This is a half-day that feels like a full vacation day. On a catamaran from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, you cruise the southwest coast, then cool off with snorkeling and paddle sports with drinks onboard.

I really like the easy-going crew vibe and how they keep things smooth without turning it into a stuffy tour. And I like that the food actually looks and tastes like a real meal, not just a snack—think tuna or chicken with Canarian potatoes and mojo.

One heads-up: the water can be chilly, especially outside summer, and the whole trip runs on sea and weather conditions, so plan for the ocean to have opinions.

Key highlights at a glance

• Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water while you sail
• Two main stops for swimming plus snorkeling and paddleboard or kayak time
• Provided snorkeling gear so you can just show up and go
• SUP and kayak included, with enough space and shade on the catamaran
• Morning gets a freshly-prepared lunch, afternoon switches to light tapas-style snacks
• South-of-island hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned coach

Catamaran cruising from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: your 4.5-hour slice of the south

This trip runs for about 4.5 hours, with morning and afternoon options depending on availability. Either way, the rhythm is similar: you leave Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, sail along the south coast, hit a couple of swim and water-sports stops, then return at a relaxed pace.

The setting matters. Gran Canaria’s south can feel dramatically different from the busier tourist strips, with coves, beaches, and coastline views that look better from the water. The catamaran itself is built for comfort: there’s usually plenty of shade for those who don’t want full sun the whole time, and open deck space if you do.

If you’re trying to decide between this and a busier, all-day-style excursion, the short duration is a real plus. You get the marine time and the food and drinks without losing your whole day to transport.

Unlimited beer and sangria on the water: the real value is what’s included

At $97 per person, the price makes sense if you take advantage of what’s included. You’re not paying extra for basic onboard refreshments. You get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water throughout the sailing and stops.

For me, the big value isn’t just the booze factor—it’s the way it changes the mood. When drinks are included and flowing, you’re more likely to treat the trip like a hanging-out-on-the-sea day, not like a checklist. One reviewer even noted they ordered mostly non-alcoholic drinks, and it still felt worth it—so you’re not forced into a drinking vibe.

Still, there’s a consideration: if you mainly want cocktails (not included), you’ll feel the edges. And if you’re comparing to trips where wine is standard, keep in mind the included list here is focused on beer and sangria.

Practical tip: if you start with sangria/beer, pace yourself early. You’ll be in and out of the water and moving around with snorkeling or paddling gear, and that’s when hydration matters.

The first swim and snorkeling stop near Mogán: gear time with great photo opportunities

You’ll typically stop first along the route near the Mogán area for swimming and water activities. This is where the trip starts feeling fun, fast: you climb down into the sea, slip into snorkeling gear if you want it, or grab a SUP paddleboard or kayak if you’d rather stay above water.

A few details that help you set expectations:

• Snorkeling gear is provided, and it’s an easy way to see the underwater world without bringing your own setup.
• The catamaran setup is designed for hands-on activity, not spectatorship only.
• Some people do turn-taking when multiple activities are in demand, but the overall vibe is that you can get your turn.

You’ll also notice how the catamaran platform works for swimming. People talk about jumping in directly from the boat steps, which is a nice change from trips that require long walks down slippery surfaces.

One more note on comfort: the sea can be cool, and that can make the first splash feel bracing. If you’re sensitive to cold water, bring a towel and plan on drying off quickly between activities.

And yes—if you’re someone who loves marine life, you might get rewarded. A few departures in the past have included dolphin sightings, and there’s even at least one report of a right whale surfacing nearby. You can’t bank on wildlife on any day, but it does underline how often these cruises run in productive waters.

Tasarte lunch (morning) or tapas-style snacks (afternoon): what you’ll actually eat

This is the part that makes the excursion feel more like a day on a boat with real hospitality. There’s a stop where your food arrives from a local restaurant on the beach of Tasarte—and the timing is built so you can eat while the sea views keep rolling.

The menu depends on the option:

• Morning: a seasonal, freshly-prepared lunch served on board.
• Afternoon: light tapas-style snacks instead.

What’s on the plate in the morning option often includes:

• Filet of tuna or breaded chicken
• Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce (mild, according to guest comments)
• Salad and bread

Even if you aren’t a big foodie, this meal is worth paying attention to because it’s not generic. It leans into local flavor (mojo + potatoes) while staying crowd-friendly. One reviewer even mentioned that sides like the potatoes and salad were plentiful, which matters when you’re hungry after swimming.

If you choose the afternoon sailing, don’t expect a full plated meal, but you still get fed. Light tapas-style snacks are the trade-off for the shorter “lunch” portion of the day.

Practical tip: eat, but don’t wait too long to enjoy the second water break. Many people jump into the water during the lunch stop, and it’s a good moment to squeeze in one last swim before heading back.

