Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Gran Canaria’s south coast looks best from the water, and this four-hour catamaran trip gives you a relaxed way to see it. You sail from Arguineguín, stop in the Atlantic for swimming and sunbathing, and eat lunch on board while the coast slips by. Dolphin sightings are possible, but never guaranteed.

I like the included hotel pickup and drop-off from Mogán, Playa de Mogán, and Maspalomas. I also like the choice of adding a jet ski ride or parasailing at check-in, so you can keep the day calm or add some speed. The main caution is that this may feel more like a social boat party than a quiet wildlife cruise, with loud music, alcohol, and limited space at busy departures.

Key points to know before you book

• Arguineguín departure: The catamaran leaves from the dock and heads south along Gran Canaria’s coast.
• Beach stop included: You can swim, sunbathe, or relax at anchor away from the crowds.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: Food is seasonal and suitable for vegans, though the meal may be simple.
• Optional water sports: Add parasailing or a jet ski ride at the Esnautica check-in facilities.
• Wildlife is only a possibility: The trip may offer dolphin sightings, but you should not book it as a guaranteed wildlife tour.
• A social atmosphere: Music, drinks, and a group of up to about 35 people can shape the mood.

Setting out from Arguineguín

Your day begins with pickup from a designated point in Mogán, Playa de Mogán, or Maspalomas. This is useful if you are staying in one of these resort areas, since you do not need to arrange your own ride to the harbor. After the transfer, you check in at the Esnautica facilities before boarding.

Check-in is also the moment to consider the optional extras. You can buy a jet ski ride or parasailing flight on the spot, with neither included in the $77 base price. If you choose one, you do the activity first and later return to the catamaran by Zodiac boat.

The trip leaves from Arguineguín and follows the south coast toward a beach. The route gives you a different view of the island’s resort belt. From the water, you can take in the coast without spending the day moving between busy roads, hotel pools, and crowded public beaches.

The catamaran has sails, but the boat may travel under engine power rather than sail. That is worth knowing if the idea of a quiet sailing trip is central to your plans. The experience is built around a coastal boat outing, swimming, lunch, and drinks, not a formal sailing lesson or a long stretch of silent sailing.

The optional jet ski and parasailing stop

The add-ons give this excursion some flexibility. One person can choose a high-energy activity while others remain on the catamaran, although the person taking the activity is later brought back by Zodiac. That arrangement can work well for mixed groups, such as couples or families with different ideas of fun.

A recent price noted for a jet ski was €40 for two people, though you should confirm the current cost at check-in. The available information does not give a fixed price for parasailing, so ask before committing.

The water sports are not part of the advertised $77. Treat them as a separate purchase, not as a surprise inclusion. If you want the simplest, lowest-cost version of the trip, skip the extras and enjoy the boat, food, swimming stop, and drinks.

The beach anchor stop

The main pause comes when the catamaran reaches a beach and drops anchor. This is the heart of the outing. You can swim in the Atlantic, stretch out in the sun, or sit with a drink while the boat remains offshore.

I like the idea of getting away from the busy beach crowds without giving up the sea. You do not need to find a free patch of sand or carry your things across a public beach. The boat becomes your base, with the water directly below and lunch prepared nearby.

Still, the stop will suit swimmers best. If you do not want to swim, sunbathe, or take part in a water activity, the time at anchor may feel long. One passenger described a great deal of stationary time and found it dull without swimming or paddleboarding.

That is an important point for older family members or anyone who prefers sightseeing from a moving boat. Bring a book, enjoy the view, or plan to spend part of the stop talking with your group. The excursion is not packed with constant stops and commentary.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

Lunch and drinks are included, which makes the price easier to judge. You do not need to budget separately for a meal at the beach or drinks during the cruise. The food changes with the season and is described as suitable for vegans.

Keep your expectations practical. The meal has been described as pasta spirals with mayonnaise, cucumber, and sweetcorn, along with bread, melon, nachos, and olives. That is enough to make the boat trip easier, but it is not a restaurant meal or a special Canarian food experience.

If you have dietary needs, the vegan-friendly description is helpful, but you should still confirm the available dish when booking or at check-in. The menu may change by season, and the information does not give a full list of ingredients.

Drinks are available in generous supply, including alcoholic drinks. That shapes the mood. Some people will enjoy the easy social atmosphere, while others may find the music and alcohol too prominent, especially on a family outing with children or older relatives.

The sound level matters as much as the menu. One poor experience centered on unnecessarily loud music and a party-like feel. If you want a peaceful wildlife search with soft conversation, this may not be the right boat. If you like meeting people, music, and a drink in hand, the same setting may work well.

