Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Gran Canaria boat trip is its easy mix of sea time, water sports, and a proper meal. You cruise the rugged southwest coast from Puerto Rico, stop in quiet coves near Mogán, and have room to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out under the sun.

I like the way drinks are served throughout the cruise, with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water included. I also like the small-group feel and the practical setup: a clean catamaran, shaded seating, a sunny deck, and equipment ready to use. The main thing to consider is that the water can feel chilly, and 4.5 hours may seem short once you settle into the relaxed pace.

Key points to know before booking

• Two water stops: Use the snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and kayak at the first stop, then swim again near lunch.
• Morning and afternoon options: Choose a full seasonal lunch in the morning or tapas-style food in the afternoon.
• Unlimited included drinks: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the cruise.
• Spacious catamaran: You get both shaded seating and open deck space for sunbathing.
• Pickup south of Gran Canaria: Hotel transfers are included, but your exact time depends on where you stay.
• A strong $97 value: The price covers the boat, food, drinks, equipment, and transport, making it more than a basic sightseeing cruise.

Leaving Puerto Rico for Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

The outing begins in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, a useful starting point for exploring the island’s southwest shore by sea. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the south, with the provider confirming your exact time after booking. Check your email, including the spam folder, since pickup times vary by location.

The transfer has been a real strength of this experience. The minibus is described as air-conditioned and punctual, which matters in a resort area where getting to a marina can otherwise mean arranging a taxi. Once you arrive, you board a modern catamaran with space to spread out rather than being packed into a narrow excursion boat.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. The morning trip is the better choice if you want a more complete meal and the broadest use of the day. The afternoon sailing suits you if you prefer a lighter outing with tapas and a later start.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. You should expect safety instructions and general help with the equipment, though the main appeal is the relaxed time on the water rather than a highly narrated sightseeing tour.

A comfortable catamaran with room to breathe

The boat is one of the clearest reasons this trip earns its $97 price. You have a sun deck for lying out, shaded seating when the sun gets strong, and enough open space to move around during the cruise. Several people have described the catamaran as clean, spacious, and not crowded.

That layout changes the feel of the day. You can join the water activities, then return aboard and find a quiet place to dry off. If someone in your group wants to sunbathe while another person kayaks, you are not forced into the same activity.

I would bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a light layer. The wind can feel cooler once the boat is moving, even on a warm island day. You should also keep your expectations sensible about the boat itself: this is a comfortable excursion catamaran, not a private yacht charter.

The route follows the southwest coast, passing beaches, coves, and the wilder-looking sections of Gran Canaria’s shore. The views are best enjoyed from the front or upper deck, while the shaded area is the smarter choice if you burn easily or simply want a break from the sun.

The first stop: swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking

The first major stop is usually in a sheltered bay near the Mogán area. This is when the outing becomes more than a coastal cruise. You can swim directly from the catamaran, use the provided snorkeling equipment, paddle a SUP board, or take the kayak out for a closer look at the water and cliffs.

The snorkeling is a highlight when visibility is good. Several people have described seeing plenty of fish, and one outing even produced a sighting of a small hammerhead shark. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course, but the stop gives you a proper chance to look below the surface instead of merely passing the coast.

The equipment is shared, so you may need to take turns with the paddleboards and kayak. That is worth knowing if your whole group wants to use them at once. Snorkeling gear is provided for everyone, while the limited number of larger watercraft naturally creates a little waiting.

You do not need to be an accomplished swimmer to enjoy the stop, but you should be comfortable in open seawater. A flotation vest was available for a child on one outing, and the crew helps with the practical parts of getting in and out. Still, conditions can change, and the boat operator may adjust the stop for safety.

The water temperature is another consideration. In warmer months it may feel refreshing; in cooler months it can be brisk. The island’s mild air temperature does not guarantee warm seawater, so bring the towel and expect a sharp first step into the Atlantic.

Lunch near Tasarte, with Canarian flavors

The morning sailing includes a seasonal lunch, with food collected from a local restaurant near the beach at Tasarte. That detail gives the meal a stronger sense of place than a standard boxed lunch. On some departures, food has even been brought out to the catamaran by kayak, which makes the handoff part of the fun.

The menu can change, but typical dishes include tuna or chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. The potatoes are a local favorite: small, salty, wrinkled potatoes usually served with a seasoned sauce. The mild mojo mentioned on the menu suits people who want flavor without too much heat.

Portions have generally been generous, with enough food for everyone. The tuna and chicken provide a useful choice for different tastes, though you should not book this as a specialized culinary tour. The appeal is eating a fresh, satisfying meal outdoors, with the sea around you and no need to leave the boat for lunch.

The second stop allows time for another swim while the meal is prepared or collected. Some people use the pause to get back in the water, while others stay aboard, dry off, and enjoy the view. This creates a pleasant rhythm: activity first, food and rest second.