On-deck comfort plus add-on water thrills: how to spend your time well

Even though snorkeling and paddling are included, the layout helps you do it without feeling rushed. The catamaran has room to spread out, and guests consistently mention it doesn’t feel crowded.

Here’s how you can think about the included activities, so you don’t burn your energy on the wrong things:

1. Pick one water-based main activity per stop (snorkel on the first, SUP or kayak on the second, for example).
2. Use the deck space strategically. Shade for recovery; sun deck space when you want a dry break.
3. Don’t underestimate drying time. Bring a towel and plan to change your mood between water sessions.

What’s included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP paddleboards
• Kayaking gear

What’s offered sometimes as paid add-ons:

• Jet ski and paragliding/parasailing have been mentioned by guests as optional extras.

This matters because you can keep the trip simple or crank up the adrenaline. If you have kids (or a sibling who needs to do everything), the optional options can help you tailor the day to your group.

Also, if you’re worried about gear not fitting right, don’t assume it’s a free-for-all. One guest specifically noted a floatation vest was available for a young child, which suggests the crew thinks about safety and practicality—not just gear as a prop.

Who should book this Gran Canaria catamaran day trip—and who should pause

This is a great match for:

• Couples who want a relaxed water day with easy logistics and good food
• Families and groups who like “active but not intense”
• First-time visitors who want a slice of coastal Gran Canaria without navigating bus schedules
• Anyone who likes snorkeling but doesn’t want to plan the whole day around it

It may be less ideal if:

• You want a guaranteed long stretch of time on land. This is mostly sea time and water breaks.
• You strongly prefer cocktails or specific beverages like wine. The included list is focused on beer and sangria (with water and soft drinks), and you may have extra cravings you’ll need to handle separately.
• You’re sensitive to motion. Sea sickness isn’t mentioned as a major problem, but at least one review recommended bringing sea-sickness tablets if you might get queasy.

If you fall into the “sensitive to motion” group, plan ahead. Bring whatever you normally use, and sit where the boat feels most stable to you. A calm, early-start mindset helps too.

Value check: is $97 per person a good deal?

For me, this price works because the trip bundles four things that usually cost extra when booked separately:

1. Catamaran sailing time with a comfortable onboard setup
2. Unlimited basic drinks (beer/sangria/soft drinks/water)
3. Water activities (snorkeling + SUP + kayak)
4. Food (lunch or tapas depending on departure time)

So the math isn’t just about the boat. It’s about how the included items convert into your actual experience. If you’ll drink a couple of beers or sangrias and want to swim and snorkel, the included package becomes a strong value. Even if you keep it mostly non-alcoholic, you’re still getting the marine time and the meal, which is the core of what you paid for.

One more value angle: time efficiency. At 4.5 hours, you’re not bleeding hours to transit. You also get pickup and drop-off south of the island, which removes the hardest part of these trips—getting to the water at all.

If your goal is a luxury, less-crowded feel, this trip also seems designed that way. Multiple guests commented on the spacious catamaran and the small-group feel, with one mention of a group shared with up to 17 others.

What it’s like with the crew: friendly instructions, not stage-managed fun

A lot of guests highlight how welcoming and attentive the crew is. People specifically noted they offered instructions in multiple languages—English and French were mentioned in addition to Spanish—so you’re not stuck figuring things out with hand gestures.

You’ll also see a theme: crew members help you get ready for snorkeling and water sports, then keep the atmosphere relaxed. It’s not overly formal. It’s the kind of service where you can ask questions, then get back to your day.

Some guest notes name individuals involved in the experience—such as Callan, Raul, and Michelle—which points to a team effort rather than a one-person operation.

Should you book this Exclusive Boat catamaran trip?

If you want a half-day with sun, sea time, snorkeling gear, paddle sports, and real Canarian-style food, this is an easy yes. It’s especially worth it if you’ll actually use the included activities and enjoy the included drinks.

Book it if:

• You’re staying in or near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
• You want a straightforward plan with pickup and drop-off
• You like the idea of two water stops and then eating while the coast keeps unfolding

Think twice if:

• You’re hunting for a full-day inland culture experience (this is not that)
• You need a specific drink menu beyond beer/sangria/soft drinks
• You’re very heat-sensitive or very cold-sensitive, since the sea water can feel chilly outside warm months

Bottom line: for most visitors to the south, this is one of the most efficient ways to get that classic Gran Canaria “ocean day” feeling without overplanning.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day trip?

It lasts about 4.5 hours, with morning or afternoon departures based on availability.

Where do pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island. Your exact pickup time is confirmed after booking, and it can vary depending on where you stay.

What drinks are included?

You get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water during the trip.

Is lunch included, and does it differ by departure time?

Yes. Morning departures include a freshly-prepared seasonal lunch. Afternoon departures include light tapas-style snacks instead.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with SUP paddleboards and kayaking gear.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a towel.

Are there restarts, cancellations, or weather-related changes?

The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions for safety. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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