Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Salt air, open water, and lunch await. This four-hour catamaran cruise follows Gran Canaria’s south coast from Arguineguín, with a beach stop, food, drinks, and a chance to spot dolphins. I like the included hotel transfers and the easy mix of sailing, swimming, and sunbathing. The main caution is the party-boat mood, which may not suit families seeking a quiet wildlife trip.

At $77 per person, I see fair value if you want a social half-day on the Atlantic rather than a serious sailing expedition. You can also add a jet ski ride or parasailing at check-in. Just keep expectations in check: wildlife sightings are possible, not promised, and the catamaran may spend more time anchored than sailing.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat leaves from Arguineguín: You travel south along Gran Canaria’s coast before stopping at a beach.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Food is seasonal and intended to suit vegans, with drinks available throughout the trip.
• Dolphins are only a possibility: The cruise offers a chance to look for wildlife, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• The beach stop is the main event: You can swim, sunbathe, eat, drink, or use the time for water activities.
• Jet ski and parasailing cost extra: You can arrange either add-on during check-in, then reach the catamaran by Zodiac.
• The atmosphere can be lively: Music, alcohol, smokers, and a group of about 35 people may shape your experience.

Setting out from Arguineguín on a four-hour cruise

The day begins with pickup from designated locations in Mogán, Puerto de Mogán, or Maspalomas. That return transport matters. You do not need to arrange a taxi back after spending several hours in the sun, and you are dropped off where you were collected.

Check-in takes place at the Esnautica facilities. This is also when you can add parasailing or a jet ski ride if you want more action. The add-ons are not included in the $77 price, so ask about the current cost before committing. One recent price reference put a two-person jet ski ride at €40, but prices can change.

The catamaran then leaves the dock at Arguineguín and heads south. You get a broad view of the coast from the water, which is often the main reason to book a boat trip in this part of Gran Canaria. The pace is easy, giving you time to sit, talk, take photos, and watch the shoreline pass.

The boat has sails, but you should not assume the trip will be a quiet, wind-powered sailing session. The vessel may use its engine for much of the route. If you picture a silent cruise with only the sound of the wind, this may not match what you find.

A possible dolphin sighting, not a wildlife safari

The chance to see dolphins adds appeal, especially if you are visiting with children. Keep it firmly in the possible bonus category. The route is a coastal catamaran outing, not a dedicated wildlife-search trip, and you may see no animals at all.

That distinction is important. If dolphins are the main reason you want to go, choose a tour built around wildlife watching instead. Here, the coast, the boat, the beach stop, and the included refreshments are the reliable parts of the day.

You should also consider the sound level. Music can be part of the atmosphere, and the drinks service may give the trip a party-boat feel. Some people love that social energy. I would be more cautious if you are bringing elderly parents, young children, or anyone who wants a calm trip focused on nature.

The beach stop and time at anchor

The catamaran heads toward a beach and drops anchor away from the busiest shore crowds. This gives you a pleasant change of pace. You can stretch out in the sun, swim in the Atlantic, eat lunch, and enjoy a drink without rushing from one scheduled stop to the next.

I like this part of the plan because it gives you freedom. You are not simply sitting on a boat for four hours. If you want to swim, you can get in the water. If you prefer to stay dry, you can sunbathe, snack, and watch other people use the water.

The trade-off is that anchored time can feel long. If you do not swim or take part in a water activity, you may run out of things to do. Bring a book, sunglasses, and sun protection if you are comfortable relaxing for a while.

The shade may be limited. One shaded rear area was also reported as a smoking area, which could make it uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to smoke. If shade matters to you, ask the crew where smoking is permitted and try to settle early.

Lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks

Food and drinks are included in the ticket, which makes the price easier to judge. The meal is seasonal and described as suitable for vegans. That is useful if you avoid meat or dairy, though you should still confirm your exact dietary needs before boarding.

Do not book this as a gourmet lunch. The meal has been described as pasta spirals with mayonnaise, cucumber, and sweetcorn, served with bread and a piece of melon. Snacks may include nachos and olives. That is simple boat food, not a restaurant meal.

I would treat lunch as practical fuel for a half-day on the water. The drinks are a stronger part of the package, with an open supply reported during the trip. This suits a social group, but it also explains the lively mood that some people may find too loud or alcohol-focused.

If you want a quieter experience, the timing of the trip could matter. Check the available departure times and ask what sort of atmosphere is usual on that sailing. You can enjoy the scenery and skip the drinking, but you cannot control the music or the behavior of every person on board.

Adding a jet ski ride or parasailing flight

The optional activities give you a way to turn a relaxed cruise into a more active outing. You can choose parasailing or a jet ski ride during check-in, then remain with the activity while the catamaran continues toward the beach.

Afterward, a Zodiac transports you to the catamaran. That arrangement means you do not miss the rest of the trip, but it also creates a little extra movement and waiting around. If some members of your group want an add-on and others do not, you can still share the same main excursion.

