Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Gran Canaria boat trip is the mix of easygoing sailing and proper time in the water. You leave Puerto Rico, pass rugged coves on the southwest coast, then stop near Mogán for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Later, you get another swim and a meal with the Atlantic around you.

I like the spacious catamaran, which gives you a choice of sunny deck space or shaded seating. I also like the simple value: lunch, water sports, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and hotel transfer are bundled into the $97 price. The main consideration is that the trip lasts 4.5 hours, so you get a fine half-day rather than a full day at sea, and the included drinks favor beer and sangria over wine or cocktails.

Key points to know before booking

• Two water stops: The first is set up for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP boarding. The second combines another swim with lunch.
• Lunch changes by departure: Morning sailings include a seasonal meal, often tuna or chicken with salad, Canarian potatoes, bread, and mojo. Afternoon trips include tapas-style food.
• Small-group feel: The boat has been shared by groups of roughly 17 people, with enough room to sit, sunbathe, or stay in the shade.
• Drinks keep coming: Beer, sangria, water, juices, and soft drinks are included. Cocktails and other extra drinks cost more.
• Pickup is included south of the island: Exact times depend on your accommodation and are sent after booking, so check your email and spam folder.
• Sea conditions matter: The route can change for safety, and the Atlantic water may feel chilly even on a sunny day.

Leaving Puerto Rico for Gran Canaria’s southwest coast

Your day begins at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, with pickup available from accommodation in the south of the island. The operator confirms the exact time after booking because hotel locations affect the route. In practice, the transfer has been described as an air-conditioned minibus, with prompt pickups and drop-offs a common part of the service.

That transfer matters more than it may seem. Puerto Rico is the departure point, but you do not need to arrange a taxi or find your own way to the marina if your accommodation is within the pickup area. Give yourself a little flexibility in the morning, though. The stated pickup time can vary, and the provider specifically asks you to check its email for the final details.

Once aboard, you can settle into a modern catamaran with a clean, open feel. There is room on the sundeck for sunbathing and a shaded seating area for anyone who prefers a break from the strong island sun. I like this setup because the day does not force you into one pace. You can lie back with a drink, watch the coast, or join the water activities when the boat stops.

The route follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, where dry volcanic slopes, sea cliffs, coves, and beaches create a much more rugged view than the resort streets inland. The boat takes you toward the waters outside Mogán, with time to enjoy the changing coastline rather than simply racing to the swimming stop.

The first stop near Mogán is the active one

The first anchorage is the main water-sports stop. You can swim directly from the catamaran and use the provided snorkeling equipment, two SUP boards, and a kayak. The crew sets aside enough time for you to try more than one activity, although the equipment is shared and used in turns.

That shared setup is worth understanding before you book. This is not a private yacht with a board and kayak for every person. If everyone wants to paddle at once, you may need to wait. In smaller groups, that arrangement has worked well, and the boat’s size gives people room to spread out while others are in the water.

Snorkeling is the most accessible choice. You climb down into the Atlantic, put on the supplied mask and equipment, and look for fish around the sheltered bay. Several people have seen plenty of fish, and one outing even had a reported hammerhead shark sighting. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the clear water and quiet cove give you a fair chance to see more than open sea.

The water can be cold, even when the weather feels like summer. I would bring a towel, as requested, and a light cover-up for the ride afterward. A floatation vest has also been available for children, which is useful for families, but you should still watch young swimmers closely around the boat and equipment.

If you prefer not to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view. The catamaran has enough deck space to make that a pleasant choice rather than a consolation prize. This balance is one of the trip’s strengths: active people can keep moving, while others can simply take in the coast with a glass of sangria.

Lunch arrives with ocean views

After the first water stop, the catamaran continues along the coast toward a second stop near Tasarte. The morning departure includes a full seasonal lunch, while the afternoon option serves lighter tapas-style food. The menu can change without notice, so do not book expecting one fixed dish.

The meals described on recent departures have included a choice of tuna or chicken, salad, Canarian potatoes, bread, and mojo sauce. One particularly memorable touch is the way warm potatoes and other food have been brought from the beach by kayak. It gives lunch a local connection and turns a basic boat meal into part of the experience.

The food is not fine dining, and it does not need to be. You are eating on a catamaran, with the Atlantic in view and the option of jumping back into the water. The value comes from fresh, filling food served in a relaxed setting. Portions have generally been described as generous, with enough to go around.

The morning trip is the better choice if lunch is important to you. The afternoon departure is likely a better fit if you want a later start and are happy with tapas rather than a full meal. Check the available departure times before booking, since the choice affects both your food and the rhythm of the outing.

You can also swim during the second stop if you still have energy. Some people use this pause for a quick dip while lunch is being arranged. Others stay on deck, eat slowly, and enjoy the quiet ride back. That freedom makes the trip suitable for mixed groups, including couples, families, and friends who do not all want the same level of activity.

Unlimited drinks are a real part of the value

The $97 price includes water, soft drinks, juice, beer, and sangria. The crew keeps the drinks available throughout the cruise, rather than limiting you to one serving with lunch. A welcome cava has also been offered on some departures, but you should not assume it is part of every sailing unless confirmed at booking.

