Morning salt air beats the clock. This Afrikat catamaran cruise turns a simple morning into a coast-hugging sea day: you sail from Puerto Base, spot villages and bays from the deck, then anchor for swimming and snorkelling with lunch and drinks on board. I especially love the included drinks and lunch, and I also like that the best part is the time in the water—swim, snorkel, and cool off without needing a full day. The one drawback to plan for: the water sports that feel most adrenaline-heavy cost extra, and a small number of people felt the onboard food was only average.

The whole vibe is built for people who want sun, sea, and an easy schedule. Expect a maximum group size of 66, a crew that keeps things friendly and high-energy, and plenty of chances to buy into extra fun like jet skis or parasailing (at listed add-on prices). If you hate waiting around in the open water, know the itinerary has one main anchored bay stop—most of the action clusters there.

Key highlights you’ll actually use

• 4.5 hours on a luxury catamaran with a clear sailing-to-swim rhythm
• Drinks included (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water), with an 18+ alcohol age rule
• Swim and snorkel time in a calm bay, with snorkelling equipment provided (and a strong recommendation to bring your own)
• Included lunch (chicken wrap with pasta salad; dietary needs handled if you tell them in advance)
• Optional thrill add-ons like jet skis (€32), parasailing (€32), and donut rides (€10)
• Music and crew energy show up during the cruise, including mention of live saxophone

A morning on the Afrikat catamaran: what the time really feels like

This is a short, high-reward cruise. You’re on the water for about 4 hours 30 minutes, and the schedule shifts by season: in summer it runs roughly 09:30 to 14:00, while in winter it’s about 10:00 to 14:30. That timing is great because you get morning light, a calmer start to the day, and you’re back with plenty of time left for food or exploring later.

You’re not stuck on a big cattle-car. The cap is 66 people, which helps the boat feel social rather than chaotic—especially when the crew is moving around, serving drinks, and getting folks sorted for the water activities.

Also, it’s not a port-hopping tour. The day’s structure is simple: cruise the coast, anchor in a clear bay, then enjoy the time there before returning. That makes it easy to manage your energy. It’s ideal if your travel style is more relax-and-play than marathon sightseeing.

Puerto Base boarding and the pickup points you must plan around

You’ll meet at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point. If you’re arriving on your own to Puerto Base, plan to show up 20 minutes before departure so you can check in without stress.

Pickup is offered, but it’s not wide-open. Collection comes from centralised pickup points in the South of the island, and it’s not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan (as listed by the operator). The exact pickup time and place are confirmed by email—so do yourself a favor and check your inbox (and junk folder) 24 hours before departure.

In practice, that means this cruise suits people staying in the southern hotel zones more than those based farther away. If you’re not sure where you’re located, check your confirmation details early, because the pickup coverage is limited.

Cruising Gran Canaria’s coast: the deck is where the magic happens

The sailing part is the setup for the whole day. You leave Puerto Base, Puerto Rico and cruise along Gran Canaria’s coastline, with views of villages, bays, and beaches passing by as you head toward a calm anchoring spot.

This is the kind of cruise where you don’t need a guide telling you what each rock is. You just need a good spot on deck, a drink in hand, and time to watch the coast change—urban edges, quiet coves, and long stretches of water. Morning is especially nice for this: the light is usually bright, and the sea feels more manageable before the day gets too warm.

If you care about photos, bring the habit of grabbing shots while the boat is moving. The anchoring phase is fantastic for swimming, but the cruise segment is where the “rolling view” happens.

The anchored swim and snorkel stop: when your cruise turns into a sea day

The heart of this trip is the bay stop. After cruising, you anchor in a calm, crystal-clear bay. This is when you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the water without rushing.

You can snorkel right there. Equipment is provided, and the operator specifically recommends that you bring your own if you want the fit and comfort you’re used to. I like that approach: provided gear is a good safety net, but bringing your own snorkel setup can make the experience smoother—especially if you’re picky about straps or lens fit.

One practical note: plan for water time rather than nonstop sailing. The anchored stop is your main chance to get that beach-day feeling. If you’re hoping for a long stretch of continuous fast cruising, you may find the pace is slower once you anchor.

Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, this kind of cruise can still work because the anchored time is calmer. The crew has a track record of being helpful if you feel off, so don’t suffer silently—say something early.

Lunch plus included drinks: comfort food and an easy pace

You’re not left to hunt for a snack. A meal is included: chicken wrap with pasta salad. There’s an option to handle special dietary requirements, but you must communicate those needs at booking.

How good is it? The overall tone is positive, but there’s at least some feedback that the food can land on the basic side. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—it means you should treat lunch as part of the cruise comfort, not as the main culinary event of your trip.

Now for the real win: drinks. Throughout the cruise you’ll have a choice of sangria, beer, soft drinks, coffee, or water. That included list matters because it turns the cost into something you can actually predict. You’re not doing the mental math every time you want a refill.

Two more practical considerations:

• Minimum drinking age is 18 years, so if you’re traveling with younger people, alcohol stays out of the picture.
• You’ll be able to pace yourself. Morning heat plus sun plus salt air can sneak up fast, and having water and juice included makes it easier to stay comfortable.