Parasailing suits you if you want a short burst of height and a wide view of the coast. A jet ski ride is better for people who want speed and hands-on action. Neither is included in the advertised price, so think of them as optional upgrades rather than part of the core value.

The add-ons are especially useful for mixed groups. One person can swim and sunbathe while another chooses a water sport. If everyone in your party wants a quiet boat ride, skip the extras and use the beach stop for a slower break.

Comfort, crowding, and the practical details

The experience lasts four hours, including the outbound cruise, beach stop, return journey, and transfers between the pickup point and dock. That is long enough to feel like a real half-day activity without taking over your entire day.

Group size can affect comfort. One account described about 35 people on board, with some passengers standing. A catamaran gives you more room than a small motorboat, but that does not mean every seat or shaded spot will be available at all times.

The boat has one toilet. A maintenance problem was reported during one trip, including overflowing water, and handwashing facilities or hand sanitizer were not available at that point. I would use the facilities before departure and carry personal sanitizer as a sensible precaution.

Smoking is another comfort issue. The shaded rear section may be used by smokers, so families and nonsmokers may prefer to sit elsewhere. Ask about the smoking area when you board, especially if you need shade or have breathing sensitivities.

These details do not automatically make the trip a bad choice. They simply show why the experience works better for people who are relaxed about basic boat comforts and a shared social setting.

What the $77 price really covers

At $77 per person, you are paying for more than transport on a boat. The package includes the catamaran trip, lunch, drinks, hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, and the use of the beach stop. Those inclusions can add up if you would otherwise pay separately for transport and food.

The value is strongest if you want a simple package with little planning. You book one activity, reach the dock by arranged transport, spend the day on the water, eat aboard, and return to your pickup point. That is convenient in a resort area where taxis and meal costs can quickly add to a cheaper-looking boat ticket.

The value is weaker if your priorities are top-quality food, quiet sailing, perfect cleanliness, or guaranteed wildlife. The meal is basic, the music can be loud, and the boat may feel crowded. You are buying an easy social outing, not a polished luxury cruise.

A rating of 4.6 from 17 bookings suggests that many people enjoy the friendly crew and overall boat experience, but the individual scores also show a clear split in expectations. Some people praise the staff, atmosphere, and activities. Others find the food, maintenance, crowding, and noise disappointing.

The crew and the mood on board

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. The captain and deckhand have been described as friendly, helpful, and attentive. That matters on a boat trip, where a warm crew can make boarding, swimming, food service, and optional activities feel easier.

You should expect a relaxed social setting rather than a formal guided tour. The live guide service is available in Spanish and English. That gives you basic support in both languages, though the main attraction is the outing itself rather than a long program of coastal commentary.

The mood may shift depending on the group on your departure. Music and freely available alcohol can make the trip feel festive. If you enjoy meeting people and do not mind a party atmosphere, that can be a plus. If you want quiet conversation or bird and dolphin watching, it may be the wrong match.

I would bring a light cover-up, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. A waterproof pouch is sensible for phones near the water. These are practical choices for any four-hour boat outing, especially when swimming and a Zodiac transfer are part of the plan.

Who should book this Gran Canaria boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A half-day on the Atlantic without planning transport
• A social catamaran outing with food and drinks included
• Time to swim and sunbathe at anchor
• Optional jet ski or parasailing activities
• A friendly crew and a lively atmosphere
• A simple package from Mogán, Puerto de Mogán, or Maspalomas

I would look elsewhere if you want:

• A quiet sailing trip with little or no music
• A dedicated dolphin-watching excursion
• A high-quality or elaborate lunch
• Lots of shade and spacious seating
• Guaranteed sailing under sail power
• A spotless, fully equipped boat with generous facilities

Families can still enjoy this trip, but I would ask about the music, smoking arrangements, and expected group size before booking. Couples and groups of friends who want drinks, swimming, and a cheerful boat ride are more likely to find the format a good fit.

Should you book the Arguineguín catamaran cruise?

Book this excursion if you see it as a relaxed beach-and-boat party with useful inclusions. The hotel transfers, lunch, drinks, friendly crew, and optional water sports make the $77 fare reasonable for a convenient four-hour outing.

Skip it if your first priority is dolphins or peaceful sailing. You may get a wildlife sighting, but you may also spend much of the trip listening to music while anchored among a fairly large group. My best advice is to choose this for the social experience, not for the wildlife promise.

The cancellation policy gives you a little flexibility: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before booking, then bring realistic expectations and a willingness to share the boat.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The excursion lasts four hours.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran sets sail from the Arguineguín dock.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Mogán, Puerto de Mogán, and Maspalomas.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with drinks and some snacks.

Is the food suitable for vegans?

The food is described as seasonal and suitable for vegans. You should confirm any specific dietary requirements before the trip.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included in the tour price.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphin encounters are possible, but they are not guaranteed.

Can I add a jet ski ride or parasailing?

Yes. You can purchase a jet ski ride or parasailing flight during check-in. These activities are not included in the main price.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.