Beer and sangria while the coast glides by. This 4.5-hour Gran Canaria catamaran day trip from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria turns the sea into your playground, with snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and kayaking gear built in. I like the way the timing gives you real water time, not a rushed swim-and-go.

I also really like the fresh, seasonal lunch stop. The food is prepared for you with ocean views, and the menu can include filet of tuna, breaded chicken, Canarian potatoes, salad, and mojo sauce. I was impressed by how much there is to eat and how it fits the half-day format.

One thing to factor in is that this trip runs on the sea and weather conditions. If the water is choppy, you may feel it more than you expect, and you might want to bring your own plan for motion comfort.

Key things I’d circle before booking

• Unlimited drinks on board, including beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
• Snorkeling plus SUP plus kayaking at the stops, with gear provided
• A real lunch moment (morning) or tapas-style snacks (afternoon), served with sea views
• Southwest coast sailing with coves and beaches along the way to swim breaks
• Small-group feel and attentive crew that keeps things moving without rushing you
• Optional paid add-ons may be available on board, like jet ski or parasailing

From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria to open water in 4.5 hours

This is a true half-day escape. You start from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, then you cruise along the island’s southwest coast on a comfortable, modern catamaran with plenty of shade and open sun deck space. It’s the kind of schedule that works even if you don’t want your whole day eaten by transport and long land tours.

You typically get the choose-your-mood timing too. There are morning and afternoon sailing options, so you can pick the vibe that fits your beach time and dinner plans. The exact pickup time is arranged for you based on where you’re staying (south of the island), so build in a little flexibility and watch for the confirmation message after booking.

On the water, I like that the boat feels made for relaxing. You can lounge in shade, then move to the sun deck when you’re ready. Several people note how spacious it feels for the group, and the whole setup seems designed so you do not spend the trip wedged into one spot.

Drinks on the south coast: sangria, beer, and why the included list is the point

Let’s be honest, a catamaran trip stands or falls on two things: water time and what happens while you’re sailing between stops. Here, the included drinks are a big part of the experience. You get soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water, and the crew keeps topping things up during the day.

If you’re the type who plans to mostly stick to non-alcoholic options, you can still have a great time. But this price is clearly built around the idea that you will enjoy the onboard bar. In other words, the value is strongest if you’ll actually use the included sangria and beer.

A practical tip I’d follow: treat the drinks as part of the rhythm, not a race. You’ll be swimming, snorkeling, and using water toys, so hydrate and pace yourself. The trip is short enough that you want to feel good for the water stops.

Snorkeling outside Mogán plus SUP and kayaking at the stops

The heart of the day is the active part. You cruise to a swim stop outside Mogán, then the boat pauses so you can jump in. This is where the provided gear matters. You get snorkeling equipment plus access to SUP paddleboards and kayaking gear, so you can choose what you feel like doing instead of committing to one thing.

I like that the water activities feel like options, not chores. If you want to snorkel and watch fish, you can. If you’d rather glide around on a SUP board, that’s available too. If you want something calmer than a paddleboard session, a kayak gives you a different pace.

The water can be chilly, especially depending on the season. People call it refreshing, but it’s still cold enough to surprise you if you’re used to warm beach swims. Pack a towel, and do not judge the water temperature from the sky. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness, this is a trip where you might want to plan ahead so you can enjoy the stops. Some guests mention feeling sea sick, and it’s a smart reminder that comfort at sea is personal.

What you do under the surface matters. Multiple guests specifically mention seeing fish at the snorkeling stop, which is exactly what you want from a first or casual snorkeling outing. And because the boat is a catamaran, the ride tends to feel stable enough that you can focus on the sea time instead of white-knuckle survival mode.

The Tasarte lunch moment: tuna, chicken, Canarian potatoes, and mojo

Food on a boat can be mediocre. This one is not built to disappoint. There’s a second key stop where the crew picks up your meal from a local spot on the beach of Tasarte.

For the morning option, it’s a proper fresh, seasonal lunch. For the afternoon option, you still eat, just in a lighter tapas-style format. Either way, the food is served with sea views, which makes it feel like a planned break instead of a quick snack you eat standing up.

The menu details guests highlight include:

• filet of tuna
• breaded chicken
• salad and bread
• Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce (described as mild)

One detail I love here: the “fresh from the beach” idea. People mention food delivered to the yacht and served in a way that feels genuinely fresh and not just pre-packed logistics. That helps the lunch taste like part of the day, not an interruption.

Portions also matter on a tour like this. Guests describe plenty to go around, and the meal fits the active format. You’ll be more comfortable eating something filling before your final sail back.

