REVIEW · GRAN CANARIA

Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Rico

★ 3.0 · 8 reviews From $72 Operated by Tour2b · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Sun, sea, and a banana boat make a lively half-day. This four-hour catamaran trip from Puerto Rico follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast toward Puerto de Mogán, combining open-water views with time to swim, snorkel, and ride a banana boat. I like the easy mix of relaxation and water activities, and lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and pickup from several resort areas are included. The main caution is that the feedback is uneven, especially around food, safety during the banana boat activity, and whether the boat always matches the advertised group-size description.

I also like the simple format: you board in Puerto Rico, spend the day at sea, stop for water activities, and return to the same meeting point. At $72.59 per person, it can be fair value if you use the included lunch, drinks, equipment, and banana boat ride. Still, I would confirm the exact vessel and activity schedule before paying, since one account describes a much larger boat and activities that did not take place.

Key points to know before booking

Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Rico - Key points to know before booking

  • Four hours from Puerto Rico: The cruise covers the southern coast of Gran Canaria without taking up your entire day.
  • A swimming stop is part of the plan: You can use free time for swimming and snorkeling, provided you can swim without assistance.
  • Banana boat ride included: This adds a short burst of action to an otherwise easygoing boat trip.
  • Pickup covers many resort areas: Service is available from Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Costa Meloneras, Pasito Blanco, Arguineguín, Puerto Rico, Taurito, and Puerto Mogán.
  • The advertised maximum is 50 people: One published account disputes the boat size and says a much larger vessel was used, so confirmation is sensible.
  • The rating is mixed: The overall score is 3.1 out of 5 from eight ratings, with praise for the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere but complaints about food, safety, and missing activities.

Setting off from Puerto Rico

The meeting point is at C. Puerto Base, 1, in Puerto Rico. If you are staying nearby, this is a useful starting point because the port is easy to reach by local transport, and the trip finishes at the same place.

Pickup is offered from several areas in the south of Gran Canaria. That can save you a taxi ride, but you need to contact the operator after booking so the nearest pickup point can be assigned. The listed areas include major resort zones, not just Puerto Rico, so this cruise can work well if you are staying in Maspalomas, San Agustín, Taurito, or Puerto de Mogán.

The boat heads along the southwest coast for about four hours. The appeal is not a long list of shore visits. You are here for the view from the water, the fresh air, and a break from poolside routine. As the catamaran moves away from Puerto Rico and toward the Mogán coast, you get a different angle on Gran Canaria’s southern shore.

I would arrive ready for a casual day rather than a formal boat excursion. Wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothes, bring a towel, apply sunscreen, and take a camera if you want photographs from the deck. You should also wear shoes that are practical around a marina and on a wet boat surface.

A few more catamaran days around Gran Canaria worth a look

What the catamaran day feels like

The boat has a sun terrace, a bar, seating areas, and space to look out over the water. You can spend part of the trip stretched out in the sun, then move to the deck when you want a better view or a chance to spot marine life.

The cruise encourages a social, holiday feel. One highly positive account describes the staff as very friendly and praises the entertainment. That matters on a shared boat, where the mood is shaped as much by the crew as by the scenery. If the onboard activity is lively, this will feel more like a small floating party than a quiet sailing trip.

At the same time, this is not the trip I would choose if you want a silent, polished sailing experience. The banana boat and group swimming stop point toward a relaxed excursion with plenty of activity. Families, couples, and groups of friends may enjoy that mix, while anyone seeking solitude should manage expectations.

The advertised maximum is 50 people. That should provide enough room to move around without feeling packed, especially on a catamaran with a terrace and deck. However, one published complaint says the boat used had capacity for 250 people rather than 50. That is a serious difference in atmosphere and comfort, so ask the operator to confirm the vessel and expected numbers before departure.

The coastal cruise toward Puerto de Mogán

The main scenic portion is the cruise along Gran Canaria’s southern coast. You glide away from Puerto Rico and take in the sea views from offshore rather than from a road or resort promenade.

The coast around Puerto de Mogán gives the outing its setting, but the experience is still mainly about being on the water. You should not book this expecting a guided walking tour of Mogán or a long stop ashore. The supplied schedule describes a four-hour coastal cruise, with time reserved for swimming, snorkeling, and the banana boat.

I like that the journey has a clear rhythm. You can relax during the cruising sections, enjoy a drink, watch the coast, and keep an eye on the water for turtles, dolphins, or flying fish. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than the reason to book.

The open deck also gives you room to choose your own pace. You can sunbathe when the weather suits you, sit at the bar, or watch the sea from the rail. Sunscreen is essential, since a few hours on a boat can expose you to much more sun than you expect, even when a breeze keeps you comfortable.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the banana boat stop

The water stop is where the trip becomes more active. You can swim, use the provided snorkeling equipment, or join the banana boat ride. The schedule gives you free time for these activities, but the exact order and amount of time for each one are not specified.

You must be able to swim unaccompanied to take part. That requirement is important. This is not an assisted water activity for someone who cannot swim independently, and you should be honest about your ability before booking.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from bringing your own mask and gear. The value depends on how much time you spend in the water and on sea conditions. If you love being in the sea, this inclusion makes the price more attractive. If you plan to stay dry, you are paying for an activity you may not use.

The banana boat is another included feature. It adds a short, playful jolt to the day and will likely appeal to families with older children and groups looking for something more energetic than swimming. It is also the part of the trip that deserves the most care.

One account raises a safety concern during disembarkation after the banana boat ride. That does not prove every departure is handled poorly, but it is enough for me to advise you to listen closely to the crew, wait for clear instructions, and take your time getting back aboard. Wet steps and moving water are not the place to rush.

