Sun and sea in one easy half-day.

This is a luxury catamaran morning cruise from Puerto Rico that lets you watch Gran Canaria’s coastline slip by at a relaxed pace. I especially like the included beer and sangria plus lunch served onboard, and I really appreciate the planned swim-and-snorkel anchor bay break. The one thing to think about: the itinerary includes optional water-sports add-ons, so your final spend can creep up if you say yes to jet skis or parasailing.

If your idea of a good day is views, sun, and zero stress, this one fits. The cruise is timed to keep the day feeling “morning fresh,” with a total run time of about 4.5 hours and a small-ship feel (max 66 people). You also get return transport from set pickup points in the south, but you’ll want to confirm the exact pickup time by email.

It’s also a good choice for people who want a lively atmosphere without being a party boat. The crew’s energy comes up again and again, including mentions of live music like a saxophonist on the way back. Still, if you’re picky about food, keep expectations realistic since the lunch is included but described as average by a few people.

Key highlights that actually matter

• A real swim stop in a calm bay, with snorkel time built in
• Drinks and lunch included, including beer, sangria, and a chicken wrap meal
• Optional thrills priced à la carte, so you control the add-ons
• Small enough to feel friendly, with a cap of 66 onboard
• Pickup from central south points, not from every resort area

Why a 4.5-hour morning cruise from Puerto Rico is such good value

Gran Canaria can be a lot. Buses, hills, and “just one more stop” plans can drain you fast. This cruise is the opposite. You start at Puerto Base and spend a solid chunk of time on the water, with the day structured around one main highlight: a calm, crystal-clear bay where you can get in and cool off.

At $90.70 per person for about 4 hours 30 minutes, the value is strongest because you’re not paying separately for basic sea-day basics. You’re getting the boat time, drinks, and lunch included. If you’ve ever tried to do a similar day on your own, you quickly add up the cost of boat rentals, food, and transport. Here, the package does the math for you.

And the timing helps. Departures run in two seasonal windows: 09:30–14:00 in summer and 10:00–14:30 in winter. In practice, that means you avoid the late-day crowds and you still get back with enough time to grab dinner elsewhere.

Getting on board: where you’ll start, and how pickup really works

The meeting point is C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and return transport is offered from fixed pickup points, depending on where you’re staying.

Here’s the part that can catch people: pickup is centralized in the south. It’s not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogán. So if you’re farther away, you’ll likely need to make your own way to Puerto Base.

Also, plan for a quick coordination step. The operator asks you to check your email for the exact pickup time and place 24 hours before departure (and yes, it might land in your junk folder). If you’re going directly to Puerto Base, arrive about 20 minutes early.

One more small win: you’ll have a mobile ticket, and the meeting area is described as near public transportation. That matters if you’re flexible and don’t want to rely 100% on hotel pickup.

What’s included on the Afrikat catamaran (and what isn’t)

This cruise is designed around an included “core” experience, then optional upgrades if you want more speed and splash.

Included

• Boat trip of about 4.5 hours, cruising along Gran Canaria’s coastline from Puerto Base
• Drinks onboard: beer, sangria, soft drinks/juice, coffee, and water
• Lunch: chicken wrap with pasta salad
• Dietary needs are supported if you communicate them in advance
• Swimming and snorkelling time at the anchor bay
• Equipment is provided, but you may still prefer your own gear
• Return transport from set pickup points (where offered)

Not included (the add-ons)

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Speedboat ride with the captain: €5 per person
• Reviews mention speedboat trips and “captain” guided experiences, but the cost is the key detail
• Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits are not part of the included plan

This à la carte structure is actually a benefit. If you’re the “sun and snorkel” type, you can keep spending under control. If you want adrenaline, you can add it without paying upfront for thrills you won’t use.

Cruising the coast: what you’ll actually see from the deck

The boat heads along the coastline of Gran Canaria, with views from the deck as you pass villages, bays, and beaches. This isn’t a sightseeing lecture. It’s more like: settle in, look around, feel the sea breeze, and let the coastline do the work.

The vibe tends to stay relaxed until the water-sports area opens up. And because you’re on a catamaran, the ride often feels steadier than a smaller boat—especially when the waters are calm.

If you like a structured day but still want freedom, this is a sweet spot. There’s movement, but it doesn’t feel rushed.

Stop 1: the Afrikat swim and snorkel anchor bay (the main event)

After cruising along the coast, the catamaran anchors in a calm, clear bay. This is where your time turns from “watching from above” to “being in the water.”

