Sea air beats a bus ride. This morning cruise pairs a relaxed luxury catamaran feel with real time on the water, cruising past coastal villages and bays.

Two things I like a lot are the included lunch plus beer and sangria, and the free stretch of anchored swimming and snorkelling (equipment provided).

One thing to consider: the timetable and pick up can be a little picky, and the experience depends on good weather, so you’ll want to plan for possible date changes.

Key things to know before you go

• 4.5 hours on the water with a dedicated lunch break on board
• Anchored swim and snorkel time in a calm, clear bay (bring your own snorkel gear if you prefer)
• Drinks are included (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water) with a minimum drinking age of 18
• Small-ish group size capped at 66 people, so it stays social without feeling packed
• Optional water sports like jet skis, parasailing, donuts, and a speedboat ride with the captain, for extra cost
• Pickup is from central points in the south only, so you may need a short taxi ride to join the group

The vibe: a true morning cruise, not a rushed checklist

This is one of those half day trips that feels like it was designed for people who actually want to be on the water. You start late enough to enjoy the morning, and you’re back by early afternoon, which makes it easy to keep the rest of your day flexible. The catamaran cruising along Gran Canaria’s coast is the main event, and it’s paced to let you do more than just look out a window.

The boat experience is the backbone here. The deck time matters, because you get uninterrupted views of coves, beaches, and shoreline towns as you move along. If you’re the type who likes taking in a place from the sea, this format is usually more fun than a bus tour.

Also, you’re not stuck on your own for the whole outing. The crew runs the day, serves food, and supports the water activities, and multiple riders have praised the friendly energy on board. I’d file this under “low stress, good atmosphere.”

Price and value: about $90 for a lot of included time

At about $90.70 per person, you’re paying for a 4.5 hour boat trip that includes a full lunch and a lot of drinks. That’s what makes it feel more reasonable than it looks at first glance. A lot of cruises sell the boat part, then charge you for snacks and basic drinks. Here, beer and sangria are part of the deal, along with soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Your lunch is included too: a chicken wrap with pasta salad. If you have a dietary need, you’ll want to communicate it when booking, because the trip says special dietary requirements require advance notice. One reason people seem to love this kind of lunch format is that it’s simple, ship-friendly, and you’re not waiting around for a complicated meal service.

Where you may spend extra is the optional water sport add-ons. Jet skis cost €32 per vehicle, parasailing is €32 per person, and the donut ride is €10 per person. There’s also a speedboat ride with the captain for €5 per person. These are not mandatory, but the point is: you have choices if you want more adrenaline.

From Puerto Rico’s Puerto Base out to the open coast

The cruise departs from C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain. The start time runs by season: during summer, departures are set for 09:30 to 14:00, and in winter it’s 10:00 to 14:30. Either way, you’re aiming for roughly a 4.5 hour overall outing.

You’ll cruise along the coastline toward a calm, clearer bay where the boat anchors. That anchored section is the part that turns a nice sail into a day you can actually swim in. If you want photos, you’ll get the best shots while moving along the coast, but you’ll also appreciate the anchored stop because it breaks up the day with real water time.

This trip keeps the pacing friendly. It’s not an all day excursion where you feel like you’re constantly being herded from one activity to another. You’ll have time to sit, drink something included, and watch the shoreline go by.

The anchored swim and snorkel stop: calm water time

Once the boat reaches the bay, you anchor and you get the chance to swim and snorkel. This is where the cruise becomes more than scenery. The water at the swim stop is described as calm and clear, which is exactly what you want for an easy dip and a comfortable snorkel session.

A practical note: snorkelling equipment is provided, but you can bring your own if you’d rather control the fit and comfort. If you’ve ever borrowed snorkel gear on a tour and regretted it later, this is your chance to avoid that. Pack a swimsuit you’re happy to keep on, plus any quick-dry layers you like for after the water.

If you get seasick

Some riders have specifically mentioned seasickness and praised the crew for being helpful. You can’t control how the sea feels that day, but you can control your preparation. If you’re even mildly sensitive to motion, consider bringing what you usually use for boat trips, and aim to sit in a spot that feels stable and comfortable for you.

