This catamaran day feels like a treat from minute one, with drinks and lunch included and real time to swim. I like the simple rhythm: cruise the coast, anchor in clear water, then choose your level of adventure. My only caution is the timing is short, so if you want hours and hours of pure sailing, you may wish it ran longer.

You’ll get the best of Gran Canaria’s coastline without needing to plan every detail yourself. Expect a friendly crew, a clean, good-sounding boat (live music can show up on the way back), and a lively mix of people who are happy to chat or just relax. The biggest “watch out” is seasickness: it can happen on any boat, and while staff should help, you’ll still want to plan for your own comfort.

And yes, you’ll pay for the thrill rides separately. That said, the base price covers the core cruise experience, meal, and drinks, so you can keep spending under control.

Key points before you go

• Lunch + drinks are included, not an afterthought
• Anchor time in a clear bay makes swimming and snorkelling the main event
• Optional water sports add adrenaline at set prices
• Smallish group size (max 66) keeps it easier to move around on board
• Crew energy and music can turn a simple sail into a memorable morning
• Dietary requests are handled with notice, so you’re not stuck eating the wrong thing

From Puerto Rico to open water: the cruise concept that works

Afrikat’s morning cruise is built for people who want the sea experience fast, without a whole day logjam. You leave from Puerto Base, Puerto Rico (that’s in the south), then cruise along Gran Canaria’s coast until you reach a calm, clear-water bay.

The catamaran style matters here. On a multi-hour trip with swimming time, you want stability and space. This boat gives you room to sit, move, and get out of the sun when you need a break.

I also like how the cruise balances view time with actual water time. Many trips sell you on scenery and then rush the water part. Here, the anchor stop is the centerpiece.

Timing and meeting: when to show up and how pickup actually works

This is a morning cruise that lands you back at the same meeting point. Departure runs roughly 09:30–14:00 in summer and 10:00–14:30 in winter. Your ticket will show the start time you booked, and the exact pick-up timing is confirmed by email.

If you’re meeting at Puerto Base directly, plan to arrive 20 minutes early. If you’re using pickup, collection is only from centralised pickup points in the south of the island. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan, so check your area carefully before you assume someone will come to you.

One practical tip: you’ll be out on the water around midday temperatures can climb quickly. Bring sunscreen and something light for shade, even if you’re hoping to mostly relax.

The coastline cruise: the part you’ll remember for its variety

Once you’re underway, the route is simple and pleasing: you cruise along the coast, watching villages, bays, and beaches pass by from the deck. This is the “slow looking” part of the trip. You’re not in a race; you’re moving through the geography.

The value here is perspective. From the water, you see where the coastline curves, how the bays open up, and how the cliffs and beaches break the horizon in different ways than from the road. If you’ve driven in Gran Canaria before, this is your chance to connect those viewpoints to the real shape of the island.

Keep an eye out for the change from open cruising to the calm bay. That shift is what sets up the best part: swimming time.

Stop 1 at the clear-water bay: swimming and snorkelling that doesn’t feel rushed

You anchor in a calm, clear-water bay, and that’s when the cruise becomes more than a sightseeing ride. You get time to swim in the refreshing water and try snorkelling.

Equipment is provided, but the crew also recommends bringing your own gear. If you snorkel often, your own mask and snorkel can fit better and feel more comfortable than rental-style equipment. If you’re a first-timer, the included gear can be enough, and you’ll be more focused on enjoying the water than worrying about equipment.

A couple of practical things I’d do in your shoes:

• Go for your swim earlier in the stop so you’re not chasing time when the sun gets stronger.
• Have water-safe footwear ready if you think you’ll need it, since bay entries can vary.

This stop is also where the “adventure levels” split. Some people keep it simple—swim, float, photo. Others add speed rides and parachute-style thrills.

Water-sports add-ons: how to choose adrenaline without blowing your budget

The cruise includes the base swimming/snorkel option, while other activities are priced separately. If you want to control costs, treat the add-ons like choices, not expectations.

Here are the extra options and the prices listed:

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

You’ll also see that some of these options depend on how the day flows and the water conditions. That’s normal. Boats like this run multiple activities around safety and space.

If you’re going with a mixed group—say, one person who loves speed and another who prefers calm—this setup is a win. You don’t all have to do the same thing. You can swap roles: one person stays near the swim spot while another does a paid ride.

Also, if you’re sensitive to motion, consider doing the speedier activities closer to when you’re most comfortable, not at the end when you might feel more tired.

