Sun, snacks, and sea views—then you choose the thrills. This 4.5-hour afternoon catamaran with Afrikat follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coastline past dramatic cliffs and Mogán, then anchors for real swimming and optional snorkeling. I love the unlimited beer and sangria setup, and I also like that the crew serves an onboard lunch that keeps the day simple.

One heads-up: the sun deck can feel crowded at peak time, so bring your towel and set up early if you want a comfy spot in the sun.

Key moments that make this cruise worth it

• Unlimited drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• Crew-served meal (chicken wrap and pasta salad), with dietary needs handled if you flag them when booking
• Swim-and-snorkel bay time with snorkeling gear available onboard
• Mogán coastline views plus cliffs and hidden coves along the way
• Optional water thrills at extra cost (jet ski, parasail, donut, speedboat ride)
• Fun crew energy, including live music on some days (like saxophone)

Cruising Gran Canaria’s southwest coast with Mogán in view

This is the kind of cruise day that balances “kick back” with “do something fun.” You start with a relaxed ride along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast—coastal views, sea air, and plenty of time just to look around and let your phone rest.

A big part of the charm is the scenery as you move past the fishing village of Mogán. Even if you’ve never been there, the coastal approach makes it feel like you’re getting an insider view—cliffs, dramatic edges, and coves that look like they were carved for swimming days.

You’ll also see how the catamaran format changes the vibe. Catamarans tend to feel steadier than smaller boats, and that matters on a day that’s half about relaxing and half about jumping in the water. If you’re traveling with a mix of ages or energy levels, this works because you can choose your pace: lounge and sip, or get in the bay and snorkel.

Unlimited drinks and lunch onboard: the real value

The best value here is simple: the day is built around unlimited drinks. That includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. You’re not rationing anything, and you’re not hunting for a bar each time your glass empties.

On top of that, you get a crew-served meal. The lunch is straightforward and filling:

• Chicken wrap with optional add-ons like bacon, cheese topping, salad, and sauce
• Pasta salad

If you have diet needs, make sure you tell the provider when booking. That’s the one place where being proactive truly pays off.

One practical note: cocktails, wine, and spirits cost extra. So if you’re the type who wants a specific bar-style drink, plan on adding money. But if your goal is chilled beer/sangria and something decent to eat without leaving the boat, this is a strong setup for the price.

The swim-and-snorkel stop: what to do with your 4.5 hours

The cruise includes a key moment: the boat drops anchor in a crystal-clear bay for swimming. This is the point where the whole afternoon turns from “nice boat ride” into “I’m actually in the sea.”

Snorkeling equipment is available onboard (optional). If you want to try it, use the crew’s timing cues and get in while the water conditions are best. Since the bay is described as crystal-clear, this is one of those trips where you’re not just getting wet—you’re getting a look at marine life up close.

You’ll want to be ready before you hit the water:

• swimwear under your clothes
• a towel
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a sun hat (Gran Canaria sun can be no joke)
• camera if you want to grab quick shots near the bay

Also, don’t overpack with valuables you’ll worry about. You’ll be moving from deck to water, and the easiest days are the ones where you travel light.

Optional water thrills: costs, expectations, and how to choose

Here’s the fun part—and the part where you should be honest about your budget and energy.

Several water activities are available at extra cost, including:

• Speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person
• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Donut inflatable: €10 per person
• Parasail: €32 per person

You might also find other water options offered depending on the day and what the partner operator has running (there have been cases where certain water-sport availability didn’t happen as expected).

My advice for choosing extras:

• If you want adrenaline but only have time for one thing, pick the activity that matches your comfort level (jet ski and parasail tend to feel more intense; donut-style rides are more playful).
• If you’re traveling as a group, agree beforehand on who will do what so nobody feels left out while others are waiting on deck.
• Bring extra money or a bank card for these add-ons, souvenirs, and photos.

One more reality check: the catamaran deck can get busy, especially when people are gearing up for water activities. If you hate cramped spaces, plan to claim your spot early and keep your water gear easy to grab.

The crew, the vibe, and that live music moment

This is an experience where the crew’s personality matters. The day has that friendly, “we’re here to make it fun” energy. Names you might hear come up include Potter (the owner) and guides like Pedro—and people tend to praise how the crew keeps the mood light.

Entertainment also appears on some sailings. One popular extra is live saxophone while you head back toward shore. If you’re the sort who likes a little show with your sea breeze, this is a nice bonus.

There’s also a recurring theme in how people describe the ride: good humor, welcoming staff, and a party-ish atmosphere without making it feel like a club. It’s more like a holiday afternoon with a built-in soundtrack.

Pickup and harbor logistics: making the start painless

This cruise is easiest when you use their pickup network. Pickup and drop-off transport is included from centralized points, depending on where you’re staying. Areas listed include:

Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

Two important timing notes:

• Pickup isn’t included from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico.
• If you’re going directly to the harbor at Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130, you should sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the excursion.

If you’re coming from a resort area on the pickup list, you’ll probably save yourself the hassle of figuring out parking and ferry-like boarding times. If you’re staying near areas not covered by pickup, plan extra time to reach the meeting point early.

Who this cruise fits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a good match if you want:

• a relaxed afternoon at sea with real swim time
• unlimited drinks built into the price
• a simple onboard meal so you’re not hunting for lunch
• optional water activities if your day needs a little adrenaline

It’s also suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible, with the provider noting wheelchair access. If you have mobility needs, let the activity provider know during booking so they can plan appropriately.

Who might not love it:

• If you want a quiet, uncrowded boat experience, the sun deck can get crowded when everyone wants the same prime positions.
• If you mainly want a boat-and-nothing-else day, the extras are tempting but cost extra. Still, you can absolutely do the core experience (cruise + bay swim + meal + unlimited drinks) without paying for add-ons.

So… should you book Afrikat’s afternoon catamaran?

If you’re weighing this against a typical day tour, I’d book it when your priorities look like this: swim time, unlimited drinks, and a meal included, with the option to add thrills if you feel like it.

You might skip or choose another option if:

• you’re very sensitive to crowding on shared decks
• you don’t want to spend extra money later for water sports
• your schedule starts to feel stressful around pickup timing (because this is easiest with included pickup from the listed areas)

Bottom line: for $91, you’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying a 4.5-hour afternoon that includes the essentials that make boat days worth it—food, drinks, and a proper water stop—plus a menu of add-ons if you want to turn the dial up.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Gran Canaria afternoon catamaran cruise?

The experience runs for about 4.5 hours. Starting times can vary, so it’s worth checking availability for the slot you want.

What’s included in the price?

You get the catamaran cruise, pickup and drop-off transport from specific centralized areas, unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), a crew-served meal, and snorkeling equipment if you choose to use it. There’s also a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

What drinks are not included?

Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included in the unlimited drinks.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available onboard as an optional included item, so you can decide on the bay if you want to snorkel.

Where does pickup work from?

Pickup is possible from areas including Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup is not included from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You’ll also want your camera, and it helps to have your swimming costume ready.

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