Half a day at sea feels like two. This Gran Canaria catamaran day trip cruises out from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria along the island’s southwest coastline, with stops for swimming and snorkeling near Mogán and lunch off Tasarte. You get a comfortable ride, shade when you want it, and enough included gear to actually do things, not just watch the water.

What I like most is the mix of included food and unlimited drinks plus real time in the water. You settle in on the catamaran, sip beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, then you get a proper meal break with ocean views.

My only real caution is weather. The trip runs subject to sea and conditions, and the water can be chilly depending on the season.

Key things to know before you go

• Two swim-and-play stops near Mogán and Tasarte, with time to snorkel, swim, and use the gear
• Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water while you’re aboard
• Fresh seasonal lunch (morning) or light tapas (afternoon) with Canarian-style sides like mojo potatoes
• SUP and kayak included, so you’re not stuck waiting for a single activity slot
• Snorkeling gear provided, which matters if you don’t want to pack or rent equipment
• Pickup and drop-off south of the island using a minibus, which keeps the start and finish easy

A Southwest Cruise That Shows Gran Canaria’s Coastal Mood

This trip is built for people who want coastline without the hassle of driving between viewpoints all day. The catamaran heads along Gran Canaria’s southwest side, where the shoreline changes fast: sheltered coves, rocky edges, and beaches that look calm until you’re in the water and realize how quickly the sea can feel alive.

The route matters because it sets up two different kinds of fun. First, you get a swim stop outside Mogán for snorkeling and water sports. Then you come back later with a meal break off Tasarte, including more time to cool off. If you’ve only seen Gran Canaria from the road, this is the angle you will remember.

One more detail I appreciate: the pace is relaxed. People can stay on deck, shade up, and still have chances to hop in. It’s not a sprint where you’re racing from activity to activity.

Drinks and Meals: Beer, Sangria, and Canarian-Style Lunch That Actually Tastes Like the Islands

Let’s talk about value first, because $97 can feel either fair or steep depending on what you drink. Here’s the deal: you get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water while you’re aboard. Cocktails are not included, so if you’re a hard-core cocktail person, you’ll likely spend extra.

But if you’re happy with beer and sangria, this is one of those trips where the included drinks make the price feel lighter. Several guests noted that they ordered drink after drink, and the crew kept them coming. If you’re mostly non-alcoholic, it can still be a good day, but the math shifts a bit.

Food comes in two formats:

• Morning option: a seasonal, freshly-prepared lunch served on board.
• Afternoon option: light tapas-style snacks instead of the full lunch.

The menu is seasonal, so you should expect some change, but it’s clearly Canarian in spirit. Dishes you may see include filet of tuna, breaded chicken, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce (often mild), salad, and bread. One small but smart touch: the warm potatoes and sides feel designed for a sea day, not for a museum lunch. You eat like a person on vacation, not like you’re grabbing fuel.

I also liked the logistics behind the meal. Lunch is picked up from a local place, and in at least one case, it’s brought over in a way that matches the day on the water. That keeps the focus where it should be: you’re not stuck waiting around while other people eat.

Snorkeling and Sea Time Near Mogán and Tasarte

The trip runs on the water, so the highlight is the variety of things you can do during the stops.

At the Mogán area swim stop, you have time for snorkeling and swimming, plus the option to use the SUP paddleboards and kayak. Snorkeling gear is provided, which is huge if you don’t want to figure out whether masks fit in a rush. The water gets you instant payoff: you’re not just staring at the sea from above.

At the Tasarte stop, the day shifts into a food-and-water rhythm. Lunch is served during this period, and you also get time to cool off again. That second chance to swim is a big deal, because sea time makes you want sea time. It also gives you a fallback if your first swim slot felt a bit rushed.

A quick reality check: water temps can be chilly, especially outside peak summer. If you’re the type who hates cold, plan for it. Bring a towel so you can dry off and reset fast.

If you’re concerned about motion sickness, you’re not alone. Some guests specifically suggested sea-sickness tablets for anyone who tends to feel it. The catamaran is stable enough that many people are fine, but having a plan beats guessing.

Bonus wildlife happens sometimes, but it’s never guaranteed. Still, I’d consider it a smart mindset: dolphins and even unusual sightings like a hammerhead shark have been reported by guests on similar days. If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, you still get two swim sessions and real gear time.

SUP, Kayak, and Snorkeling Gear: Activity Built for Different Comfort Levels

The best part of this day isn’t that you can do water sports. It’s that you can do them at your own comfort level.

Snorkeling is hands-on, but it’s not physically demanding. You get gear and a chance to look at fish and the underwater world right from the boat. If you’re nervous, you can start slow, keep your mask on, and adjust at your pace.

SUP and kayak bring a different flavor. They’re more active, but they don’t require athletic superpowers. The crew provides the boards and equipment, and they help people get set up. That matters because “included gear” can sometimes mean “good luck.” Here it’s more like “try it, and we’ll make it work.”

