A catamaran day beats most beach plans. This half-day cruise from Puerto Rico glides along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, then adds time to swim, snorkel, and even hop on a banana boat. You get a laid-back rhythm: sun deck time, a bar drink, lunch, and a good chance to spot sea life such as turtles and dolphins from the deck.

I especially like that the trip feels built for “easy mode” on the water. You’re not hustling from one stop to the next; you’re just cruising, then using the water time for swimming and snorkeling with provided gear. I also like the small-group feel with a maximum of 50 travelers, which usually means more personal space on board.

One thing to consider: the banana boat and re-boarding moment can feel busy. If you’re even slightly unsure on your feet, watch the crew’s instructions closely and keep a firm grip as you get back aboard.

Key things that make this cruise work

• Mogán coast views with a proper cruise feel instead of just “park and swim”
• Lunch + drinks included, so you’re not trying to figure out food mid-trip
• Snorkeling equipment provided, which saves you from packing and shopping
• Banana boat ride included, a fun hit of activity inside a relaxing schedule
• Spot sea life from the deck (turtles, dolphins, flying fish are part of the plan)
• Max 50 travelers, so the boat usually doesn’t feel cramped

A half-day catamaran that’s easy on your schedule

Gran Canaria can be intense if you try to do too much on land. That’s why I like cruises like this: they turn a chunk of the day into simple motion—salt air, sun, and sea views—without much thinking.

This one runs about 4 hours along the southern coast, departing from Puerto Rico and cruising around the Puerto de Mogán coastline area. The vibe is classic: you settle into the ride, then you actually get water time—swim, snorkel, and banana boat—before heading back.

If your plan is more beach-and-rest than museum-and-maps, you’ll probably love the balance. It’s not trying to be a full-day adventure. It’s trying to be a good day at sea.

Getting started near Puerto Rico is pretty straightforward

The meeting point is C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That matters because you’re not left trying to coordinate transport after you’ve been on the water.

Even better, they offer pick-up from several well-known areas: Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Costa Meloneras, Pasito Blanco, Argueneguín, Puerto Rico, Taurito, and Puerto Mogán. If you’re staying outside Puerto Rico, this is the difference between a smooth start and a stressful scramble.

Also, it’s described as near public transportation. So if you don’t use the pick-up, you still have options for getting there.

One practical note: the tour uses a mobile ticket and you should receive confirmation at booking time. I’d still keep a screenshot of your ticket just in case your phone battery decides to take a day off.

Onboard life: sun deck time, bar drinks, and lunch

Once you’re aboard, the experience is built around comfort. There’s a terrace/sun deck for soaking up the day, and there’s a bar for drinks. And yes—lunch and drinks are included.

Here’s how that plays out for you in real life: you can spend the first stretch of the cruise not thinking about anything except where to sit. You don’t need to interrupt the day to hunt down a meal. You’re also not stuck watching other people order while you pass because you didn’t plan ahead.

Now, let’s keep it honest. One of the less flattering bits of feedback I saw was about lunch being on the basic side. So I’d go in with the right expectation: it’s there to keep you going, not to change your life. If you care a lot about food quality, treat it as included fuel and not as a foodie highlight.

What I do recommend is bringing your own practical mindset:

• Sunscreen before you board, not halfway through.
• A towel ready for the swim/snorkel stop.
• A camera for dolphins/turtles chances.

The cruising part: Mogán coastline with sea-life spotting

The heart of this cruise is the ride along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. You leave from Mogán and cruise the shoreline, which is a nice change of pace from the typical “just head straight to a beach.”

From the deck, you’re looking out for sea life—turtles, dolphins, and flying fish are specifically part of what the trip is designed around. Of course, wildlife can’t be guaranteed. But the fact they build the day around observation means you’ll likely spend time in the right setting and at the right tempo.

The best move is to rotate your attention:

• First: look far out for movement.
• Then: scan the water near the boat for smaller signs.
• Last: keep an eye on the skyline for flying fish hints.

Also, flying fish tend to be easiest to spot when the light is good and you’re not squinting. So grab a spot early and keep your eyes relaxed.

The swim and snorkel stop: make it count

You get a dedicated time slot for a swim and snorkel stop. And the important practical point: snorkeling equipment is included. That saves you from renting gear last-minute or dealing with ill-fitting masks on vacation.

What you should bring (and you’ll thank yourself later):

• A bathing suit and towel
• Comfortable clothes you can wear back on board
• Sunscreen (again, do it before you’re in the sun)
• Comfortable shoes if you need them for boarding/shuffling around

The tour also notes that you must be able to swim unaccompanied to take part. That’s not picky fine print—it directly affects whether you’ll be comfortable during the water portion.

