Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

The best part of this Gran Canaria boat trip is the easy rhythm: sail, swim, eat, and sail some more. From Puerto Rico, you follow the southwest coast toward Mogán and Tasarte, with two sea stops, a spacious catamaran, and drinks available throughout. Fresh Canarian potatoes with mojo and lunch delivered from shore add a local touch.

I especially like the small-group feel and the choice between active water time and doing absolutely nothing on the sun deck. The crew has also earned strong praise for friendly service, with Callan and Raul singled out by name on one outing. The main consideration is that the 4.5-hour schedule can feel short, and wine or cocktails are not part of the included drinks.

Key points to know before booking

• Two water stops: The first is designed for swimming, snorkeling, SUP boarding, and kayaking. The second combines another swim with lunch or afternoon tapas.
• Morning and afternoon departures: Morning trips include a seasonal lunch. Afternoon trips offer lighter tapas-style food.
• Unlimited basic drinks: Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Cocktails and other additional drinks cost extra.
• Comfortable catamaran: You get shaded seating, open deck space, and room to sunbathe without the tight feel of a crowded excursion boat.
• Hotel pickup in southern Gran Canaria: Pickup and return are included for accommodations south of the island, though the exact time depends on your location.
• Bring a towel: Sea conditions can change, and the trip may be adjusted for safety.

Setting out from Puerto Rico toward the wild southwest coast

Your day begins in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, a practical starting point for exploring the island’s southwest shore by sea. If you are staying in the southern resort area, pickup and drop-off are included, and the minibus transfer has been praised for being prompt, air-conditioned, and well organized.

Once aboard, you can choose a place in the shaded seating area or head up to the sun deck. That flexibility matters. A half-day at sea feels much better when you can move out of the sun, stretch your legs, or settle into a quieter corner between swims.

The catamaran is modern, clean, and roomy. One of its strongest features is the amount of usable space, especially for a boat excursion that includes food, sports equipment, and several hours on the water. The boat has been described as accommodating a small group of around 17 people in addition to the crew, though the exact number can vary.

As you leave Puerto Rico, you pass coves and beaches along the southwest coast. This is not mainly a sightseeing cruise with constant commentary, so you should not expect a detailed coastal lecture. Still, the views are worthwhile, particularly when the boat reaches the rougher, less built-up stretch near Mogán and Tasarte.

The crew speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. That makes safety instructions and activity guidance easier for mixed-language groups. Service is a major part of the experience, with crew members regularly offering beer, sangria, juice, soft drinks, and water rather than leaving you to fend for yourself at a single drinks station.

The first stop is made for swimming and water sports

The first anchorage is the most active part of the trip. You can swim directly from the catamaran, use the provided snorkeling gear, or take out a SUP board or kayak.

The snorkeling is simple and accessible rather than a specialist expedition. You stay close to the boat in a coastal bay, looking for fish in clear water. One outing even produced a small hammerhead shark sighting, though wildlife encounters are never guaranteed. The real appeal is the chance to see the coast from below the surface without arranging a separate snorkeling tour.

You can also use the paddleboards and kayak to explore above the water. The available equipment is limited, with reports of two SUP boards and one kayak, so you may need to take turns during busy moments. That is not a major problem if your group is happy to share, but it is worth knowing if everyone in your party expects uninterrupted paddle time.

Life jackets and flotation support are available, which helps families feel more comfortable. The water may feel chilly, even in good weather, but the contrast between warm sunshine and a quick swim can be refreshing.

This stop also works for people who do not want to get wet. You can stay aboard, find shade, watch the activity from the rail, or stretch out on the deck. That mix makes the trip suitable for couples, families, and mixed-age groups where not everyone wants the same level of action.

Optional jet skiing and parasailing may also be arranged for an extra charge. These are not included in the $97 price, and they can add a more thrilling edge to the day. If you want a quiet outing, simply skip them. The main catamaran program continues without requiring you to buy anything extra.

Lunch arrives with a local Gran Canaria touch

The morning departure includes a freshly prepared seasonal lunch, served during the second part of the trip. The menu can change, but typical choices include tuna or chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce.

The Canarian potatoes are particularly fitting here. These small, salted potatoes are a local staple, and the mojo gives them a sharp, savory finish. On one outing, warm potatoes were brought out to the catamaran by kayak from a local farming settlement, an unusual little detail that made the meal feel connected to the coast rather than simply pulled from a tour kitchen.

Lunch is served with views of the Atlantic, often near the beach at Tasarte. The crew may pick up food from a local restaurant on the beach, and some meals have arrived by kayak. That delivery method is fun, but the real value is freshness and the chance to eat while the boat is stopped in a scenic coastal setting.

Expect a straightforward meal, not fine dining. Tuna and chicken offer an easy choice for different tastes, and the portions have generally been described as generous. Salad, potatoes, bread, and the included drinks make it a proper midday meal rather than a token snack.

If you choose the afternoon sailing, the food is lighter. You receive tapas-style snacks instead of the full morning lunch. That option may suit you if you prefer a later start or want to eat a large meal before boarding, but the morning trip is the better pick if food is a big part of the value.

The seasonal menu means you should not book expecting one exact dish. If you have dietary needs, confirm them with the provider before setting out, since the supplied information does not specify a full range of alternatives.

The second stop slows the day down

The second stop is a shorter swim break combined with lunch for the morning trip, or tapas for the afternoon option. You can jump back into the water, take photographs, or simply enjoy the scenery from the boat while the food is collected and prepared.

