Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The coast is best seen from the water. This 4.5-hour catamaran trip from Puerto Rico gives you a relaxed look at Gran Canaria’s southwest shore, with two swim stops, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboards. I like the small-group feel and the generous choice of included drinks, especially if you enjoy beer or sangria.

I also like that this is more than a scenic boat ride. You get a freshly prepared meal on the morning sailing, or tapas-style food in the afternoon, plus time to get into the water rather than simply admire it from the rail. The optional hotel pickup in southern Gran Canaria makes the day easier.

The main consideration is that the $97 price favors drinkers. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water are included, but cocktails and some extra activities cost more. If you rarely drink and mainly want a short cruise, you may find the value less convincing.

Key points to know before booking

• Two water stops: Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use a SUP board at a sheltered coastal location, then stop again near the lunch break.
• Morning and afternoon choices: The morning trip includes a full seasonal meal, while the afternoon option serves lighter tapas-style food.
• A comfortable catamaran: You get a shaded seating area, open sun deck, and enough room to move around without feeling packed in.
• Drinks are included: Beer, sangria, water, juice, and soft drinks are available throughout, but cocktails are extra.
• Pickup covers the south of Gran Canaria: The provider confirms your exact time after booking, and the schedule can vary by hotel.
• Optional thrills cost extra: Jet skis and parasailing may be arranged during the outing, but they are not part of the base price.

Setting out from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Your day begins at the marina in Puerto Rico, one of the main boating hubs on Gran Canaria’s south coast. If you are staying elsewhere in the southern resort area, pickup and return transport are included. The vehicle is described as an air-conditioned minibus, and several outings have begun promptly, which matters when you are planning a full holiday day.

The exact pickup time is not fixed at booking. The operator confirms it afterward based on your accommodation, so check your email and spam folder. This is a small but useful detail. Gran Canaria’s resort areas are spread along the coast, and pickup times can vary.

Once aboard, you can choose between the shaded seating area and the open deck. That simple choice helps the trip suit different moods. I would take the shade during the hottest part of the day, then move into the sun for the return ride.

The catamaran is modern, clean, and spacious enough for people to spread out. The group is kept fairly small, with capacity described as up to 17 other people. That gives the outing a calmer feel than a large party boat, while still providing a social atmosphere for families, couples, and mixed-age groups.

Cruising past coves and beaches

The boat follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast, where dry volcanic hills meet the Atlantic. From the water, you get a different view of the island than you do from the road. Coves, beaches, and stretches of undeveloped coastline pass slowly by, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of the trip.

The crew serves beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks as the catamaran moves along. This is where much of the value comes from. You are not paying separately each time you want a drink, and the staff regularly offer refreshments rather than leaving you to hunt for a bar.

The tradeoff is straightforward. If you mainly drink water or soft drinks, you will not receive the same financial benefit as someone enjoying several beers or glasses of sangria. Wine and cocktails are not part of the standard package, so plan on paying extra if you want something beyond the listed drinks.

The crew’s friendly service is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Callan and Raul have been praised for creating a warm atmosphere, while Michelle has been singled out for attentive service. Guides can communicate in English, Spanish, German, and French, which is helpful on a mixed international boat.

The first stop: swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards

The first major stop is near the coast outside Mogán. The catamaran anchors in a spot suitable for swimming and water sports, and this is the most active part of the trip.

Snorkeling gear is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The water can be cool, even in sunny weather, but that makes the swim refreshing. Fish are often visible around the swimming area, and one outing even produced a sighting of a small hammerhead shark. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the clear water and rocky coastal setting give snorkeling a real purpose here.

You can also use the SUP paddleboards and kayak. The equipment is limited rather than unlimited, so people take turns. That is worth knowing if your entire group wants a long paddle. The stop is designed to let everyone have a go, not to provide a private water-sports session for each person.

If you prefer not to get wet, you can remain on deck and watch the activity. The catamaran has enough shaded and sunny space for people who want to relax, take photographs, or simply enjoy the view. A flotation vest is available for children, and parents should ask the crew about safety equipment before their children enter the water.

The first stop usually gives you about an hour for swimming and water sports, though exact timing depends on sea and weather conditions. The boat is stable, but anyone prone to seasickness should consider taking appropriate medication before departure. One account specifically noted that some people felt unwell, even though the catamaran itself was considered steady.

The second stop and a proper Canarian lunch

The second stop combines another chance to swim with the main meal on the morning departure. The crew collects freshly prepared food from a local restaurant on the beach at Tasarte. In a memorable touch, some of the food has been brought from shore to the catamaran by kayak.

The usual choices include tuna fillet or breaded chicken, with salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes served with mojo sauce. The potatoes are a classic island side dish, and they add a local touch to what could otherwise be a standard boat lunch.

