Catamaran afternoons beat the beach. On Afrikat’s 4.5-hour cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, I like the unlimited drinks and the chance to swim and snorkel in clear water while you cruise past cliffs and coves. One thing to plan for, the sun deck can feel crammed when it is busy, so if you like space, aim to get settled early.

This trip also has a fun, social vibe. You may spot the owner Potter working the crowd with jokes and energy, and you can even catch live music on board with saxophone from Ashleigh as you head back. If you want nonstop action, remember you only have a set swim stop window, then the rest is cruising and optional add-on water sports.

Key Points Before You Go

• Cruise the southwest coast in the afternoon, with views of dramatic cliffs and coves
• Unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water, plus a souvenir drinking glass
• A real swim and snorkeling stop with optional gear on board
• Optional thrill add-ons cost extra, including jet ski, parasail, donut, and a speedboat ride
• Onboard entertainment and a lively crew, including Potter and saxophone from Ashleigh
• Central-area pickup is part of the deal, with clear exceptions (more below)

The 4.5-Hour Afternoon Format That Actually Feels Relaxing

This is a half-day plan done right. At about 4.5 hours, you get enough time to cruise, cool off in the water, eat well, and still have your evening free for dinner in Gran Canaria.

What makes it feel good is the pacing. You sail along the southwest coastline, then the crew drops anchor for a swim and snorkeling window, and after that you are back to lounging on the cushions with drinks in hand.

The overall tone is laid-back, but not sleepy. Between the crew banter and the optional water activities, it is the kind of afternoon that works whether you want to chat or just sunbathe.

Unlimited Drinks and the On-Board Meal, What Comes With You

The price is easier to justify once you look at what you actually get on board. Drinks are unlimited and include beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water.

Food is included too, and it is not just snacks. The crew serves a chicken wrap (with optional bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce) plus pasta salad. If you have dietary needs, you do have to flag them when booking since special dietary requirements must be informed ahead of time.

For me, the value here is simple. If you would normally spend a chunk of money on drinks during a beach or harbor outing, the unlimited bar changes the math fast. It also helps the trip feel smoother, because you do not have to line up for refills every time you want one more.

The Swim and Snorkel Bay Stop, Why It’s the Main Event

The highlight is the water time. After cruising along the coast, the catamaran drops anchor in a crystal-clear bay where you can swim and snorkel using the optional snorkeling equipment.

This is the kind of stop that makes the whole afternoon feel worth it. You get a break from just watching the ocean, plus Gran Canaria’s coastal water is clear enough that snorkeling gear actually makes sense for most skill levels.

Practical tip: treat the swim stop like you would any beach day. Bring your swimwear, pack a towel, and use sunscreen before you get tempted by the sun. If you want photos, keep your camera accessible, because the bay moment is short and you do not want to waste it hunting for gear.

Cruising Past Mogan and the Southwest Coast Views

You spend the cruise portion getting your eyes full. The boat heads along the southwest coast with amazing views as you pass the fishing village of Mogán and glide by dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

Even if you have been in Gran Canaria before, this kind of viewing angle is different. From the water, you get the scale of the coastline, the way coves tuck under rock, and the feeling of being near places you usually see only from roads.

If you care about photos, pick a spot early and stay flexible. Light changes as you move, and on a catamaran you can often find a better viewing angle from the windward side. Also, remember the sun deck can get crowded, so settle in early rather than chasing the perfect seat later.

Water Sports Add-Ons, Costs, and How to Choose

This cruise has a buffet of optional activity. Some extras are included in the overall fun, but many are pay-as-you-go add-ons, so you can control how intense you want the afternoon to be.

Here are the extra costs listed:

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

Cocktails, wine, and spirits are also not included.

The best strategy is to decide your vibe before you board. If you want maximum value, you can skip most extras and lean into the core package: cruise, unlimited drinks, onboard meal, and the swim and snorkeling stop.

If you do choose a thrill ride, go in with a realistic mindset. These activities are run in a controlled time window, so listen carefully to the staff, stay close during boarding, and keep your valuables packed away.

