Fuerteventura: Magic Catamaran Trip with Food and Drinks

Dolphins, lunch, and a swim make a fine half-day. The Magic Select catamaran gives you four hours on the water along Fuerteventura’s volcanic southern coast, with a good chance of seeing dolphins or pilot whales, followed by swimming off Jandía. I especially like the generous open bar and the friendly crew, who bring plenty of energy without losing sight of safety. The main point to consider is that this is a social group outing, not a quiet sailing lesson.

The boat is modern, spacious, and 23 meters long. You get a proper meal of Mozarabic chicken, rice, and vegetables, plus wine, beer, water, and soft drinks. Marine life is never guaranteed, and the catamaran may motor rather than sail, depending on wind, sea conditions, and the number of people aboard.

Five things to know before booking

• Dolphin watching comes first: The search lasts about 1.5 hours, and sightings can include dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, and distant whales.
• Swimming is off Jandía: You get around 30 minutes in the sea, with life jackets available for adults and children.
• Lunch is included: Expect chicken with rice and vegetables, served onboard after the swim.
• The open bar is part of the price: Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the trip.
• Pickups cover the main southern resorts: Transport can be arranged from selected points in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, Jandía, and Morro Jable.
• The mood is lively: Music, dancing, jokes, and sometimes a chance to help steer make this better for sociable people than for anyone seeking silence.

Setting out from Morro Jable port

The trip begins at Morro Jable, at the southern end of Fuerteventura. If you have arranged transport, you will be collected from a selected meeting point near your resort. The pickup service covers Costa Calma, Esquinzo, Jandía, and Morro Jable, but not every hotel has direct collection. In some cases, your meeting point will be within about a five-minute walk of your accommodation.

If you are making your own way, go to Morro Jable port 30 minutes before departure. This is important. The meeting point is at the port rather than at a separate town office, and arriving early gives you time to find the boat and board without a last-minute scramble.

The catamaran is large enough to spread out, sit with a group, or find a place to stretch your legs. One account described roughly 30 to 35 people onboard while still having room to sit or lie down. That gives you a useful picture of the atmosphere: not private, but not necessarily cramped either.

A safety briefing comes first. The crew then sets a course along the south coast while explaining the day’s plan. The onboard team has included Aaron, Feli, Juani, Elisa, Itziar, Laura, Eric, and others on different departures. Names and staffing may change, but the pattern is clear: the crew plays a major part in the experience.

The 1.5-hour search for dolphins and whales

The first major part of the trip is a search for marine life around Jandía. The Canary Islands are home to more than 29 identified species of dolphins and whales, so there is plenty of reason to keep watch. You might see common dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, or a whale farther from the boat.

The crew makes clear that sightings depend on nature, not on a promise. Some departures have found dolphins within minutes, with pods swimming close to the catamaran for a long period. Pilot whales have also appeared, and a few people have seen more than one species during the same outing.

That uncertainty is worth accepting before you book. If you need a guaranteed wildlife encounter, this is not the right activity. If you enjoy the search itself, the open sea, and the chance of seeing animals in their natural setting, the first part can be thrilling.

The captain and crew do more than point toward the horizon. Juani, one of the captains mentioned by name, has explained different dolphin species and their behavior, and has shared recent footage of dolphins following the vessel. The exact commentary depends on the crew working that day, but the trip is not simply a boat ride with no context.

Bring patience. Wildlife may surface on one side of the boat and disappear before everyone gets a look. You will have a better time if you treat a sighting as a bonus rather than the whole reason for going.

The volcanic southern coast from the water

Even without dolphins, the boat gives you a different view of Fuerteventura. The southern coast around Jandía is marked by dark volcanic rock, open sea, and long stretches of shore that look quite different from the island’s inland roads and resort areas.

The catamaran moves close enough to the coast for you to appreciate the shape and color of the shoreline, then heads into wider water for the wildlife search. The views are especially useful if you have spent your holiday mostly on the beach. From the deck, the resort buildings become less important, and the island feels broad and exposed.

Music plays through much of the trip. The crew may explain the route, tell jokes, run the music, and encourage people to dance on the way back. Some departures have had a relaxed middle-of-the-road soundtrack, while others have felt more like a small party.

That mix makes the boat appealing to couples, families, and groups of friends who want a cheerful outing. It may annoy you if you hoped to hear only the sea. The crew generally keeps the mood friendly, but this is not a silent nature cruise.

A 30-minute swim off Jandía

After the wildlife search, the captain changes course for a swimming stop off Jandía. The boat anchors for about 30 minutes, giving you time to get into the water, cool off, and look back at the catamaran from below.

The sea can feel cold, even in warm weather. A few people may choose to stay onboard, but the swim is a pleasant break after sitting and watching the horizon. Life jackets are offered to adults and children who want extra support.

Pay attention to the tide and current. One useful practical warning is that conditions can pull you away from the boat more quickly than expected. Follow the crew’s instructions, stay within the designated area, and allow enough time to get back onboard.

This stop is short by design. You will not spend hours at anchor, and the boat does not turn the outing into a full beach day. Still, 30 minutes is enough for a proper dip and a few photographs of the coast.

