Afternoon Catamaran Trip in Gran Canaria

The best part of this Gran Canaria catamaran trip is its timing. You skip the early start, leave Puerto Rico at 3:30 pm, and spend the afternoon sailing past beaches, caves, and coastal villages before the light softens toward sunset. Two swim stops give the trip real purpose, rather than making it only a boat ride.

I like the relaxed setup and the included water activities. You can use the snorkeling gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards without paying extra, while beer, sangria, soft drinks, water, and snacks are served onboard. I also like the small maximum group of 20, which should feel calmer than a packed party boat.

The main drawback is the weather. A cloudy or chilly afternoon can take the shine off a swimming trip, and the operator may not be able to move you to another day if the schedule is full. Jet skis and parasailing cost extra, so the advertised price covers a pleasant catamaran outing, not every water sport.

Key points to know before you book

• The 3:30 pm departure suits late risers: You get a full sea outing without giving up your morning.
• Two swim stops add real variety: Swim, snorkel, kayak, or use the stand-up paddleboards at no extra charge.
• Drinks and snacks are included: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, water, and light food are part of the trip.
• The boat carries no more than 20 people: That is a useful middle ground between a private charter and a large excursion.
• The route follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast: Expect views of beaches, caves, villages, and open sea.
• Paid add-ons are available: Jet skiing and parasailing are not included in the ticket price.

Leaving Puerto Rico at 3:30 pm

This is a good choice if you do not want to organize your day around an early alarm. The catamaran leaves Puerto Rico harbour at 3:30 pm, with the full outing lasting about three to four hours. The trip ends back at the meeting point.

That late start changes the mood. You can spend the morning at your hotel or on the beach, have lunch, and still make it to the harbour for a proper afternoon on the water. The return timing also gives you a chance to see the coast in warmer daylight and, depending on the season and conditions, enjoy sunset light from the boat.

Pickup is offered across the southwest of Gran Canaria, between Mogán and Bahia Feliz. If you are staying outside that stretch, contact Exclusive Boat before booking to confirm your location. The pickup area is useful, but the wording is broad enough that you should not assume every hotel is covered.

The meeting point is in Gran Canaria, and the catamaran returns there at the end. Since the boat leaves from Puerto Rico, allow time for pickup or for getting to the harbour on your own. Your booking confirmation arrives at the time of booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted.

What you see along the southwest coast

The route follows the coast from Puerto Rico, giving you a view of southern Gran Canaria from the water rather than from a road or lookout. You pass beaches, caves, and coastal villages as the boat moves along the southwest side of the island.

That coastal angle matters. From a catamaran, you see how the built-up resort areas meet the dry volcanic shore, with sections of rock and small coastal spaces that are easier to appreciate from the sea. The tour does not promise a specific beach stop or named landmark, so think of it as a broad coastal cruise rather than a sightseeing route with formal commentary.

The scenery is likely to be the quiet backdrop between the more active parts of the trip. If you want a serious history or geology lesson, this is not the right format. If you want to sit back with a drink, watch the coastline move past, and take photos without rushing from one viewpoint to the next, the pacing should work well.

Afternoon light is another reason to choose this departure. The sun can make the cliffs, beaches, and water look different as the trip progresses. One customer specifically enjoyed taking the afternoon option for the chance to see the sunset from the catamaran, though sunset quality depends on the date and weather.

Two swim stops, with plenty to do

The two swim stops are the heart of the experience. At each pause, you have the chance to get into the water, use the snorkeling equipment, paddle a kayak, or try a stand-up paddleboard.

You do not need to pay extra for those basic activities. That makes the outing more useful for families or groups with different interests. One person can snorkel, another can paddle, and someone else can simply remain onboard and enjoy the sun.

The exact duration and location of each swim stop are not specified, so you should not expect a timed lesson or guided snorkeling tour. The available information also does not promise particular marine life or underwater sights. Bring realistic expectations: this is free time in the water, not a specialist wildlife expedition.

The swimming element does make weather important. In warm, sunny conditions, the stops can break up the sailing nicely. In cool, cloudy weather, they may feel less inviting. One poor experience came from an overcast, cold day, when the water activities were far less appealing. The operator explained that the trip could not be canceled simply because of clouds and that changing dates was not possible that week because places were full.

The formal policy is more reassuring for genuinely poor weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are unsuitable, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That is different from choosing not to swim because the day feels less pleasant than expected.

Included drinks, snacks, and the onboard mood

The ticket includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are also provided during the trip. This is not presented as a full meal, so eat normally before departure if you need something substantial.

The food and drink offering helps justify the price, especially when you compare it with a basic boat ride where refreshments are sold separately. It also keeps the afternoon easy. You can take a drink after swimming, sit in the sun, and avoid carrying your own supplies onto the boat.

The drinks receive generally positive feedback, though sangria may not please everyone. Cocktails, wine, and champagne are also available, but they are not listed among the included items. Coffee and tea are specifically excluded. Ask onboard about the cost of any extra drinks if you want more than the included selection.

The boat has a restroom, which is a small but important comfort on a three-hour sea outing. It is also described as clean, with plenty of sunbed space. That matters because not everyone in your group will want to swim at every stop.