Also, I would not assume every option runs every day. One downside that can happen with any water-sports setup is that an outside operator may not run, which can reduce what is available on the day you go. If water sports are your top priority, it is worth having a Plan B in your head, like enjoying the bay swim and snorkeling regardless.

Deck Time, Comfort, and What to Do With It

Between the swim stop and the extras, you will likely spend a lot of time on the sun deck. You have comfortable sun-cushions, and the crew keeps things moving so you can get back to relaxing quickly.

The main comfort issue is crowding. When the boat is full, some people find the sun deck can feel crammed in the heat. You can reduce that by showing up ready, getting your towel laid down early, and keeping your day bag minimal.

If you prefer shade, spend a few minutes looking for where the deck structure gives cover. Then rotate. Drink breaks, snack breaks, and shade breaks keep the afternoon feeling easy.

And yes, the vibe can be goofy in a good way. I like that the staff tends to mix humor with hospitality, so you feel welcomed rather than like you are just paying for access to water.

Pickup, Where You Start, and Harbor Check-In

This part matters more than people think, because the experience depends on getting to the harbor without stress.

Pickup is included from centralized points, depending on area. Covered areas include Bahía Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup is not available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico.

If you are going directly to the harbor, you meet at Puerto Rico, Calle Puerto Base, S/N, 35130. You should sign up at the Afrikat desk at least 20 minutes before the excursion starts.

Bring a bank card for extras and souvenirs too. You might want to pay for add-on water activities or grab photos and memorabilia, and having a card makes life easier.

What You Should Bring (and What Will Make You Happier)

Pack like you are doing a warm-water beach day, not like you are doing sightseeing only. You will want sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

If you can, also bring:

• your camera
• a dry layer for after the swim stop

One small but useful idea: wear what you plan to swim in under your clothes if you do not love changing. You do not want to waste energy getting ready while the boat is busy and the bay time is ticking.

Who This Trip Fits Best in Gran Canaria

This cruise is suitable for all ages, and it is wheelchair accessible. If mobility matters, you should inform the activity provider after booking so the crew can set things up properly.

It also fits different travel styles:

• Families who want a safe, scenic outing with food and drinks included
• Couples and friend groups who want an easy afternoon with optional thrills
• Solo travelers who like a social vibe and a crew that keeps the mood light

Where it might not fit as well is for people who hate sun-deck crowding or who want a long, uninterrupted block of adventure. This is a mix of cruise, swim stop, lounging, and paid add-ons. If you want a full-day sports camp, you may feel like the high-adrenaline parts are short.

The Verdict: Should You Book Afrikat’s Afternoon Catamaran?

If your goal is a value-packed Gran Canaria afternoon with real time in the water, I think booking makes sense. The combo of unlimited drinks, an onboard meal, and a snorkel-ready swim stop is exactly the kind of setup where you feel taken care of without constant budgeting.

Book it if:

• You want views along the southwest coast and a break from sitting in the heat
• You like the idea of optional water sports instead of being forced into them
• You appreciate a friendly crew and onboard entertainment

I would pause before booking if:

• You know you dislike cramped sun-deck conditions
• Your plan depends on a specific water-sports option running that day

If you do book, do it with the right expectations. Treat the swim and snorkel bay as the big payoff, and use the add-ons as icing, not the whole cake.

FAQ

How long is the Afrikat Gran Canaria afternoon catamaran cruise?

The total duration is 4.5 hours. Starting times vary by availability.

What food and drinks are included?

You get unlimited drinks including beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. The crew serves a meal of a chicken wrap (with optional bacon, cheese, salad, and sauce) plus pasta salad.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as an optional add-on during the cruise, and you can use it during the swim stop.

How much do the optional water sports cost?

Jet ski is €32 per vehicle, parasail is €32 per person, and the donut inflatable is €10 per person. A speedboat ride with the captain is €5 per person. Cocktails, wine, and spirits are not included.

Where does pickup happen, and where is pickup not available?

Pickup is included from centralized points in Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Taurito, and Playa del Cura. Pickup is not available from Las Palmas, Salobre, Mogan, and Puerto Rico.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.