Afternoon departures serve tapas-style snacks rather than the full lunch. That makes the afternoon option less suitable if you expect a substantial meal, especially if you plan to replace lunch with the boat food. If eating well is central to your day, choose the morning sailing.

Drinks are part of the value

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included and available during the cruise. The crew keeps offering drinks, so you do not need to buy each one separately every time you want a refill.

For many people, this is what makes the $97 fare feel fair. A shorter boat trip with paid drinks, rented water equipment, and a separate lunch can quickly approach the same cost. Here, the main components are bundled together.

The value is less obvious if you do not drink alcohol. Soft drinks, juice, and water are available, but cocktails and other additional drinks are not included. If you mainly want a quiet cruise and rarely use the water equipment, you may find a simpler coastal boat ride cheaper.

For a group that enjoys sangria or beer, the package is much easier to justify. The drink service also helps keep the day social without turning the outing into a loud party cruise. The mood is generally described as friendly and relaxed rather than rowdy.

The return sail and the wild side of the coast

After the second stop, the catamaran turns back toward Puerto Rico. The return leg gives you time to dry out, take photographs, and watch the coastline from a different angle. The shore becomes the main event again, with rocky stretches and secluded-looking coves that are difficult to appreciate from inland roads.

Do not expect a formal history lesson at every bend. A little more commentary about the coast would improve the experience for anyone who wants to understand the island as well as see it. This is primarily a leisure cruise, with the crew focused on service, safety, drinks, food, and water activities.

Wildlife sightings are possible but not promised. Dolphins and a whale have been seen on some outings, and the crew has occasionally altered the route briefly for a better look. Treat those moments as luck, not part of the scheduled program.

The day ends back in Puerto Rico, followed by the included transfer to your accommodation if you are staying in the covered southern area. The cruise itself lasts 4.5 hours, which is long enough for two stops and a meal without consuming the whole day.

What $97 gets you, and who will find it worthwhile

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to sit on the Atlantic. It is a package built around convenience. Your fare includes:

• Catamaran sailing
• Pickup and drop-off south of Gran Canaria
• Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
• Morning lunch or afternoon tapas
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP boards and kayak
• A multilingual crew

That list gives the price solid value if you plan to use several parts of the package. A couple who wants swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks is getting far more than a simple harbor cruise. Families also benefit from the easy transport and range of activities, although parents should keep an eye on children during open-water stops.

This trip suits you best if you want a low-stress half-day on the sea. It works for couples, families, mixed-age groups, and friends who do not all want to do the same thing. One person can kayak, another can snorkel, and someone else can remain in the shade with a drink.

It is less ideal if you want a serious sailing experience, extensive coastal commentary, or a long whale-watching expedition. It is also not the right pick if you dislike open-water swimming or expect every participant to have an individual kayak or paddleboard.

Additional activities such as jet skiing and parasailing may be arranged at extra cost on some departures. They are not part of the included package, so ask about current availability and pricing before counting on them.

Small details that make the day easier

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. That is useful if your weather plans are still shifting, though the trip remains subject to sea and weather conditions.

Bring a towel. You should also wear something comfortable for getting wet and carry sun protection, since the open deck receives strong light even when the air feels pleasant.

The water equipment is shared, and the boat’s timetable depends on sea conditions and the pace of the group. If you want the first chance at a paddleboard or kayak, listen for the crew’s instructions when the boat anchors.

The food is seasonal, so do not expect the exact tuna, chicken, potato, and salad combination every time. Those dishes are examples of the style of meal, not a fixed menu. Anyone with important dietary needs should confirm options before booking, since no special menu details are provided here.

Should you book this Gran Canaria catamaran trip?

I would book it if you want one easy half-day that combines a boat ride, swimming, casual water sports, food, drinks, and hotel transport. The strongest features are the spacious catamaran, attentive service, useful equipment, and generous included package.

Choose the morning departure for the full lunch and the best chance to make the outing feel like a complete day at sea. Choose the afternoon if tapas are enough and you prefer a later, lighter schedule.

Skip it if you want a quiet private charter, a detailed guided tour of the coast, or guaranteed warm water and marine life. For most visitors staying in southern Gran Canaria, though, this is a well-balanced way to get offshore without arranging several separate activities.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The trip departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and sails along the island’s southwest coast.

How long does the excursion last?

The catamaran trip lasts 4.5 hours.

Are morning and afternoon departures available?

Yes. You can choose between morning and afternoon sailing times, subject to availability.

What food is included?

The morning excursion includes a fresh seasonal lunch. The afternoon excursion includes tapas-style snacks. The menu can change without notice.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included. Additional drinks, such as cocktails, cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and a kayak are provided for use during the swim stops.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of Gran Canaria. The provider confirms the exact pickup time after booking, and it can vary based on your accommodation.