Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

Sea days here come with serious perks. This 4.5-hour catamaran trip from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria mixes ocean time with snorkeling, SUP, kayaking gear, and a proper sit-down meal. What makes it work so well is the way the crew runs the day, with friendly, attentive service and clear instructions in multiple languages.

I especially like the food and the pace. You get a fresh, seasonal lunch (morning option) or light tapas-style snacks (afternoon option), with Atlantic views, plus Canarian staples like potatoes and mojo. The boat itself also feels built for comfort, with plenty of room to spread out, shade when you want it, and a sun deck for when you do not.

One thing to consider: this is a sea-and-weather subject day, and the water can feel chilly depending on the season. Also, the included drinks are beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, while extras like cocktails cost extra.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Small-group feel on a spacious catamaran, so you are not fighting for space
• Unlimited beer and sangria (plus soft drinks and water), keeping the day easygoing
• Two main stops for swimming and activities, including one timed around the meal
• Snorkeling gear + SUP + kayak are included, so you can try more than just a quick swim
• Lunch or tapas on the water with Canarian-style sides like potatoes with mojo sauce
• Attentive crew support, with practical help for using the water toys safely

A half day on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, with real on-board comfort

This is the kind of trip that makes sense when you want a break from buses and walking, but you still want the coast to feel special. You sail along Gran Canaria’s southwest side while drinks flow and you settle into the routine of ocean time: look around, cool off, then do it again.

The catamaran setup is part of the appeal. You get a sun deck where you can actually lie down, plus shaded seating when the sun turns bold. Reviews also point to the boat feeling clean and stable enough that sea sickness does not dominate the experience, though it can still happen if you are sensitive.

Best of all, the day is designed around movement, not waiting. There are swim stops where you can jump in from the boat, and then you can switch modes to snorkeling, SUP, or kayaking without the usual gear scramble.

Getting from your hotel area to the catamaran (and back) without stress

The trip starts with pickup and return service. Pickup is included for areas south of the island, and the company sends your exact pickup time after booking since it depends on where you are staying. In practical terms, this matters because south Gran Canaria can be spread out, and you do not want to burn your trip time on finding meeting points.

Transport to the boat is typically done by air-conditioned coach or minibus, and several reviews describe it as prompt and comfortable. The drivers are also described as careful and organized, which helps a lot on a day where you are about to get on the water.

When you come back, you drop off near your accommodation area, which is one of those small conveniences that makes the overall experience feel smoother. If you hate the idea of ending your day with another long transfer, this is a strong selling point.

The cruise rhythm: sipping on the way out, swimming near Mogán, then heading to Tasarte

After you leave Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, the sailing portion is more than just transit. You cruise along the coast while you drink soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water. That “already settled” feeling is a big reason people rate this so highly, because you do not spend the first hour waiting for the fun to start.

A swim stop happens just outside Mogán. This is where you can first test the water and try basic snorkeling. Several reviews describe the swim spots as gorgeous and photo-friendly, and the snorkeling experience is often described as genuinely fun, with fish visible from the boat.

Later comes the key change of scene: a stop around Tasar te for food. For the morning option, this is lunch time. For the afternoon option, it is light tapas-style snacks. Either way, the timing is smart because you eat when you are already in ocean mode, not after a long dry stretch.

On the return sail, the day feels like a loop that keeps momentum. You get time on the water, time in the water, then you slowly make your way back with coastline views and time to relax again on deck.

Food at sea: seasonal lunch, Canarian potatoes, and tuna or chicken

If you are the type who worries that “included” food will be disappointing, this is where the trip earns its reputation. The menu is described as fresh and seasonal, so dishes can change, but the style stays Canarian and straightforward.

For the morning excursion, you should expect a sit-down seasonal lunch with options like tuna (often described as filet of tuna) and chicken (including breaded chicken in some menus). The plate typically comes with salad and Canarian potatoes with mild mojo sauce, plus bread. Reviews regularly call this a chef’s kiss type meal, and the portion size comes across as genuinely satisfying rather than token.

One detail I really like from the reviews is how food can be brought to the boat. In at least one account, items like potatoes were delivered by kayak, described as warm and fresh from a local setting. Even if that exact delivery is not always the method, it signals the same idea: the goal is freshness, not reheating something bland on a dock.

For the afternoon sailing, you still get food, just in a lighter format. The day becomes more snack-led, with tapas-style items rather than the full lunch service. That can be ideal if you want more time for water activities than for a longer meal.

Snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking: the included gear is the real value engine

This trip is not only about cruising. It is built around water activities being part of the plan, not an add-on that takes extra time to arrange.

Snorkeling gear is included, and you get what you need to get started. In reviews, people mention seeing plenty of fish at the snorkeling stop, with lots of photos. The staff also offers help and instructions, which matters because using snorkeling gear in open water is easier when someone shows you the basics first.

