Reviewed · SAILING

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks

4.5 · 495 reviews 4 hours (approx.) From $93 Operated by Magic & Sailing · Bookable on Viator
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Sun, sail, and dolphins in one half-day. This Magic Select catamaran trip is built around sailing out of Morro Jable each morning, then searching for dolphins and whales before a swim in quiet south-coast coves, with food and drinks included. I especially like the mix of open deck space and a lively crew with familiar energy, including entertainers like Juani, plus captain Aron. One real drawback to plan for: animal sightings and specific cove time can vary with conditions, and you should be ready for the luck factor.

The boat itself makes a difference. With a maximum group size of 70 and a spacious catamaran feel, you can actually relax, sunbathe, and move around without feeling packed in. Still, it is outdoors and weather matters, so bring sunscreen and be ready to dress for sun and sea air.

If you are coming from Costa Calma, Esquinzo, or Jandía, pickup can make the day easy. The downside is that pickup is not from every hotel, and you may be routed to a stop within about a 5-minute walk, so check your email for your exact pickup time and do not wait until the last minute.

Key highlights worth aiming for

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks - Key highlights worth aiming for

  • Magic Select catamaran with real sailing time: You raise a 150m2 sail at the start, not just a motor cruise.
  • Dolphin and whale search in Canary waters: The captain and crew actively look, and sightings can happen quickly.
  • White-sand coves in the south, plus a swim stop: This is the fun part where the sea turns from scenery into activity.
  • Lunch and drinks included on board: People consistently mention chicken and rice-style lunch and drinks on tap.
  • A crew that knows how to set a mood: Music and dancing show up more than once during the trip.
  • Small-ish group for a half-day: Even at up to 70 people, the boat size helps you feel less crowded.

Morro Jable to open water: what makes this catamaran day work

Fuerteventura is famous for long beaches, and Morro Jable is a smart place to start if you want coast views without spending hours on the road. This trip focuses on sea time, not museum time. You go out with a modern, luxury-style catamaran, and you are not stuck staring at one shoreline the whole day.

I like that it is built around motion and atmosphere. The start includes raising a 150m2 sail, which means the day has a proper sailing feel, not just a background theme. You also get a day that is easy to picture even if you hate planning: sail out, look for wildlife, then head toward quiet coves where you can cool off.

The other part that stands out is how the crew drives the vibe. Names like Juani show up as someone who keeps the energy up, and captain Aron is described as paying close attention while searching for dolphins. Add in music, and this is not the kind of boat trip where everyone sits quietly like it is a bus with snacks.

That said, the sea has its own rules. You are going out to search for dolphins and whales, so sightings are a possibility, not a promise. If you come expecting guaranteed animals, you could end up disappointed, even on a well-run day.

The 4-hour flow: sail setup, wildlife search, and the south-coast swim

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks - The 4-hour flow: sail setup, wildlife search, and the south-coast swim
The timing is simple, and it matters. This is about 4 hours total, starting at 10:00 am. Because the window is short, the crew keeps the pace light but purposeful, which helps if you only have half a day in Fuerteventura.

You start in the Port of Morro Jable. The day begins with the sail being raised, then you set out into crystal-clear waters in search of dolphins and whales that live around the Canary Islands.

Next comes the wildlife search phase. Some people report seeing dolphins within a short time of leaving the dock, and then again later as the captain keeps repositioning. The key practical point for you is this: stay attentive, do not retreat into full shade the moment you board, and give the crew a few minutes when they shift course. Those course changes are the whole game here.

After the search, the captain changes direction toward the south of Fuerteventura. This part of the day centers on small, deserted coves with white sand, where the trip includes a stop for a refreshing dip. This is the moment that turns a pretty outing into something you will remember, because you get to actually use the water, not just watch it.

If you plan your packing around the last third of the trip, you will be happier. Bring sunscreen, because you will get sun from the sea and the sky, and people explicitly flag that as a must. Also think about layers, because sea air can feel cooler once you are back out on open water.

Lunch, drinks, and onboard fun: what included means in real life

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks - Lunch, drinks, and onboard fun: what included means in real life
This trip is sold as food and drinks included, and that is not just marketing fluff. You get lunch served on board, and you also have a large selection of drinks during the excursion.

In terms of what you might eat, the most consistent reports point to chicken and rice-style lunch, sometimes described like chicken paella or chicken with rice and stew. Expect simple, filling boat food rather than fancy fine dining. The value here is that you do not have to find a restaurant, wait, or pay for drinks during the middle of the day.

For drinks, people mention drinks on tap, including cold white wine. That matters because boat trips can quietly charge for everything once you are at sea. Here, the included drinks are a big part of why the mood can turn social quickly.

Now, the fun part: music and dancing. Multiple people talk about music and entertainment that keeps the atmosphere going. If you like a relaxed party-leaning vibe, this will feel like a good match. If you prefer quiet time only, you can still find calm spots, because the boat is large enough to let you choose your level of energy.

One caution: alcohol and sun can hit hard together. I would still pace yourself, especially if you plan to swim. It is a sea day, and the best outcomes happen when you stay comfortable and clear-headed.

Dolphins and whales: setting the right expectations without killing the magic

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks - Dolphins and whales: setting the right expectations without killing the magic
Wildlife trips are always a mix of science and luck. This one is straightforward: the captain and crew actively look for dolphins and whales, and you may see them close up enough for great photos.

The good news is that sightings can happen fast. Some people describe dolphins appearing soon after leaving the port, and others describe longer dolphin companionship while the boat moves through the water. That is exactly what you want for photos and for that wow feeling.

The less perfect news is that nature does not care about your schedule. One negative experience specifically complained about dolphins being far away and about the overall match between description and what happened during the day. Another person said they had a nice trip but did not see dolphins or whales. So, yes, you can have a great time even without animal sightings, but the wildlife part may not land perfectly every day.

