Gran Canaria: Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

Sailing off Gran Canaria’s south coast feels like a reset button. This catamaran day trip mixes swim stops with snorkeling and water sports, then adds a proper meal with ocean views. It is one of those half-day plans that stays fun even if you are not the most confident swimmer.

Two things I really like are the amount of time you get on the water, and how smoothly the crew runs each section of the day. You also get unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water, which makes the trip feel like more than a simple cruise. One thing to consider: cocktails and extra drink upgrades are not included, so if you do not drink much, the value swings more toward the food and activities.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group feel on a spacious catamaran, with plenty of shade and sun deck space
• Snorkeling gear plus SUP and kayak, so you can choose your comfort level
• Two main water stops along the southwest coast, including a swim stop near Mogan
• Fresh seasonal food on board, with Canarian potatoes and mojo sauce
• Drinks flow throughout, especially if you are keen on sangria or beer
• Pickup and drop-off in the south, often close to where you stay

Why This Southwest-Gran Canaria Catamaran Works

This trip is built around the part of Gran Canaria that most people rush past from the road. Instead of doing a quick photo stop at the coast, you spend real time out on the water, where coves and beaches look totally different.

The big win is variety without chaos. You get a clear rhythm: sail, splash, snack or lunch, then sail back. Most days include two separate water moments, so even if you skip snorkeling one round, there is still another chance to swim and try SUP or the kayak.

One more practical point: the crew is attentive and quick with instructions, and the team can handle multiple languages. In reviews, I saw names like Callan and Raul connected with running things, and Michelle mentioned for onboard care. That matters because it lowers the effort needed for you to enjoy the gear and follow safety steps.

From Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria to a Sun-Deck Morning (or Afternoon)

You start in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and head out along the southwest coast. There are morning and afternoon options, both about 4.5 hours. That matters because you can pick the part of the day when you want the most sea time, then still keep your evening free.

Pickup is included for stays south of the island. People report that the driver can meet you very close to your accommodation, which is a relief in a place where taxis can eat time. You will want to watch for the provider email with your exact pickup time, since it can vary depending on where you stay.

Once you arrive at the boat, the setup is straightforward. You can settle on the sundeck, and there is also a shaded seating area if the sun is doing too much. This is one of those trips where you do not feel squeezed. Reviews repeatedly call out the space, and it fits the catamaran style: open areas, easy movement, and plenty of spots to relax between water activities.

Sailing, Drinks, and the Real Meaning of Included

If you love the idea of a day on the water with minimal decision-making, this is where the trip earns its keep. Soft drinks, water, beer, and sangria are included, and the crew keeps offering them through the day.

What I like about that is the social vibe. You can hang out without getting stuck thinking about the next drink purchase. One review noted that non-alcohol options were plentiful too, so you are not forced into the alcohol theme.

Still, there is a fair trade-off to flag. If you expect wine or cocktails, you may end up disappointed. Some reviews specifically mention wanting wine, and the activity info also says cocktails and additional drinks are not included. Translation: if you drink mostly sangria or beer, this feels like strong value at around $97 per person. If you do not, you are paying mainly for the boat time, water activities, and meal.

Swim Stop Near Mogan: Snorkel and Water Time That Actually Feels Like Water Time

The cruise routes you along the coast, then you hit a swim stop outside Mogan. This is where the day starts to feel special because you are not just looking at the sea, you are in it.

The trip provides snorkeling equipment, and you also get access to SUP paddleboards and kayaking gear. In practice, that means you can do one thing well, then try another without needing to plan ahead. A lot of people stick to snorkeling and a swim, and that is totally fine. Others split their time between paddleboarding and kayaking.

A few helpful details from real-world comments:

• You can expect to see fish at the snorkeling spot.
• The water can be chilly depending on season. One review specifically called it out as chilly in February.
• If you get sea sick easily, think about prevention. One review advised sea sickness tablets for those who might suffer.

Safety and comfort are usually handled by the crew in the moment, especially when they are giving quick instructions on how to use the gear and where to go in the water.

Lunch Stop at Tasarte: Seasonal Canarian Food With a View

For the morning option, the meal is a real sit-down lunch served during the second stop, often connected to Tasarte. The food is described as freshly prepared and seasonal, so the menu can shift.

That menu typically includes options like filet of tuna or breaded chicken. You also get salad, bread, and Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce. Some reviews call the potatoes warm and note a mild mojo, and a few mention mango sauce alongside the potatoes. Either way, the point is that this is not a generic boat sandwich. It is classic island comfort food, and it pairs well with salty air and sun.

One underrated detail: some food is delivered to the boat directly by kayak in at least some operations. Even if you do not care how the plates get there, it signals an effort to keep the lunch moment flowing, not delayed.

The ocean view is part of the meal, too. You are not eating in a cramped dining room. You are eating near the water with the coast around you, which makes the whole trip feel less like an activity and more like a proper half-day outing.

Afternoon Option: Tapas-Style Snacks Instead of Full Lunch

If you choose the afternoon sailing, you still get fed, just differently. Instead of the full lunch service, you get light tapas-style snacks.

