A few hours on the water, and Fuerteventura feels close. This Magic Select catamaran trip pairs volcanic-coast sailing with real marine-spotting time, then turns into a swim stop off Jandía with lunch and open drinks.

I especially love the chance to watch dolphins (and sometimes whales) in their natural world, and I like that you get a full meal onboard instead of just snacks.

One possible downside: the trip is lively. Expect music all day and crew-led energy, so if you want quiet, this may not be your style.

Key points before you go

• Magic Select, 23 meters: big, stable catamaran with plenty of room to relax between activities
• Morro Jable start, safety briefing first: you’re out on the water fast, and everyone gets set up properly
• Dolphin/whale searching: the crew actively looks for marine life in Canary Islands waters with many species
• Jandía swim stop: a clear, timed break to get in the water off the coast
• Meal + open bar included: Mozarabic chicken with rice and vegetables, plus beer, wine, soft drinks, water
• Crew names you might remember: Aaron, Juani, Feli, Igor, Annika, Elisa, Oliver, Itziar, Laura, Eric, and others add personality to the day

Magic Select Catamaran from Morro Jable: what this day feels like

This is a straightforward, half-day sea escape with a clear rhythm: get aboard at Morro Jable, search for marine life, swim off Jandía, eat well onboard, then return. At 4 hours total, it’s long enough to feel like an actual experience, but not so long that you lose the whole day.

The boat itself is the kind that works well for mixed groups. It’s a modern 23-meter catamaran designed for comfort, and you’ll usually find enough space to break away from the main crowd—especially after the first “look for dolphins” stretch settles in. A safety briefing happens before you head out, which matters when you’re planning to swim.

If you’re staying around Costa Calma, Esquinzo, Morro Jable, or Jandía, pickup is offered from selected points near many hotels (generally a short walk). If you don’t get pickup, plan to meet at Morro Jable port 30 minutes early. That extra buffer helps you avoid stress in the heat and get settled before the boat pulls away.

Dolphins and whales off Fuerteventura’s southern volcanic coast

The main reason to book is marine life. This trip sets out from Morro Jable to search the waters around the Canary Islands, where more than 29 different species have been identified. Translation: you’re not just doing a slow cruise hoping for luck. The crew looks actively, and when they find something, you get time to watch.

What I like about this style of trip is how it stays practical. You’re not stuck waiting forever in one spot. When a pod shows up, you can see the animals in a way that feels real—close enough to notice movement and behavior, not just “a dot far away.”

From what you can encounter on these waters, pilot whales and dolphins are the most common highlights. People also sometimes report a whale from a distance and sightings of other sea life like flying fish. But here’s the honest expectation: marine spotting can’t be forced. If the day’s conditions don’t bring animals close, you still end up with a worthwhile catamaran outing and coastal scenery. Still, the best results happen when you accept that the ocean decides part of the schedule.

The Jandía swim stop: 30 minutes, no excuses

After the dolphin time, the captain changes course to the Jandía coastline for a swim stop. You get about 30 minutes in the water, which is enough time to cool off, stretch your legs, and take a few swims without turning it into a whole logistics project.

A catamaran anchoring near the coast usually means the water looks calm and inviting. Reviews describe turquoise views and a satisfying dip right near the boat. Still, don’t ignore real-water factors. You’ll want to pay attention to what the crew says about tide/current and where it’s easiest to enter and exit.

A practical tip: think “swim window,” not “water party all day.” If you’re serious about getting in, go early within the swim slot so you’re not rushing at the end. If you’re unsure, watch how others enter first and follow the offered safety setup.

If you’re traveling with kids or you just feel cautious, you’ll find life jackets available for adults and children. That’s a big help if you want to relax rather than constantly watch for every wobble.

Mozarabic chicken and an open bar that actually makes sense

Food onboard is included, and it’s not the typical “tour snack.” You get a meal featuring Mozarabic chicken, rice, and vegetables. It’s served when the day’s energy settles after the swim, so it feels like a reward instead of a distraction.

What I like most is that the meal is simple and filling, and it matches the rhythm of sea time. You’ve been watching, you’ve been in the water (or at least outside), and then you’re given a proper hot meal—especially welcome on a warm Canary day when you’ve been in sun and wind.

Now the drinks: there’s an open bar available throughout the excursion, including water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. So if you want alcohol, you can have it without buying anything separately. If you don’t, you still get water and soft drinks, which makes this easier than some party cruises where non-drinkers feel stuck.

One small consideration: not every drink preference is guaranteed. If you care about specific drink types (like sparkling water), you might want to plan on what’s actually listed in the included options and set expectations accordingly.

Crew energy: why Aaron and Juani can set the tone

The crew is a big part of why this trip earns such strong ratings. Names that pop up again and again include Aaron (often the skipper), Juani (captain in some reports), Feli, Igor, Annika, Elisa, Oliver, Itziar, Laura, and Eric. Even if you never meet the same people twice, the pattern stays the same: friendly, organized, and tuned into the mood of the group.

What I appreciate is the mix of roles. The crew isn’t just a host with a microphone. They handle safety basics, keep things moving, and run the day’s entertainment. Music runs during the trip, and on many departures the vibe becomes upbeat—people dance, and there can even be a chance for passengers to try steering the boat when conditions allow.

This is also where the dolphin-watching experience becomes more than just sighting. On some trips, captains share context like dolphin behavior and species details. Even if you’re not a marine expert, that kind of talk helps you understand what you’re seeing and makes the sightings feel more meaningful.