A separate complaint says the included activities were not all provided. Because of that, it is sensible to confirm before departure which activities are running that day and whether weather or operating conditions could change the plan.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of $72.59

The listed price is $72.59 per person. For a four-hour outing, that is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but the comparison changes once you count what is included: the catamaran cruise, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, banana boat ride, insurance, and transfer service.

I would call the price reasonable for someone who uses the full package. A visitor who takes the boat, eats lunch, enjoys drinks, snorkels, and rides the banana boat is receiving several separate holiday activities in one booking. Pickup can add further value if you would otherwise pay for a taxi from your resort.

The food is the weak point in the package. One detailed account calls the meal below average and says the presentation and taste were not especially appetizing. That fits the usual limits of a simple meal prepared for a boat group. I would treat lunch as convenient fuel, not a reason to book the cruise.

There is also a complaint about being charged for cups despite the claim that everything was included. This is a small expense compared with the overall price, but it points to a possible mismatch between what you expect and what the crew considers included. Clarify what drinks are covered and whether any serving items cost extra.

The best value comes from the activities and convenience, not from fine dining. If you want a restaurant-quality meal or a small premium sailing boat, this may disappoint. If you want a practical package that combines sea views, food, drinks, transport, and water fun, the price can work.

Group size, service, and mixed standards

The strongest praise is directed at the staff. One rating describes the crew as very friendly and the entertainment as fun, with the whole day feeling relaxing. I would give that positive feedback proper weight because crew attitude can make a shared excursion feel easy and welcoming.

But the overall rating of 3.1 out of 5 shows that service is not the only factor. The concerns are specific: food quality, safety after the banana boat ride, unexpected charges, and uncertainty about whether the advertised activities and boat capacity match the actual operation.

This is not a reason to dismiss the cruise. It is a reason to book with realistic expectations and to confirm details. Ask about the boat being used, the expected number of passengers, the water activities planned for your departure, and what drinks are included.

The stated maximum of 50 people would suit you if you want a group outing without a huge crowd. If the larger boat described in one account is used, the experience may feel more like a mass-market excursion. That could mean more noise, longer waits, and less room on deck.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a half-day at sea without arranging separate activities. It suits:

  • Families and groups who want swimming and a banana boat ride
  • Couples who like a relaxed coastal cruise with lunch and drinks
  • Visitors staying in southern resorts who value hotel-area pickup
  • Anyone who wants snorkeling equipment provided
  • People who prefer a four-hour outing rather than a full-day boat trip

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, small-scale sailing experience, excellent food, or a tightly controlled premium operation. The mixed feedback suggests that standards may depend on the boat, crew, and day of departure.

You also need to be comfortable in the water. Since unassisted swimming is required, this is not a good match if you cannot swim confidently on your own.

Practical details that make the day easier

The activity ends back at the Puerto Rico meeting point. Pickup is available from several locations, but you must contact the operator so the nearest pickup place can be assigned.

Bring comfortable clothes, shoes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a towel, and a camera. Mobile tickets are accepted, and confirmation is provided at booking. The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate, subject to the swimming requirement.

The cruise includes insurance, but that does not remove the need to follow crew instructions around the water and banana boat. Keep your belongings secure and expect wet conditions near the activity area.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted. The deadline follows local time in Gran Canaria.

Should you book the Puerto Rico catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, activity-filled half-day and you are happy with a basic lunch and a shared boat. The included transfer, drinks, snorkeling gear, banana boat ride, and four-hour format give the excursion solid value when everything operates as planned.

Before booking, I would contact Tour2b and confirm three things: the exact boat, the expected passenger count, and which water activities will operate on your date. That is especially important because the advertised group size and the on-the-water experience have not matched for every customer.

My verdict: a potentially enjoyable and fairly priced sea day, best for active families, couples, and groups rather than guests demanding quiet luxury or a gourmet meal. Go for the coast, the swim, and the fun on the water. Keep your expectations modest about lunch, and confirm the details before you commit.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is C. Puerto Base, 1, 35130 Puerto Rico, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the original meeting point in Puerto Rico.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Bahía Feliz, San Agustín, Maspalomas, Costa Meloneras, Pasito Blanco, Arguineguín, Puerto Rico, Taurito, and Puerto Mogán.

Do I need to arrange pickup in advance?

Yes. You should contact the operator after booking so the nearest pickup point can be assigned.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included in the activity.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the banana boat ride included?

Yes. The banana boat ride is included in the cruise.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be able to swim unaccompanied to take part in the water activities.

What is not included?

The combo option involving jet skiing and parasailing is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

More like this

Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruises, compared.

The full Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruises list →
Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 4,761 reviews· from $44

Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling

Read our review →
Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 1,019 reviews· from $88

Fun Catamaran Cruise with Food and Drinks

Read our review →
Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 845 reviews· from $97

Catamaran Day Trip with Food and Drinks

Read our review →
Catamaran Tour with Lunch on Pristine Beaches
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 165 reviews· from $87

Catamaran Tour with Lunch on Pristine Beaches

Read our review →
Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 139 reviews· from $91

Afternoon Catamaran Cruise with Food & Drink

Read our review →
2 hour Dolphin Catamaran Excursion
★★★★★★★★★★4.2· 129 reviews· from $41

2 hour Dolphin Catamaran Excursion

Read our review →
4-Hour Catamaran Excursion in the South
★★★★★★★★★★3.8· 51 reviews· from $65

4-Hour Catamaran Excursion in the South

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore by coast

Pick a sea, then pick a kind of day.