Gran Canaria: Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Afrikat catamaran cruise is the mix of easygoing sailing and proper water time. You cruise Gran Canaria’s southwestern coast, then anchor near Mogán for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and optional rides rather than simply circling the harbor.

I like the unlimited drinks, especially when you can relax with beer, sangria, coffee, juice, or water without watching every order. I also like the friendly, comic crew style, with guides such as Potter and Nikita helping create a sociable mood. The main consideration is that jet skis, parasailing, donut rides, and the speedboat cost extra, and some activities may not operate on a particular day.

Key points to know before you book

• A real swimming stop: You get time in a clear bay near Mogán for swimming and snorkeling with equipment provided.
• Lunch is included: Expect a chicken wrap with salad, sauces, and optional bacon bits, plus pasta salad.
• Drinks keep flowing: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included, but cocktails, wine, and spirits are not.
• The crew shapes the day: Potter, Nikita, Matt, and the wider team are known for playful announcements, helpful service, and a relaxed tone.
• Water sports are optional: Jet skiing costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing €32 per person, a donut ride €10 per person, and the captain-led speedboat €5 per person.
• Transport can be useful: Pickup and return are offered from many centralized points across the resort areas, but not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

Setting out from Puerto Rico for a southwest coast cruise

The day begins with pickup from a long list of centralized points around Gran Canaria’s main resort belt. That can save you a taxi ride if you are staying near Maspalomas, Meloneras, San Agustín, Playa del Cura, Taurito, or nearby areas.

The coach journey can take about an hour, depending on your pickup point and traffic. It is practical rather than scenic sightseeing, so keep that in mind when deciding if the cruise is worth a large part of your day. If you are already near Puerto Rico, you may prefer to make your own way to the port, as some people do.

At Puerto Rico, you receive a safety briefing of about ten minutes before boarding. I consider this a good sign on an activity involving swimming and several paid rides. The crew explains how the boat works and what to expect before you leave the dock.

Once aboard, the boat gives you a choice of seating. You can find sunny areas for working on your tan, or shaded spots when the Canarian sun gets too strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. A reusable drinking glass is included as a small souvenir.

What the catamaran ride is really like

The outward cruise lasts about an hour and follows the southwestern coastline. You see beaches, rocky cliffs, coves, and the dry volcanic scenery that gives this side of Gran Canaria its character.

This is not a quiet sailing excursion. The atmosphere leans toward a friendly party cruise, with crew announcements, jokes, music on selected departures, and plenty of conversation around the bar. The tone appears warm rather than hard-selling, although the boat is designed for people who enjoy a social day out.

The Afrikat is described as spacious and clean, with room to sit, sunbathe, and move around. The boat is not always full, but crowd levels can vary by departure. If you want a peaceful private charter, this is not the right choice. If you like meeting people and having activities close at hand, the shared setting works well.

Live music is offered only on Friday morning departures, and it is not scheduled on February 27. When available, the music may include a saxophone performance, which adds something more memorable than a standard recorded playlist. Do not book expecting live music unless your date matches that condition.

Anchoring near Mogán for swimming and snorkeling

The main stop lasts around two and a half hours, giving you the most useful part of the outing. The boat anchors in a clear bay near Mogán, where you can swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or remain aboard and enjoy the sun and shade.

Snorkeling is included, which helps the price feel more reasonable. You avoid hiring a mask and fins separately, and the equipment has been described as good quality. The water can offer plenty of fish close to the boat, making this a simple introduction to snorkeling rather than a serious marine excursion.

You should still set realistic expectations. This is a boat-day snorkeling stop, not a specialist wildlife trip. Water clarity and marine life can change with conditions, and the exact stop is not presented as a guaranteed reef site. The value comes from having a pleasant swim in a clear bay with equipment ready, not from a long guided lesson.

The swim stop also works for less confident swimmers. You can stay on the boat, sit in the shade, or take your time before entering the water. One useful detail from the experience is that crew members have helped passengers who felt nervous around boats or activities, including families with young children.

Lunch on board, with a practical note about diets

The included meal is straightforward and suited to a casual half-day at sea. The standard food is a chicken wrap with salad, sauces, and optional bacon bits, along with pasta salad. Some descriptions also refer to potatoes and nachos served with the meal.

The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. It is not restaurant dining, but you can expect a filling lunch prepared and served by the crew. That matters because four and a half hours of sun, swimming, and water sports can leave you hungry well before the return trip.

Vegetarian and other special dietary requests require advance communication. Do not rely on making the request as you board. A vegetarian meal has been prepared successfully when a request was made on the day, but advance notice is the sensible approach.

Drinks are one of the clearest advantages. Included choices are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. You may be able to pour your own beer, while crew members also take drink orders and bring them to your seat. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included, so budget separately if those are important to you.