How to get more value out of the snorkel time:

• Don’t burn all your energy immediately. Start slow.
• Spend more time observing than chasing.
• If you feel unsure in the water, stick to swimming and save your full-on snorkeling energy for when you’re confident.

This is a half-day cruise, so the water window matters. The better prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Banana boat ride: fun, but watch the re-boarding

There’s a banana boat ride included. If you like a little splashy action, this is the part that breaks the relaxing rhythm. It’s also a reason people choose this specific cruise over a calm sightseeing boat.

But here’s my main caution: the banana ride and the transition back onto the catamaran can be the moment where things feel the most chaotic. If you’re traveling with kids, or if you’re not the most steady in moving-on-water situations, slow down and follow crew instructions carefully.

You’ll be happier on board if you think about safety as your job, not the crew’s job alone:

• Keep your hands where you’re told.
• Don’t rush during re-boarding.
• Stay aware of where people are stepping.

And if you’re the type who gets nervous on rides, you might prefer prioritizing the swim/snorkel time instead of hopping on the banana boat.

Price and value: what $72.59 really buys

The price is $72.59 per person, and it’s a half-day cruise that runs around 4 hours. It’s booked on average 8 days in advance, which suggests it’s a popular slot—especially for people who plan their beach days around a short escape.

What you’re getting for that price:

• Catamaran cruise
• Lunch and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Banana boat ride
• Insurance
• Transfer (pick-up service from multiple areas)

That’s a solid bundle. Many “boat day” experiences on this island either charge extra for activities or force you to cover gear rentals. Here, the snorkel and banana boat are included, and you don’t have to figure out what to eat onboard.

Where value can shift for your expectations: included drinks and food don’t automatically mean premium quality. Plan for a fun day, not a gourmet dining experience. And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes clarity, it can’t hurt to ask what happens if you’re served drinks during lunch time and how everything is handled onboard.

In other words: the value is best if you’re treating this as a classic catamaran outing with included activities. It’s less ideal if you’re expecting a high-end, tightly managed “everything is perfect” experience.

Group size and the overall vibe on board

The tour caps at 50 travelers. That size is often the sweet spot for a boat day: enough people for energy and social buzz, but not so many that you’re constantly bumping elbows.

One detail that stands out is the way the day is structured for relaxing. There’s time for sun deck lounging, time for food, and time for water activities. That pacing is what keeps it from feeling like a checklist.

Also, there’s mention of animation/entertainment as a positive aspect in feedback. If you enjoy a bit of crew energy—without it becoming a chaotic party—you’ll probably enjoy that layer.

Who should book this catamaran cruise (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A short, low-stress outing from Puerto Rico
• Included snorkeling gear without hassle
• A mix of relaxation (sun deck) and fun (banana boat)
• A chance of wildlife sightings from the deck

You might want to skip (or at least think hard) if:

• You’re uncomfortable with active water moments like the banana ride and re-boarding
• You’re a picky eater expecting restaurant-level meals onboard
• You need a fully hands-held swim experience, since the requirement says you must be able to swim unaccompanied

It also helps to be prepared with your basic beach-day kit: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, camera.

Quick practical tips before you go

If you want to get the most from the day, I’d do these three things:

• Arrive early enough to settle without rushing. Boarding is smoother when you’re not sprinting.
• Bring sunscreen and a towel that you can grab quickly.
• If you’re snorkeling, make sure your mask feels right early, before you’re tired and impatient in the water.

And keep in mind: the cruise is about sun + sea time. Dress comfortably, wear swim-ready gear, and keep your expectations aligned with a fun included-activities boat day.

Should you book the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

If your vacation style is relaxed and you like a mix of views plus included activities, I’d say this is a strong candidate. The included snorkeling equipment, the banana boat ride, and the fact that lunch and drinks are part of the deal make it good value for a 72-ish per person half-day outing.

Book it if:

• You want a simple break from walking around.
• You’re comfortable swimming unaccompanied.
• You’ll actually use the snorkeling time.

Think twice if:

• The banana boat re-boarding moment worries you.
• You’re strict about lunch quality.
• You need every detail to be flawless and perfectly handled, since boat operations can sometimes vary depending on how the day runs.

Bottom line: it’s a classic catamaran day that’s best when you approach it as fun, sun, and water—rather than expecting a luxury, fine-dining experience.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

Does this tour include pickup?

Yes. Pickup is available from Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Costa Meloneras, Pasito Blanco, Argueneguín, Puerto Rico, Taurito, and Puerto Mogán. You need to contact the operator if you want pickup so they can assign the nearest point.

What’s included in the price?

The included items are catamaran cruise, lunch and drinks, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, insurance, and transfer.

What activities are not included?

A Jet Ski and parasailing combo is not included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

You must be able to swim unaccompanied to participate in this trip.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes, shoes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a towel, and a camera.