Afternoon sea time, with lunch included. On Gran Canaria’s Afrikat catamaran cruise, you get views that feel different because you are watching the island from the water, and you also get a meal and drinks served onboard. One thing to keep in mind: the swimming and snorkelling are the included highlights, while the flashy water sports come with extra fees.

What makes this outing practical is the timing and setup. You start at 2:30 pm, you are usually back the same afternoon, and the crew runs the day like it is built for an easy start. Pickup is offered from centralised points in the south, and you get a mobile ticket.

If you like being active, this can feel like a choose-your-own-adventure afternoon. You can snorkel and swim in a calm bay, then add extras like a donut ride, jet ski, parasailing, or an optional captain speedboat trip. If you are mainly after a relaxed cruise with very polished food and drinks, I would still go in with realistic expectations.

Key Highlights I’d Plan Around

• Catamaran views from Puerto Base to a calm, clear bay for the best time in the water
• Onboard meal plus drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water) included
• Snorkelling gear provided, so you are not scrambling for equipment
• Optional water sports available at extra cost if you want more action
• Smallish group feel with a max of 66 travelers and a max of 12 per individual booking
• Crew-led, upbeat atmosphere, including live music moments that some people love on the return

Afrikat Catamaran: The 4.5-Hour Afternoon That Moves at a Human Pace

This is a classic half-day cruise, roughly 4.5 hours long, built for a later start and a full-feeling afternoon. The departure at 2:30 pm helps you dodge the harshest sun hours and makes it easier to fit into a beach day without burning your entire schedule.

The ship, Afrikat, is a catamaran, which matters. Catamarans typically feel more stable than you expect and often give you better viewing angles from the deck. With space on board and a maximum of 66 travelers overall, you are not stuck in a sardine setup. It still feels like a group day, but not a cattle call.

I also like that the experience is offered in English and that you get a mobile ticket. Less paperwork, less stress. For a trip that lives and dies on comfort, that matters.

Price and Value: What You Get for Around $93

At $93.16 per person, you are paying for more than a basic boat ride. You are covering a few things that typically cost extra on other tours: transport back to your hotel area (depending on where you are), time on the water (including swimming and snorkelling), and an onboard meal with a set of drinks.

You also get optional upgrades if you want them. Jet ski, parasailing, and the donut ride all cost extra, but the base cruise keeps the core fun simple. That structure is good value for mixed groups: some people want to snorkel and relax, others want adrenaline.

Where the value question comes in is food and drink expectations. The meal is included (chicken wrap with pasta salad), and drinks include beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Some people love the food and service, while a smaller number feel the onboard drinks and food are basic. My advice: treat the meal as a solid cruise lunch, not a gourmet meal. If you go in hungry but not precious, you will likely feel satisfied.

Getting There: South Hotel Pickup and the Puerto Base Start

This is one of the smoother parts of the experience. Pickup and return transport are offered, but pickup is tied to the south island area and centralised pickup points.

A few practical notes I would not skip:

• Pickup is available only from centralised pickup points in the south of the island.
• Pickup is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán.
• You need to confirm your exact pickup time and place by checking your transport service confirmation email about 24 hours before departure. Check your junk folder too.
• If you are arriving directly at Puerto Base, you should show up about 30 minutes before departure.

The meeting point is Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria at C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain. If you are staying in the south, you will likely enjoy how easy it is to roll out and get on the water without a long scramble.

Cruise Route Vibes: Coastline Views Before the Water Stop

You depart Puerto Base in Puerto Rico and cruise along the coastline of Gran Canaria. The big payoff here is that you get island views you cannot replicate from land. The sea breeze tends to make everything feel lighter, and afternoon light is often flattering for photos and just plain enjoyment.

The rhythm is simple: you head out along the coast, then you cruise toward a calm, crystal-clear bay. This matters because the best part of a sea day is usually the water stop. You want the “hang time in the bay” to be the highlight, not just a quick stop.

If you care about photography, take a moment early to get a good angle on the shoreline. After you hit the bay, your attention shifts to swimming and snorkelling, so you will appreciate locking in your best coastal shots early.

The Anchor Bay Stop: Swimming and Snorkelling Done Right

The bay stop is where you spend most of the “in the water” time. The cruise anchors in a calm, clear area, and this is your window to swim and snorkel.

Snorkelling is supported with equipment provided, so you are not hunting for gear on your own. If you are nervous, this setup helps. You can start with swimming first, get comfortable, then try snorkelling when you feel ready.

I also like that this part of the day is described as a chance to say hello to fish while snorkelling. That tells me it is designed for real water time, not just a quick dip. If you do not swim well, stick to what you can handle and treat the snorkel as optional. The bay atmosphere usually feels relaxed, and you are not racing to a schedule every ten minutes.

