Gran Canaria looks different from the water, and this 4.5-hour catamaran cruise is a fun, low-stress way to see it. I love the mix of scenery from the sea plus an on-board meal and drinks that feel included, not like an afterthought. I also like that you can keep it chill with a swim and snorkeling, or spend extra on optional water sports if you’re feeling bold. One possible drawback: a few people were not happy with the food/drinks quality, so if you’re a picky eater, set your expectations accordingly.

You’ll start in the afternoon, cruise along the coastline from Puerto Base (Puerto Rico), then anchor in a calm bay for swimming and trying snorkeling gear. The vibe is laid-back, the crew aims for smooth service, and the whole thing is built for an easy day even if you don’t want to plan every detail yourself.

If you’re considering it, focus on two things: whether you want time in the water, and whether hotel pickup works for you. Pickup is only from centralized points in the south, and it’s not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Catamaran views along Gran Canaria’s coast from Puerto Rico
• Swim + snorkeling time in a calm anchored bay, with equipment provided
• Meal and drinks included (including beer, sangria, coffee, water, plus soft drinks/juice)
• Optional add-on thrills like jet ski, parasailing, and a donut ride for set extra fees
• South Gran Canaria hotel pickup via centralized pickup points, with clear limits

Sailing off Puerto Base: the catamaran vibe from the start

This cruise is built around a classic “sea day” format. You’ll leave from Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria at C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán. From there, you’ll head along the coastline with ocean views doing most of the work for the scenery.

The boat is an award-winning catamaran, and that matters in real life: catamarans tend to feel stable and spacious compared with smaller craft. You’re not stuck with a cramped ride where everyone is packed in close. The trip also has a clear rhythm—cruise, anchor, swim—so the time doesn’t feel like you’re just “waiting for something to happen.”

If you like your afternoons to feel simple and scenic, this fits. You’re getting a water-level view of Gran Canaria without needing to rent a car, book a charter, or figure out where the best spots are.

The 2:30 PM plan: how the 4.5 hours really run

The tour starts at 2:30 pm and runs about 4 hours 30 minutes. The best way to think of it is as a compact afternoon cruise with one main on-water stop.

You’ll cruise along the coast toward a calm, crystal-clear bay. During this stretch, you can relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the shoreline slide by. Then the boat anchors, and that’s when the clock turns from “pretty ride” to “do stuff.”

On-board, the crew serves your included meal and keeps drinks flowing. There’s also ongoing access to snacks/drinks options like sangria, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

One extra perk I’d call out from reviews: some departures have live music (a saxophonist during the return to harbour was mentioned, with a note about Fridays). It’s not something to plan your whole day around, but it’s the kind of detail that can make the return feel special.

Your anchored bay stop: swimming and snorkeling time

This is the core of the experience. The cruise anchors in a calm bay, and you get the chance to swim and snorkel (snorkeling equipment is provided).

Practically speaking, this is a smart setup for most people. You don’t have to be an expert diver. You’re not hopping between multiple stops. You’re given one good window of water time where you can choose your comfort level—float and swim, or put on the gear and say hi to the fishes.

A couple of things I’d plan for:

• Bring swimwear and something easy to wear on/off (you’ll likely be moving between deck and water).
• If you get sun easily, you’ll want sunscreen and a hat. The schedule is afternoon, so you still get strong light.

Also, if you’re nervous about being in open water, this is still the kind of environment where you can stay close to the boat while getting your bearings.

Optional water sports: fun add-ons with real risk

You’ve got the option to upgrade the day with extra water activities. These are optional, and they come at extra fees:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Fun speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person

A few reviews praised the water sports a lot—people called them worth the extra money and rated the organization and crew highly. That same praise is a sign that the operator is used to running these activities.

Now the caution part (because it’s important): one review described an injury connected to the donut ride. The response from the operator pointed out that non-obligatory water sports happen at the customer’s risk, and that travel insurance is needed for incidents during optional watersports. The crew also said they can arrange medical care if something happens, but you may still be responsible for the rest.

So my practical advice:

• If you do the donut/jet ski/parasail, treat it like an actual activity, not a casual splash.
• Listen closely to safety instructions and follow crew guidance.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness or you’re worried about injuries, consider skipping the high-speed options and sticking to swimming and snorkeling.

Lunch on board: what’s included and what may disappoint

Included meal: chicken wrap with pasta salad. You can request special dietary requirements when booking.

Included drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

The biggest value here is that food and basic drinks are handled without you needing to hunt down lunch once you arrive. For many people, that alone makes the cruise feel like a bargain for an afternoon activity.