Optional adrenaline add-ons: jet skis, parasailing, and donut rides

This is one of those cruises that gives you the choice between calm water time and louder fun. At the bay stop, you can add activities at special discounted rates (and the listed prices are separate from the base ticket).

Here’s what’s explicitly priced:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the Captain: €5 per person

A speedboat ride is a nice middle option if you want something extra without committing to the higher-intensity options. It’s also a good way to see a bit more from the water while keeping the overall day from getting too frantic.

For jet skis and parasailing, go in with clear expectations. Those are add-ons that will cost extra, and you’ll want to plan the time you’re using the bay for swimming and snorkelling. If you try to do everything, you might end up feeling rushed. If you pick one main add-on, you’ll likely enjoy the whole day more.

Crew energy, music, and small touches that change the mood

On this cruise, the crew is part of the entertainment. Multiple people highlight a welcoming, friendly atmosphere with humor and energy that keeps the boat from feeling stiff.

Music also shows up. One note specifically mentions a saxophonist who played later in the trip, adding a fun twist to the return sailing time. There’s also praise for good onboard music in general, which helps this feel like a party boat in the best way—social, not rowdy.

You might even notice little ocean-minded touches. One detailed comment called out eatable straws, which suggests the operator is thinking about plastic in small ways. Even if you don’t care about that, it fits the overall tone: friendly, practical, and aware of the sea environment.

And yes, there are personal moments. A birthday gift was mentioned in the feedback, showing the crew is paying attention to more than just the schedule. That kind of small effort can make a short cruise feel memorable.

Price and value: why $90.70 can make sense on Gran Canaria

At about $90.70 per person, this is not a bare-bones boat ride. The value comes from what’s included for the full 4.5-hour block:

• A luxury catamaran cruise along the coast
• Lunch
• A solid included drinks set (beer, sangria, soft drinks, coffee, water, plus juice)
• Swim and snorkelling time with gear provided
• Return transportation from fixed pickup points (within the South)

When you put those together, the math often works better than booking separate day activities. The optional extras are where cost can creep up—jet skis, parasailing, and donut rides add value if you want them, but they’re clearly not required.

Another value point: this cruise has a moderate size cap. A maximum of 66 helps keep the deck from feeling overcrowded, especially at the bay stop when people want to get in the water.

Finally, timing matters. This is commonly booked about 9 days in advance on average, which suggests it’s popular but not always sold out instantly. If you’re flexible with dates, you can often pick a time that matches your plan without feeling forced into the most expensive option.

Who should book this cruise—and who might prefer something else

Book it if you want:

• A morning sea escape with a simple schedule
• Included food and drinks so you can focus on the day
• A real swim and snorkel window rather than just looking at water from a dock
• The option to add one adrenaline activity without turning the whole trip into a theme park

It may not be the best fit if:

• You hate paying extra for thrills. The jet ski, parasailing, and donut rides are add-ons.
• You’re expecting gourmet dining. Lunch is included, but some comments describe it as average.
• You need a long itinerary with multiple stops. This day is built around one bay moment.

It also suits mixed groups. Kids are allowed with an adult, and the alcohol rules are clearly age-based. That makes it easier for families to enjoy the cruise while keeping the drink situation age-appropriate.

What to plan before you go

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation details at booking. Still, the most important thing is to treat the email as your checklist, because pickup times and places are finalized closer to departure.

If you plan to snorkel, think like a swimmer, not like a viewer. Bring your own snorkelling equipment if you have it, since the operator recommends it even though gear is available.

And because it’s a weather-dependent experience, have a backup mindset. The trip requires good weather, and if conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Afrikat Morning Cruise?

I’d book this if your ideal day is: coast views on a real catamaran, a calm bay where you can actually swim, and lunch and drinks that remove decision fatigue. It’s good value for the time, and the included package is strong enough that you won’t feel nickel-and-dimed—unless you actively choose the paid thrill add-ons.

Skip it only if you’re chasing speed the whole time or you want a multi-stop tour with nonstop variety. This cruise is short on purpose. What you gain is a focused, sea-first morning that’s easy to enjoy.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Morning Cruise?

It runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain (Puerto Base). The trip ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does it start?

Start time varies by season. During summer it departs about 09:30–14:00, and during winter about 10:00–14:30. Your confirmation details will show the exact time.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Return transport is offered from centralised pickup points in the South of the island, depending on your area. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan. You’ll need to confirm the exact pickup time and place via email 24 hours before departure.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the boat trip, beer and sangria plus soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water, lunch (chicken wrap with pasta salad), and the chance to swim and snorkel (optional) with equipment provided. Return transport from fixed pickup points is also included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Snorkelling equipment is provided, but it’s recommended to bring your own for the best fit.

What extra activities cost money?

Jet ski costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, and donut rides cost €10 per person. A speedboat ride with the Captain costs €5 per person.

Is alcohol included, and is there an age limit?

Yes. Beer and sangria are included, but the minimum drinking age is 18.

What’s the cancellation situation if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

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