Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

The main draw here is simple: you get four hours on the Atlantic without arranging transport, food, or drinks yourself. The catamaran leaves from Arguineguín, cruises along the south coast, then anchors at a beach for swimming, sunbathing, and lunch.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes this easy from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas. I also like the chance to add parasailing or a jet ski ride at the marina, rather than booking a separate water-sports trip. The catch is that this can feel more like a lively party boat than a quiet wildlife cruise, with loud music and plenty of alcohol on some departures.

Key points to know

• Four hours on the south coast: The trip runs from Arguineguín toward a beach before returning to the dock.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: Wildlife sightings depend on conditions and luck.
• Lunch is included: Expect seasonal food, with a menu designed to suit vegans, plus drinks and snacks.
• Water sports cost extra: Add parasailing or a jet ski ride during check-in, then rejoin the catamaran by Zodiac.
• The mood can be lively: Music and unlimited drinks may suit some groups, but not families seeking a quiet nature trip.
• Pickup covers three resort areas: The blue Esnautica van collects and returns you to the designated pickup point.

Setting out from Arguineguín

Your day begins with pickup from a designated point in Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas. The operator uses a blue Esnautica van and reconfirms the exact pickup time, so check your messages before leaving your hotel.

At the Esnautica facilities, you check in and can decide if you want to add parasailing or a jet ski ride. These extras are not included in the $74 base price, and the exact cost is handled on the spot. This arrangement is useful if your group has mixed interests: some people can try a water sport while others stay with the main boat.

The catamaran leaves from Arguineguín dock and heads south. The route gives you open views of Gran Canaria’s southern coast, though the trip is not designed as a formal sightseeing cruise with a long list of coastal stops. The main goal is time on the water, followed by a relaxed stop at anchor.

The catamaran ride and wildlife chances

The possibility of seeing dolphins adds a welcome bit of excitement. Keep your expectations sensible, though. Dolphins are wild animals, and this excursion does not promise a sighting. If spotting marine life is your main reason for booking, this may feel too uncertain.

You should also know that the catamaran may not spend much of the journey sailing under sail power. One practical criticism of the experience is that the boat can spend considerable time motoring or sitting at anchor. That is not unusual for a swimming-and-lunch cruise, but it matters if you picture a quiet, wind-powered sailing trip.

The boat carries around 35 people on at least some departures. That is a fairly full group for a four-hour outing. You may find enough room to move around, but do not assume every person will have a comfortable seat, especially when everyone gathers in the shaded areas.

The tone can also vary. Staff are described as friendly and helpful, and drinks are available without a tight limit. At the same time, loud music and a strong alcohol focus can shape the mood. I would choose this for a social afternoon with friends or adults who enjoy a cheerful boat atmosphere. I would think twice if your priority is birdwatching, quiet conversation, or a calm family outing with older relatives.

Optional parasailing and jet ski rides

The optional water sports are one of the more useful features because you can arrange them when you check in. You are not required to add anything, so one person can fly above the water while another simply stays aboard and swims later.

If you choose parasailing or a jet ski ride, you remain with that activity while the catamaran continues to the beach area. You are then transported back to the boat by Zodiac. This makes the add-on fit into the main excursion instead of requiring a separate half-day booking.

There is one tradeoff: anyone choosing an extra activity loses part of the relaxed catamaran time. If your group wants to stay together, the add-ons may not be ideal. If your group wants variety, they can make the four hours feel more active.

The supplied information does not give the extra prices, age rules, or exact duration for either activity. Ask at check-in before paying, especially if you are booking for children or a mixed-age group.

Anchoring for swimming and lunch

The best part of the itinerary for many people will be the beach stop. The catamaran drops anchor away from the busiest resort crowds, and you can swim in the Atlantic, sunbathe, or simply sit with a drink.

This is not a formal beach visit with time spent ashore. The boat anchors near the beach, so your swimming takes place from the catamaran. That gives you a more open-water feel, but it also means you should be comfortable getting into and out of the sea from the boat.

The stop can feel wonderfully unhurried if you enjoy swimming. If you do not swim, paddle, or take part in another activity, the time may feel long. One criticism of the trip is that a good part of the afternoon is spent at anchor, so bring something to read if you prefer not to be in the water.

Lunch is prepared after the boat arrives at the beach area. The menu is seasonal, and the food is intended to suit vegans. A typical meal reported on one departure included pasta spirals with mayonnaise, cucumber, and sweetcorn, along with bread. Snacks included nachos and olives, and melon was also mentioned.

That is a practical lunch rather than a special meal. You are paying for the whole outing, not a restaurant-quality spread. The food should take the edge off your hunger, but I would not book this expecting a memorable culinary experience. If you have strong dietary needs, confirm the meal arrangements before departure rather than relying only on the general vegan-friendly description.

