Unwind in one of Gran Canaria’s easiest sea days. This Afrikat catamaran outing along the southwest coast mixes a smooth cruise, a proper swim break, and plenty of time in the sun. You’ll stop where the water looks clear enough to make snorkeling feel like cheating.

I especially like the crew energy—folks like Potter and Nikita are repeatedly mentioned for keeping the mood fun, safe, and organized. And I love that the day isn’t just “on the boat”: you get unlimited drinks plus a real onboard lunch, so you’re not rushing to buy food or worry you’ll run out.

The main thing to consider is that the most exciting add-ons cost extra, and a few water activities can be limited on certain days. Also, pickup comes from a list of central areas, so you’ll want to confirm your hotel zone before you assume you can just be picked up nearby.

Key points worth knowing

• You get time in the water: swimming and snorkeling with gear available during the Mogán stop
• Unlimited beer and sangria with soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water on board
• Lunch is included (chicken wrap plus pasta salad options for special diets if arranged in advance)
• Optional water sports add up fast (jet ski, parasailing, donut, speedboat ride)
• Potter and Nikita show up in the stories: lots of humor, clear safety talk, and hands-on attention
• Live music is limited to Friday mornings (and not on 27 February)

The vibe on Afrikat: relaxed catamaran cruising, not a cattle-call

This cruise feels built for a slow, good-feeling afternoon. The boat itself is described as clean and spacious, and multiple riders highlight that it doesn’t feel overcrowded in the way some “party boats” do. That matters in real life. When you’re trying to lounge, grab shade, and get drinks without standing around, comfort becomes part of the value.

The crew’s role is also a big part of why this works. Names like Potter and Nikita come up again and again for being friendly and funny, with announcements that keep things moving. There’s also a short safety briefing right before departure, which you’ll appreciate if your group includes kids, first-timers, or anyone who just wants clarity fast.

And yes, you’ll feel the sea breeze along the coastline. It’s not the kind of trip where you sit inside all day hoping the air changes. This is outdoors time, with built-in breaks.

Getting picked up: many resort zones, but not every address qualifies

The day starts with a bus/coach transfer before you reach the marina area. Expect about one hour by coach, then a 10-minute safety briefing, and then you’re on the catamaran.

Pickup is offered from a long list of centralized points around the south and southwest coast. Names you might recognize include areas like Bahía Feliz, Playa del Aguila, Playa del Cura, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Patalavaca, and more. The big practical takeaway is that pickup is structured around specific zones, not individual hotel doors everywhere.

Two cautions to keep you from wasting time:

• Pickup is not from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogan. If your hotel is near those names, you may need to use a closer pickup point.
• Your total trip is about 4.5 hours, so the timing can feel tight if your hotel transfer is slower than expected.

If you like the idea of “door-to-boat convenience,” this setup is a plus. If you’re staying somewhere outside the pickup net, you may want to plan your own transport to the meeting point.

The Mogán water break: lunch first, then snorkel and swimming in clear water

Your biggest block of time is in Mogán, where you’ll have about 2.5 hours to enjoy the bay. This is the heart of the experience, and it’s why the trip is more than just a scenic cruise.

Here’s what that stop is built around:

• Lunch on board while you’re anchored
• Swimming and snorkeling with gear provided
• Time for optional add-ons if you choose

In the real world, this kind of stop is where you either love the day or just tolerate it. The advantage here is that the schedule gives you room to do more than one thing. You can spend time in the water, rinse off (as best as you can on a boat day), and still have time left to relax on deck afterward.

Snorkeling equipment is described as available, and people mention seeing plenty of fish. The equipment is an important detail because it removes friction: you don’t need to pack your own snorkel setup, and you’re not stuck hunting for rentals last-minute.

If you’re heading out with kids, this stop usually works because it’s not a one-and-done swim. You’ve got enough time to try it, get comfortable, and regroup without feeling rushed.

Drinks and lunch onboard: the value sits in the included comfort

The included food and drinks are a big part of why the $88 price can actually feel fair—especially compared to the “boat-only” excursions that charge extra once you board.

Unlimited drinks (what you get)

On board, you can expect unlimited:

• Beer
• Sangria
• Soft drinks
• Juice
• Coffee
• Water

That’s the kind of package that changes the day. If you’re the type who usually ends up buying one drink at a time, the savings can stack up quietly. One rider also notes a fun detail: you can tap your own beer. That’s a small moment, but it fits the overall “relaxed party without chaos” tone.

The meal (and the simple dietary plan)

Lunch is served by the crew. The standard meal includes:

• Chicken wrap (with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces)
• Pasta salad for special dietary requirements

If you have dietary needs, the key is timing: it’s stated that special dietary communication needs to happen in advance. So if you want the alternate option, don’t assume it’ll be handled automatically.

