A catamaran ride in Gran Canaria is the fast way to get out on the water. This 4-hour coastal trip from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria mixes scenic sailing with a calm swim stop, plus optional activities like banana boat fun and water sports. I like the fact that you’re not stuck staring at the horizon, because the plan includes time to get in the sea and an underwater glass-bottom view.

Two things I really like: the relaxed onboard vibe with music and plenty of time to soak up sun, and the meal-and-drink setup when you anchor in an exclusive bay. I also like that the route keeps its eyes on marine life, so you might catch flying fish, turtles, and dolphins along the way.

One possible drawback to plan for is motion and sea conditions. If the water is choppy on your day, expect some people to feel it, since this is open-water sailing with swimming and activities.

Key highlights to know before you go

• South coast catamaran cruise between Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and the Mogán area, with multiple sailing segments
• Exclusive bay anchoring for lunch, swimming, and optional water activities
• Glass-bottom underwater viewing so you can spot fish even if you do not snorkel
• Banana boat ride included for a dose of speed and smiles
• Full Park and Basic pack choices control how much food and alcohol you get
• Optional add-ons on board like jetski and parasailing (extra cost)

Why this catamaran feels like good value on Gran Canaria

At $47 per person for about 4 hours, this trip lands in the sweet spot for people who want “more ocean time, less planning.” You’re paying for a real outing, not a short transfer. And because lunch and drinks are part of the base experience, the cost usually feels easier to justify when you compare it with buying food and drinks separately during a day at the beach.

The vibe also matters. This isn’t a quiet sightseeing boat where you feel rushed. The plan is built around a few core moments: sailing for views, anchoring for swimming and food, and then getting some fun movement with activities like the banana boat. The catamaran setup gives you space to spread out, plus plenty of sun deck time if that’s your priority.

If you want a simple “do this in one morning or afternoon” plan in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, this works well. It’s also family-friendly in the sense that there’s something for different comfort levels: relax and swim, or choose the higher-energy options.

Meeting point and how to get on board without stress

Plan to show up at Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, close to the gas station. The boat name is Princesa Ico.

If you prefer pickup, there are optional stops with set times, including:

• Clinica Roca – San Agustin at 9:10
• Hotel Tropical – Playa del Inglés at 9:20
• C.C Yumbo at 10:00
• Gran Casino Meloneras at 10:10

That pickup timing matters because it reduces the “where do I find the dock?” scramble. On a water day, early arrival helps you get settled, get sunscreen on, and avoid rushing when you’re walking around by harbor.

The route: Puerto Rico to the Mogán side, then back in about 4 hours

This cruise focuses on Gran Canaria’s south coast, using sailing time to connect the stops. You leave Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, enjoy scenic views, and there’s also a glass-bottom boat ride segment. Then the plan heads toward the Mogán area, where you get more sailing and activity time, including the banana boat ride in the schedule.

The exact “tempo” of the day is mostly driven by sea conditions. What’s consistent is the structure: sailing first, then anchoring in a calm bay for the main break, then heading back with more views on the return.

What the glass-bottom viewing is good for

A lot of people skip snorkeling because it feels like gear work. The glass-bottom option gives you a similar payoff with less fuss. Even if you do snorkel, it’s still a helpful add-on because it lets you scan fish and seabed features at the surface level while you sit comfortably.

Stop 1: leaving Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for views and underwater spotting

From the moment you depart Puerto Rico, the experience shifts from land time to sea time. You’re on the catamaran with music, sun, and a relaxed atmosphere, and you also have scenic views along the coastline.

There’s a hop-on hop-off stop mentioned in the route plan. That usually means the boat adjusts who’s on board at a key point along the sailing line, so it helps keep the itinerary efficient for people staying in different resort zones.

What makes this early stretch worth your attention is that you’re already getting the “ocean wow” before you ever swim. If you enjoy photography, this is often when the light and coastline angles look best, and when you can orient yourself visually to what the south side of the island looks like from the water.

The main highlight: anchoring in an exclusive bay for lunch and swimming

This is the part that turns a boat ride into a full day plan. The cruise will anchor in an exclusive bay, then serve lunch onboard. After that, you can swim, take part in water activities, and use underwater vision to look at the fish below.

You also have the chance of marine sightings on the route. The plan notes that you may occasionally see flying fish, turtles, and dolphins, but it also clearly states that sightings are not guaranteed. I like that honesty, because it keeps your expectations grounded while still giving you a reason to keep your eyes up.

Food and drinks: what you actually get

Lunch and drinks are part of the standard experience. The included drinks listed are water, soft drinks, beers, and mojito, and lunch is part of the onboard stop.

You’ll also see two pack options tied to the tour boat:

• Basic Pack: water and soft drinks
• Full Park: beer, mojito, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, and a banana tour

In plain terms, the “value” depends on what you choose. If you’re not planning to drink alcohol and you’re happy with a simple meal, Basic can make sense. If you want a proper lunch that feels like more than snack food, Full Park is the better match.

Also, the drink and food flow is part of why this tour works for people who hate long waits. Multiple crew members handling serving is exactly what keeps the energy moving while you’re enjoying that sea break.