This is not a silent cruise. People will be sharing the boat, equipment, food, and seating. Still, the maximum of 20 people gives the crew a better chance to keep the mood personal and the water activities manageable.

How the price compares with the experience

At $84.10 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an afternoon near Puerto Rico. The value depends on how much of the package you use.

If you only want a short cruise and do not plan to swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard, the price may feel high. You are paying for the boat, crew, refreshments, equipment, transport options, and several hours on the coast, so the outing makes more sense when you treat it as a complete half-day activity.

For an active group, the calculation is better. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are included, as are alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. You also get two separate opportunities to use the water gear rather than a single quick swim.

Jet skiing and parasailing are extra. That keeps the base fare clear, but it means your total cost can rise if you add motorized activities. I would book this for the included catamaran experience and consider the paid options optional, not part of the basic value.

The rating is 4.7 from 42 reviews, with 90 percent recommending the experience. That points to a strong overall record, but it does not remove the weather risk or guarantee that every drink and snack will suit your taste.

Space, comfort, and the crew

The maximum group size is 20. One outing had about 11 people onboard, which allowed everyone to find a place without much stress or fuss. Group size can vary, but the cap is still worth noting when comparing this with larger coastal cruises.

The crew’s attitude is one of the strongest parts of the trip. They are described as attentive, helpful, and willing to look after practical details. On one occasion, the team returned a forgotten hat, a small act that says something useful about how they handle personal items and customer care.

The boat itself is described as clean, with plenty of sunbed space. That suits a relaxed afternoon, though sunbed availability will depend on how many people want to use them at once. If you prefer shade or a particular seat, arrive on time and listen to the crew’s instructions.

Service can also vary with the day’s conditions and group. One repeat customer enjoyed the hotel pickup, boat, crew, swimming break, and services on a second visit. Another found the food and drinks simply okay. That is a fair picture: expect pleasant provisions and attentive service, but do not book this as a gourmet meal or luxury yacht charter.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The boat is near public transportation, which may help if you are not using the pickup service. Specific information about step-free access or assistance on and off the catamaran is not provided, so contact the operator if mobility is a concern.

Optional jet ski and parasailing extras

The included gear covers calm, self-directed water activities. If you want more speed, jet skiing and parasailing are available for an additional fee.

These extras can suit a group with mixed energy levels. One person might prefer the kayak, while another wants a faster ride or a higher view. Since the prices are not provided, ask before committing so you know exactly what the add-on will cost.

Do not assume the basic ticket includes these activities. It does not. The included package is snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, drinks, snacks, and restroom access.

Who will enjoy this afternoon cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who want a social but not oversized boat trip. The late departure is especially useful if you dislike early starts or want to combine the outing with a relaxed morning.

It also suits people who want choices. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, sunbathe, or sit with a drink while others use the equipment. That flexibility is more valuable than a tightly programmed itinerary when a group cannot agree on one activity.

Families should note that most people can participate, but the available information does not give specific age rules or child safety details. Ask the operator if you are booking for young children. The same advice applies to anyone with mobility needs, since accessibility details beyond service animals and public transport are not supplied.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is guaranteed sunshine, a quiet private charter, a full meal, or a highly guided snorkeling session. The trip is weather dependent, shared with other people, and built around free time rather than formal instruction.

Booking, cancellation, and weather planning

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 3:30 pm start time. Cancel later than that and the amount paid will not be refunded, while changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

The cut-off follows local time in Gran Canaria. That is easy to overlook if you are booking from another time zone, so use the island’s local time when counting backward from departure.

The operator can cancel if weather is poor or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The policy does not mean every cloudy day leads to a cancellation. The trip may still operate in overcast conditions, and one customer found the cold, cloudy weather disappointing. If swimming is central to your plans, check the forecast and keep the cancellation deadline in mind.

Should you book the Puerto Rico catamaran trip?

Book it if you want an easygoing afternoon at sea with two swim stops, free water equipment, included drinks, and a small maximum group. The 3:30 pm departure is practical, the return to Puerto Rico keeps transport simple, and the sunset potential adds a pleasant bonus.

I would skip it if you need a guaranteed hot day or expect a luxury dining experience. The value is strongest when you use the kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear, and when you see the snacks and drinks as useful extras rather than a full meal.

For most visitors staying between Mogán and Bahia Feliz, this is a well-rounded way to spend three to four hours on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast. Check your pickup location, confirm any paid water-sport prices, and keep your weather expectations realistic. If those details suit you, the trip offers a good blend of scenery, swimming, and unhurried time on the water.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran leave?

The catamaran departs at 3:30 pm from Puerto Rico.

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three to four hours. The stated itinerary describes a three-hour outing.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts in Puerto Rico and ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered in the southwest of Gran Canaria, between Mogán and Bahia Feliz. Contact Exclusive Boat if you are unsure whether your accommodation is within the pickup area.

What activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are included. The trip has two swim stops where you can use them.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Beer, sangria, soft drinks, water, and snacks are included. Coffee and tea are not included.

Are jet skiing and parasailing included?

No. Jet skiing and parasailing are available at an additional cost.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.