Dolphins and wildlife: keep your hopes realistic

The possibility of seeing dolphins adds appeal, but it is not a promise. You should think of wildlife as a bonus rather than the purpose of the day. The tour information does not guarantee sightings or describe a dedicated wildlife guide.

That distinction matters. A dolphin-focused trip usually suits someone willing to spend much of the outing watching the sea and accepting that nature sets the schedule. This catamaran outing spends a large part of its time reaching the beach, anchoring, serving lunch, and giving you time to swim.

If seeing dolphins is the main reason you are booking, look closely at the exact activity description and ask the operator how wildlife sightings are handled. If you mainly want a pleasant afternoon on the water, the possibility of dolphins is a welcome extra.

Space, shade, and comfort on board

The catamaran can carry around 35 people on a busy departure. That is not a tiny private cruise. Some people may need to stand, and shaded seating can be limited.

The rear area has been described as the only shaded part, and smokers may gather there. This can make the shade uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to smoke. If you want the best chance of finding a pleasant place to sit, arrive ready to claim a spot when boarding, while respecting the crew’s instructions.

There is one toilet on board. A serious comfort issue was reported when it became blocked and overflowed during a trip. There was also no handwashing facility or hand sanitizer available at that time. Conditions can vary, but you may want to carry your own small hand sanitizer and use the toilet early rather than waiting until the end.

These details do not ruin the outing for everyone, but they help you decide honestly. A four-hour cruise with swimming and lunch is manageable for most people. It is less appealing if you need plenty of personal space, reliable shaded seating, or polished facilities.

Crew and service

The strongest part of the experience is the crew. The captain and sailor have been praised for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, and another high rating described the staff as very kind and welcoming.

That personal service matters on a boat. The crew handles the route, the beach stop, the food, the drinks, and the transfer of water-sports participants by Zodiac. If you add parasailing or a jet ski ride, clear instructions from the staff become especially important.

The tour offers live guiding in Spanish and English. The information does not provide individual guide names, so you should not expect to book a named guide. The value here is practical help and a friendly crew rather than a formal lecture about the island.

Is $77 good value?

At $77 per person, the cost covers a four-hour catamaran trip, lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers from selected parts of southern Gran Canaria. That is a fair package if you would otherwise pay separately for transportation, a meal, and a boat outing.

The value improves if you plan to swim and make good use of the beach stop. It also improves for a group that enjoys drinks and social music. You are paying for a ready-made half-day plan, not simply for a boat ride.

The value drops if you mainly want guaranteed wildlife, gourmet food, quiet sailing, or a small group. The optional jet ski and parasailing fees add to the final cost, and the meal is basic. A group of about 35 people can also make the trip feel less personal.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure gives you some flexibility, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times before booking, since the schedule depends on the date.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy half-day at sea with transport handled for you. It suits couples, friends, and families who enjoy swimming, sunbathing, casual food, drinks, and a bit of music.

It can also work for a mixed group. One person can try parasailing or jet skiing while another stays on the catamaran. The Zodiac transfer means the water-sports participant does not have to miss the rest of the cruise.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling with elderly relatives or young children who mainly want to see dolphins. The sound level, alcohol-centered atmosphere, limited shade, group size, and basic onboard facilities may not match what your family expects.

It is also not ideal for you if you dislike being at anchor for a long period. The beach stop is valuable when you swim or sunbathe, but it offers less to anyone who wants a busy sightseeing schedule.

Should you book this Gran Canaria boat trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, social afternoon with a coastal cruise, a swim stop, included drinks, and straightforward transfers from the southern resorts. The crew service is a real strength, and the option to add jet skiing or parasailing gives the day some useful flexibility.

Skip it if your top priorities are dolphin sightings, quiet sailing, high-quality food, or a roomy and smoke-free shaded area. In that case, look for a smaller wildlife-focused cruise or a quieter sailing trip.

For the best match, think of this as a casual catamaran beach outing with drinks, not a specialist nature tour. With that expectation, the $77 price can make sense.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The catamaran departs from the Arguineguín dock on Gran Canaria’s south coast.

How long is the excursion?

The excursion lasts four hours, including the coastal cruise, beach stop, lunch, drinks, and return to the dock.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included in the excursion price. The food is seasonal and is described as suitable for vegans.

Can I add jet skiing or parasailing?

Yes. You can purchase a jet ski ride or parasailing flight at the Esnautica check-in facilities. These extras are not included in the base price.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Dolphin encounters are possible, but the activity does not guarantee wildlife sightings.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish and English.