Choosing the extra water sports

The basic cruise already includes the boat ride, lunch, drinks, swimming, and snorkeling. You do not need to buy anything extra to have a complete outing.

The paid options add a more active edge:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Captain-led speedboat ride: €5 per person

The speedboat is the easiest extra to recommend if you want a short burst of speed without spending much. It can also take you toward the coastline and caves, adding a different view from the catamaran.

The donut ride is a quick, playful option for families and groups. Parasailing suits anyone who wants a high view over the bay, while the jet ski is the most energetic choice. One passenger paid for several activities and found there was enough time to fit them in alongside swimming and lunch, but your available time depends on demand and operating conditions.

Here is the important caution: water sports are not guaranteed to operate every day. Jet skis were unavailable on some departures, even when passengers had hoped to use them. Ask the crew what is running before setting aside your budget. Bring cash or a credit card for these extras, photos, souvenirs, and any additional purchases.

The crew makes the atmosphere

The human side of this cruise gets more attention than the formal features. Potter, who is associated with the boat, is frequently singled out for making the day entertaining. Nikita, Matt, and the rest of the crew are also praised for being attentive, funny, and helpful.

The jokes and announcements are part of the product. This is not a silent, polished yacht charter where you are left alone with the sea. The crew learns where people are from, keeps conversation moving, and helps nervous passengers feel at ease.

That style will suit you if you enjoy a little banter. If you prefer an undisturbed read on deck, you may find the commentary too present. The balance appears to be helped by the boat’s seating areas, since you can step away from the main social area and find a quieter place in the shade.

Safety is treated seriously despite the playful mood. The pre-departure briefing, clean boat, and helpful approach to seasickness are all useful details for families and first-time boat passengers. You should still take sensible precautions if you are prone to motion sickness, especially on a day with sun, alcohol, and fast rides.

Who gets the best value from the $88 price

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. You are paying for a package: transport from selected areas, a catamaran cruise, lunch, snorkeling gear, and unlimited drinks.

The price works best if you plan to use several inclusions. A person who swims, eats lunch aboard, has a few drinks, and enjoys the coastal ride can get solid value. A non-drinker who dislikes group activities and plans to remain seated may find the cost harder to justify.

Optional activities can change your total quickly. A jet ski, parasailing, or several rides add to the bill, so decide in advance how much you want to spend. The extras are reasonably priced compared with many resort water activities, but they are still not part of the advertised fare.

Families may find the package convenient because food, drinks, equipment, and entertainment are handled in one place. Couples can use the cruise as a relaxed day on the water, especially if they want swimming without arranging separate activities. Groups of friends will probably get the most from the joking crew and paid rides.

Timing, pickup, and access details

The full activity lasts about four and a half hours, with roughly an hour on the catamaran before the Mogán stop and another hour on the return sailing. Coach transfers can add around an hour each way, depending on your pickup location.

Pickup and drop-off are available from many centralized locations, including hotels and meeting points around Bahía Feliz, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Amadores, Taurito, and other resort areas. The service does not cover Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán, so check your exact meeting point before booking.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but you must tell the provider about mobility needs when booking. That advance notice matters because boarding a boat and managing a coach transfer may require planning.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time for your date, since the live music condition applies only to Friday morning trips.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• A camera if you want photos
• Cash or a bank card for paid activities and extras
• A credit card if you prefer not to carry much cash

You will spend time in full sun, and reflected light from the sea makes protection important. Keep valuables limited, since you will move between swimming, seating, and water activities.

The reusable drinking glass is included, so you receive a small practical souvenir rather than another disposable cup. Drinks and food are served on board, meaning you do not need to pack a picnic.

Should you book the Afrikat cruise?

I would book this if you want one easy package for a social day at sea, with food, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and optional thrills. The strongest points are the friendly crew, clean boat, generous drink service, good lunch, and useful two-hour-plus stop near Mogán.

I would be more cautious if you are seeking a quiet sailing trip, a specialist snorkeling tour, or guaranteed jet ski time. The boat has a lively group atmosphere, and the paid activities can be unavailable due to conditions or equipment.

For most families, couples, and groups staying in southern Gran Canaria, the $88 price is fair when you use the included food, drinks, and snorkeling. Confirm your pickup point, tell the crew about dietary or mobility needs early, and treat the water sports as optional bonuses rather than promises. That is the best way to enjoy the Afrikat without disappointment.

FAQ

Is lunch included on the Afrikat catamaran cruise?

Yes. The crew serves a chicken wrap with salad, sauces, and optional bacon bits, along with pasta salad. Special dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are included. Cocktails, wine, and spirits cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it during the swimming stop near Mogán.

How much do the water sports cost?

The jet ski costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, a donut ride costs €10 per person, and the captain-led speedboat ride costs €5 per person.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are offered from designated centralized points across many southern Gran Canaria resort areas. The service does not operate from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. You should inform the provider about any mobility impairments when booking.