Lunch and drinks: the included meal is part of the value

Food on short cruises can be either a bonus or an inconvenience. Here, lunch is included: a chicken wrap with pasta salad. If you need a special dietary option, you must communicate your requirements in advance.

Drinks are also part of the package: beer, Sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. The alcohol is there, but you’re not stuck buying every round. This matters because it changes the feel of the trip. You can relax on the deck without constantly checking what each drink costs.

One small detail worth knowing: the minimum drinking age is 18, so if anyone in your group is under that, plan for non-alcohol options only.

And if you’re picky about “eco feel” touches, you might appreciate the kind of small onboard choices that have been praised in the past, like more planet-friendly accessories for drinks.

Onboard comfort: crew energy, music, and motion-sickness reality

The crew is a big part of why this cruise works. People consistently describe the staff as friendly and welcoming, with good organization around the water activities so you don’t feel lost or delayed.

Music is another factor. Several trips include live music on board or at least a musical moment on the return portion—often with a saxophone mentioned. Timing can vary, so don’t build your entire morning around it. Still, when it hits, it adds an easy, relaxed vibe.

Motion sickness is the only “real-life” drawback I’d plan for. Some people can feel fine. Others get queasy on boats even when the water looks calm. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring your usual remedy and consider sitting where you feel less pitch, not staring down at your feet.

The good news: the staff is aware this can happen and is typically helpful with support during the trip.

How much is it really worth at $90.70 per person?

At $90.70 per person, the price isn’t the cheapest option on the island, but it’s also not priced like a private charter. What makes it feel like value is what you don’t have to budget separately.

Your ticket covers:

• The 4.5-hour cruise time on the catamaran
• Drinks (beer, Sangria, and non-alcohol options)
• Lunch (chicken wrap and pasta salad)
• Swimming and snorkelling time, with equipment provided
• Return transport from fixed south pickup points (where available)

Then you can add thrills à la carte: jet ski, parasailing, donut ride, or a captain-led speedboat experience.

So the math works best if you’ll actually use the included parts—especially swimming/snorkelling and drinks. If you’re the type who won’t eat or drink onboard and only wants a quick photo cruise, the extras can feel less justified. But if you’ll enjoy the clear-water stop and a full meal, you’re getting more for your money than “paying for an empty boat ride.”

Also, with a max group size of 66, you should get a more manageable experience than huge mass tours.

Who should book this cruise, and who might not love it

This cruise fits best for:

• People who want a half-day on the water with real swim time
• Anyone who likes a mix of relaxation and optional adventure
• Groups with mixed interests (some can snorkel and lounge while others do jet ski or parasailing)
• Solo visitors who want an easy social atmosphere without pressure

I’d think twice if:

• You’re looking for an all-day sailing journey with hours of uninterrupted cruising
• You’re extremely sensitive to motion and haven’t handled it well on boats before
• You want everything included without any paid options (because jet ski and parasailing cost extra)

For families, the minimum age rule for drinking is clear (18+ minimum drinking age) and children must be accompanied by an adult. Just remember the water time can be active, so supervision is key.

Should you book Afrikat Morning Cruise?

If you want a simple, good-value morning at sea—with included lunch, included drinks, and real swimming/snorkelling time—I’d say this is a strong pick. The day is short enough to feel easy, but structured enough that you’re not left wondering what to do once you’re onboard.

Book it if you like the idea of a catamaran with a clear-water anchor stop and you’re open to paying a modest extra fee for one thrill activity. Skip it if your top priority is long cruising time over water breaks, or if you know boats reliably make you miserable.

Bottom line: this is the kind of tour that rewards planning a light day, arriving ready to swim, and treating the added water sports like optional icing instead of the main event.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Morning Cruise?

It’s about 4.5 hours long (approx.). Summer departures run about 09:30–14:00, and winter departures about 10:00–14:30.

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes the catamaran boat trip, drinks (beer, Sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), and lunch (chicken wrap with pasta salad). You also get a chance for swimming and snorkelling, with equipment provided.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do they offer pickup from all parts of Gran Canaria?

Pickup is available from centralised pickup points in the south of the island, but it is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan. You need to check your email confirmation for the exact pickup time and place.

What water sports cost extra?

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

Is there lunch and can they handle dietary requirements?

Yes. Lunch is included as a chicken wrap with pasta salad. If you have special dietary requirements, you must communicate them in advance when booking.

Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?

Equipment is provided, but the operator recommends bringing your own if you can. If you’re just trying it, the provided gear should be enough to get started.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.