A catamaran afternoon beats another beach day. This half-day cruise off Gran Canaria pairs sea views from the water with an included on-board lunch of Canarian-style food, plus drinks and time to swim and snorkel. The main drawback to plan around is that the most thrilling add-ons, like jet ski or parasailing, cost extra.

I like that the experience is built for comfort, not chaos: you get south-hotel pickup (from centralised points) and a smooth return to your meeting spot. On-board, you can keep it relaxed with a swim in a calm bay, or crank up the fun with optional water sports and live entertainment that can pop up during the return. If you’re picky about food or you want a full hot buffet, note that lunch is a set meal, not a giant spread.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Catamaran time on Gran Canaria’s coast, with views that change as you cruise
• Included swim and snorkel time in an anchored, calm bay, with equipment provided
• On-board meal plus drinks included, so your main costs are controlled
• Optional water sports have clear prices, letting you choose your level of adrenaline
• Smaller feel per booking, with a max of 12 per individual booking and 66 total max
• Crew-led service and organization, which matters most on a 4.5-hour schedule

Why this afternoon cruise feels like a “do it once” Gran Canaria day

Gran Canaria can be a lot of driving if you’re trying to cram everything into one trip. This is different because the star is the boat, not the route. You’ll spend most of your half-day on a catamaran, watching the coastline roll past and then anchoring somewhere calm enough to make swimming easy.

I also like the simple choice you get once you’re stopped. You can stay in postcard-mode with a sea breeze, or you can jump into the water and snorkel when the boat anchors. That flexibility is what makes an afternoon cruise work for different ages and energy levels, even if your group doesn’t all want the same thing.

And it’s practical. You’re not checking in for a multi-day excursion, and you’re not stuck in a long tour schedule. When you’re done, you’re back at the meeting point, with pickup and drop-off offered for many hotels in the south.

The 2:30 pm flow: cruise out, anchor, then make it your kind of fun

You start at 2:30 pm from the Afrikat catamaran area at C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain. If you’re arriving directly to Puerto Base, Puerto Rico, plan to show up 30 minutes early so you can get settled without stress.

From there, you’ll cruise along the coastline of Gran Canaria, heading toward a calm, clear bay. This is the part that really changes the vibe. Cruising is all about views and breeze. Anchoring is when the day turns into water time.

Once you’re anchored, you can:

• Swim in the refreshing water
• Snorkel and say hello to the fish, with snorkel equipment provided

If you want more adrenaline, optional activities are available at extra cost. You might see an option like the donut ride, jet ski, or parasailing. There’s also an optional speedboat ride with the Captain for a small extra fee.

One extra detail that can add charm: some departures include live music, including a saxophonist during the return to harbour. It’s not something I’d count on every single time, but it’s a nice reminder that this isn’t just a transport service, it’s a themed afternoon.

What you actually get for lunch and drinks on board

The on-board meal is included, and it’s not just a snack. You’ll get a chicken wrap with pasta salad. If you have dietary needs, you should contact them during booking so they can advise options, because the standard meal is described clearly.

Drinks are also included throughout your time on board:

• Beer
• Sangria
• Soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water

Important reality check: some drinks are not included. Cocktails, champagne, wine, and spirits cost extra. If your idea of a relaxing cruise includes premium pours all day, you’ll likely spend more than the base price.

Also note the tone of the on-board food experience. Most feedback is positive about the crew and service, and many people are happy with the included meal. But a small share of feedback complains that the food is not what they expected, especially if they were hoping for a fuller, buffet-style lunch. My advice is simple: treat the meal as included comfort food, not a gourmet buffet.

If you’re the type who plans every detail, you can make this work for you by eating a light snack before boarding, especially if you know you get hungry later. Then you’re not stuck waiting on a set menu.

Swimming, snorkelling, and the optional water sports that cost extra

The core water time is included, and that’s where a lot of the value lives. You get swimming and snorkelling, plus equipment. That means your most “you can do this right now” moments are already paid for.

Then there are the optional add-ons. Here are the extra costs that are specifically listed:

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

Two practical things to consider.

First, choose based on how you feel about getting wet and moving fast. Jet ski and parasailing are exciting, but they also add more physical effort and risk exposure than a relaxed swim.

Second, take optional sports seriously. If you plan to do them, make sure your travel insurance covers activities at sea, because optional water sports participation is at the customer’s risk. It’s also smart to remember that there is a chance of falling into the water or contact during watersports, which is especially relevant if you’re doing something like a donut ride.

If you’re not sure what to pick, I’d use this simple rule: do the included snorkel and swim for the best payoff per dollar, then add one paid adrenaline activity if you really want it. That keeps the day fun without turning into a budget surprise.