The menu is seasonal, so the exact dishes can change without notice. That is a good thing for freshness, but it means you should not book expecting one fixed menu. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the crew can adjust the meal.

The food is served with Atlantic views, which makes lunch feel like part of the outing rather than a break from it. Portions are described as generous, with enough to go around. You can also swim during this stop if you want to work up an appetite or cool off afterward.

The afternoon sailing follows a slightly different format. Instead of the full morning meal, you receive light tapas-style snacks. That distinction matters when comparing the two departures. Choose the morning option if lunch is important to you, and choose the afternoon sailing if you prefer a shorter food stop and a later start.

What the boat does well

The catamaran is the star of the experience. It is clean, attractive, and laid out for both activity and rest. You can sit under cover, stretch out on the sun deck, or move around while the boat is underway.

I like that the experience does not force you into one pace. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, and kayak, but you can also spend most of the four and a half hours reading, taking pictures, and enjoying the sea air. That makes it suitable for groups with different energy levels.

The crew keeps drinks moving without turning the trip into a loud party cruise. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, and the small group size helps. Families, couples, and older passengers can all find a comfortable place onboard.

The boat also provides a good setting for photographs. The southwest coast has steep, dry slopes, beach coves, and open ocean views. Bring a phone or camera that you can protect from splashes, especially if you plan to photograph yourself in the water.

Optional jet skis and parasailing

Jet skiing and parasailing may be arranged during the trip for an additional fee. These activities are not included in the $97 price, so ask about the current cost before committing.

This option is useful for mixed groups. One person can try parasailing while others remain aboard, swim, or continue relaxing. A nine-year-old passenger was able to try parasailing on one outing, but age and safety rules can change, so confirm requirements with the crew.

If you are comparing this catamaran with an all-inclusive water-sports package, remember that the included equipment here is snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and a kayak. Motorized activities are extras.

Is $97 a fair price?

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Gran Canaria. It is a fair price if you make use of the full package: hotel transport, a half-day catamaran cruise, two swim stops, equipment, food, and unlimited listed drinks.

The strongest value comes from the combination of services. A simple sightseeing cruise may cost less, but it will not necessarily include a meal, water equipment, and return transportation. You also avoid the small expenses that quickly add up on a day at sea.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink alcohol, skip the food, or plan to remain on deck without using the equipment. In that case, you are paying mostly for the boat, views, and service.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 845 ratings, and the consistent praise centers on the boat, crew, food, drinks, and organization. I would treat that as a sign of reliable delivery rather than a promise of perfect weather or identical conditions every day. The sea can alter the route and timing, and the operator can change the menu.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and friends who want a comfortable half-day at sea without arranging every detail themselves. It works especially well for people who want a choice between activity and rest.

Families should appreciate the open space, flotation equipment for children, and the fact that swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are included. Parents should still supervise children closely around the water and ask the crew about safety procedures.

It is also a good pick for a first visit to Gran Canaria. You see the coast from a fresh angle, get a taste of local food, and enjoy a few hours away from the busy resort areas.

I would be more cautious if you want a long sailing day. Several people wished the outing lasted longer, but the 4.5-hour duration is also one of its strengths. You get a substantial half-day without giving up an entire day of your holiday.

The best practical tip is to bring a towel. Wear something comfortable for sun and water, and consider seasickness medication if you know you need it. Check the sea forecast, but remember that the final decision rests with the operator because the trip depends on conditions.

Final verdict: book it if you want an easy sea day

Book this trip if you want a polished, social, and activity-filled cruise with food and drinks already handled. The spacious catamaran, friendly multilingual crew, two water stops, and dependable pickup make it a strong choice in southern Gran Canaria.

Choose the morning sailing for the full meal and longer lunch experience. Choose the afternoon if tapas are enough and you prefer a later start. If you do not drink alcohol and want only a basic boat ride, compare prices first. For most people who plan to swim, eat, and enjoy several included drinks, $97 is reasonable value.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran trip?

The excursion lasts 4.5 hours, including the cruise, water stops, food, and return sailing.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The boat departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and cruises along the southwest coast toward the Mogán and Tasarte areas.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria. The provider confirms your exact pickup time after booking.

What drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Additional drinks, such as cocktails, cost extra.

Is lunch included?

The morning excursion includes a freshly prepared seasonal lunch. The afternoon excursion includes lighter tapas-style snacks instead.

What food might be served?

The meal can include tuna fillet or breaded chicken, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, salad, bread, and butter. The menu can change because it is seasonal.

Can I snorkel or use a paddleboard?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, SUP paddleboards, and a kayak are provided. Equipment may be shared, so you may need to take turns.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. You should also check your pickup email carefully, since the exact collection time depends on your accommodation.