One boat, one clear-water stop, and a lot of fun. This Afrikat catamaran cruise along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast mixes easy cruising with swimming and snorkeling, plus optional water thrills if you want them. I like the way it stays relaxed, while the crew (including owner Potter) keeps the energy up without turning it into a circus.

I really like two things: the unlimited onboard drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water) paired with a proper meal, and the practical setup for getting into the water fast with provided snorkeling gear. I also like that the crew keeps things organized with a safety briefing before you head out, so your time on the water feels smooth.

One consideration: the most exciting add-ons (jet ski, parasailing, speedboat ride, donuts) cost extra and some activities can be unavailable on certain days. If you’re hoping to do everything, budget a little extra cash and keep your expectations flexible.

Key things I’d prioritize

• Unlimited drinks + lunch included so you’re not constantly hunting for food and payment stations
• Snorkeling gear provided if you want it, with a dedicated swim/snorkel window
• A real time window in Mogán (about 2.5 hours) instead of quick in-and-out photo stops
• Optional water thrills are clearly priced so you can choose your risk level and budget
• The crew brings the fun (Potter, plus staff like Nikita and Matt show up in the vibe)
• Live music only on Friday morning (and not on 27 February), so plan around that if it matters to you

Entering Puerto Rico: Transfers, Timing, and How the Day Flows

Most people start with hotel-area pickup from a long list of stops. Coverage is wide across the south and west, but there are key exceptions: pickup isn’t offered from Las Palmas, Salobre, Puerto Rico, and Mogan, so double-check your specific starting point when you book.

After pickup, you ride by bus/coach for about an hour to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. There’s a short 10-minute safety briefing, then you cruise out for roughly an hour before the main water stop. The total duration is 4.5 hours, so you’ll feel the day moves with purpose but doesn’t feel rushed.

The return is another bus ride (about an hour) and drop-off back at a large set of locations. That “big loop” logistics style is part of what makes the trip easy, especially if you’re staying at a resort far from the marina.

On the Catamaran: Where the Comfort Comes From

This is a luxury catamaran-style cruise (not a tiny party boat), and the vibe is built for relaxing. You get sunbathing space plus shade, and that matters on a Gran Canaria day when the sun can be strong.

The big value driver is simple: you’re not just paying for the ride. You’re paying for food and unlimited drinks, served onboard. That changes the feel of the trip. You can snack and sip without worrying about whether you’ll find a bar later.

And yes, people really notice the boat condition. Reviews point out that the boat is clean and spacious, and that it doesn’t feel overcrowded on board. That combination—comfort plus space—makes a big difference when you’re spending multiple hours on the water.

Drinks and Lunch: The Included Meal That Makes It Feel Worth It

You’ll be fed once, and it’s included. The lunch is crew-prepared and typically includes a chicken wrap (with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces) plus pasta salad. For special dietary requirements, communication in advance is required, so if you have a real restriction, don’t wait until you’re on the boat.

Then comes the onboard bar, with unlimited drinks: beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. One small detail I like: coffee is included, which is handy if you’re doing this earlier or later in the day and want a quick reset.

A few reviews also mention the option to interact with the beer setup onboard (people liked how easy it was). It’s the kind of practical comfort that keeps people from lining up constantly.

Not included: cocktails, wine, and spirits. If you’re a spirits person, this won’t be a full open-bar fantasy. It’s still a strong deal for beer/sangria and soft drinks, especially when paired with the lunch.

Cruise Views Along Gran Canaria’s Southwest Coast

The cruising portion focuses on enjoying the coastline—beaches, cliffs, and coves—at an easy pace. You’re on a catamaran, so the ride feels more stable than you’d expect from smaller boats, and you get that cool sea breeze as you move along.

This is also a nice segment if you want a break from the heat. Even when it’s sunny, time on the water shifts the temperature. You’ll spend an hour cruising before the main stop, which gives you time to settle, grab a drink, and get your bearings.

If you’re the kind of person who cares about views but doesn’t want to spend the whole day hiking or driving, this portion is the “nice and simple” part of the itinerary.

Mogán Water Time: Snorkeling, Swimming, and Optional Parasailing

The main attraction is the stop in the Mogán area, where you get your about 2.5 hours for water time. This is where the trip earns its “fun catamaran cruise” reputation.

You’ll swim and snorkel with gear provided (snorkeling is offered as part of the experience). The water is described as crystal clear, and that clarity is what makes snorkeling worth it. You’re not just dipping your toes—you have actual time to look around.

You can also choose water activities during this window, depending on availability and which add-ons you opt into. Parasailing is listed as an option, and it’s one of the activities you pay extra for.

The practical drawback here is also the most important one: sometimes a specific water activity like jet ski isn’t available on the day. That doesn’t ruin the core experience, because swimming and snorkeling are still the heart of the stop, but it’s a good reminder to plan for the included activities first.

Optional Thrills: Jet Ski, Parasailing, Donuts, and Speedboat Extras

Here’s what costs extra, so you can decide what level of adrenaline you want:

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

Cocktails, wine, and spirits are also not included.

