Sangria on a catamaran beats the beach plan. This catamaran day trip sails the southwest coast from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, with time for snorkeling and water sports plus a real food break. It’s built for comfort, with shade onboard and plenty of space to move around instead of feeling boxed in.

I really like two things here. First, the crew is consistently praised for being friendly and attentive, with instruction offered in multiple languages, including crews that have been specifically noted like Callan and Raul, and hosts such as Michelle. Second, the food feels like an actual meal, not a snack, with seasonal dishes that commonly include tuna or chicken, Canarian potatoes, salad, and mojo-style sauce.

One drawback to plan for: value depends on what you drink, since the trip is priced like a drinks-and-activities package. Also, the water can be chilly, so treat swimming as refreshing, not cozy, especially outside the warmest months.

Key Things I’d Mark on Your Mental Map

• Sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water included while you sail and play
• Snorkeling gear plus SUP and kayak provided for the water stops
• Two main stops for swimming and exploring, then a food break at Tasarte
• Comfort-first layout with shade and a roomy sun deck
• Multi-language crew support in English, Spanish, German, and French
• Small-group feel that avoids the packed-boat vibe

Why This Gran Canaria Catamaran Day Trip Works So Well

Gran Canaria’s south is all about contrasts: calm coves, rugged coastline, and small places where you can get in the water fast. This trip turns that into a half-day format, so you get multiple watery moments without spending your entire day in transit.

The catamaran setup matters. You’re not stuck sitting in one place like a ferry. You can spread out on the sundeck, find shade when the sun gets intense, and still jump in easily from the boat. That flexibility is a big part of why this feels like a relaxing outing rather than a strict activity schedule.

Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria Pickup and the Real Meaning of 4.5 Hours

You start at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, with pickup and drop-off included for stays on the south side of the island. After booking, the provider confirms your exact pickup time, and it can vary based on where you’re staying, so keep an eye on their email (and your spam folder too).

The trip length is 4.5 hours, and that’s long enough to feel like a proper day out, but short enough that you’re not exhausted afterward. In practice, the flow tends to be: drive to the boat, sail along the southwest coast, hit swim and water-sports stops, eat, then sail back.

If you’re the type who likes a plan but hates rush, this timing is a sweet spot. You’ll be busy enough to feel you used your time, but you’ll also have moments where you can simply sit, drink, and watch the coastline drift by.

Price and Value: The Package That Makes the Math Make Sense

At about $97 per person, this isn’t a “cheap boat ride.” It’s priced like a bundle: transport to the marina area, catamaran time, drinks, food, and gear.

Here’s why it can still feel like good value: the tour includes unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, plus a hot lunch for morning departures (and lighter tapas-style snacks for afternoon departures). On top of that, you get snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and a kayak, which are the kinds of additions that often cost extra on day trips.

That said, there’s one personal factor that changes the feel of the price. If you mostly choose non-alcoholic drinks, you might not get the same payoff as someone who stays on sangria and beer most of the cruise. The trip can still be fun either way, but your “value score” depends on how much you use the included drinks.

Morning vs Afternoon: How the Tasarte Food Break Changes

You’ll choose either a morning or afternoon sailing, and the biggest difference is what you eat once you reach the food stop near Tasarte.

For the morning option, you get a sit-down seasonal lunch that’s described as freshly prepared, commonly featuring things like tuna or chicken plus salad and Canarian potatoes with mojo-style sauce. Several guests also mention the food arriving fresh, sometimes even delivered in a fun way as part of the stop.

For the afternoon option, the food is light tapas-style snacks instead of a full lunch. So if food is a main goal for your day, morning departures tend to match that better.

Either way, you’re eating with ocean views and then continuing right back into water time or a quick dip depending on the flow of your sailing. That pairing is what makes the half-day feel satisfying instead of like a schedule of “just sailing, then leaving.”

First Swim Stop Near Mogán: Snorkeling That Fits Real Life

A key part of the experience is getting off the boat and into the water quickly. The route includes a swim stop just outside Mogán, with coves and beaches passing along the way.

What you’re actually doing at the first stop is what makes this more than a simple sightseeing cruise:

• Swimming directly from the boat
• Snorkeling with provided gear
• Using the SUP paddleboards and kayak depending on water conditions and timing

The snorkeling experience here gets strong feedback for seeing fish, and the gear inclusion matters. You don’t need to lug your own setup or worry about whether what you packed will fit correctly.

One practical note: some people mention the water is cool. That’s normal for open water, and it still feels refreshing to many guests. Just don’t expect warm bathtub water on a boat day.

Water Toys Onboard: SUP and Kayak Without the Hassle

The SUPs and kayak are a big deal because they let you explore at your own pace. With a paddleboard, you get a different perspective than you do snorkeling. You can glide, look around above the waterline, and take in how the coastline changes from the sea.