This stop has a calmer feel than the first. By then, you have had time to swim and try the equipment, so many people use the pause to eat, talk, and enjoy the sea without rushing to the next activity.

The coastline here shows Gran Canaria’s less polished side. You are not just circling resort beaches. The southwest shore includes rugged coves and small coastal settlements, and the boat gives you a view that road-based sightseeing cannot provide.

Keep your camera ready, but do not count on marine life. Dolphins, whales, and sharks have been spotted on some outings, and one crew even changed course briefly to watch a whale surface. These are welcome bonuses, not a promised part of the route.

Drinks are a major part of the $97 value

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend half a day in Gran Canaria. The value depends heavily on how much of the included package you use.

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are available throughout the cruise. If you plan to enjoy a few beers or glasses of sangria, the price becomes easier to justify because you are also paying for the boat, crew, transport, food, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and kayak.

If you mainly drink water or soft drinks, the package may feel less generous. Some people also miss having wine, cava, or cocktails included. Cocktails and other additional drinks are not part of the standard formula, so check the onboard options if that matters to you.

I would compare this trip with the cost of booking separate transport, a boat ride, lunch, and water activities. Once those pieces are added together, the all-in structure is useful. You pay once and can spend the day enjoying the sea rather than keeping track of every small charge.

The included food also helps. A restaurant lunch near the coast can be expensive, while this experience combines the meal with swimming and sailing. For a couple or family who wants a relaxed day without organizing several bookings, that convenience is part of the appeal.

Why the catamaran comfort matters

The boat itself receives nearly as much attention as the swimming stops. It is described as clean, spacious, and well maintained, with plenty of room to sit or lie down.

That matters because 4.5 hours can feel long on a cramped boat. Here, you can rotate between shade, sun, the front deck, and the seating area. If you get tired after swimming, there is room to dry off and relax instead of standing around wet equipment.

The catamaran is also stable enough for many people who worry about seasickness. That does not remove the risk entirely, especially when sea conditions change, but several outings were described as smooth. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual medication rather than relying on the boat’s stability alone.

The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions. The crew may alter the route or activities for safety, and that is a sensible trade-off for a water-based excursion. Bring a towel, and consider sun protection even if you plan to spend much of the day in shade.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This is a good choice if you want several experiences in one booking: coastal scenery, a comfortable cruise, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, lunch, and drinks.

Families can use the flexibility well. Children can swim, try the boards, or stay on deck, while adults enjoy the food and scenery. The availability of flotation support is useful, though you remain responsible for deciding what is suitable for each child.

Couples will appreciate the relaxed pace and open deck. It is also a strong option for a birthday or small group celebration, since the crew provides drinks and food without turning the outing into a loud party cruise.

It suits active people, but you do not need to be sporty. The water activities are optional, and the boat is comfortable enough for a lazy half-day. You can take part in everything, choose only snorkeling, or spend most of the time reading and watching the coast.

This may not be the right choice if you want a full-day sailing adventure, extensive coastal commentary, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. It is also not ideal if you dislike shared water equipment or want a private yacht charter.

Timing, pickup, and small practical details

Morning and afternoon sailing options let you fit the cruise around your plans. Choose the morning if you want the full seasonal lunch and more of a traditional day-trip feel. Choose the afternoon if you prefer a later start and are happy with tapas-style food.

The activity lasts 4.5 hours, including sailing, two stops, meals, and the return journey. Several people have found the duration just right, while others wished they could stay on the catamaran longer. That tells you what kind of trip this is: a polished half-day outing, not an all-day expedition.

Pickup is included for locations south of the island, but the exact time depends on where you stay. Check the provider’s email after booking, including your spam folder, because the pickup details are confirmed separately.

The crew has received consistently warm praise for being attentive without becoming overbearing. Names such as Callan, Raul, and Michelle have been associated with especially friendly service on individual outings, while the wider crew handles transfers, food, water sports, and safety.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when weather or holiday plans are still uncertain.

Should you book the Gran Canaria catamaran trip?

I would book this if you want a comfortable, social, low-stress day on the Atlantic with plenty included. The strongest reasons are the roomy catamaran, friendly multilingual crew, two swim stops, fresh lunch on the morning departure, and drinks that keep flowing throughout the cruise.

Choose the morning option if you care about the meal and want tuna or chicken with salad and Canarian potatoes. Choose the afternoon if you value a later start and are content with tapas. Bring a towel, share the SUPs and kayak patiently, and remember that the best wildlife sightings are lucky extras.

At $97, this is good value for anyone who will use the water sports and enjoy the included drinks. If you want a private boat, a longer sailing day, or premium drinks, spend your money elsewhere. For an easy half-day from Puerto Rico that combines swimming, local food, and a comfortable ride along the southwest coast, this is a very sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The excursion departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and sails along the island’s southwest coast.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts 4.5 hours.

Are morning and afternoon departures available?

Yes. You can choose between morning and afternoon sailing times, subject to availability.

What food is included?

The morning excursion includes a fresh seasonal lunch. Typical dishes include tuna or chicken, salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. The afternoon excursion includes tapas-style snacks.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. Cocktails and other additional drinks are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel from the boat?

Yes. The trip includes swimming stops and snorkeling equipment.

Is kayaking or paddleboarding included?

Yes. SUP boards and a kayak are available for use during the water-sports stop. Equipment may need to be shared among the group.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the south of Gran Canaria. The provider confirms the exact pickup time after booking, and it can vary by accommodation location.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions, so the route and activities may change for safety.