Gran Canaria looks better from the water. This 4.5-hour catamaran afternoon cruise lets you coast along the shoreline, then anchor for a swim in clear water with sea life just below the surface.

I especially like that you get an included meal and drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, coffee, and water) while the crew runs a smooth, social boat experience. One thing to keep in mind: the included lunch is simple, and a small number of people felt it fell short—so treat it as hearty boat food, not a gourmet spread.

Key highlights at a glance

• Coastline views from a real catamaran, not a cramped boat ride
• Swimming and snorkeling stop with equipment provided
• Included Canarian-style lunch plus drinks like beer and sangria
• Optional add-ons for extra thrills, including jet ski and parasailing
• Hotel pickup in the south of the island, but with clear limits on where it serves

A 2:30 pm Catamaran Break on Gran Canaria’s South Coast

This trip is built for your afternoon, with a start time of 2:30 pm and a total duration of about 4.5 hours. If you’re staying in the south, it’s a smart way to use prime daylight without losing your whole morning or evening.

The big draw is the simple one: seeing Gran Canaria from the water. You’ll cruise along the coastline out of Puerto Base in Puerto Rico (Mogán area) and then head toward a calmer bay where the ship drops anchor.

From Puerto Base to a Calm Bay for Real Time on the Water

Boarding starts at Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria, C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán. If you’re arriving on your own, plan to show up 30 minutes before departure so you’re not rushing through check-in.

Once underway, the experience is mainly about the motion: sea breeze, open views, and that feeling of slowing down. The itinerary has you cruise along Gran Canaria’s coastline before reaching a calm, clear bay—the part where you actually get in the water.

What “anchored in a calm bay” means for you

It’s the difference between a quick stop and a usable one. Here, you’re not just passing by. You get time to swim and try snorkeling, with the boat positioned so you’re not fighting the current or timing everything perfectly.

Swimming and Snorkeling: The Included Water Time That Does the Job

At the anchored stop, the plan is straightforward: you can swim and snorkel (equipment is provided). The goal is to enjoy the water and look for fish—exactly the kind of casual adventure that works for a wide range of skill levels.

If you’re the type who needs a little structure, this is a nice middle ground. You’re not signing up for a lesson. You’re getting gear, a place where the water is clear, and time to try it at your own pace.

Practical tips before you get wet

Bring what you’d expect for a water stop: swimwear under your clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. Also, think about footwear if you usually prefer it on boats and near entry points—your comfort will matter more than you think once you’re out there for a while.

On-Board Food and Drinks: Simple, Included, and Actually Useful

Here’s where the value starts to show. The included meal is chicken wrap with pasta salad. Along with that, you’ll have access to beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water during your time on board.

This is the type of lunch that makes the trip feel complete. You’re not stuck paying for food at every stop or trying to cram a meal into a tight schedule. Even better, the drinks aren’t a separate purchase—at least for the items listed above.

A balanced reality check on quality

Some people rate this highly and call the service great. But a minority of feedback complains about the food being unpleasant and the drinks feeling basic. That tells me your best mindset is: expect casual boat food and easy-to-enjoy drinks, not restaurant-level cooking.

Also note what’s not included. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are extra. Beer and sangria are covered, but if you want the full bar, budget for upgrades.

Optional Water Sports: Real Fun, Plus Real Extra Costs

The core cruise includes swimming and snorkeling, but the trip also offers optional water sports. That’s the best part for thrill-seekers who want to pay only if they’re feeling it.

These are listed as extra:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the Captain: €5 per person (optional)

The itinerary also mentions water sports at a special discounted rate, but the exact discount isn’t spelled out in your details—so treat those posted add-on prices as your baseline.

Safety and insurance: what you should know

One important caution shows up in the operator’s response to a negative incident review: participation in non-obligatory water sports is treated as at your own risk, and travel insurance is expected for incidents. If you plan to do any of the higher-adrenaline activities (jet ski, parasailing, donut ride), I strongly recommend you come with proper coverage and read the check-in guidance carefully.

Pickup and Drop-Off in the South: Easy, But Not for Everyone

Hotel pickup is offered, but it’s not a door-to-door service. Pickup is available only from centralised pickup points in the south of the island.