The water break: why it’s better than quick beach time

A lot of island day tours give you a short swim and then rush you off. Here, the bay stop is the centerpiece. It gives you time to actually change the pace: eat, cool off, swim at your own comfort level, then do another quick look underwater before heading back to sailing time.

If your goal is relaxation, this stop delivers. If your goal is activity, the next segment provides that too.

Stop 2 near Mogán: banana boat ride and more fun on the water

After the main anchor and swim break, the itinerary includes time in the Mogán area and highlights fun activities such as the banana boat ride.

The banana boat is listed as included, and multiple experiences in the feedback make it clear that it’s a big part of the enjoyment. It’s also the kind of activity that works across ages and skill levels because you can choose how brave you want to be once you’re on the ride.

If you want extra adrenaline, the plan notes that jetski and parasailing are possible to purchase on the boat. That’s not included in the base price, but it’s a good option if you decide mid-trip that you want more than swimming and seabed viewing.

What the dolphin spotting moments feel like (and why you should still love the trip without them)

It’s tempting to book a marine-themed outing hoping for perfect sightings. This one sets expectations well: you might see dolphins, turtles, and flying fish, and sightings are not guaranteed.

Even without wildlife popping up, you’ll still get a satisfying mix of:

• coastline views from the catamaran
• a long-enough swim stop
• an included meal and drinks
• an onboard day plan that doesn’t feel like you’re waiting around

And if you do get wildlife, it tends to be memorable because it happens in context. You’re not sitting in a crowded area trying to watch from shore. You’re out on the water, and marine life can pass you in a way that feels instant and real.

Onboard service and the vibe that makes the day feel easy

Crew friendliness is one of the most repeated positives in the feedback, and you can see why. On a trip like this, people are juggling sunscreen, seating choices, and activity timing. A smooth crew makes everything feel lighter.

I especially noticed the names Sergio and Abdera in the feedback for attentive, friendly handling. Another name that stands out is Yeray, mentioned for being welcoming and keeping the energy up. Even if you get a different crew on your sailing date, that same approach is what you want to look for: quick help, clear activity flow, and a good sense of humor.

The entertainment factor also helps. The music and the overall atmosphere keep the trip from turning into a passive cruise. It’s more “hang out on the water” than “check off a boat tour.”

What to watch out for: seas, seating, and optional add-ons

Here are the practical points I’d keep in mind.

Sea conditions

This is still open water sailing. If the sea is rough, you may feel it more than you expect. One of the feedback highlights is that choppy water can make many people sick, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly.

Banana boat time

The banana boat ride is included, but one piece of feedback notes it can feel short. That doesn’t ruin the trip, but if you’re booking mainly for hours of water action, keep your expectations flexible.

Seating rules and extra costs

There’s one report that suggests some seating positions require an extra payment. The specifics weren’t fully laid out, so I can’t tell you which exact spots apply. Still, it’s worth arriving early so you can choose your preferred viewing or sunning area without feeling stuck.

Optional purchases onboard

Jetski and parasailing are possible extras purchased on the boat. If you think you’ll want them, decide early so you do not lose time when the bay break becomes the main schedule.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a half-day to full-feeling day on the water
• lunch and drinks included without planning a meal
• a mix of chill time plus at least one “let’s do something” activity like the banana boat
• a simple way to see south-coast scenery from a catamaran

It’s also a good option for families with mixed energy levels. Some people can stay seated and swim when the boat anchors. Others can grab the activities when they want more speed.

If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers quiet museums and slow pacing on land, you might find the onboard action more energetic than expected. But if you’re craving ocean time, it hits the mark.

Should you book this Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria boat trip?

If you want an easy, value-focused way to spend time on Gran Canaria’s south coast, I’d say yes, especially because the plan includes lunch, drinks, underwater viewing, and the banana boat ride. It’s the kind of tour that works even when wildlife sightings do not happen, because the bay swim stop and onboard setup carry the day.

Book it if you:

• like mixing sailing views with a proper swim break
• want food and drinks included
• are open to optional upgrades like jetski or parasailing

Skip it or plan carefully if you:

• get motion sick easily
• want guaranteed animal sightings, since dolphins and turtles are not promised
• expect a very long banana boat session, since the included ride may feel brief

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is 4 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

Go to Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, near the gas station. The boat is called Princesa Ico.

What’s included in the price?

The experience includes lunch and drinks (water, soft drinks, beers, mojito) and a banana boat ride. There are also pack options (Basic or Full Park) that change what’s included.

What’s the difference between the Basic Pack and Full Park?

Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks. Full Park includes beer, mojito, salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes, and a banana tour.

Is snorkeling included?

The experience includes underwater viewing through the glass-bottom and underwater vision. Water sports are part of the experience, and snorkeling is mentioned as a possibility.

Are jetski and parasailing included?

No. Jetski and parasailing are possible to purchase on the boat.

What animal sightings can I expect?

You may occasionally see flying fish, turtles, and dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is pickup available, and what time is it?

Pickup is optional. Listed pickup times include 9:10 (Clinica Roca – San Agustin), 9:20 (Hotel Tropical – Playa del Inglés), 10:00 (C.C Yumbo), and 10:10 (Gran Casino Meloneras).

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.