Getting there and back: hotel pickup in the south, meeting point, and timing

This cruise is built to be easy, but it’s not universal for every neighborhood. Pickup is offered from many south-side hotels, but it’s only from centralised pickup points in the South of the island.

A key limitation: pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan. So if you’re staying in those areas, you’ll need to make your own way to Puerto Base.

You’ll get the exact pickup time and location by email. Since the message is usually sent within a day window before departure, I recommend checking your inbox and junk folder about 24 hours before the cruise so you don’t end up wandering around the wrong meeting point.

If you’re going on your own (no pickup), remember the 30-minute early arrival. That buffer matters because boarding moves fastest when everyone is already lined up.

Good to know if you like structure: the group size is capped. You can have up to 66 travelers total and a max of 12 people per individual booking. In plain terms, it tends to feel organized rather than crowded.

Price and value: why about $93.16 can make sense

At $93.16 per person, this is priced like a true half-day experience, not a quick boat rental. The value comes from what’s included, not from hype.

Here’s what you get without paying extra:

• 4.5-hour catamaran cruise (approximate duration)
• On-board lunch (chicken wrap with pasta salad)
• Unlimited during the cruise drinks from the included list (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water)
• Return transport from your hotel (for eligible south areas)
• Swim and snorkelling time with equipment

The add-ons are clearly listed and easy to decide on after you see how you feel once you’re on the water. If you don’t do jet ski or parasailing, you can keep spending predictable.

Where price can feel off is if you were expecting cocktails, champagne, wine, or spirits included. Those are specifically not included. If you plan to drink high-end alcohol, you’ll spend more than the base price.

Also, one caution from real-world experience: some people were unhappy with lunch quality because they expected a buffet of Spanish food. If you come hungry and expect a full buffet spread, your value judgement will change. If you’re okay with a set lunch, the price can feel fair because the day is anchored by the boat, sea time, and drinks.

The service and onboard vibe: what you’ll notice first

What makes this kind of cruise feel worth it is the small operational stuff: how quickly everyone boards, how the crew handles drinks and meals, and how smoothly the day transitions from cruising to anchoring.

The on-board setup is described as luxurious and spacious, and most of the positive feedback focuses on the crew being friendly and the day feeling well organized. That lines up with what I’d look for on a 4.5-hour outing: you don’t want a slow, disorganized schedule, because there’s not enough time to waste.

I also like the way the optional activities are handled. You can stay passive with swimming and snorkelling, or add fun options once you’re settled at anchor. You’re not forced into extra costs.

And yes, live entertainment can be part of the return to harbour in some cases, like the saxophonist mention. That kind of detail doesn’t just entertain, it signals that the company understands this is supposed to feel like an event, not a chore.

Who should book this cruise, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• Sea views without committing to a full-day trip
• A simple afternoon plan with pickup (if you’re in eligible south areas)
• Swim and snorkel time where the equipment is already provided
• A mix of relaxed time and the option for more adrenaline

It might be less ideal if:

• You need a strict food experience, like a buffet or very specific dietary meals, because the included lunch is a set menu
• You expect all drinks to be premium alcohol, because cocktails and spirits are extra
• You get motion sick easily and are sensitive to sea conditions. Some feedback mentions nausea during the trip, so it’s smart to plan for motion if you’ve had issues before

If you’re traveling with kids, the rule is clear: children must be accompanied by an adult. That’s helpful for families, but you’ll also want to be mindful of optional water sports costs if younger kids are involved.

Should you book the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

I’d book it if you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward sea afternoon, with a clear package price that covers the cruise, lunch, drinks, and the best part of the day, swimming and snorkelling. The south-hotel pickup option is a big quality-of-life win if it covers your area.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting a big buffet lunch or premium drink package included. Also, if you’re planning to do optional water sports, set aside money for extras and make sure your insurance covers it.

If you want the best odds of a great day, go in with the right expectations: this is about time on a catamaran, a calm swimming bay, and a crew that keeps things moving. You don’t need to overthink it.

FAQ

What time does the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise start?

It starts at 2:30 pm.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Included items are the boat trip, chicken wrap with pasta salad (with dietary requirements to be arranged), drinks such as beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water, return transport from your hotel for eligible pickup areas, and swimming and snorkelling with equipment.

What water activities cost extra?

Jet ski is €32 per vehicle, parasailing is €32 per person, and the donut ride is €10 per person. There is also an optional speedboat ride with the Captain for €5 per person.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but only from centralised pickup points in the South of the island. Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico or Mogan.

Is there an age limit for drinks?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before start time is not refundable.