If you do not want to swim, you can remain on deck with a drink. The catamaran is designed to make the stop enjoyable even if you keep your feet dry.

Lunch, drinks, and the open bar

The meal comes after the swim, which is sensible timing. You will likely appreciate hot food more after being in the sea. The advertised dish is Mozarabic chicken with rice and vegetables, and portions have generally been described as generous.

The food is practical rather than fancy. It is served onboard and is meant to feed a mixed group efficiently. Most people find it tasty and satisfying, though one account was less enthusiastic. I would treat lunch as a solid part of the package, not as a reason to compare this with a restaurant meal.

Drinks are available throughout the outing. The open bar includes:

• Beer
• Wine
• Water
• Soft drinks

This adds real value to the $91 price, especially when you consider that the trip lasts four hours and includes transport on selected options, lunch, wildlife watching, swimming, and crew-led entertainment.

There is one small limitation for non-drinkers. Sparkling water is not guaranteed, and the soft drinks may be sweet. If that matters to you, bring your preference if permitted, or ask the crew what is available before departure.

The bar also changes the feel of the excursion. People settle in, chat, and become more social as the afternoon continues. You can enjoy a beer or wine while watching the coast, but drink sensibly. The sea can make alcohol feel stronger, especially after swimming.

The final hour: music, dancing, and the ride back

The last hour is listed as sailing time, but you should not assume the sails will be raised. Weather, passenger numbers, and the presence of people who feel seasick can make motor travel the practical choice.

That is not necessarily a flaw. The catamaran still gives you the views, sea air, and movement of the water. If your dream is to learn how a sailing catamaran handles under full sail, this trip may disappoint. If you mainly want time offshore with food, wildlife, and a swim, the engine is unlikely to matter much.

The return leg often becomes the most social part of the day. Music comes up, people dance, and the crew encourages everyone to join in. On some departures, passengers have even been invited to try steering under supervision.

The crew’s attitude receives repeated praise for good reason. Names such as Aaron, Feli, Juani, and Elisa have been singled out for humor, clear explanations, and care with passengers. The team also helps people who feel unwell, which matters on a boat where a few passengers may struggle with motion.

By the time you return to Morro Jable, the trip may feel less like a formal excursion and more like a friendly afternoon party at sea. That is a strength if you enjoy company. It is a drawback if you prefer a low-key boat ride.

What $91 gets you

At $91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time near the coast. The value depends on how many parts of the package you will use.

You receive a four-hour catamaran trip, wildlife search, swimming stop, meal, and open bar. Selected pickup and return transport are included if you choose that option. When you add up food, drinks, and a boat trip bought separately, the price feels reasonable.

The open bar is especially useful for families and couples who would otherwise pay for every drink onboard. The meal also saves you from planning lunch around the excursion.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, do not want to swim, and mainly want a quiet sailing experience. In that case, you may prefer a smaller or more focused boat trip, though the supplied information does not identify a quieter alternative.

The trip also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms help if your schedule may change, but check the exact conditions when booking.

Who will enjoy the Magic Catamaran most?

I would recommend this outing to:

• Couples looking for a relaxed half-day away from the resort
• Families who want swimming, food, and a manageable four-hour program
• Friends who enjoy music, drinks, and meeting other people
• Wildlife fans who understand that dolphins and whales cannot be guaranteed
• Anyone staying in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, Jandía, or Morro Jable who values included pickup

It is less suited to you if you want a private boat, complete silence, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a serious lesson in sailing. It is also worth thinking twice if you often feel seasick, though the crew has experience helping people who become unwell.

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes, bring sun protection, and arrive early at the port if you are not using pickup. Keep your phone or camera secure around the swimming stop, and do not spend the whole trip staring at the screen. The best moments may last only a few seconds.

Should you book this Fuerteventura catamaran trip?

Yes, if you want a sociable, well-priced half-day at sea with several activities folded into one outing. The crew, open bar, swimming stop, and chance of seeing dolphins are the strongest reasons to book. The food is straightforward but filling, and the boat provides enough space for a shared group trip.

Book with realistic expectations. Marine life is unpredictable, and sailing under canvas is not guaranteed. But if you can accept those limits, the Magic Select offers a very good mix of coast, sea, food, drinks, and fun for four hours.

FAQ

How long is the Magic Catamaran trip?

The excursion lasts four hours.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The catamaran leaves from Morro Jable port in southern Fuerteventura.

How early should I arrive at the port?

If you are not using pickup, arrive at Morro Jable port 30 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is available if you select that option. It covers selected points in Costa Calma, Esquinzo, Jandía, and Morro Jable. Pickup is not available from every hotel.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, water, and soft drinks.

What food is served onboard?

The meal consists of Mozarabic chicken, rice, and vegetables. Depending on the departure time, it may be served as lunch or dinner.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The catamaran stops off Jandía for about 30 minutes of swimming.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales?

No. The crew searches for dolphins and whales, but wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions and animal movements.

Is the trip available in languages other than English?

The host or greeter may speak English, Spanish, German, or French.