Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

The best part of this 4.5-hour Afrikat cruise is the change of pace. You leave the coast behind, feel the sea air, and spend a long stop in a clear bay near Mogán where you can swim, snorkel, eat, or simply stretch out in the sun. It is more than a sightseeing boat, but it is not a quiet sailing trip either.

I like the friendly crew-led atmosphere, which several visitors describe as the heart of the day. Potter, Matt, Nikita, and the other crew members are known for keeping the mood light without losing sight of safety. I also like the good mix of included and optional activities: snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks are included, while jet skis and other rides let you add excitement only if you want it.

The main consideration is that the water sports are not guaranteed every day. Jet skis, for example, have occasionally been unavailable, and the trip can feel short if you want a full day at sea. Pickup also involves a long bus ride for some hotel areas, so check the meeting point carefully before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• The Mogán stop lasts about 2.5 hours, giving you real time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and optional water sports.
• Unlimited included drinks cover beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water, but cocktails, wine, and spirits cost extra.
• Optional activities have clear extra charges, including jet skis at €32 per vehicle, parasailing at €32 per person, donut rides at €10 per person, and a speedboat ride at €5 per person.
• The catamaran has both sunny and shaded places, useful for families and anyone who does not want to sit in full sun all afternoon.
• Pickup is offered from many resort-area points, but not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán itself.
• Live music is normally offered on Friday mornings, although it is not scheduled on February 27.

Why this cruise feels like a full half-day outing

Many boat trips give you a short ride, a quick swim, and a sandwich before turning back. Afrikat takes a broader approach. You get transport from selected resort areas, a safety briefing, a coastal cruise, a long anchorage near Mogán, lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and the option to buy several water sports.

That combination explains the strong rating of 4.6 from more than 1,000 bookings. You are not paying only for time on the water. You are also paying for the crew, food service, transport, equipment, and the choice to make the day calm or active.

I would think of it as a social catamaran afternoon rather than a traditional sailing excursion. Music, jokes, drink service, and group activities are part of the appeal. If you want silence, wildlife watching, or a small private boat, this is probably not your best match.

Getting to Puerto Rico from the resort areas

The pickup system covers a long list of places around Gran Canaria’s southern and eastern resort belt. Possible pickup points include Bahía Feliz, Playa del Águila, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Cura, Taurito, Amadores, and several hotel or shopping-center stops.

The coach portion is listed as about one hour each way. That is important when you plan your day. A 4.5-hour cruise can become a substantially longer outing once hotel transfers are added.

The pickup points are centralized rather than door-to-door at every hotel. Read the meeting instructions closely, and arrive early. The transfer is part of the package for designated areas, but it is not provided from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. If you are already staying near the port, you may find it easier to make your own way there.

The transport has been punctual for many bookings, but the number of pickup locations means the outward and return journeys may take time. Families with young children should bring water, sun protection, and something small to occupy them during the coach ride.

Leaving Puerto Rico with a short safety briefing

At Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, you receive a safety briefing of about 10 minutes before boarding or setting off. This is a useful pause, especially because the day includes swimming, a speedboat, and optional powered activities.

The safety talk is not just paperwork. You need to understand where to move on the catamaran, how to use the snorkeling equipment, and how the water activities are organized. If you have a mobility impairment, tell Afrikat when you book. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the operator needs advance notice to prepare appropriately.

The crew works in English and Spanish. Their style is informal and humorous, but several visitors also found them attentive and professional. That balance matters on a boat trip. The atmosphere can be lively without feeling careless.

The southwest coast from the catamaran

The first hour on the catamaran is mostly about settling in. You can find a place in the sun or shade, order a drink, and look back toward Gran Canaria’s beaches, cliffs, and coves.

The southwest coast is especially good for a boat outing because the scenery changes as you move between built-up resort areas and more rugged stretches of shore. You will not be given a full historical tour of the island, but you will get a broad view of the coast from the water, which is a welcome change from seeing it only from roads and hotel terraces.

The boat itself gets frequent praise for being clean, spacious, and well maintained. There are comfortable areas for sunbathing, along with shaded seating. That makes a difference during a long afternoon. You can enjoy the sun for a while, then move out of it without leaving the main group.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible, though it is not specifically listed as required. You should also bring a credit card or cash if you might pay for extra activities, photographs, or souvenirs.

The Mogán bay stop is the heart of the day

After roughly an hour aboard, the catamaran reaches the Mogán area and anchors for about 2.5 hours. This is where the experience becomes flexible. You can swim, snorkel, eat lunch, book a water activity, or do very little at all.

The water is described as clear, and snorkeling equipment is included if you want it. The stop is long enough to make snorkeling feel worthwhile rather than rushed. Several people found plenty of fish in the area, and one particularly enjoyable option is feeding them from the water, where permitted by the crew.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with wind and sea movement, so do not expect a guaranteed underwater spectacle every time. Still, the combination of provided equipment and a long anchorage gives you a fair chance to enjoy the water without hiring gear separately.

You do not have to swim. Comfortable seating and sunbathing areas allow you to stay aboard. This is useful for anyone nervous about boats, anyone who gets cold quickly, and parents who want to take turns watching children.

Lunch, drinks, and what is actually included

The crew serves a chicken wrap with optional bacon pieces, salad, and sauces, along with pasta salad. Potatoes and nachos have also been served on some outings. If you have special dietary needs, contact the provider in advance. Vegetarian arrangements have been made when requested, but you should not rely on sorting out every requirement at the last minute.

The food is practical rather than formal. You eat on board, usually during the anchorage, so it fits the relaxed nature of the trip. The wraps have received especially positive comments, and the meal gives you enough substance before or after the water activities.

