Afrikat Morning Cruise

Looking for a memorable daytime escape that combines scenic views, fun activities, and excellent value? The Afrikat Morning Cruise offers just that — a four-and-a-half-hour journey along Gran Canaria’s stunning coast, departing from Puerto Rico. For a reasonable price of $86.89 per person, you’ll enjoy cruising on a luxury catamaran, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and even hop on a banana boat or speedboat. We love how this tour balances serene ocean moments with lively activities, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a taste of the sea.

What truly stands out is the friendly crew and lively atmosphere, along with the included local Canarian lunch and drinks, which elevate the experience without breaking the bank. However, if your main goal is water sports with extended riding time, you might find the short duration of the activities a little limiting. This tour is perfect for those who want a taste of both relaxation and adventure, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery and local hospitality.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: Cruise along Gran Canaria’s picturesque coast, spotting charming fishing villages, bays, and white-sand beaches.
• Versatile Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, banana boat rides, speedboat excursions, and sunbathing make this trip lively and relaxing.
• Inclusive Offerings: Drinks, a hearty Canarian lunch, hotel pickup, and drop-off add convenience and value.
• Family-Friendly: The tour accommodates children, with most travelers booking well in advance, highlighting its popularity.
• Authentic Experience: Friendly staff, lively music, and a sociable atmosphere make it more than just a boat trip.
• Good Value: For under $90, you get nearly five hours of fun, scenic beauty, and food, making it a strong choice among coastal excursions.

A Deep Dive Into the Afrikat Morning Cruise

Imagine setting out from Puerto Rico early in the morning, aboard the award-winning Afrikat catamaran. The boat itself is described as beautiful, luxurious, and well-maintained, providing a comfortable platform for your adventure. With departures around 9:30 AM during summer and slightly later in winter, the timing is perfect for catching the sunrise over the Atlantic and enjoying the day’s best weather.

Boarding the Afrikat feels like stepping into a floating lounge. The spacious fly bridge offers a perfect spot to soak up the sun and take in the panoramic views. We loved the way the crew, friendly and welcoming, immediately made everyone feel at home. Many reviews highlight the great service and helpful staff, especially noting how they handled seasickness with care — an important factor if you or a travel companion are prone to motion sickness.

The Itinerary: A Mix of Scenic Viewing and Active Fun

The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the cruise along the coastline, where you’ll be treated to views of fishing villages, bays, and pristine beaches. This is not just a boat ride but a chance to appreciate Gran Canaria from a unique perspective. You’ll see the island’s contrasts — from rugged cliffs to gentle coves — all from the comfort of your vessel.

The first stop is in a calm crystal-clear bay, where the crew anchors for a swim and snorkeling. Many travelers, including one who praised the “excellent” snorkeling, find this a refreshing way to cool off and explore marine life (though bringing your own equipment is recommended). One reviewer mentioned that the atmosphere, boat, and music compensated for a less-than-stellar meal, emphasizing that the overall vibe matters as much as the food.

Food and Drinks: A Touch of Canarian Hospitality

Included in the tour is a delicious Canarian lunch — typically a chicken wrap, potato salad, and tortilla chips. While some reviews mention the food as “average,” most agree that it’s sufficient for a day out at sea. The drinks selection, including beer, Sangria, soft drinks, and juice, are all free-flowing, which adds to the laid-back, social nature of the cruise. Several travelers appreciated the friendly service and noted that drinks are included—a significant perk for the price.

Activities Galore

Beyond swimming and snorkeling, the tour offers an array of fun options. You can hop on a banana boat, take a speedboat ride with the captain, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Some reviews highlight the jet ski rides and cave tours, which add excitement to the trip. However, keep in mind that these are optional and charged separately if you decide to indulge.

Live music — notably a saxophonist — makes the return trip more lively, as one traveler described it as “an excellent touch,” adding a memorable soundtrack to the ocean views. The atmosphere is described as friendly and sociable, with many guests making new friends onboard.

Practical Details: Timing, Transportation, and Group Size

The tour duration of approximately 4.5 hours makes it an easy half-day outing. Pickup options from nearby hotels are available, though they depend on your location, adding convenience. The maximum group size of 66 travelers ensures a lively but manageable experience, and most bookings are made eight days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

The cost of $86.89 per person provides excellent value, given the inclusions and the quality of the experience. For families or groups, this offers a substantial amount of fun without the worry of additional hefty costs. Just remember, activities like jet skis or parasailing are extra — about €32 each — if you want to add a splash of adrenaline.

What the Reviews Say

We found the reviews overwhelmingly positive, with a 5-star average rating. Many guests highlight the welcoming crew and the beautiful boat, saying it feels like sailing on a luxury yacht. The atmosphere is often described as friendly and lively, with music and socializing playing key roles.

One reviewer called it the “highlight of their trip,” emphasizing how swimming, snorkeling, and the personalized service made it unforgettable. Others loved the photo-worthy vistas and how the crew’s hospitality included personalized touches, such as celebrating birthdays with champagne.

There are, of course, some minor criticisms — a few mention that the food could be better or that water sports time felt a bit short. One reviewer with a less positive experience noted that the water sport activity duration was brief, which could be frustrating if you’re eager for longer rides.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise suits those looking for a combination of scenic beauty and fun activities. If you enjoy relaxing in the sun, snorkeling in tropical waters, or socializing over local drinks and food, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also ideal for families with children, given the safe environment and diverse activities.

Couples and solo travelers will appreciate the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the chance to meet new people. If you’re seeking a luxury experience at an affordable price, the Afrikat Morning Cruise offers a well-rounded package that balances comfort, adventure, and cultural flavor.

FAQs

• What is the price of the cruise?
  The cost is around $86.89 per person, including lunch, drinks, and transportation, making it a good deal for a half-day excursion.

• Does the tour include hotel pickup?
  Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, depending on your area, adding convenience for travelers.

• What are the departure times?
  During summer, departures are at 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and during winter, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

• What activities are included?
  Swimming, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and the option for a speedboat trip with the captain, all at an additional cost if desired.

• Is the food suitable for dietary restrictions?
  The included meal is a chicken wrap, potato salad, and tortilla chips. Special dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.

• Are drinks included?
  Yes, beer, Sangria, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and water are all provided during the cruise.

• Can children join?
  Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18.

• What is the group size?
  The maximum is 66 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable experience.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• How far in advance should I book?
  Most travelers book about 8 days ahead to secure their spot, especially during peak seasons.

In summary, the Afrikat Morning Cruise offers an engaging, scenic, and sociable way to experience Gran Canaria’s coast. Its friendly crew, beautiful boat, and inclusive amenities make it a high-value option for those looking to combine relaxation with a splash of adventure. Whether you’re after stunning vistas, fun water activities, or simply a relaxing day on the sea, this tour presents a well-rounded choice.

While it might not satisfy the water sport purist seeking extended rides or gourmet food lovers expecting Michelin-level cuisine, it hits all the right notes for a lively, scenic, and affordable day at sea. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting to enjoy the essence of Gran Canaria from the water.