I like how the add-ons are clearly priced and offered as a menu instead of vague upsells. Many people do at least one extra, and some add a couple to “make the day.” One review even mentioned doing a bundle-like set (donut, speedboat, jet ski, and snorkeling) for around €42 per person, which shows how you can keep upgrades under control.

If you opt for the speedboat with the captain, you might get a closer look at nearby coastal features, and at least one review specifically mentions going to see caves. That’s the kind of bonus that makes the extra fee feel less like a surcharge and more like a mini excursion.

One more point: bring extra money or a bank card for these activities, souvenirs, and photos. The trip is set up so you’re enjoying the main plan first, then choosing extras while you’re already on the water.

What the Crew Does Well (and Why You’ll Feel It)

The crew energy is a major part of why this cruise scores highly. Potter (the owner) comes up in multiple reviews, and staff like Nikita and Matt are specifically called out. The common thread is friendly, funny, and organized—especially during the safety briefing and the onboard hosting.

You’ll also notice small “keeping-it-moving” touches. People mention special drinks and photo moments, and there’s even a mention of live music (like saxophone). That live music isn’t guaranteed every day—more on that next—but when it happens, it adds personality without dragging the schedule.

If you’re traveling with kids or you want a relaxed adult day that still feels playful, this crew style fits. The boat doesn’t feel like a classroom, and it doesn’t feel dead either.

Live Music and the Friday Morning Detail

There is live music only on Friday morning, and it’s not on 27 February. If music is part of the reason you’re considering this cruise, choose your date with that in mind.

Also, don’t assume it’s going to replace the core plan. The snorkeling, drinks, and included lunch are the stable center of the experience. Music is a bonus when it’s scheduled.

How Much Should You Pay for Extras? (A Practical Value Check)

At $88 per person, the included package is the main reason it feels good value: a catamaran cruise, lunch, unlimited drinks, and snorkeling setup time during the Mogán stop.

Then add the reality check: if you want jet ski, parasailing, donuts, and a speedboat, your final spend will rise quickly. But because the prices are listed and the core activities are included, you can tailor your day.

My recommendation is to treat it like this:

• Decide you’ll do snorkeling and swimming first (included plan).
• Pick one higher-fee thrill if you want it (jet ski or parasail).
• Add smaller-ticket fun (donut or speedboat) only if you still feel like it.

That approach keeps the total spending in line with what you’d likely pay for a similar half-day boat activity elsewhere—while still giving you the chance to go bigger if you want.

What to Bring for a Smooth, Sun-Forward Day

Pack for water and sun. The essentials are straightforward:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Credit card and/or cash (for extras, photos, souvenirs)

One smart move: bring everything so you’re ready the moment the boat stops. You’ll lose less time and you’ll enjoy the water window more.

Also, if you have mobility needs, this activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should inform the provider about any mobility impairments when booking.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This fits best if you want:

• A half-day sea experience without complicated planning
• Included food and drinks so you’re not budgeting every hour
• A clear water stop where you can swim and snorkel
• A fun crew vibe, not a quiet sightseeing-only trip

It may be less ideal if you want a full-day adventure with zero paid add-ons. The best thrills cost extra, and some activities can be unavailable on the day, so your perfect schedule might shift.

But for most people looking at Gran Canaria and thinking, I want a simple day on the water that still feels like a treat, this is a strong match.

Final Call: Should You Book Afrikat’s Catamaran Cruise?

If you want a reliable, fun catamaran cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria with lunch and unlimited drinks included, I’d lean yes. The value is in the combination: 4.5 hours, a real water stop in Mogán, snorkeling time, and a crew that makes the boat feel lively.

Book this if you:

• Like swimming and want snorkeling gear provided
• Want a clean, spacious boat experience
• Are happy to add one extra water thrill, not necessarily everything

Consider skipping or choosing a different option if:

• You’re planning on doing every premium water activity regardless of availability
• You don’t want to budget anything extra beyond the base price
• You care about live music and your date doesn’t line up with Friday morning

If you line up your plan around the included snorkeling + drinks + lunch, you’re set up for a memorable half-day on the water in Gran Canaria.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The total duration is 4.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get pickup and drop-off from designated centralized points, the catamaran cruise, unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), snorkeling equipment (optional), and a meal served onboard. You also receive a reusable drinking glass souvenir.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included as optional gear, and you’ll have time to swim and snorkel during the main stop.

What food is served for lunch?

The meal includes a chicken wrap (with optional bacon bits, salad, and sauces) and pasta salad. If you have special dietary requirements, you need to communicate in advance.

Are water sports like jet ski and parasailing included?

No. Jet ski, parasailing, donuts, and speedboat rides with the captain are not included and have listed extra costs.

How much do the optional water sports cost?

The listed prices are: jet ski €32 per vehicle, parasail €32 per person, donut €10 per person, and speedboat ride €5 per person.

Is there live music on board?

Live music is only on Friday morning and is not on 27 February.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, camera, and cash/credit card for extras and souvenirs.

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