If you care most about wildlife, here is the practical approach:

  • Stay on deck when the crew is scanning and repositioning.
  • Use sunscreen early, then settle where you can look out comfortably.
  • Keep your expectations flexible, because whales and dolphins are not predictable on command.

If you care most about swimming and coves, you are still in luck. The swim stop is part of the experience design, and the south-coast coves are the reason many people book this type of half-day in the first place.

Pickup in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía: timing and how not to miss the boat

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks - Pickup in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía: timing and how not to miss the boat
Logistics can make or break a half-day tour, and this one tries to help. Pickup is offered at the resorts of Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía. That is a real benefit if you are staying in those areas, and it can save you the hassle of figuring out transport to the port.

But pickup is not universal. Pickup cannot be offered from all hotels, and you will be directed to selected pickup points. The listing says these stops are within a 5-minute walking distance from every hotel in the area, which is helpful, but you still need to know where you are going.

Here is the key timing rule: you will receive your pickup time within about 12 hours after booking. Check your spam or junk folder if it does not show up in your inbox. Also, if you do not need transport, you must be at the port of Morro Jable 30 minutes before the trip begins.

That 30-minute buffer is not a suggestion. Boat trips leave. If you arrive late, you risk losing the day.

One more smart move: plan for a smooth handoff back at the end. The trip ends back at the meeting point, so if you booked pickup, it should line up with where you want to go next. If you are doing independent transport, build in extra time because sea days can run slightly differently depending on conditions.

Group size and comfort: 70 people, but not the crowded feeling

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks - Group size and comfort: 70 people, but not the crowded feeling
The group cap is 70 travelers, which tells you something important. It is not a private charter, but it is also not the huge party-boat crowd. Most positive comments emphasize that the boat feels spacious and not over-crowded, even with a full load.

On a catamaran, that matters. You can find shade, move along the deck, and choose where to sit depending on sun intensity. People also describe the ride as comfortable, with one report calling out that the boat was not moving much, which is a good sign for anyone nervous about seasickness.

Still, it is a sea trip, so it is smart to be prepared. If you are prone to seasickness, bring what usually works for you. One person specifically said a seasick passenger was taken care of, which suggests the crew is alert to comfort needs, but do not rely on magic pills happening onboard.

Comfort tips that help:

  • Wear sunscreen early, not when you realize you forgot.
  • Bring sunglasses and something for wind, like a hat.
  • Keep water and snacks habits in mind, since you will have lunch on board but the sea day still includes sun and movement.

Price and value at $93.12: what you are paying for

Fuerteventura: Magic Select Catamaran Trip with Food & Drinks - Price and value at $93.12: what you are paying for
At $93.12 per person, you are paying for four things: a catamaran ride with real sailing, active wildlife searching, a swim stop, and a food plus drinks package. This is not just a transfer plus view.

A lot of similar boat trips end up feeling expensive once you add paid drinks or extra costs at the bar. Here, drinks are included, and the lunch is part of the ticket. In practice, that often makes the per-hour value feel better than it looks on paper.

The trick is to compare your preferences. If you want mostly a quiet scenic cruise with zero chance of water time, this may feel like more than you need. If you like being outside, getting sun, and possibly swimming, the included lunch and drinks make the day feel like a real deal.

You do need to stay realistic about the wildlife component. The value is not only tied to dolphins and whales. The trip is also about coves, sea views, and onboard atmosphere, and even the less animal-focused experiences can still feel worthwhile because the day is structured to keep you busy.

Who should book this Magic Select trip, and who might skip

This trip is a strong fit for couples and families who want a memorable half-day without complicated planning. It also works well for groups who enjoy a social mood, since music and dancing show up more than once during the experience.

Book it if:

  • You want a catamaran with real sailing time, including the 150m2 sail moment.
  • You like the idea of a dolphin and whale search, but you also care about swimming in the south.
  • You want lunch and drinks included so the day stays simple.

Consider skipping or switching if:

  • Wildlife sightings are your only priority and you get frustrated when nature does not cooperate.
  • You dislike any party-style entertainment. You can still find quieter corners on a spacious boat, but the mood does not try to be silent.

If you are thinking about it as a first boat trip on Fuerteventura, this is an easy recommendation because the itinerary is not stretched out. You get the key moments in a short window.

Should you book? My quick decision guide

I would book this if you want a half-day that balances sea views, included food and drinks, and a real swim stop. The format is clear, the boat size helps with comfort, and the crew energy seems to be a core strength, with people specifically praising captain Aron and entertainers like Juani and Oliver.

I would pause if you are booking purely for guaranteed whales or dolphins. The search is the point, but sightings are not controllable. Also, do not ignore the occasional unhappy story about mismatches in what was expected, like coves or the alcohol taste level. The majority of experiences are positive, but no activity like this can be 100 percent consistent.

If you go, go for the total package: sailing, coves, and the fun onboard atmosphere. That is where the real value shows up.

FAQ

What time does the Magic Select catamaran trip start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 4 hours.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Yes, pickup is offered at Costa Calma, Esquinzo, and Jandía. Pickup is not available from every hotel, and some areas use pickup points within about a 5-minute walk.

What if my hotel is not included for pickup?

If you do not need transport, you should plan to be at the port of Morro Jable 30 minutes before the trip begins.

What ticket do I need to show?

You use a mobile ticket.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The excursion includes food and a large selection of drinks during the trip, and people describe the lunch as chicken and rice-style dishes.

What wildlife are you searching for?

The trip is designed to look for dolphins and whales.

How many people are on the boat at most?

The activity has a maximum of 70 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

What happens if the trip is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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