What to bring matters, too, even if you are not told specifically. I would plan on swimwear, a towel, and water shoes if you tend to dislike slippery deck surfaces. Bring a dry bag if you have one, so your phone and valuables do not turn into a “sea day souvenirs” experiment.

Water Sports Extras: Fun Options, Real Risk, and Clear Pricing

This is the part that can turn a good cruise into a great one, if you match it to your comfort level. After anchoring, there are optional water sports available at special discounted rates.

From the listed prices:

• Jet ski: €32 per vehicle
• Parasailing: €32 per person
• Donut ride: €10 per person
• Optional captain speedboat ride: €5 per person

A few other details are worth respecting. Participation in non-obligatory water sports is at your own risk, and the terms note that travel insurance would be required in the event of an incident. The check-in procedure also highlights there is a possibility of falling into the water or contacting passengers during watersports.

So here is the balanced take:

• If you are confident in water activities and want the adrenaline, these extras can be a standout value.
• If you are risk-averse, prone to motion sickness, or not comfortable around water sport equipment, skip the high-action options and stick to swimming and snorkelling.

Also pay attention to your day plan. You do not want to overbook yourself right before the return. Leave enough energy for the ride back, plus time to cool down after you are done in the water.

Food and Drinks Onboard: Included Lunch, plus the Cocktails Question

Your included meal is chicken wrap with pasta salad. Along with that, you get drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

The drink setup is a practical win for afternoon time. You are not stuck paying for basic beverages all day, and you can pace yourself. There’s also a minimum drinking age of 18, so families should plan accordingly.

Two viewpoints show up in the overall feedback pattern. Many people feel the meal and service are part of the charm, and the crew makes it enjoyable. At the same time, some people complain the food is not great and that drinks can feel budget.

Here is my sensible compromise: arrive with the expectation that this is a cruise lunch and a drink service meant to keep the day moving and the mood relaxed. If you are a serious foodie, you may want to have a proper meal before or after. If you are just hungry enough to want lunch and a drink in the sun, it usually lands well.

Cocktails are not included, and champagne, wine, and spirits are listed as not included. That matters because you might feel surprised if you expect a cocktail bar. If cocktails are a must for you, treat them as an add-on budget line.

The Crew and the Little Moments That Make It Feel Special

This kind of tour lives or dies by the crew, and the overall tone around service is strongly positive. The staff is the glue: running boarding smoothly, handling equipment, checking on people in the water, and keeping the energy up onboard.

You may also catch moments of live entertainment on the return to harbour. One detail that stands out is saxophone, which some people mentioned as a fun surprise while heading back. It is not something you should plan your entire day around, but it fits the relaxed party-y vibe you want for an afternoon cruise.

Even if you are not chasing nightlife, that sort of onboard atmosphere makes the time feel less “transport” and more like an experience.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This fits best if you want:

• a half-day boat trip with real water time
• swimming and snorkelling without packing gear
• a straightforward meal and drink plan included
• an easy pickup-and-return flow if you are staying in the south

It can also suit families, since the tour is for most travelers and children must be accompanied by an adult. The water sports are optional, so you can keep it calmer for younger kids.

Where it might not be the right match:

• if you mostly care about premium food and top-shelf cocktails
• if you have no interest in being on the water at all, since the value hinges on swim and snorkel time
• if you want certainty of zero extras, because the add-on water sports are a core part of the offering

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Afternoon Cruise?

It runs about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start, and where does it meet?

It starts at 2:30 pm. The meeting point is Afrikat Catamaran Gran Canaria, C. Puerto Base, S/N, 35130 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

Return transport is offered depending on your area. Pickup is only from centralised pickup points in the south of the island, and it is not available from Salobre, Puerto Rico, or Mogán. You should confirm your exact pickup time and place in your email about 24 hours before departure.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get a meal (chicken wrap with pasta salad) and drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Special dietary requirements should be shared at booking.

Can I swim and snorkel, and is equipment provided?

Yes. You have the chance to swim and snorkel, and snorkelling equipment is provided. These are included, while water sports like jet ski and parasailing are optional extras.

What if I cancel last minute?

Free cancellation is offered if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

Should You Book This Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a simple, good-value Gran Canaria afternoon built around sea views, swimming, and snorkelling, without having to plan your own gear or schedule. The included meal, the drink list, and the south pickup options make it feel easy.

I would think twice if your top priority is gourmet food and premium drinks. The included lunch and basic drink service can work for a sea day, but if that is your thing, budget for extras or plan a better meal on land.

For the best match: come ready to enjoy the ride, use the snorkelling time, and only add water sports if you actually want the action. If you do that, this cruise tends to land as a memorable half-day, not just a boat trip.