Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this four-hour catamaran trip is the simple change of pace: you leave the busy south coast behind, ride out from Arguineguín, and spend time anchored in the Atlantic with lunch and drinks already covered. Dolphins may appear, but they are a lucky extra, not the main event.

I like the easy hotel pickup and return service, and I like that the trip combines a coastal boat ride with real time for swimming and sunbathing. The main drawback is the party atmosphere. Loud music, alcohol, smoking in the only shaded area, and a basic lunch may not suit families with children or older relatives looking for a quiet wildlife trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Arguineguín departure: The catamaran heads south along Gran Canaria’s coast from the Esnautica facilities.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: Keep your eyes open, but book this for the sea outing rather than guaranteed wildlife.
• Beach stop included: You anchor away from the crowds for swimming, sunbathing, snacks, drinks, and lunch.
• Parasailing and jet skiing cost extra: You can arrange either activity during check-in, then reach the catamaran by Zodiac.
• Simple food and open drinks: Seasonal food is provided, with options intended to suit vegans, though the meal may be quite plain.
• Pickup covers key resorts: Hotel transport is included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas.

Leaving Arguineguín for the south coast

Your day begins with pickup at the place arranged with the operator. The transport is a branded blue Esnautica van, and the exact pickup time is reconfirmed before the trip. That small detail matters in the south of Gran Canaria, where resort areas stretch along the coast and a boat departure can otherwise require a taxi.

At the Esnautica facilities, you check in before boarding. This is also the point to add parasailing or a jet ski ride if you want one. Those extras are not included in the $74 price, so treat the advertised fare as the cost of the catamaran, food, drinks, and transport only.

The boat leaves from the dock at Arguineguín and travels south along the coast. The ride gives you a different view of the resort strip, with the Atlantic opening out around you instead of the usual road, promenade, and hotel perspective.

The catamaran is described as sailing, but do not assume you will spend the entire trip under sail power. One account of the experience specifically wanted more actual sailing. If you are a keen sailor, this may feel more like a coastal boat outing than a hands-on sailing trip.

The dolphin search needs realistic expectations

Dolphin sightings are possible during the coastal ride, and that is an appealing reason to bring binoculars or keep your phone ready. Still, wildlife is never guaranteed, and this trip should not be treated as a dedicated dolphin-watching cruise.

That distinction is important. You may see nothing beyond open water and the coast, and one account found the lack of wildlife disappointing. I would book this for the combination of boat time, lunch, swimming, and drinks, with dolphins as a welcome bonus.

The mood on board also shapes the experience. The available feedback describes the staff as extremely friendly and helpful, which is one of the strongest points in the trip’s favor. At the same time, music and alcohol can create a party feel. If you want calm observation and quiet conversation, ask yourself if that setting fits your group.

Optional parasailing and jet skiing at check-in

The optional activities give you a way to make the outing more active. You can buy a parasailing flight or jet ski ride during check-in, rather than booking a separate excursion elsewhere.

If you choose an add-on, you stay with that activity while the catamaran continues toward the beach. Later, a Zodiac takes you out to the main boat. This arrangement means you do not miss the whole trip, but it also adds some movement and coordination to your day.

For someone who wants more than sitting on deck, parasailing or a jet ski ride may justify the extra cost. For someone mainly interested in a relaxed boat ride, the included swim stop may be enough. The important point is to decide your budget before check-in, since these extras are paid for separately.

Dropping anchor at the beach

The catamaran eventually anchors at a beach along the south coast. This is the slow part of the trip, and it is also where the experience either works very well for you or begins to feel long.

You can sunbathe, swim in the Atlantic, enjoy snacks and drinks, and take a break from the resort crowds. I like this setup because you are not rushing from one photo stop to another. You have time to sit, get in the water, and enjoy being on a boat without a strict timetable every few minutes.

You should know what kind of stop this is. It is not presented as a guided beach visit with sightseeing or cultural content. The value comes from the setting and the freedom to relax. If you do not swim, sunbathe, or take part in an optional water activity, the anchored portion may feel slow.

One account found there was a lot of time at anchor and little to do for anyone who did not enter the water. That is useful advice. Bring a good attitude toward unstructured time, because the trip is built around relaxing rather than constant entertainment.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of the fare

At $74 per person, the price includes the four-hour catamaran trip, lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas. That makes the fare easier to judge than a boat ticket alone. You are also paying for transport to the dock and back, plus a meal and refreshments during the outing.

The drinks are described as unlimited, and one account especially praised the friendly service and generous supply. That can make the fare good value for adults who want a social afternoon on the water and do not want to buy each drink separately.