The structure stays similar: you cruise, you do water time with the included snorkeling and water sports, and then you eat on the second stop. The advantage of the afternoon option is timing. If mornings are too busy or you want a late start, this lets you keep the same boat experience without sacrificing your day.

The trade-off is obvious. You might find yourself wanting more food if you are very hungry, but the snack format is designed to keep you fueled while you enjoy the final sail back.

Extra Add-Ons: Jet Ski and Parasailing If You Want the Thrill

The core trip covers snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking. But there are also optional extras some days, including jet ski and parasailing.

One review noted that jet ski and parasailing were set up for guests who wanted them, and another mentioned a paid speedboat option for a jet ski experience. A few comments also mention that these add-ons are reasonably priced compared to what you might expect for a guided marine thrill.

If you are the cautious type, you can skip everything extra and still have a great day. If you want a bucket list moment, consider going for one add-on, not both, so you do not spend the whole day distracted by activity lines.

Drinks, Value, and Who This Price Fits

At about $97 per person for 4.5 hours, this is not the cheapest thing you can do on Gran Canaria. But you are buying multiple components in one package:

• boat time with a comfortable catamaran
• included snorkeling and water sports gear
• a meal or tapas-style snacks
• unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water

That is why the “value” rating can depend on your drinking habits. If you plan to enjoy sangria and beer, it becomes a much better deal because the included drinks are a major cost you would otherwise pay separately.

For non-drinkers, or for people who prefer a specific type of drink not included, I would still call it worthwhile if you care about sea time and the food. But it will not feel like a bargain in the same way.

Also keep in mind: additional drinks like cocktails are not included. And if you were hoping for wine, you might want to manage expectations based on the drink formula as described.

The Crew and What “Good Organization” Feels Like

This trip does well in a specific way: it feels run by people who want you to enjoy the day, not by people counting down the clock.

Reviews highlight friendly, attentive crews and instructors who offer help when needed. Many also mention that the boat is not crowded. That combination matters because it changes how you experience water activities. When the crew is calm and responsive, you spend less time waiting and more time actually swimming, snorkeling, or paddling.

If you care about language support, this is also a plus. The tour guide experience is available in English, Spanish, German, and French, and at least some crew communication includes instructions in English and French alongside Spanish. That helps a lot if you want to understand the safety basics and feel confident using the gear.

What to Pack, Safety Notes, and Small Comfort Wins

You only need one must-have item listed: a towel.

Beyond that, I recommend thinking like a person going from boat deck to cold water. Bring practical swim basics, and plan for the fact that conditions can change. The trip is subject to sea and weather conditions, so you should be flexible in how you view the day. When the sea is rough, the crew decides what is safe.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take precautions before you go. One review recommended sea sickness tablets for those likely to suffer, which is the kind of advice that helps more than people expect.

Finally, remember you are out for 4.5 hours. Sun, salt water, and food make this a satisfying half-day, not an all-day marathon. Pace yourself so you can enjoy multiple water moments.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Trip

I think this is a strong choice for:

• couples and small groups who want a relaxed sea day with real activities
• people who want snorkeling plus a chance to try SUP or kayaking
• travelers who like included drinks as part of the vibe
• anyone staying in the south who wants pickup and drop-off without wrestling transport

It may be less ideal if:

• you only want a sightseeing cruise with zero water time
• you do not eat much and also do not drink much, since part of the pricing is tied to included food and drinks
• you are specifically hoping for wine or cocktails (those are not listed as included)

Should You Book This Catamaran Day Trip?

Yes, you should book it if you want the best kind of Gran Canaria experience: coast views plus actual time in the water, with a proper meal and included drinks. The combination of snorkeling gear, SUP and kayak, and fresh Canarian food makes it feel like a full activity day even though it is only 4.5 hours.

If your main goal is calm lounging only, or if you are very picky about drinks beyond beer, sangria, and soft drinks, you might want to compare against other options. But for most people traveling in the south, this is a high hit rate plan: easy pickup, small group energy, two water stops, and a crew that keeps things moving.

If you do book, bring a towel, consider sea sickness prevention if you think you need it, and go in excited about getting wet. The day is designed for that.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran day trip?

It lasts about 4.5 hours.

Where does the trip depart from?

The cruise departs from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.

What is included in the price?

The catamaran cruise, soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water are included. Lunch is included for the morning option, and light tapas-style snacks are included for the afternoon option. SUP boards and kayak, snorkeling equipment, and south-of-the-island pickup and drop-off are also included.

What drinks are included, and are cocktails included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water. Additional drinks such as cocktails are not included.

Do you get snorkeling time during the trip?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided and there is at least one swim stop where you can snorkel.

Are paddleboards and kayaking included?

Yes. SUP paddleboards and kayaking gear are included.

Is there a difference between the morning and afternoon options?

Yes. The morning option includes a seasonal lunch served at the second stop. The afternoon option includes light tapas-style snacks at the second stop.

Do they offer additional paid water sports?

There are additional activities offered onboard for an extra cost, including jet ski and parasailing in some cases.

What languages are available for the live tour guide?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel. The trip is also subject to sea and weather conditions.