Water sports options: choose your level of fun

The core cruise is the sail plus the swim stop. After that, the optional activities are there if you want speed or a bigger splash. The add-ons listed are:

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

These are not included in the base price, and the trip notes that water sports can be available at special discounted rates. Since the exact discount isn’t spelled out here, treat the listed euros as your budget reference.

What I like about having optional add-ons is simple: you can match the day to your mood. If you want to chill, you can. If you want a break from sun and salt air, you can pay to do one higher energy activity. And because the cruise is only about 4.5 hours, you’re not committing to a huge full-day schedule just to try one thing.

Lunch and drinks on board: the comfort part of the trip

The food and drinks are built into the experience, which makes the morning feel complete. You get a lunch meal of chicken wrap with pasta salad. For special dietary requirements, you need to communicate in advance at booking.

Drinks throughout your time on board are included: sangria, beer, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. That matters because it removes the awkward part of many boat days, the part where you keep paying for basic hydration or a casual drink while everyone else is relaxing.

There’s also a strong sense that the crew manages the vibe, not just the schedule. Music shows up at least sometimes, and at least one rider specifically highlighted a saxophonist. Another detail worth noting for ocean lovers: one rider mentioned using eatable straws, which is a small but meaningful touch if you care about reducing litter.

A heads up on expectations

A couple of people have also said the lunch and drink setup could feel average to them. Still, when the atmosphere, sailing time, and included drinks are what you’re after, the overall value tends to land well. If you’re a super picky eater, you may want to mentally frame lunch as a practical cruise meal, not fine dining.

Pickup, timing, and what can affect your day

Pickup is offered, but it’s not door-to-door. The trip says collection is only available from centralised pickup points in the South of the island, and it’s not available from Salobre or Puerto Rico or Mogan. That last part is important: Puerto Base is the departure point, but pickup coverage is specifically limited, so check your transport confirmation email carefully.

You’re asked to check your pick up details 24 hours before departure because the exact pickup time and place depend on your area. If you’re arriving directly to Puerto Base, you should arrive 20 minutes before departure.

The practical takeaway: build in buffer time. Don’t assume you can stroll in at the last minute and be fine. Also, since good weather is required, expect the day to be responsive to conditions. If it’s cancelled for poor weather, you’re offered another date or a full refund.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• a half day on the water without a complicated plan
• a cruise with included drinks and lunch
• time to swim and snorkel in a calm bay
• optional add-ons if you want to try jet ski, parasailing, or a speedboat ride

It’s also a good fit for couples and solo travelers. Several riders described having a great social vibe with friendly crew, and solo travel seems to work because the group stays together during the sailing and then you’re anchored with everyone for swim time.

If you’re traveling with kids, the trip says children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, the minimum drinking age is 18, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling as a mixed-age group.

Should you book the Afrikat Morning Cruise?

I think it’s worth booking if you want a relaxed, scenery-forward morning at sea, with included lunch and drinks and a real swimming stop. The pricing feels fair for what you actually get: time on a catamaran, a meal on board, and plenty of deck time.

Book it especially if you know you’ll use the included stuff. If you’re the type who would spend a bunch on drinks during a typical boat day, this is set up to remove that cost pain. And if you like being in the water, the anchored swim and snorkel window is the main reason many people come back for a second sail.

Skip it or at least manage expectations if you’re only in it for extreme sports. The jet skis and parasailing are extras, and a small handful of people have mentioned the food as not being their best meal. Still, for a morning cruise in Gran Canaria, the mix of sailing time plus the included basics is the selling point.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Morning Cruise?

It’s approximately 4.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

You get the boat trip of about 4.5 hours, drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water), a lunch meal (chicken wrap with pasta salad), and a chance for swimming and snorkelling. Return transport is offered from fixed pickup points in the South.

Are jet skis, parasailing, or donut rides included?

No. Jet skis cost €32 per vehicle, parasailing costs €32 per person, and the donut ride costs €10 per person. There’s also a speedboat ride with the captain for €5 per person.

When does the cruise depart?

During summer months, it runs from 09:30 to 14:00. During winter months, it runs from 10:00 to 14:30.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where is pickup available from?

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