With a kayak, you can move quietly and aim yourself toward calmer corners of the bay. It’s also a great option when you want the water experience but not everyone wants to snorkel at the same time.

The trip also feels easier because the boat is described as comfortable and not overly packed. That small-group feel makes it simpler to find time on the gear and feel like you aren’t competing for attention.

The Tasarte Stop and Lunch: Tuna, Chicken, Potatoes, and Mojo

The second stop is where the day usually peaks for food lovers. The crew picks up lunch from a local beach restaurant in Tasarte for morning departures, and the food is served with a proper sea-view break.

Based on what’s commonly served, you can expect dishes like:

• Filet of tuna (often a featured option)
• Breaded chicken
• Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce
• Salad and bread

Even the plating gets praised indirectly through the overall experience, because the food is described as plentiful and freshly prepared. That matters on a boat trip. You want to eat like an adult, not just graze while the sea does what it does.

There’s also a fun detail that comes up in comments: some passengers mention the food being brought out in a playful way as part of the logistics. The takeaway for you is simple: this isn’t a “paper box lunch.” It’s treated like an important part of the outing.

Drinks That Keep the Mood Going, Plus What They Do Not Include

Drinks are one of the strongest selling points. You get beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water included, with crew members repeatedly described as keeping drinks coming.

Several guests mention sangria tasting especially good, and the beer and juice options are there to balance things out. In other words, the alcohol is not the only drink angle, which is handy if you’re not drinking much.

Just be clear about what’s missing. Extra drinks like cocktails are not included. So if you’re picturing fancy mixed drinks all day, plan on paying extra for that part.

Also, the included-drinks setup can be a “best case” value booster if you like to drink. If you mostly stick to non-alcoholic choices, you may feel the price is more about water time, snorkeling, and food than a drinking deal.

Boat Comfort, Group Size, and Crew Style

A lot of day trips fail on comfort or crowding. This one seems to avoid that, with guests repeatedly describing the catamaran as clean, spacious, and well run.

The boat layout helps:

• Plenty of shaded seating areas
• A sun deck for relaxing
• Space to move around during stops

Crew behavior is another reason people come back. Friendly, attentive, and helpful shows up often, and guests mention multi-language instruction. Some names that have appeared in feedback include Callan, Raul, and Michelle, which suggests you may be looked after by a real team that keeps things smooth.

If you’re sensitive to motion, there is also a practical takeaway from comments: some passengers get sea sick, and one suggested solution is to consider sea sickness tablets if you think you might feel it.

Nature Bonus: Dolphins, and Occasionally Bigger Moments

This isn’t a wildlife guarantee. But the water route can deliver surprises.

Dolphins show up in at least one guest account, and another guest describes a crew detour to spot a right whale surfaced. That kind of moment is rare, but it’s exactly why being on the water sometimes beats staring at a view from land.

Even without wildlife, the sea stops themselves are the main event: fish sightings while snorkeling, quick dips, and paddleboard cruising in calm bays.

What to Bring (and What Will Help You Enjoy It More)

The tour’s listed requirement is simple: bring a towel.

Beyond that, plan for two real-world factors that come up in feedback:

1. The water may be chilly, so treat swimming as refreshing.
2. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing sea sickness tablets, since some guests specifically mentioned this helpful prep.

Otherwise, you can pack light. The essentials for the water activities are provided on board, including snorkeling gear plus the SUP and kayak setup.

Who This Trip Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you want a half-day with a mix of:

• Sailing and scenery along Gran Canaria’s southwest coast
• Swimming and snorkeling with gear included
• Paddleboard and kayak time without extra rental hassle
• A real meal break and included drinks

It also makes sense for mixed ages, because you can participate at different levels. You can snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or simply relax on the deck. Kids and families show up in feedback too, including notes about flotation vests being available.

If you’re the type who wants a very deep, history-heavy cultural tour, this won’t be that. This trip is about sea time, comfort, and active relaxation.

Should You Book This Gran Canaria Catamaran With Food and Drinks?

If your goal is a low-stress day on the water with included gear, included food, and included drinks, I’d book it. The combination is the point: snorkeling plus SUP and kayak, then a lunch stop that is actually worth looking forward to.

You might skip it only if:

• You don’t care about alcohol and the price feels steep for you without that value
• You hate being in cold water and you want long, warm beach time instead
• You’d rather spend more than 4.5 hours on the water (some guests wished they had extra time onboard)

Otherwise, this is a very practical way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s south. You get real sea activities without the hassle of rentals, and the day stays relaxed.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day trip?

It runs about 4.5 hours.

Where does the trip depart from?

You depart from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

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

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water are included.

Is lunch included?

Morning departures include a seasonal lunch. Afternoon departures include lighter tapas-style snacks.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also get SUP paddleboards and kayaking gear.

Are jet skis or parasailing included?

No. Jet ski and parasailing are mentioned as optional extra activities available at additional cost.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a towel.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The tour guide is available in English, Spanish, German, and French.