Gran Canaria: Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

Four hours of sun, snacks, and sea. This Afrikat afternoon cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria pairs unlimited drinks with a real swim-and-snorkel stop in clear water. I also like that the crew feeds you an onboard meal, not just a token snack. The main drawback to plan for is that the sun deck can feel a bit crammed at times.

You’ll cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and views of the fishing village of Mogán as you head toward the water break. If you want optional action, you can usually add extra thrills for an extra fee, like the donut inflatable or a jet-ski ride.

Quick Takeaways Before You Sail

• Unlimited drinks on board include beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• Swim and snorkel stop in a crystal-clear bay, with snorkeling gear available if you want it
• Crew-served meal includes chicken wrap and pasta salad, with dietary needs handled if you tell them in advance
• Optional add-on water fun like jet ski, parasail, donut, and paid speedboat ride
• Pickup from central resort areas is included, but only from specific zones

Getting to the Afrikat Catamaran: Pickup Zones and Harbor Check-In

This is a true half-day day-out format, and it starts with the convenience factor. The price includes pickup and drop-off transport from centralized points in several areas around Gran Canaria, including Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

One important note: pickup is possible from those listed areas, but it is not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico. So if you’re staying in a neighborhood outside the pickup map, you may need to plan your own harbor arrival.

If you decide to go straight to the dock, head to Puerto Rico (Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130). Sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the start time. That early check-in window matters, because the crew needs everyone settled before they push off.

Passing Mogán and the Southwest Coast: Why the Cruise Itself Matters

The cruise portion is not just filler between activities. You’ll travel along Gran Canaria’s southwest coastline, and the route is built around scenery: viewpoints of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, plus the fishing village of Mogán as you pass.

This matters because it changes how you experience the island. Instead of hopping between lookouts on land, you get a moving “front-row” view, with the sea doing the heavy lifting. Even if the water stop is the main event for you, the cruise leg is what makes the half-day feel like a proper break from resort routines.

The timing also helps. With a 4.5-hour total duration, you get enough time to enjoy the onboard flow, stretch out in the sun, and still have a real chance to cool off. It’s the kind of trip where you can arrive ready to relax and not feel rushed.

The Swim and Snorkel Bay: Clear Water, Simple Gear, Real Time in the Sea

The big water moment is a refresh stop where the catamaran anchors in a crystal-clear bay. You can swim right from the boat, and you’ll have the chance to use snorkeling equipment if you want it.

This is where you should lean into “bring the right stuff” planning. The essentials are straightforward: swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. You’ll also want a camera for quick shots, because the water visibility is the star feature.

If snorkeling is on your wish list, this is also one of those practical set-ups that feels easier than planning your own gear and entry point. The equipment is optional but available onboard, and the crew helps you get set for the water.

As with any anchored swim stop, comfort counts. Go in with basic expectations: you’re not booking a deep dive expedition, you’re getting a fun, accessible window into the marine life near the surface.

Food and Unlimited Drinks: Chicken Wrap, Pasta Salad, and the Drink Plan

Food on this cruise is included, served by the crew. The meal includes a chicken wrap (with bacon and cheese topping, and salad and sauce optional) plus pasta salad.

This is a key value point, because lunch plus drinks can quickly turn expensive on land. Here, it’s built in. You can also tell the crew about special dietary requirements when booking, which is worth doing early rather than hoping it works out day-of.

Drinks are the other half of the package. You get unlimited beverages on board: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included, so if you have specific drink cravings, plan on paying extra for those.

Two practical tips help you enjoy the included drink selection without overdoing it. First, pace yourself, especially if you plan to do any motorized water sports after. Second, if you want photos or a quick wind-down moment, it’s easier to do it between drink refills than during peak sun-deck chaos.

Optional Thrills for an Extra Fee: Jet Ski, Parasail, Donut, Speedboat

If you’re the type who wants more than swimming, this cruise gives you choices. Some of the top paid add-ons include:

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

You’ll also see options like a captain-controlled speedboat add-on and other inflatable or ride-based activities. These are not included, so you’ll want to bring extra money or a bank card for day-of extras.

Now the balanced part: a day on the water can depend on operating conditions. One traveler experienced a day where certain water sports were not offered as expected once the cruise was underway. My advice is simple: ask the crew on arrival what is running that day, and confirm any paid activities before you plan your ideal sequence.

