but advance information is needed so the crew can make proper arrangements.

Practical tips for a smoother afternoon

Pack light and keep your essentials secure. You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A camera is welcome, but it should be protected around spray and during the swim stop.

Bring a card or extra money for water sports, souvenirs, photos, and drinks outside the included selection. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not part of the standard drinks package.

Tell the provider about dietary or mobility needs at booking, not on the day. This gives the crew a chance to prepare instead of trying to solve the issue after boarding.

If the water sports are a major reason for booking, confirm that they are operating. The rides depend on the partner company and may not be offered every day.

The cancellation terms are forgiving: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your holiday plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a friendly, active, all-afternoon boat outing with solid inclusions. The best parts are the southwest-coast views, clear-water swim stop, unlimited standard drinks, simple lunch, and crew atmosphere. The saxophone return, when offered, sounds like a particularly good finishing touch.

Think twice if you need lots of personal space, guaranteed water sports, or a serious snorkeling program. The sun deck can feel crowded, paid activities are not certain, and the food is practical rather than special.

For most people staying in the southern resort area, I would call it a good-value choice at $91. Go expecting a lively shared boat, not a private yacht. Bring sun protection, reserve enough time for pickup, and confirm any must-have water sport before you set sail.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Rico harbor at Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130. You can also use pickup from selected central points in several southern Gran Canaria resort areas.

How long is the Afrikat cruise?

The activity lasts 4.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from central points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Transport is not included from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogán, or Puerto Rico.

What food is served onboard?

The crew serves a chicken wrap with bacon, cheese, salad, and optional sauce, along with pasta salad. You should give advance notice of special dietary needs.

Which drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available onboard for optional use during the swimming stop.

How much do the water sports cost?

A jet ski costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, the donut costs €10 per person, and the captain-led speedboat ride costs €5 per person.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. You should inform the provider about mobility impairments after booking so suitable arrangements can be made.