What to expect:

• You’ll have time to swim in refreshing water
• You can snorkel (equipment provided)
• If you want your own comfort setup, bring your own snorkel gear—one note in the plan recommends it

This is also where optional water activities often happen nearby (like jet skis or parasailing, depending on conditions). The whole point is simple: you don’t just sit on a boat. You get a real break where your feet (or fins) are in the water.

One practical tip: if you’re prone to seasickness, still go for it—but plan smart. A few people mention seasickness, and the crew was helpful. That’s a good sign. Still, you’re on the sea, so if you’re sensitive, consider grabbing what you need before you board.

Water sports add-ons: how to choose without overspending

If you’re trying to keep the day “worth it,” pick one thrill and do it well. The add-ons aren’t included, but they’re priced in a way that lets you customize your afternoon.

Here are the options you can add:

• Speedboat ride with the captain (€5 per person)

Short, fun, and mentioned in a positive way in reviews.

• Jet ski (€32 per vehicle)

Great if you’re with someone who can share the cost and time.

• Donut ride (€10 per person)

A classic “get splashed” option.

• Parasailing (€32 per person)

The big-ticket adrenaline choice.

A useful way to decide: match the activity to your energy level. If you already plan to snorkel, a speedboat ride can be the perfect extra. If you really want motion, jet skis or parasailing make more sense.

Also note: the plan states water sports are offered at special discounted rates. That’s part of the value story—these things are easier to say yes to when the pricing feels “boat-day priced,” not tourist-priced.

Lunch and drinks: what the onboard meal feels like in real life

The included lunch is straightforward: chicken wrap with pasta salad. For special diets, you need to communicate in advance. Some people mention vegetarian options, which suggests dietary accommodation is possible—but don’t assume. Email or booking notes are the place to handle it early.

The drinks are a big part of the onboard comfort:

• beer
• sangria
• soft drinks/juice
• coffee and water

A couple of comments mention that sangria can feel like it’s more similar to juice than a strong cocktail. That’s not unusual for a group sail, and it’s good to know. If you’re expecting bar-style mixed drinks, you’ll still have options, but cocktails and stronger alcohol are not included.

One small detail that pops up in reviews: eco-friendlier choices like edible straws were mentioned. Even if you don’t care about that specifically, it reflects an onboard approach that’s more considered than purely party-first.

The crew and onboard atmosphere: friendly, active, and sometimes musically weird

The recurring strength here is the crew’s friendliness and energy. People describe the team as welcoming, organized, and helpful—especially with water activities and anyone dealing with seasickness.

You may also catch live music on the way back. One review mentions a saxophonist, but it was only for a short portion of the cruise. Think of it as a bonus moment, not the main event.

If you’re traveling solo, this kind of boat set-up can help you connect. Reviews include solo travelers feeling they met people and had a good time. With max 66 onboard, it stays social without turning into chaos.

Price and logistics reality check: when this cruise is the best fit

This is best for you if:

• You want a half-day on the water without building a complex plan
• You’d rather pay once than nickel-and-dime snacks and drinks
• You like having a swim anchor bay instead of just “look and go”
• You want options: snorkel quietly or add jet skis if you’re in a thrill mood

It may not be ideal if:

• Food expectations are extremely high. A few people call the meal average.
• You want long hours of nonstop sailing. This is a 4.5-hour experience with anchored swim time and optional add-ons. If you want 6–8 hours, you may find the cruise a bit short.

The most important value point: your money buys core activities plus free drinks. Then you choose extras. That’s a smart way to control your day.

What to pack so you’re not annoyed halfway through

Even though snorkel equipment is provided, pack like you’ll actually use the water time.

Bring:

• A swimsuit you can wear right away (and a quick-dry towel if you have one)
• Sunscreen, because you’re on deck
• Sunglasses and a hat
• If you have them: your own snorkel mask and fins (the plan recommends bringing your own equipment even though some gear is offered)
• A light cover-up for after the swim

If you plan to do add-ons, bring a little extra cash/card flexibility. Jet skis and parasailing are meaningful costs.

And don’t forget the practical stuff:

• Mobile ticket ready on your phone
• Arrive early if you’re going directly to Puerto Base

Should you book Afrikat Morning Cruise?

Yes, if you want a straightforward Gran Canaria sea day with included drinks, included lunch, and a real swim/snorkel break. This is the kind of tour that feels like a vacation from the moment you step on board.

One more strong reason to book: the overall rating is high, with 93% recommending it and an average rating of 4.7 from 501 reviews. The recurring praise is about the crew and the onboard fun, especially around water activities and the overall atmosphere. The main caution is the usual: lunch is included but not designed to be a gourmet dining highlight, and add-on thrills cost extra.

If your goal is: sun, salt air, coastline views, and a calm bay where you can jump in, this cruise delivers.