Two limits matter:

• Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan.
• You must check your pickup confirmation 24 hours before departure to lock in the exact pickup time and place (they’ll email it, and you should check your junk folder).

If you’re staying somewhere outside the south pickup coverage, you may need to get yourself to the meeting point at Puerto Base. And if you’re not using pickup, show up early—again, 30 minutes before is the safe bet.

Group size: why it feels manageable

This isn’t a huge party boat. The activity caps at 66 travelers, and it notes a maximum of 12 people per individual booking. In plain terms: it still has energy, but you’re less likely to feel swallowed by a massive crowd.

Crew, Atmosphere, and the Little Extras That Lift the Trip

The staff experience is one of the most consistently praised parts. People specifically highlight amazing service, good organization, and a crew that keeps things moving without making you feel rushed.

One unique touch mentioned in feedback: a live saxophone appearance on the way back to the harbour. That’s the kind of small, memorable moment that makes a standard sightseeing cruise feel more like an event.

You’ll also notice the cruise has a social rhythm built in—time on deck for views, time at anchor for water play, and time with drinks while you settle in. If you like structured fun (without feeling locked into a schedule), this layout fits.

Price and Value: Is $93.16 Worth It?

At $93.16 per person, you’re paying for more than a seat. You’re covering:

• A boat trip of about 4.5 hours
• Meal included (chicken wrap + pasta salad)
• Drinks included (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water)
• Swimming and snorkeling chance with equipment provided
• Return transport from your hotel area (where pickup is available)

So the question isn’t just whether you like boats. It’s whether the combination of time on the water + included food/drinks + snorkeling matches what you want from your afternoon.

Then add-ons can change the total. Jet ski, parasailing, donut ride, and the captain speedboat ride all cost extra. If you plan to do multiple activities, your final bill will rise quickly—but you’ll also be paying for the parts that deliver the biggest adrenaline hits.

One money tip

One piece of advice from feedback: check prices if you’re deciding between booking direct versus a third-party platform. The suggestion is to book direct with Afrikat if you want the cleanest pricing outcome.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want to Skip)

I think this cruise is a great fit if you:

• Want stunning views from the water without dealing with complicated logistics
• Like the idea of an included lunch and drinks so the afternoon stays carefree
• Want a real chance to swim and snorkel, but don’t want to commit to a full-day excursion
• Enjoy cruises with organized crew energy and a friendly vibe

It may be less ideal if you:

• Care a lot about gourmet food and expect restaurant-level flavors from the included meal
• Want cocktails, wine, champagne, or spirits as part of the plan (those are not included)
• Are hoping for a do-anything, no-extra-fees package—several of the headline thrill activities are paid extras

Also, alcohol is restricted: minimum drinking age is 18. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Should You Book Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

If you’re staying in south Gran Canaria and you want a relaxed afternoon that combines coastline scenery with a real water stop, I’d call this a strong buy. The biggest wins are the time on the water, the included drinks and lunch, and the chance to snorkel with provided equipment.

Before you commit, make your decision based on three checks:

• Are you in a pickup zone served by the centralized south points? If not, plan to get yourself to Puerto Base.
• Are you okay with casual lunch expectations? Some feedback is positive, but not everyone loved the meal.
• Do you want optional water sports? If yes, decide which ones you actually want, then budget for the €10–€32 range plus the €5 captain speedboat ride.

If those boxes look good, you’ll likely enjoy a well-run afternoon on the water with enough variety to keep it from feeling repetitive. And if your plans change, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

It runs for about 4 hours 30 minutes (approximately). The schedule describes 4 hours on the boat, with the full experience timed around the afternoon departure.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria, C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain.

What time does it start?

The start time is 2:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and transport is provided from your hotel area where available. Pickup is only from centralised pickup points in the south of the island and is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogan.

What food and drinks are included on board?

The included meal is a chicken wrap with pasta salad (special dietary requirements can be requested). Drinks included are beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. There’s a chance to swim and snorkel at the anchored bay, and equipment is provided.

What water sports cost extra?

Extra options include jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasailing (€32 per person), donut ride (€10 per person), and an optional captain speedboat ride (€5 per person).

Are there age restrictions?

The minimum drinking age is 18. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you tell me where you’re staying in Gran Canaria (South area or not), I can help you sanity-check whether pickup is likely to work smoothly for your exact hotel area.