The sailing portions: expect movement, not a quiet wind-only cruise

A catamaran can sail under power or under sail depending on weather and how the day is running. On this type of half-day trip, the priority is marine spotting and hitting the swim window. That means sailing can be mixed with motor when sea conditions or passenger needs make it complicated.

In other words: don’t book assuming you’ll get hours of uninterrupted “pure sail” time. You will still be on a catamaran, and you’ll still get plenty of sea breeze and coastal views. But if your main fantasy is slow, wind-driven sailing with zero engine noise, you may feel more impressed if you treat this as a marine day with a sailing boat, not a sailing-purist day.

Also note how motion sickness factors in. Some people are more sensitive when the ocean gets choppy. Since the trip includes activities at sea and a swim stop, it’s smart to consider how your body handles boat travel. The crew’s job is to keep you safe and comfortable, but the sea is still the sea.

How the 4-hour schedule flows (and why the timing works)

Here’s the practical order you’ll experience, and why it matters:

• Departure from Morro Jable with a safety briefing so you know what to do if you go into the water.
• Time for dolphin/whale watching (around 1.5 hours), where the crew searches and then focuses when they find marine life. This is the core value: you’re not just passing by the coast.
• Jandía swimming stop (about 30 minutes) to cool off and enjoy the water right after the main watching session.
• Onboard meal (about 1 hour) when everyone’s settled down after the swim. This timing is great for appetite and energy.
• Sailing back (about 1 hour) while the day wraps up. This is when the atmosphere often feels like a “party plus photos,” especially with the crew keeping music and interactions going.

One more thing: this isn’t a tiny boat experience. Reports suggest a group size in the neighborhood of 30–35 passengers, which is large enough for an energetic atmosphere but still manageable because the boat is spacious. You’ll likely find a balance between social fun and personal space, especially if you move around the deck.

Where you’ll be picked up and dropped off (so you don’t lose time)

Pickup is optional and tied to specific resort areas, including Costa Calma, Esquinzo, Morro Jable, and Jandía. The idea is that pickup points are within about a 5-minute walk from selected hotels.

On the back end, drop-off options cover a wide set of hotels across the area. Names that show up include places like Meliá Fuerteventura, Riu Calypso, Iberostar Playa Gaviotas, Alua Village Fuerteventura, R2 Rio Calma, Jandía Princess, and Faro Jandía, plus returns back to Morro Jable and other nearby stops.

If you’re staying outside the pickup zones, you’ll likely have to get yourself to Morro Jable port. For that reason, I like this trip most when you’re already based in the middle of things on the south coast.

Who this catamaran trip is best for

This works well for a specific type of traveler:

• You want dolphin watching plus a swim, in one easy half-day plan
• You like an included meal and drinks instead of paying onboard
• You enjoy a lively atmosphere with music and a crew who keeps people involved
• You’re traveling as a couple, friends, or with mixed ages and want something that doesn’t require long hikes or complicated logistics

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a quiet, low-stimulation boat day
• Are very strict about “sailing only” (the trip can mix sailing and motor based on conditions)
• Get sea-sick easily and want maximum control over how the day feels

Price and value: is $91 a fair deal?

At around $91 per person for a 4-hour outing, you’re paying for three big bundles: catamaran time, marine spotting, and included onboard food and drinks.

From a value perspective, the open bar plus a hot meal changes the math. Many boat trips charge extra for drinks or provide only light snacks. Here, you’re covered with water, soft drinks, beer, and wine, plus the Mozarabic chicken meal. That’s what makes the price feel reasonable for a full half-day on the water.

You’re also paying for the crew effort. It’s not just a “sit and look.” They actively search for dolphins and whales and then guide the group during the swim and onboard meal. When marine life shows up close (pilot whales and dolphin pods are common highlights in reports), the experience can feel like a bargain.

So I’d treat the cost as fair if you’re looking for an easy, comfortable day with food included and you’re okay with a group vibe.

Should you book the Magic Catamaran Trip with Food and Drinks?

I’d book it if you want a simple, high-comfort way to enjoy Fuerteventura’s southern waters without doing a full-day expedition. The standout combination is hard to beat: marine watching time, a proper swim stop at Jandía, and an onboard Mozarabic chicken lunch with open bar.

Skip it—or at least mentally adjust—if you’re craving silence and calm. This trip is designed to keep energy up, and the music and crew interactions are part of the deal. Also, go in knowing dolphin and whale sightings are not guaranteed, since the ocean controls what you see.

If you want the best odds, pick a day when you’re feeling flexible and ready to follow the crew’s lead. When the marine life shows up, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Magic Catamaran trip?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The trip starts at Morro Jable port.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is optional. It’s offered from the resort areas of Costa Calma, Esquinzo, Morro Jable, and Jandía (from selected hotels within a short walk). If you choose not to get pickup, you meet at Morro Jable port.

How early do I need to be at Morro Jable port if I’m not using pickup?

You should arrive and meet the team at Morro Jable port about 30 minutes before the trip.

How long do you spend dolphin and whale watching?

The marine-watching time is about 1.5 hours in Jandía waters.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. There is a swim off the coast of Jandía for about 30 minutes.

What food is included onboard?

You’ll have a meal of Mozarabic chicken, rice, and vegetables.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Which marine animals might you see?

The trip searches for dolphins and whales. The Canary Islands waters have been identified with more than 29 species.

You Might Also Enjoy

Parasailing In MaltaCorralejo: Adults-Only Catamaran Day Trip to Lobos IslandFrom La Rochelle: Sailing Cruise to Fort BoyardPorto: Charming Sailboat Cruise with Port Wine,Sunset Option