For someone who plans to drink beer or sangria, the package can be good value. You are also paying for a catamaran cruise, food, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, a kayak, and south-island pickup, so the price is not based on drinks alone.

The calculation changes if you mostly want non-alcoholic drinks. One person who chose soft drinks felt the value was slightly weaker, and that is fair. Wine, cocktails, and other additional drinks are not included. If your group prefers white or rosé wine, ask about the available options before you go rather than assuming the standard drinks package covers them.

I would also pace yourself. Four and a half hours in the sun, with swimming and alcohol, can catch up with you. Drink water, use the shaded seating when needed, and remember that the boat ride continues after lunch.

A comfortable boat with room to find your own pace

The catamaran is one of the strongest parts of this experience. It is described as clean, modern, spacious, and not crowded, with room to sit or stretch out. That makes a real difference on a half-day cruise. A cramped boat can turn a lovely coast into four hours of elbowing for space. This one gives you a better chance to enjoy the ride.

You can choose the sundeck for sun and wide views, or the shaded seating area when the heat becomes too much. The crew has been praised for being attentive without constantly getting in the way. On some departures, crew members have included Callan, Raul, and Michelle, though the team may vary.

The boat also feels stable to many people, but no vessel can remove the chance of seasickness. If you know you are prone to it, consider taking your usual motion-sickness tablet before departure. Sit where the boat feels most comfortable for you, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid drinking too much before the first stop.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than party-focused. Music and drinks may be part of the mood, but the main appeal is time on the water, with activities available when you want them. That makes it a good choice for a birthday, a couple’s day out, or a family outing where some people want adventure and others want to sunbathe.

Optional jet skiing and parasailing

Jet skiing and parasailing may be arranged for an extra charge. They are not part of the $97 package, so treat them as optional add-ons rather than part of the advertised value.

The boat can coordinate these activities during the stops, and participants may leave on a separate speedboat before rejoining the catamaran. This is useful if one member of your group wants a bigger thrill while everyone else prefers snorkeling or a quiet lunch.

The included activities are enough for most people. You can swim, look for fish, kayak, and use the SUP boards without paying more. The paid options are best seen as a bonus for anyone who has always wanted to try a jet ski or parasail.

Who will enjoy this Gran Canaria catamaran trip

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a polished half-day on the sea without having to plan each detail yourself. It suits couples, families, and mixed-age groups particularly well because you can take part in the water sports or remain on deck.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in southern Gran Canaria and value included pickup. The route from Puerto Rico toward Mogán and Tasarte gives you coastal views that you would miss from a resort pool, while the boat provides shade and a comfortable base between swims.

You may want something else if you need a full-day sailing trip, a serious sailing lesson, or a private charter. The shared equipment can also require patience at busy moments, and afternoon passengers receive tapas rather than the fuller morning lunch.

The trip is offered with live guiding in English, Spanish, German, and French. Do not expect a nonstop history lecture, however. The focus is on the sea, food, swimming, and service. If detailed commentary about every cove matters to you, this may feel light on information. If you want a smooth day with time to relax, that is less of a problem.

Is the $97 price fair?

For many people, yes. The package combines transport, a 4.5-hour catamaran cruise, a meal or tapas, unlimited standard drinks, snorkeling gear, a kayak, SUP boards, and two swimming stops. Booking each piece separately would take more effort and could cost more, especially once food and drinks are added.

The strongest value goes to people who will use the included activities and drink beer or sangria. If you do not drink alcohol and plan to stay dry on deck, the price may feel closer to a premium sightseeing cruise. The boat quality and included meal still help, but the package is designed around a full day-out experience rather than simple transportation along the coast.

The cruise has a 4.8 rating from 845 reviews, with especially strong praise for the crew, food, boat condition, space, and organization. That matches the details that matter most in practice: prompt transfers, friendly staff, clean facilities, plentiful drinks, and enough time for swimming and snorkeling.

Should you book it?

Book this Gran Canaria catamaran trip if you want a comfortable, social half-day with two swimming stops, food, and a drinks package already sorted. It gives you more than a sightseeing ride, but it does not demand that you spend every minute in the water.

Choose the morning sailing if you want the fuller lunch and a longer food break. Choose the afternoon if tapas and a later start suit you better. Bring a towel, prepare for cool water, and consider motion-sickness medication if you need it.

I would skip it only if you want a quiet private boat, a full-day voyage, or a more serious focus on sailing and coastal interpretation. For most visitors based in southern Gran Canaria, $97 is a reasonable price for a clean boat, attentive crew, water sports, lunch, drinks, and a scenic route toward Mogán and Tasarte.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and travels along the southwest coast toward areas near Mogán and Tasarte.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts 4.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria. The provider confirms your exact pickup time after booking, and the time can vary by location.

What food is included?

The morning excursion includes a seasonal lunch. Dishes may include tuna, chicken, salad, Canarian potatoes, mojo sauce, bread, and other fresh items. The afternoon excursion includes tapas-style snacks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Cocktails and other additional drinks are not included.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and there is a swimming and water-sports stop near the coast.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. A kayak and SUP boards are available for use during the water stop. Equipment is shared among people on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. You may also want practical swimwear and sun protection, though only a towel is specifically listed as something to bring.

Can the trip be canceled for bad weather?

The activity is subject to sea and weather conditions for safety. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.