Drinks are included, and unlimited service is part of the appeal for some people. The quality may be basic, and one assessment specifically found the drinks disappointing. I would think of them as included refreshments that help the price make sense, not as a premium drinks package.

Shade, seating, and comfort aboard

A four-hour boat trip rewards realistic expectations about space. With a group of roughly 35 people, seating may become competitive, particularly in the shaded rear section. If you want shade, arrive at the pickup point on time and move aboard promptly once the group is allowed to board.

Smoking in the shaded rear area has also been a problem on at least one departure. This could make that section uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to smoke. If you are traveling with children, older family members, or anyone who needs a smoke-free place to rest, ask the crew where the best seating area will be.

The boat has one toilet. A blockage and overflow were reported during one outing, along with a lack of handwashing facilities and hand sanitizer. That is a meaningful comfort issue on a four-hour trip, especially after swimming and eating. Bring personal sanitizer and keep expectations modest about onboard facilities.

These details do not automatically make the trip a poor choice. They do mean the experience is better suited to people who are comfortable with a basic, busy boat setting. If you want polished facilities, lots of personal space, or a quiet premium cruise, you may want to compare other options before booking.

What the $74 price really covers

At $74 per person, the price includes a four-hour catamaran excursion, lunch, drinks, and pickup and return service from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas. That is a fair bundle for a resort holiday, since a taxi to the marina, a meal, and drinks can add up quickly.

The pickup is especially useful from Maspalomas or Mogan because you do not need to work out your own route to Arguineguín. You also avoid paying separately for a basic boat trip and onboard refreshments.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you plan to swim, enjoy drinks, and spend time with friends, the package offers plenty for the money. If you are mainly paying for dolphin watching, the value is less certain because sightings are only possible. If you dislike loud music or alcohol-centered outings, included drinks will not make the trip more attractive.

The extras require a separate budget. Parasailing and jet skiing are available to purchase at check-in, but they are not part of the advertised base price. Ask for the total before committing so the final cost does not surprise you.

The return trip to the dock

After the swimming and lunch stop, the crew raises anchor and begins the trip back to Arguineguín. The return is part of the four-hour schedule, so the time at the beach is not unlimited.

Once the catamaran docks, the blue Esnautica van returns you to the same general pickup location. This is convenient after a day in the sun, when arranging a taxi can be one more task than you want.

The schedule varies by date, so you need to check availability for the starting time. The operator provides live guidance in Spanish and English. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, which matters on a boat where clear instructions are needed for swimming, water sports, and transfers by Zodiac.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward half-day on the sea with the main pieces handled for you. It suits:

• Couples and groups of friends who enjoy swimming, drinks, and music
• Families who are comfortable with a social boat atmosphere
• Visitors staying in Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas
• People who want the option of adding parasailing or a jet ski ride
• Anyone who values included transport, lunch, and refreshments

I would be more cautious if you are booking for elderly relatives, very young children, or anyone who needs quiet surroundings. The group may feel crowded, the shaded space may be limited, and loud music or smoking could affect your comfort.

I would also avoid treating this as a dedicated dolphin-search trip. You might see dolphins, but the stronger reason to book is the combination of a coastal cruise, swimming stop, food, drinks, and transport.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Gran Canaria schedule is still changing.

Pickup is included only from the stated areas: Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas. The supplier reconfirms the exact pickup time, so use the designated meeting point rather than assuming the van will stop directly outside every hotel.

The tour is offered with guidance in Spanish and English. Since the exact departure time depends on availability, check the date carefully before booking.

Should you book the Gran Canaria catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a social, practical afternoon at sea and you value having lunch, drinks, and transport wrapped into one price. The swimming stop and optional water sports give you more to do than simply sitting on a boat, and the staff are known for being friendly and helpful.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, polished facilities, gourmet food, or a reliable wildlife encounter. The boat can feel crowded, the music may be loud, and the lunch is basic. For the right group, $74 is reasonable. For a family seeking peace and dolphins, it may not be the best match.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria catamaran tour?

The excursion lasts four hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The catamaran departs from the Arguineguín dock and travels along the south coast toward a beach area.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas. The supplier reconfirms the exact pickup time and uses a blue Esnautica van.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included in the $74 price. The food is seasonal and intended to suit vegans.

Will I see dolphins?

Dolphin encounters are possible, but they are not guaranteed.

Can I add parasailing or a jet ski ride?

Yes. You can purchase parasailing or a jet ski ride during check-in at the Esnautica facilities. These activities are not included in the base price.

What languages are available during the tour?

Live guidance is available in Spanish and English.