SUP boards are included too, along with kayaking equipment. If you want a slower, more scenic way to explore, a kayak or SUP session can feel almost like a side activity layered onto the swim stop. Reviews also mention that the boat is set up so you can cycle through activities, which helps when multiple people want the same board or gear.

A few reviews also mention extra options available onboard or arranged at stops, like jet ski or parasailing, usually for an additional price. Those are optional. Even without them, you still get enough included time in the water to make the ticket feel like it covers more than a simple boat ride.

Drinks on board: what is included, and how to judge the $97 price

At $97 per person for a 4.5-hour outing, you should judge value by what you would otherwise pay for separately. Here, the included package is unusually “full” for this length of time.

You get unlimited included drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. That alone can change the math if you actually plan to drink something during the trip. Multiple reviews say drinks felt plentiful and kept coming, with crew members offering them frequently.

You also get the meal included (lunch or tapas), plus snorkeling gear and the water toys (SUP and kayak). If you had to price even part of that out separately, it starts to look like the ticket is doing its job.

Now the honest part. Some people note the drinks mix is not built for everyone. The included alcohol is beer and sangria, and you may not get cocktails unless you pay extra. So if you want wine or specific cocktail types, you might feel constrained. But if you are fine with beer and sangria, this is one of those trips where the drink package makes the day feel like a treat rather than a budgeting exercise.

Crew energy and names you might hear: Callan, Raul, Michelle, and the team

Part of what makes this kind of tour feel “luxury” is not the boat. It is the people running it, and the feedback on the crew is consistently warm and organized.

Some reviews call out specific staff members by name. Callan and Raul are mentioned as wonderful hosts, and Michelle is also named in connection with an especially great experience. The pattern is the same either way: the crew is friendly without feeling intrusive, and they are attentive about safety and comfort.

You will likely hear instructions in multiple languages. Reviews explicitly note instructions offered in English and French as well as Spanish. A multilingual crew matters because it makes the gear use, swim safety, and general flow of the day easier for everyone.

If you like staff that actually helps you have fun, not staff that just points and vanishes, this is a strong fit.

Sea conditions, chilly water, and staying comfortable in the real world

This trip is subject to sea and weather conditions. That matters because water activities depend on conditions you cannot control. The good news is that the catamaran is described as stable by multiple reviewers, and there is a sense that the day is managed well.

Still, you should plan for the possibility of a bit of motion if you are prone to sea sickness. One reviewer recommends sea sickness tablets for those who tend to feel unwell on boats, and it is a practical suggestion. If you are planning for comfort, it is worth being proactive.

Also, the water can be cold, especially outside of peak summer. One review calls out that the water was chilly but refreshing. That is not a dealbreaker, but it is helpful to know so you do not end up underestimating how long you will want to stay in.

What I think this trip is best for (and who may want something else)

This is a great match if you want a relaxing half-day that still includes active moments. You get: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, SUP or kayaking time, and a proper meal. It works well for couples, families, and groups because you can keep it social on deck, then break into smaller activity bubbles in the water.

If you are traveling with kids, you will like that snorkeling and paddle activities are supported, and there are references to flotation vests for a young son. If your group includes people who just want to swim without doing much gear work, the trip also supports that. You can take it at your pace.

What about people who want deep local history or long guided shore time? This trip is not built for that. It is built for ocean experience and comfort. If that is what you want, you will likely love it.

Finally, if you want a bar menu with lots of drink variety, this may feel limited because only beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included. You can still have a great time, you just might order differently.

Optional extras: jet ski and parasailing if you want the adrenaline

One of the nice touches of this experience is that it gives you baseline fun included, but also offers options if you want more. Some reviews mention jet skiing and parasailing as paid extras, and one child had a first parasailing experience.

If you are the type who likes a simple plan, you can skip the extras and still feel like you packed enough into the day. If you want to check a bucket-list activity, the extras can add that extra level of wow without changing the whole structure of the trip.

Should you book this Gran Canaria catamaran day trip?

I’d book it if you want a comfortable catamaran day that mixes relaxation with real water time, and you value included food and drinks. The biggest selling points are the organization, the friendly crew, the fact that snorkeling and water toys are actually part of your ticket, and the meal being described as fresh and genuinely enjoyable.

I’d think twice if you are very picky about drinks beyond beer and sangria, or if you hate cold water and boat motion. Also, if you want long land-based exploration, this is not that style of outing.

If you are visiting Gran Canaria’s south and you want one “easy win” activity that feels like more than a basic boat ride, this trip has the ingredients to deliver.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day trip?

The duration is 4.5 hours.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water. Additional drinks like cocktails are not included.

Is lunch included?

For the morning option, lunch is included. For the afternoon option, you get light tapas-style snacks.

What water activities are included?

Included activities include snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and kayaking gear.

Where does the trip depart from?

The trip departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off is included for locations south of the island. The exact pickup time is confirmed by the provider after booking.

What languages is the live tour guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Spanish, German, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel.

What if the sea is rough or weather changes?

The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions for safety.