Included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. One appealing detail is the self-service beer tap mentioned by a visitor, while crew members may also take orders and bring drinks to your seat. The exact service can depend on the boat setup and crew that day.

Cocktails, wine, spirits, and some special drinks are not included. If you want a cocktail, budget extra. One person especially liked the cocktails, while another found the alcoholic drinks less impressive than the beer, so expectations should stay modest.

A reusable drinking glass is included as a souvenir. It is a small touch, but useful at sea and less wasteful than handing out disposable cups.

Choosing between snorkeling and paid water sports

Snorkeling is included, but the more thrilling activities cost extra. Current listed prices are:

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

The low-priced speedboat option is a particularly easy add-on. It can be a short, exciting ride and may include views of nearby caves or coastal formations. The donut ride is better suited to anyone who wants a simple group thrill without committing to a full motorized activity.

Jet skiing and parasailing are the bigger choices. They can add a real burst of excitement to an otherwise relaxed afternoon, but availability depends on the day and operating conditions. Do not book this cruise solely for a particular machine. Jet skis have been unavailable on some departures, and weather or equipment can affect the program.

Some parties have bought several activities together and found the total worthwhile. If you want to try more than one, bring a bank card or cash and ask the crew about availability as soon as you arrive at the bay. This gives you a better chance of fitting everything into the 2.5-hour stop.

The water sports are optional, not a hidden requirement. You can enjoy the boat, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling without spending beyond the advertised price.

The crew makes the difference

Afrikat’s strongest feature is its people. Potter, identified by several visitors as the owner or central host, is often singled out for setting the tone. Matt and Nikita are also named positively, while one female guide received praise for making announcements funny and easy to follow.

That does not mean the experience is a nonstop comedy show. The better description is a friendly crew that talks with the group, remembers where people are from, helps with activities, and keeps the day moving. The humor is part of the atmosphere, especially if you enjoy social excursions.

The crew has also helped nervous swimmers and people feeling seasick. One family found the staff attentive with a toddler, and another appreciated assistance for a seasick member of the group. You should still bring any medication you normally need, but the crew’s presence is reassuring.

Music varies. Live music is scheduled on Friday mornings, and a saxophone performance has been part of some outings. Do not assume music will be offered every day, since it is tied to the schedule.

Is the $88 price good value?

At $88 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to sit on a boat for a few hours. Its value comes from what is bundled into the price: selected-area transfers, the catamaran trip, lunch, unlimited listed drinks, snorkeling equipment, crew service, and a reusable cup.

For a person who wants only a short swim, you may find the price high. For someone who would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear, the package makes more sense.

The optional charges are fair by excursion standards, but they can quickly raise the total. A jet ski and parasailing session add €64 per person if both apply. A family or group should decide on a spending limit before boarding.

I see this as good value for a social half-day, particularly if you plan to enjoy the included drinks and spend plenty of time at the anchorage. It is less attractive if you dislike group activities or rarely drink.

Who will enjoy this Afrikat cruise most?

This outing suits couples, families, birthday groups, and friends who want several choices in one afternoon. It works well for mixed groups, since one person can snorkel while another sunbathes and someone else pays for a jet ski.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in the southern resort areas and appreciate organized transport. The coach pickup saves you from arranging a taxi, though it adds travel time.

You may want a different boat trip if you prefer quiet sailing, a small group, serious marine-life viewing, or a full day at sea. The Afrikat experience is social, active, and crew-led. Its charm comes from the mix of jokes, drinks, water sports, and easygoing time on deck.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive at your pickup point early, since the excursion serves many locations. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water without changing.

Bring a towel, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a payment card. Keep some cash as a backup for extras. A light cover-up is useful after swimming, and a secure bag helps protect small items on the boat.

Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking. Also report mobility concerns in advance, even though the activity is wheelchair accessible.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the crew recommends and consider bringing your usual remedy. The boat has shaded areas, so you can limit heat exposure during the outward cruise and while anchored.

Finally, treat the water sports as a bonus rather than a guarantee. Weather, equipment, and daily operations can change the program. The included cruise still gives you a complete outing if a particular activity is unavailable.

Should you book it?

I would book this cruise if you want a cheerful, flexible day on the water with food, drinks, snorkeling, and the option to add fast-paced activities. The clean catamaran, attentive crew, long Mogán stop, and choice of shaded or sunny seating give it broad appeal.

I would skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip or if an exact activity, especially a jet ski, is essential. For everyone else, $88 is a reasonable package price when you use the included food, drinks, equipment, and transfer service. Keep your expectations realistic, bring extra money only if you want the paid rides, and let the boat day be as active or lazy as you like.

FAQ

How long does the Afrikat catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts 4.5 hours. The listed schedule includes about one hour of coach travel to the port, a 10-minute safety briefing, about one hour cruising to the Mogán area, a 2.5-hour stop, and the return cruise and transfer.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. Pickup is available from selected centralized points around several resort areas, depending on your location.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food is served on board?

The standard meal includes a chicken wrap with optional bacon pieces, salad, and sauces, plus pasta salad. Contact the provider in advance about special dietary requirements.

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 optionally as part of the activity, and you can use it during the stop near Mogán.

How much do the extra water activities cost?

The listed prices are €32 per jet ski vehicle, €32 per person for parasailing, €10 per person for a donut ride, and €5 per person for a speedboat ride with the captain.

Is the cruise suitable for children and wheelchair users?

The activity is described as suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible. Inform the provider about mobility impairments when booking so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Can I cancel the booking?

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