Cruising along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria on the luxurious Afrikat catamaran offers a chance to see the island from a fresh perspective. For about $87.22 per person, you’ll spend roughly 4.5 hours on the water, marveling at landmarks like Mogan port, Little Venice, and El Perchel Bay. The tour includes a delicious Canarian buffet, opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and optional water sports, all with convenient hotel pickup from the south of the island.
What we really love about this cruise is the combination of stunning scenery and laid-back luxury — it’s a perfect way to relax without sacrificing adventure. The crew’s friendly service and the well-organized itinerary earn consistent praise. Plus, the flexibility to enjoy water sports like jet skiing or parasailing adds a dash of adrenaline to a mostly chilled-out experience.
One thing to consider is that extra water sports activities like jet skiing and parasailing cost additional fees, which can add up. If you’re on a tight budget, you might prefer to stick with the free swimming and snorkeling, or simply enjoy the scenery and good company onboard.
This cruise suits travelers looking for a balanced mix of relaxation and active fun, with an appreciation for breathtaking coastal views and authentic Canarian hospitality. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace but still want some adventure will find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points
- Stunning coastal views of Gran Canaria from the water.
- Flexible water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and optional water sports.
- All-inclusive meal featuring Canarian cuisine served onboard.
- Hotel pickup adds convenience, especially after a day of exploring.
- Affordable value compared to other sea excursions, with options to pay extra for activities.
- Small group setting ensures a more personalized experience.
The Afrikat Afternoon Cruise: An In-Depth Review
If you’re looking for a way to unwind and see the island from the sea, this cruise ticks many boxes. We’ll take a detailed look at what makes this experience special—and what might give some travelers pause.
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Starting Point and Duration
The tour departs from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico at 2:30 pm, giving you the perfect afternoon window. The duration of about 4.5 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to soak in the scenery and enjoy water activities, without it feeling like a full day at sea. The hotel pickup is a nice touch, especially if you’re staying in the south, as it spares you the hassle of finding the meeting point.
The Vessel: Afrikat Catamaran
The catamaran itself is described as luxurious and well-laid out. Passengers often comment on the comfortable space available, making it suitable for families and groups who prefer not to be crowded. The crew is consistently praised for their friendly and attentive service, which makes a big difference when you’re spending several hours with a group.
Itinerary Breakdown
The cruise begins at Puerto Base, where the boat departs along the coast. The major highlight here is the fantastic views of Gran Canaria from the water—a perspective that reveals the island’s rugged beauty and charming coastal towns.
The boat anchors in a calm, crystal-clear bay. Here, you’re encouraged to swim in the refreshing Atlantic waters or try snorkeling, with equipment provided. Reviewers like Jocelyn_M mention, “Very good afternoon on the boat, nice crew and activities. It is okay to enjoy the sea and the view from the catamaran.”
For those seeking more than just a dip, the water sports options are available at extra cost: jet skis, parasailing, donut rides, and a speedboat adventure. While these add a thrill, they are not included in the base price—a fact that some reviews highlight, especially when comparing prices to other booking options.
Food and Drinks
A buffet lunch awaits onboard, featuring a chicken wrap with potato salad. The meal is straightforward but well-prepared, and the canarian flavors are appreciated. Be sure to inform the organizers of any dietary restrictions ahead of time.
The beverage selection includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water. Reviews such as the one from Shirley_B note that the food was delicious and the service attentive. However, some reviews mention that spirits and wine are not included and come at extra charge, which is worth planning for.
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What Travelers Love Most
Many reviews emphasize the beautiful scenery and the friendly crew. Jocelyn_M called it a “nice afternoon in the sea,” highlighting how relaxing the experience is. Saunderela praised the space and layout of the boat, making it comfortable even during peak times.
The water activities seem to be a favorite for thrill-seekers. Lynntressia_D rated the experience as “one of the best excursions I’ve ever been on,” especially praising the well-organized and pleasant team.
Potential Drawbacks
The most common concern is the additional cost for water sports—if you’re expecting all the fun to be included, you might find yourself surprised when extra charges appear. Also, the food, while praised for being tasty, is quite basic. It’s a simple buffet rather than a gourmet meal, so if you’re expecting something more elaborate, you might be a little disappointed.
Lastly, as with most boat tours, sea conditions can influence the experience—choppy seas might make snorkeling or swimming less enjoyable, but that’s beyond the operator’s control.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This cruise is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate stunning scenery and good company. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing day with options for adventure but aren’t necessarily seeking high-end luxury or a gourmet meal. If you’re a water sports enthusiast, be prepared for additional costs, but the free swimming and snorkeling are enough for many guests to have a memorable time.
Practical Tips for Your Cruise
- Book in advance—this experience is popular and tends to fill up about 10 days ahead.
- Arrive early or take advantage of the hotel pickup to avoid missing the departure.
- Bring your own towel and sunscreen, as you’ll want to maximize your time in the water.
- Inform the crew of any dietary needs beforehand to ensure your meal suits your preferences.
- Consider adding water sports if you’re feeling adventurous, but be aware of the extra charges.
- Dress comfortably—think light clothing, swimwear, and flip-flops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Water activities might be limited based on age or swimming ability.
What is included in the price?
The boat trip, buffet lunch, drinks (beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, water), and hotel pickup are included. Activities like water sports are extra.
How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing onboard.
Are drinks included?
Yes, a selection of beer, sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water is provided. Spirits and wines are not included and cost extra.
Can I do water sports?
Yes, water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and donut rides are available for an additional fee. Equipment and instructions are provided.
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your south Gran Canaria hotel, simplifying logistics.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the cruise for a full refund.
Final Thoughts
The Afrikat Afternoon Cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, leisure, and a touch of adventure. Its friendly crew, comfortable vessel, and the chance to see Gran Canaria from its shimmering waters make it a worthwhile experience for many travelers. The delicious buffet and relaxed atmosphere are big pluses, especially if you’re seeking a day to unwind and enjoy the coast.
While the extra costs for water sports might be a consideration, many guests find that simply swimming and snorkeling in the clear Atlantic waters are enough to make their day special. The small group setting and personalized service ensure you won’t feel like just another number.
In short, if you’re after a scenic, fun, and reasonably priced way to explore Gran Canaria’s coast, this cruise is a strong choice. It suits those who value authentic experiences over luxury, and who enjoy a friendly, relaxed vibe on the water.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Gran Canaria
- Gran Canaria: Puerto de Mogán Trip with 1-Way Boat Ride
- Private Yacht Tour with Drinks and Snorkeling in Gran Canaria
- Private 4 hour Catamaran cruise in south coast of Gran Canaria
- Half-Day Cruise Tour-Dolphin and Whale Watching
- 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan
- Dolphin and Whale Cruise in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
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