There’s something about an afternoon on the water. This Afrikat catamaran cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast gives you sea views, a real swim stop, and optional thrill rides without rushing your day.

I especially like two things: the unlimited drinks onboard (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water) and the chance to swim and snorkel in a crystal-clear bay from an anchored catamaran.

One thing to consider: the boat can feel a bit crowded on the sun deck during popular times, so if you want lots of personal space, aim to get a good spot early.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Unlimited drinks included: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water
• A real swim-and-snorkel stop in a clear bay with optional snorkeling gear
• Meal onboard by the crew: chicken wrap (with optional add-ons) plus pasta salad
• Southwest coast scenery: views past cliffs and toward the fishing village of Mogán
• Extra thrills cost extra: jet ski, parasail, donut, and a speedboat ride with the captain
• Onboard entertainment sometimes pops up: you might catch Ashleigh on saxophone

What This Cruise Feels Like in Real Life

This is the kind of trip that fixes your mood fast. You start on a catamaran, you cruise with sea breezes, then you drop anchor so you can actually get in the water—no “look but don’t touch” energy.

The vibe is casual and social. The crew runs the day like a fun afternoon, with time to relax and options to add adrenaline if you want it. You’ll also get a proper meal, which matters more than you’d think when you’re out for 4.5 hours.

And yes, you can keep it simple: lie back on the sun cushions, sip something cold, swim when the boat stops, and call it a win.

Getting There: Pickup Points and the Puerto Rico Option

Pickup is part of the deal, but only from central points in the south. Your options include Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura.

If you’re staying elsewhere, don’t assume pickup reaches everywhere. The data specifically notes pickup is not available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico—so check your exact area before you pick your tour time.

If you plan to go straight to the harbor, you can meet at Puerto Rico (Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130). You’ll need to sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before departure.

Quick practical tip: bring your swim stuff even if you’re doing the “I’ll change later” plan. Getting it right on the first try saves you stress while everyone else is queuing for shade and sunscreen.

Cruising Past Mogán: Cliffs, Coves, and South-Coast Views

The catamaran route runs along Gran Canaria’s southwest coastline. Expect big-sky views, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves—plus the kind of coastal perspective you don’t get from land.

A highlight is the passing view toward the fishing village of Mogán. From the water, it’s easier to understand the geography: where the cliffs drop away, where the small pockets of coastline make sense, and how the coastline changes character along the way.

This portion of the cruise is also when you’ll feel the “why this is worth booking” factor. You’re not just sitting on a boat—you’re moving along a coast that looks made for photos, with enough time to relax between sights.

The Swim-and-Snorkel Bay: The Part You Actually Remember

Here’s the core reason this trip works: you drop anchor and spend time in a refreshing, crystal-clear bay. This is the moment most people picture when they think catamaran day.

You can snorkel if you want. Snorkeling equipment is included as an optional extra, so you can grab it onboard and head in when the crew signals.

Why this matters for you: snorkeling gear included means you’re not scrambling to rent equipment at the last minute. Even if you’re not a super confident swimmer, you still get the main benefit—time floating, cooling off, and looking at water that actually seems clean enough to trust.

Bring a towel and your swimsuit. The day is built around being ready for that first cool splash, not around changing clothes at the last second.

Unlimited Drinks and a Meal That’s More Than Snacks

This is a food-and-drink cruise as much as it is a sightseeing cruise. You’ll have unlimited drinks onboard, including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

A detail I appreciate: cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included. That’s good to know because it helps you budget for what you want, instead of assuming everything fancy is rolled into the price.

Food is served by the crew: chicken wrap (with bacon, cheese topping, salad, and sauce optional) and pasta salad. If you have dietary needs, you need to inform the provider when booking—don’t wait until you’re on the boat.

Also included: a reusable drinking glass souvenir. It’s a small thing, but it adds a nice touch when you’re doing this kind of day out.

Optional Water Thrills: What Costs Extra (and What to Pick)

Most of the value here is in what’s included, but the boat also offers add-ons if you want more action.

From the provided info, extra-cost options are:

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

There’s also an option for a speedboat-style thrill (a short ride) and the donut inflatable rides are often the quickest way to get a big adrenaline hit without needing to be a strong swimmer all day.

If you’re deciding what to do, my rule is simple: pick one “big” ride and one “fun little” ride, then spend the rest of the time relaxing. Trying to do everything can turn the afternoon into a rush, and you lose the point of a cruise.