If you’re unsure what to pick, start with the choice that matches your comfort level. The donut inflatable and jet-ski options lean toward active, adrenaline-seeking fun. If you just want a photo-friendly memory plus a quick thrill, the smaller-cost speedboat ride is usually the easiest entry.

Onboard Vibe: Guides, Humor, and Music That Makes the Ride Feel Like a Party

The tone onboard is often the reason people remember this trip. The crew style is welcoming and energetic, and you’ll hear entertaining moments during the cruise and return.

In the reviews tied to this experience, names like Potter and Pedro show up in a positive way as part of the staff experience. Potter, described as the owner, is mentioned as a laugh and a half, and Pedro appears as a helpful, funny guide who adds extra energy to the day.

There’s also live entertainment. One highlight was Ashleigh on the saxophone, played while heading back, which turns the return leg into a more festive send-off. You might not think you care about onboard music until you’re the one sitting in the sun with a chilled drink and a soundtrack.

Just keep expectations realistic. The sun deck can get busy, and some days it may feel a bit crowded. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces, you’ll likely be happier bouncing between deck areas and using the water stop to reset your pace.

Price and Value for a $91, 4.5-Hour Afternoon Cruise

At $91 per person for a 4.5-hour outing, the value comes from how much is already included. You get:

• Catamaran cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast
• Unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water)
• A crew-served meal (chicken wrap and pasta salad)
• Optional snorkeling equipment
• A reusable drinking glass souvenir
• Pickup and drop-off from designated areas

That bundle is the big deal. On an island where tours can nickel-and-dime you for drinks, food, and basic activities, this one keeps the core costs predictable.

Where cost control kicks in is the extras. Jet ski, parasail, donut, and speedboat rides are separate fees, and cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included. If you stay with the included plan, you’ll likely keep the day closer to the advertised price.

If you are the type who normally spends at least a day’s worth of money on food and drinks anyway, this cruise can feel like you’re buying one ticket and getting a whole “day-out” package. If you’re more of a minimalist, you might prefer to pay for a simpler boat option with fewer inclusions, but this one is built for maximum payoff per hour.

Who This Cruise Fits Best, and Who Might Want Another Option

This is a great fit for you if you want a relaxed afternoon at sea with a clear structure: cruise, anchor, swim, eat, drink, then cruise back. It’s also suitable for all ages, and it includes wheelchair accessibility, so it’s not limited to one travel style.

It’s especially good for couples and friends staying in the south coast resort bubble, because pickup is set up from multiple centralized areas. If you don’t want to figure out local transport to the harbor, that “door-to-dock” convenience helps a lot.

If you are sensitive to crowds on sun decks, plan for that. Also, if you’re counting on specific water sports running, treat paid rides as add-ons that you confirm day-of rather than promises.

Should You Book This Afrikat Afternoon Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if your ideal Gran Canaria afternoon includes unlimited drinks, a proper lunch, and a real chance to swim without extra planning. The scenery along the southwest coast, the Mogán views, and the clear-water bay make it feel like more than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Skip or reconsider if you know you’ll only want one quiet thing and nothing else. The experience has energy, and the sun deck can get busy. And if your trip depends on a specific paid thrill being available, build in flexibility and ask what’s operating when you arrive.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat afternoon catamaran cruise?

The duration is 4.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the time you want.

What is included in the price?

The included items are the catamaran cruise, pickup and drop-off from designated central points, unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), a meal served by the crew, and snorkeling equipment if you choose it. You also get a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from centralized points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

Can I go directly to the harbor?

Yes. If you want to go directly to Puerto Rico (Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130), you should sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the excursion starts.

What kinds of drinks are included?

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

What food is served during the cruise?

The crew serves a chicken wrap (with bacon, cheese topping, and salad and sauce optional) and pasta salad. If you have special dietary requirements, you should inform the provider when booking.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is included as an optional item onboard. You can choose to use it during the swim and snorkeling stop.

Are water sports like jet ski or parasail included?

No. Jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasail (€32 per person), donut inflatable (€10 per person), and speedboat ride with the captain (€5 per person) are extra.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring your swimming costume, camera, and sun protection.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.