Cruising views and a little wildlife luck

Between the swim stop and the meal stop, you’re sailing along the southwest coast, spotting coves and beaches from the water. The day has a relaxed pace, so you can actually enjoy the coastline rather than constantly thinking about what’s next.

One fun part: wildlife sightings can happen. People mention seeing dolphins, and there are also accounts of spotting a whale and having the crew go off course to watch it surface. That’s not something you can plan on, but it’s the kind of bonus that makes ocean trips feel special.

Even when wildlife does not show up, the sailing still gives you what you paid for. You get the sense of being out at sea, not just next to it. And because the day is short, the coast views feel like a highlight, not background noise.

Crew style, guide languages, and getting help without pressure

The crew seems to be a major reason people rate this trip so highly. The vibe is friendly and attentive, with lots of guidance when you want to try snorkeling, SUP, or kayaking. You are not pushed into activities, but you also are not left figuring things out alone.

Language support is another plus. The live tour guide can work in English, Spanish, German, and French. A couple guests mention instructions in English and French alongside Spanish, which matters if your group has mixed comfort levels.

You may also hear names like Michelle, and some reviews mention skippers Callan and Raul by name. That said, the bigger point is the way the crew communicates and checks in, especially around water safety and equipment use. You’ll feel looked after, without the heavy-handed script that turns some tours into performances.

Group size also shapes your experience. Reviews repeatedly describe a not-crowded feel, with enough space on the boat deck to actually enjoy your spot. For a catamaran day trip, that’s a big deal. It keeps the day from feeling like a floating bus stop.

Price and value: is $97 per person fair for what you get?

At around $97 per person for a 4.5-hour outing, you should judge the value by what’s included, not by what you might add later. This trip includes:

• the catamaran cruise
• soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water
• snorkeling gear plus SUP and kayak gear
• a lunch (morning) or tapas-style food (afternoon)
• pickup and drop-off in the south area

If you had to price those separately, you’d quickly see how the deal makes sense. Even just a restaurant lunch plus non-stop drinks plus water activity gear would be hard to match for the same money, especially on a short half-day schedule.

The one “value” caveat is personal. If you barely drink alcohol and mostly skip sangria and beer, you might feel like you paid for a feature you did not fully use. Several people still love the trip while going mostly non-alcoholic, but you will likely feel the price more strongly if you ignore the bar.

Who should book this Gran Canaria catamaran day trip, and who should skip

This tour fits best if you want:

• a short active sea day with multiple water activities
• a relaxing boat ride where you can still do things
• a built-in meal with a scenic backdrop
• a social day that still leaves room to breathe

It’s also a good match for couples, first-time visitors, and families. Some guests mention bringing kids, and they describe the equipment setup and water access as straightforward.

You might want a different plan if you:

• want an all-day on-land sightseeing itinerary
• dislike any chance of sea movement and do not handle it well
• need a super detailed cultural or historical narration, since this is mostly about sea time and simple enjoyment

Quick planning tips so you enjoy the water stops

Here’s what I’d plan around based on how the day runs:

• Bring a towel (it’s specifically required)
• Expect the water to feel cool at swim time, and wear swimwear that you can tolerate in cold water
• If you get sea sick easily, think ahead so you can enjoy snorkeling and paddle sports
• Bring your appetite, because the lunch or tapas-style food is part of the schedule, not an optional extra

Also, check your pickup confirmation message after booking. The pickup time varies depending on where you’re staying, and the provider will confirm the exact schedule by email.

Should you book Exclusive Boat’s catamaran day trip?

In my opinion, yes, if you want a half-day Gran Canaria sea day that mixes sailing with actual water activities and included drinks. The highest praise points are consistent: friendly crew, lots of time in the water, and food that feels fresh and satisfying for the format.

I’d book it especially if you’re excited about snorkeling plus SUP or kayaking, and you like the idea of drinks flowing while you move along the coast. The main reason to hesitate is if you know you won’t enjoy the included drinking portion or you are very sensitive to sea conditions.

If you’re aiming for a smooth, good-value day that feels like vacation, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran day trip?

The trip duration is about 4.5 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations south of the island, and the exact pickup time is confirmed by the activity provider after booking.

What food is included?

For the morning excursion, lunch is included. For the afternoon excursion, light tapas-style snacks are included.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water.

What activities and gear are included?

Snorkeling gear is included, along with SUP paddleboards and kayaking equipment.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide can operate in English, Spanish, German, and French.

What should I bring?

You should bring a towel.