But balance matters. Some reviewers criticized the food as not great and said drinks were budget-style. Another complaint called for more of a Spanish buffet-style spread. Based on what’s actually included, I’d interpret this as: you’re getting a straightforward meal, not a gourmet multi-course lunch.

Think of it as practical fuel for time on the water. If you expect a full buffet with lots of variety, you may feel let down. If you want something simple that keeps you from spending extra on lunch, you’ll probably be fine.

Crew service: where the experience feels smoothest

The crew is a major part of why the overall rating is so high. Multiple reviews praised the staff as lovely, friendly, and attentive. That matches the nature of the experience: you’re on a boat, schedule timing matters, and people want clear answers fast.

One detail I liked from reviews: people talked about the team responding quickly when someone felt unwell (including organizing extra support like a speedboat ride during rough moments). Another review specifically highlighted an excellent atmosphere during return to harbour, with music adding to the finish.

So what should you expect from the crew?

• Set-up and guidance for swimming/snorkeling
• Serving the included meal and drinks
• Running optional activities smoothly if you choose them

It’s not a “do everything for you” private tour, but it does seem designed to keep the day moving and reduce stress.

Hotel pickup in the south: easy when it matches your location

Pickup and drop-off are part of the deal, but only in specific ways.

You’ll be picked up from centralized pickup points in the south of the island. The tour is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogán. Also, you need to check your transport confirmation email 24 hours before departure to confirm the exact pickup time and place (and do check your junk folder).

If you’re arriving directly at Puerto Base, Puerto Rico, plan to be there 30 minutes before the departure time.

Why I’m stressing this: pickup is where many “great tours” become annoying if your hotel isn’t in the right zone. If you’re staying in the south and you can follow the pickup instructions, this cruise can feel effortless. If not, you may end up making your own way to the meeting point anyway.

Price and value: is $93.16 a good deal?

At $93.16 per person for about 4.5 hours, you’re paying for:

• a catamaran cruise along the coast
• swim + snorkeling time
• an included meal (chicken wrap with pasta salad)
• included drinks (beer/sangria/soft drinks/coffee/water)
• optional extra activities at set prices if you want them
• hotel pickup in the south (when your area qualifies)

Whether that’s good value depends on your day plan.

You’ll feel it’s worth it if you want

• a simple lunch + drinks included
• real time in the water without hunting for equipment
• the option to add water sports (jet ski, parasail, donut) if you’re feeling energetic

You might question the price if you want

• a wide Spanish buffet with lots of choices (the included meal is simple)
• premium drinks beyond the included ones (some people noted cocktails were extra)

Also, if you only want a short swim and you’re already near the harbour, you can compare alternatives. But if you’re starting from a hotel and want the afternoon handled—transport, boat, meal, and the water time—this is priced like a “pay once and relax” day.

Who should book this cruise, and who should rethink it

This experience tends to suit:

• couples and small groups who want an afternoon on the water
• travelers who like views plus a real swim/snorkel window
• people who want optional thrills but don’t want them forced
• anyone staying in south Gran Canaria where pickup works

I’d rethink it if:

• you’re expecting a high-end buffet lunch (the included meal is straightforward)
• you’re sensitive to motion or worried about active water sports—you can still swim/snorkel, but optional activities are risky enough to take seriously
• your hotel is in an area that doesn’t match the pickup options (since not all south spots are covered)

Should you book Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

If you want a practical, scenic afternoon with swimming and snorkeling plus an included meal and drinks, I’d book it. It’s one of those tours where the value comes from not having to coordinate everything: boat time, water access, and food/drink are bundled.

Do it with a quick reality check:

• If you plan to order lots of alcohol or expect cocktails/wine/champagne included, budget extra since those are not included.
• If you care about lunch variety, set expectations for a simple onboard meal rather than a huge buffet.
• If you’re considering the donut ride or parasailing, make sure you’re comfortable with the safety risks and that you have travel insurance.

If your south hotel pickup is a match, this cruise is a strong way to spend a late afternoon on Gran Canaria—salt air, sea views, and enough water time to feel like you actually left land behind.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 2:30 pm.

How long is Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

It runs about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria, C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered from centralized pickup points in the South of the island. You’ll need to check your transport confirmation email 24 hours before departure.

What if I’m staying somewhere not covered by pickup?

Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogán. In that case, you may need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, the experience includes a mobile ticket.

When should I arrive if I’m going directly to Puerto Base?

If you’re arriving directly at Puerto Base, Puerto Rico, plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure.

What’s included in the meal and drinks?

Included meal: chicken wrap with pasta salad (dietary requirements can be requested). Included drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. You get a chance to swim and snorkel, and equipment is provided.

Are water sports included?

No. Water sports like jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasailing (€32 per person), and donut ride (€10 per person) are optional extras.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it’s not refunded.

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