Included extras that matter

You also get snorkeling equipment (optional) and a reusable drinking glass souvenir. That glass sounds minor until you’re holding something that keeps your drink routine from getting clunky.

Optional water sports: where the costs rise (and where they’re worth it)

This cruise is designed with extras, but you get to choose. The ship offers discounts on activities like:

• Donut ride
• Jet skiing
• Parasailing
• Speedboat ride with the captain

What you should expect on costs:

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

Also, cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included, so stick to the beer/sangria/soft drinks set if you want to keep the budget under control.

A few real-world considerations from what riders report:

• Some water activities may not be available on the day you go. Jet ski is one example where riders mention it wasn’t possible, even when they’d planned for it.
• Still, people often feel the trip is worth it even without every add-on, because the included snorkel time and drinks keep the day full.

If you want a “best value” approach, do this:

1. Treat snorkeling as non-negotiable since it’s included.
2. Pick one big add-on (jet ski or parasail) and maybe one small extra (like the donut or a speedboat ride), rather than trying to buy everything.

That keeps the day fun and prevents the budget from turning into a surprise.

The timing: why the 4.5 hours feels just right (for most people)

The day runs on a tight loop:

• Pickup/coach transfer about 1 hour
• Safety briefing 10 minutes
• Catamaran cruise about 1 hour to reach the area
• Stop at Mogán for around 2.5 hours (lunch + water time)
• Return cruise about 1 hour
• Coach transfer about 1 hour back

Why that timing works: it avoids the “all-day tour that turns tiring” problem. You get a meaningful chunk of water time and still leave with energy, not exhaustion.

Why it might not work: if you’re the type who wants a slow, long beach day, you’ll feel like the water time is capped. But for a sun-and-sea hit with drinks and lunch included, the pacing is usually ideal.

Who this Gran Canaria catamaran is best for

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A mix of scenery + real water time
• Included food and unlimited drinks
• A lively crew with humor and active guidance
• A day that fits families, couples, and groups without needing advanced swimming skills

It also can work well for honeymooners and birthdays. One rider specifically mentions a honeymoon making it feel extra special, which makes sense: it’s scenic without being stiff, and it includes enough comforts to feel like a treat.

If you’re not into boats or you’re worried about motion, the safety briefing and the crew’s help with sea-sickness has been praised. Still, this is an open-water day, so it’s wise to bring sensible motion-prep if that’s a concern for your group.

Price and value: is $88 really a good deal?

At $88 per person, this cruise is positioned as a “you pay once and enjoy the day” outing—mostly because the included package is substantial.

Here’s how to judge the value without guessing:

• You’re paying for a catamaran cruise, round-trip coach transfer, and a lunch that’s more than a snack.
• Drinks are unlimited beer and sangria plus soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. If you’d normally buy drinks during the day, that alone can swing the math.
• Snorkeling equipment is available, and the water stop gives time to actually use it.

Then there’s the add-on layer. If you do nothing extra, you’re still paying for a full experience (cruise + anchoring + snorkel + lunch + drinks). If you add a jet ski or parasail, your total rises, but you’re also getting a more action-heavy day.

From a planning standpoint, the best way to avoid regret is to decide your budget ceiling before you arrive:

• If you’ll spend €0–€30 extra, this often reads as a good value.
• If you’ll spend for multiple big activities, you’re basically buying an upgraded day—so it’s still fun, just treat it like a semi-custom outing.

Things to bring so the day doesn’t feel rushed

You’ll want to come ready for water and sun:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Credit card
• Cash
• Camera

A small tip that actually helps: put sunscreen on before you board, not at the last second on deck. When you’re out in the sun, delays feel bigger than they are.

Should you book Afrikat’s Fun Catamaran Cruise in Gran Canaria?

Book it if you want a straightforward Gran Canaria sea day: cruise, a serious water break in Mogán, included lunch, and unlimited beer/sangria without overthinking plans. The crew style is a recurring theme—especially Potter, Nikita, and Matt—and the trip is set up so you’re not stuck waiting around.

Skip it (or go in with eyes open) if:

• You need a long, beach-style day. This is built around a timed water stop.
• Your group expects every single water sport to definitely run. Some activities can be limited on the day.
• You’re outside the pickup zones. That can add hassle fast.

If you’re aiming for an enjoyable, sun-first excursion with real comfort built into the ticket price, this one usually lands in the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The total duration is 4.5 hours.

What’s included with the ticket?

Included are pickup and drop-off service (from designated centralized points), the catamaran cruise, unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water, snorkeling equipment (optional), a meal prepared by the crew, and a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

What water sports cost extra?

Jet ski costs €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, a donut ride costs €10 per person, and a speedboat ride with the captain costs €5 per person.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from specific centralized locations. Pickup is not available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogan.

What should I bring for swimming and snorkeling?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, sun cream (sunscreen), and a credit card and/or cash. A camera is also recommended.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages.