Afrikat Afternoon Cruise

Gran Canaria looks different from a catamaran. This 4.5-hour Afrikat cruise runs along the coast from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico, with views you just cannot get from the road, plus a swim and snorkel stop in a calm bay.

You’ll get two big wins fast: an easy hotel pickup (from the south) and time on the water to swim and snorkel with equipment provided. The food and drinks are built into the ticket too, so you can settle in without constantly checking your wallet.

The main thing to think about is the extra water sports. The fun stuff like jet ski, parasailing, and the donut ride costs extra, and participation in optional activities can be at your own risk, so bring the right insurance mindset.

Key things to know before you go

• 2:30pm start: perfect for a late lunch feeling, then an afternoon on the water.
• South Gran Canaria pickup points: convenient from many hotels, but not from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan.
• Swim and snorkel time in a calm bay: you’re not just cruising past views, you’re in the water.
• Included meal plus drinks: a chicken wrap with pasta salad, plus beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.
• Optional high-energy rides are add-ons: jet ski and parasailing have set per-person prices.
• Small group feel on a bigger boat: up to 66 travelers, with a max of 12 per booking.

Riding Afrikat: why this afternoon cruise feels like a treat

If your trip to Gran Canaria needs one simple “yes” day, this is it. You start in the south, hop aboard a catamaran, and spend the afternoon cruising the coastline of the island from the water. The vibe is relaxed and sun-focused, but not boring, because there’s swim time and optional water sports if you want more action.

I like that the experience is built around the idea that the sea is the main event. You’re not racing from sight to sight, and you’re not stuck inside. You’re out there for views, breeze, and a real break from driving or bus schedules.

Price and what you really get for $93

At about $93.16 per person, the value comes from bundling a lot of the “cost creep” into the ticket. You’re paying for the 4.5-hour boat experience, an onboard meal, drinks, and the transport back and forth from many south hotels.

Here’s what’s included, in plain terms:

• A boat trip of about 4.5 hours, leaving from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico
• An onboard meal: chicken wrap with pasta salad
• Drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• Swim and snorkel chance, with equipment provided
• Return transport from your hotel area (based on where you’re staying)

What isn’t included is also clear. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits cost extra. Jet ski, parasailing, and the donut ride are add-ons with set prices, and there’s also a small optional speedboat ride with the captain.

In other words, if you plan to do just the swim and snorkel plus the included food and drinks, the ticket covers a lot. If you load up on the higher-energy rides, your total cost climbs, but you’ll still know the prices upfront.

The 2:30pm plan: pickup, check-in timing, and getting to Puerto Base

This cruise starts at 2:30pm. If you’re being picked up, you need to check your transport details email at least 24 hours before departure, because the exact pickup time and place is confirmed then. Pickup is only available from centralized pickup points in the south of the island.

If you’re arriving on your own to the port, plan to be there 30 minutes before departure. That matters, because boarding day is easier when you’re not rushing through check-in at the last minute.

One practical detail: this activity ends back at the meeting point. So even if you do not use the pickup, you still return to Puerto Base area at the end.

Stop 1: Afrikat at Puerto Base, Puerto Rico

Your “start line” is the Afrikat catamaran at C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain. The cruise is marketed as an exclusive catamaran outing, and on the day, it feels that way because you’re not joining a huge free-for-all shore group. There’s still a decent passenger count (up to 66 total), but the max of 12 people per individual booking helps it feel more manageable.

Once aboard, the afternoon works like a flowing rhythm:

1. Cruise along the coastline to get the best coastal views while everyone settles in.
2. Continue toward a calmer area in the bay.
3. Anchor and then shift into swim and snorkel mode.

If you’re the type who enjoys atmosphere as much as sights, this timing is smart. You get a mix of sightseeing-by-sea and then a payoff, the moment you’re actually floating and looking at fish.

The cruising portion: coast views that feel like they should cost more

While you’re moving, you’ll be taking in Gran Canaria from the water. The tour focuses on scenery and weather: sunshine, sea breeze, and the coastline looking wide and open. This is one of those activities where the boat itself matters, because you get that constant sense of motion and changing angles.

A catamaran also tends to make afternoons like this more comfortable than smaller boats. You’re spreading the group out over deck space, and it’s easier to find a place to sit, a place to stand, and a place to take photos without shoulder-to-shoulder crowding.

I also like that the cruise doesn’t force you into a strict schedule of stops. The “moving then anchoring” approach keeps the energy up without feeling like hard work.

Swim and snorkel time in a calm, clear bay

This is the heart of the experience. The boat heads toward a calm, crystal clear bay, anchors, and then you get time to swim and snorkel. Snorkeling equipment is provided, which helps a lot if you’re traveling light.

What I find practical here is that you can do as much or as little as your comfort level allows. You can swim without committing to snorkel, or snorkel without needing to be an expert swimmer. Either way, you get that payoff people dream about: you’re not just looking at the water, you’re in it.