And one more real-world note: one earlier experience described the thrill menu as sometimes dependent on the day’s operations. If water sports aren’t running for any reason, you may get less variety than you hoped—so plan mentally with the swim stop as your main anchor.

Onboard Comfort: Sun Deck Reality Check

Catamarans are great, but physics is physics. Reviews point to a common reality: the sun deck can get a little crammed in the sun.

So here’s how to handle it:

• Get there early if you can, so you can claim a comfortable spot.
• If you burn easily, treat the shade like it’s currency.
• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen even if the forecast looks friendly.

The cruise length is 4.5 hours, which is long enough to enjoy yourself but not long enough to become a grind—especially once you’re in the water and back onboard with drinks.

Entertainment That Adds Flavor (When It’s Happening)

This isn’t a silent luxury cruise. One review noted Ashleigh on saxophone during the return, and another mentioned extra music touches on certain days.

Also, the crew is described as fun, welcoming, and very much part of the party. Names that came up include Potter (the owner) and Pedro (a guide), both described as adding humor and energy.

Even if you’re not there for entertainment, it helps the day feel lively instead of like a long “sit and wait” between swim and lunch.

Price and Value: Why This Often Feels Like a Bargain

At $91 per person for a 4.5-hour catamaran afternoon, the value depends on what you compare it to. This price includes:

• Catamaran cruise
• Pickup and drop-off from many central areas
• Unlimited drinks
• A staffed meal onboard
• Optional snorkeling equipment
• A reusable souvenir glass

That combination is what makes this feel fair. A lot of coastal tours either include the boat but not the food, or include snacks but not drinks, or charge separately for snorkel gear. Here, the “already included” list is strong.

The extras are clearly priced too (jet ski, parasail, donut, speedboat ride), which is how it should be. You can keep your costs predictable: if you only do the included swim and skip paid rides, you still get a full afternoon at sea with drinks and food.

If you want to do one or two paid activities, you’re still getting a lot for your base price because you’re not paying for drinks and the meal separately.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Not)

This tour is a good match if you want:

• A relaxed day with a real swim stop
• Unlimited casual drinks without paperwork or extra purchases all afternoon
• A simple meal that keeps you fueled for the water

It’s also great for mixed groups: couples who want scenery and photos, friends who want fun onboard energy, and families (the trip is suitable for all ages).

It may not be perfect if you’re very sensitive to crowded decks or you want maximum quiet time. In that case, treat it like a lively boat day and plan your expectations around space.

Tips Before You Go (Simple Stuff That Helps)

You’ll be out in sun, on saltwater time, and back before dinner. Use that to your advantage.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Swimsuit and sunscreen
• Towel
• Camera (or phone)

You’ll also want to keep a little extra cash or a bank card available for the paid water sports, souvenirs, or photos.

If you’re booking with mobility needs, inform the provider after booking. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and it’s better to share needs ahead of time so arrangements are smooth.

And if you cancel: the policy says free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so if your plans might shift, this is a safer bet.

Should You Book Afrikat’s Afternoon Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward, good-value afternoon at sea: unlimited drinks, a crew-served meal, and a swim/snorkel stop are the kind of “included benefits” that make the day feel full.

Skip or reconsider if you want a calm, uncrowded experience with minimal logistics. Also consider your tolerance for sun-deck sharing. You can handle it with smart timing and shade planning.

My quick decision rule: if you’re excited about getting into the water and enjoying the coast from a moving catamaran, this is a strong choice for Gran Canaria.

FAQ

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran cruise, pickup and drop-off from central points (area dependent), unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), the meal served by the crew, and optional snorkeling equipment. A reusable drinking glass souvenir is also included.

Do I get pickup if I’m staying in the south?

Pickup is available from several central areas, including Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup isn’t available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico.

Can I snorkel even if I’m not bringing gear?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included as an optional extra, so you can use it onboard during the anchored stop.

What water activities cost extra?

Extra-cost activities listed are jet ski (€32 per vehicle), parasail (€32 per person), donut inflatable (€10 per person), and a speedboat ride with the captain (€5 per person). Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

What food and drinks are served on the cruise?

The meal is chicken wrap (with optional bacon, cheese topping, salad, and sauce) plus pasta salad. Drinks are unlimited and include beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You’ll also want your camera and something to protect yourself from sun while you’re out on the water.