The food is a more modest part of the package. It is seasonal and intended to work for vegans, but do not expect a restaurant-style lunch. One serving was described as spiral pasta with what seemed to be mayonnaise, cucumber, and sweetcorn, along with bread, melon, nachos, and olives.

That sounds more like a simple cold buffet or pasta salad than a carefully prepared meal. You may be perfectly happy with it after swimming, but I would not choose this excursion because of the food. If you have dietary needs, the stated vegan suitability is helpful, though you should still confirm details before booking.

The balance is straightforward: the price makes sense if you want transport, a boat trip, drinks, and a swim stop in one package. It is less attractive if you mainly want high-quality food, a quiet cruise, or a serious wildlife search.

Space, shade, and comfort on board

Boat comfort can vary greatly by departure, but one reported outing carried 35 people. That group found the boat crowded enough that several people had to stand, and felt that around ten fewer people would have made the experience more comfortable.

You should keep that in mind if you dislike busy group excursions. A catamaran offers more room than many smaller boats, but it does not guarantee a seat in your preferred spot or plenty of personal space.

Shade is another practical concern. The rear area was described as the only shaded section, and smokers occupied much of it on one outing. That made it difficult for nonsmokers to sit there comfortably. If you need shade, or if cigarette smoke bothers you, this is worth considering before you book.

There was also a report of one toilet becoming blocked and overflowing late in the trip, with no handwashing facilities or hand sanitizer available. That may reflect a particular departure rather than every outing, but it raises a fair question about maintenance. A four-hour boat ride is long enough for toilet condition and basic hygiene to matter.

The staff receive better marks than the facilities. The captain and sailor were described as friendly and helpful, which can make a noticeable difference when the boat is busy or you need assistance.

How the atmosphere affects different groups

This excursion seems best suited to adults and families who want a social afternoon at sea, casual drinks, and time in the water. You will likely enjoy it most if you can make your own fun during the anchored stop and do not need a packed schedule.

It may also work for a mixed group. One person can swim, another can sunbathe, and another can pay for parasailing or a jet ski ride. That flexibility is useful when everyone in your party wants a slightly different day.

I would be more cautious about booking it for elderly relatives, very young children, or anyone expecting a quiet nature trip. Loud music and alcohol may not be clearly apparent when you first see the basic tour description, but they can define the mood on board.

If your priority is dolphins, choose a trip specifically designed around wildlife viewing instead. This excursion includes the possibility of seeing dolphins, but it places equal weight on food, drinks, swimming, and social time.

Pickup, timing, and cancellation details

The total duration is four hours, with starting times shown when you check availability. Pickup is included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas, and the same service returns you to the place where you were collected.

The operator reconfirms the exact pickup time, so watch for that information before the day of the trip. The branded blue Esnautica van should make the transfer easier to identify.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English, with a live guide. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still shifting. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Those terms do not fix the comfort concerns, but they reduce the risk of committing too early. I would still check the weather and your group’s mood before the final cancellation window.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

You should consider it if you want a convenient half-day on the water with:

• Hotel pickup and return included
• Lunch and drinks covered in the price
• A beach stop for swimming and sunbathing
• The option to add parasailing or jet skiing
• A friendly, social atmosphere
• Four hours away from the resort streets

You may want another option if you need:

• Guaranteed dolphin sightings
• A quiet boat with little or no music
• A substantial, high-quality meal
• Plenty of shade and personal space
• Reliable sailing under wind power
• A carefully maintained boat with strong hygiene facilities

The strongest parts are the friendly crew, easy transport, included drinks, and the chance to spend time anchored offshore. The weaker parts are the simple lunch, possible crowding, party atmosphere, and uncertain wildlife sightings.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you see it as a relaxed social outing, not a specialist dolphin cruise. At $74, it can be fair value for a four-hour boat ride with lunch, drinks, and hotel transport, especially if you plan to swim or take an optional water activity.

I would skip it for a family group seeking quiet nature viewing or for anyone who values polished facilities and a proper meal. Before paying, ask yourself one practical question: will you be happy spending a good part of the trip anchored, with music, drinks, and basic food? If yes, this can be an easy, enjoyable break from Gran Canaria’s resort routine. If not, choose a smaller or more focused boat excursion.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The catamaran departs from the Arguineguín dock, at the Esnautica facilities.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts four hours. Starting times are shown when you check availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas. The supplier reconfirms the exact pickup time and uses a branded blue Esnautica van.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included in the excursion price. The food is seasonal and described as suitable for vegans.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Dolphin encounters are possible, but the activity does not guarantee that you will see wildlife.

Can I add parasailing or a jet ski ride?

Yes. You can purchase a parasailing flight or jet ski ride during check-in. These options are not included in the listed price.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish and English.