Bring a swimsuit you’re happy to wear, because you may be in and out of the water. Also, keep an eye on your timing so you don’t miss the best water clarity window. If the group gets excited about water sports add-ons, it’s easy to lose track of when the anchoring time is ending.

Optional water sports: where the fun adds up (and how to choose)

This cruise has optional water sports offered at special discounted rates. The key detail is that these are extras. If you want them, it’s worth budgeting for them.

Here are the listed options:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Fun speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person (optional)

One review highlighted high energy water sports as a standout value, especially when you’re on vacation and want a memorable “one big thrill” moment. Another review mentioned a parachute-style ride (they were very pleased with how clear the water looked), while still keeping the rest of the cruise relaxing.

My advice: treat the extras like a menu, not a requirement. If you do one thing, do the thing that matches your comfort level. Jet ski and donut rides can feel fast and splashy. Parasailing adds the safety and procedure side, so listen carefully and follow crew guidance.

Also, pay attention to the operator’s risk approach. In a customer dispute, the operator noted that non-obligatory water sports participation is at the customer’s risk and travel insurance would be required in case of an incident. So if you’re buying thrills, buy the right insurance mindset too.

Onboard food and drinks: included basics, with mixed reports

The cruise includes an onboard meal and a wide drink list. That alone is a big deal for an afternoon on the water, because you do not want to pay for snacks and drinks again at the end of the day.

Included meal:

• Chicken wrap with pasta salad

Included drinks:

• Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water

And here’s where you should calibrate expectations. One review praised the food and service, calling the meal delicious and the pickup a strong plus. Another review was less happy, describing the food as not good and the drinks as budget-level.

So how do you handle this realistically? Assume the meal is designed to be filling and easy to serve while you’re cruising. If you love trying local flavors, you might feel like it hits the spot. If you’re a picky eater or you expect gourmet restaurant standards, you might find it average.

A small plus: the drinks included cover the classics you’d want on a sunny afternoon. Sangria and beer are included, but cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not.

One more fun detail from reviews: one person mentioned live saxophone during the return to harbour. Even if that is not guaranteed, it signals that the atmosphere can include little entertainment moments beyond just the water.

Crew and service: what you can count on

This is where the reviews tilt strongly positive. The consistent theme is that the crew is friendly, organized, and attentive. Multiple comments highlight good service, good handling of activities, and a generally smooth flow from pickup to boarding to anchoring to return.

That matters because a half-day cruise has lots of moving parts: finding the right people for pickup, getting everyone onboard, managing swimmers and snorkelers, and coordinating optional activities. When the crew runs it well, you feel it immediately as less waiting and fewer awkward moments.

From a practical standpoint, you should still do your part: follow check-in instructions, arrive on time, and listen for safety guidance before you enter the water or choose optional rides.

Who this cruise suits best

This Afrikat Afternoon Cruise works best if you want:

• A half-day sea break without a complicated schedule
• A mix of calm sightseeing and active water time
• Hotel pickup convenience in the south
• Included drinks and an included meal

It also suits people who are traveling with mixed interests. Some can relax on deck and soak up sunshine, while others head to snorkel or add on a ride. It’s not a hardcore sport day unless you choose the extras.

Families should note children must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re planning to drink alcohol, the minimum drinking age is 18.

Logistics and limits that affect your day

A few small details can change how smooth your afternoon feels:

• The experience language is English.
• It’s near public transportation, in case you need a plan B.
• Max travelers is 66, with a max of 12 people per booking.
• Pickup is only from centralized points in the south, and it’s not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan.

If you’re staying outside the pickup zone, you might need to get yourself to Puerto Base. In that case, your main job is just to arrive early enough for check-in.

The value question: should you splurge on extras?

This is where I’d be honest with you. If you’re paying for a day on the water, the included swim and snorkel already do a lot of heavy lifting. The extras are for people who want an extra story, a photo, or a “that was intense” memory.

If you’re budget-minded, pick one add-on at most. For example, if you want a thrill but also want to stay safe and relaxed, you might choose a single activity like a donut ride or jet ski, then spend the rest of the day enjoying the boat and views.

If you’re thrill-first, you can stack multiple extras, and some reviews say those extra sports were well worth it. Just remember: the faster and splashier the ride, the more you’ll want to plan your day around it.

Should you book the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an easy afternoon that mixes coast views, real water time, and included food and drinks, with south hotel pickup to reduce stress. For about $93, it’s a solid value if you plan to keep the day simple or choose just one optional water sport.

I would hesitate if you’re very picky about food quality or you only want drinks beyond the included beer and sangria, because cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are extra. I’d also be more careful if you’re sensitive to optional high-energy activities, since non-obligatory water sports carry at-your-own-risk participation terms and require travel insurance thinking.

If you want a low-effort, high-sun, high-sea afternoon in Gran Canaria, this cruise is a strong match.