There’s also mention of additional paid options like jet ski or parasailing on some days. Those are not part of the core price, but they show you the crew is set up to offer more if you want an extra adrenaline hit.

For families, this setup is practical. One guest noted a flotation vest was available for a child. If you’re traveling with kids, that little detail can turn a maybe into a yes.

Catamaran Comfort: Shade, Sun Deck, and Space That Keeps It Relaxed

A day like this can either feel like a floating bus or a real break. What makes the difference is the catamaran itself and how it’s used.

Guests repeatedly highlight that the boat is clean, spacious, and comfortable, with room to sit and sunbathe without feeling jammed. There’s shade and sun deck access, so you can alternate between soaking up light and cooling down when you need a breather.

The vibe is also calmer than you might expect for a trip that includes water sports. Several reviews describe it as relaxed and not overcrowded. That matters because the more crowded the boat, the less enjoyable the swim breaks can feel.

One more comfort detail: boarding from the boat into the water involves steps. It’s normal for this kind of setup, but if you have mobility concerns, keep that in mind when you picture your day.

Getting There and Back: Pickup From South Gran Canaria Makes It Easy

The best trips are the ones where the complicated part is handled for you. Here, pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island, and you get an exact pickup time after booking.

In practice, the start is handled by minibus transfer to the boat. Guests describe it as on-time and easy, with air-conditioned comfort. That’s useful in Gran Canaria because the sun can be relentless, even when the sea breeze tricks you into thinking it’s cooler.

Timing runs as either a morning or afternoon sailing option. If you’re trying to schedule around other plans, the half-day format gives you flexibility. It also helps you avoid turning your whole vacation into one long day of transport.

Is $97 Worth It? How the Included Pieces Add Up

Here’s how I’d judge the value at around $97 per person.

You’re getting:

• the catamaran cruise
• unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
• a meal (lunch in the morning version, tapas in the afternoon)
• snorkeling equipment
• SUP boards and a kayak
• pickup and drop-off from the south area

That’s a lot of “would-be extras” bundled into one price. If you’ve ever tried to piece together a boat trip, rent snorkel gear, and then buy drinks and lunch separately, the cost stacks up fast.

Where value feels different is your drinking style. One guest even rated price slightly lower because they ended up mostly non-alcoholic. If you’re drinking mostly sangria and beer, the included menu can feel like a bargain. If you mostly skip alcohol, you’re paying for the cruise and activities plus food, which still sounds fair, but the drinks won’t do the heavy lifting for your personal budget.

Bottom line: this is strong value if you’ll use the gear, enjoy swimming, and actually take the day onboard seriously. If you mostly want to lounge and never enter the water, you might wonder if you could do something cheaper on land.

Who This Catamaran Trip Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a great fit for:

• couples who want a romantic sea day without planning stress
• families with kids who can snorkel or try SUP without needing a full-day commitment
• mixed groups of friends because the deck has space for relaxing and the crew keeps things moving
• people who want a simple way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s southwest coast from the water

It may not be the best match for:

• anyone who gets bothered by choppy seas (the trip depends on sea and weather conditions, and cold water is real)
• travelers who want a deep history lesson or long time on land
• people who specifically want cocktails or wine included as part of the standard drink offer

The Practical Checklist I’d Follow

This is not a “show up and hope” tour. Bring:

• a towel (you’ll want it after swimming)
• swimwear and water-friendly shoes if you’re cautious about steps
• a layer for the boat ride if you’re sensitive to sea breeze

If you get seasick easily, consider planning ahead with tablets. It’s not about fear. It’s about control.

Should You Book This Exclusive Boat Catamaran Day Trip?

If your ideal Gran Canaria day includes real time on the water, snorkeling gear you don’t have to rent, and food that tastes like the islands (not like airplane meals), I think this is an easy yes.

Book it if:

• you want two swim sessions and included SUP/kayak time
• you’re happy to enjoy included beer and sangria
• you want hotel pickup in the south and a smooth return without taxi math

Skip it if:

• you only want a boat ride and zero water time
• you’re very sensitive to rough sea conditions
• you’re looking for a long guided sightseeing day on land

For most people, though, this hits the sweet spot: short enough to stay lively, packed enough to feel like a proper experience, and easy enough that you can spend your mental energy on enjoying the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran day trip?

The duration is 4.5 hours.

Where does the trip depart from?

You board in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Do you get lunch or snacks?

It depends on the sailing time. The morning option includes lunch, and the afternoon option includes light tapas-style snacks.

Are SUP paddleboards and kayaking included?

Yes. SUP boards and kayak equipment are included.

Is pickup and drop-off included, and from where?

Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. The trip can also be affected by sea and weather conditions, so being prepared for water conditions helps.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Spanish, German, and French.

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