Catamarans, dolphins, and paella in one trip. This 4-hour Gran Canaria cruise has a laid-back party-at-sea vibe, with music onboard, views of cliffs and beaches, and an anchoring stop where you can swim and play in the water. You sail out of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and spend the day cruising the coast, stopping where the sea looks good.

I especially like the payoff at the water stop: lunch plus drinks right after you’ve had time to cool off. Another strong point is the on-the-water mix of activities, including underwater vision (glass-bottom viewing) and a banana boat ride that works for different ages and skill levels. And the crew tone matters here; people like Sergio and Abdera are known for staying upbeat and attentive.

One caution: if the sea is choppy, it can get rough. I’d plan for seasickness if you’re sensitive, because at least one traveler reported lots of sick passengers when conditions turned. Also, the banana-boat portion can feel brief depending on timing and how many people want a turn.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Exclusive anchoring bay where lunch is served and you get proper swim time
• Underwater viewing to spot fish below the surface during the stop
• Water activities on the agenda with options beyond the included program
• Food and drinks built in (and not just token sips)
• Dolphins and turtles are possible but never guaranteed on a sailing day
• Optional add-ons like jetski, parasailing, and an extra cave trip you can purchase

South Gran Canaria by Catamaran: What the 4 Hours Feel Like

This is a short, high-energy sea day without the full-day commitment. In about four hours, you get motion, sun, coastal scenery, and a proper break to swim and play. The catamaran format helps: there’s open space to sit in the sun, shade to escape when you need it, and a layout that makes it easy to move around during the service and water breaks.

The vibe is intentionally upbeat. Expect music onboard and an atmosphere that feels more like a day out with friends than a stiff sightseeing tour. If you’re the type who enjoys being on the move but still wants a relaxing break, the pacing is a good match.

The real value: it’s not just sightseeing

A lot of cruises show you the coast and then hurry you back. Here, the day is designed around the water stop. That’s where you’ll spend time swimming, using the underwater viewing system, and joining optional activities if you feel like it. The coastal sailing is the lead-in. The sea-time is the point.

Puerto Rico Departure: Meeting Point and Getting Onboard

The meeting point is in Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, near the gas station, and the boat name is Princesa Ico. If you’ve got pickup options, you may be able to connect from areas in and around San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and Costa Meloneras—times vary by selected option, so check what you’re booked for when you confirm.

Drop-offs are listed in multiple spots on the way back, including Gran Casino Costa Meloneras, Av. de Italia, 1, and Hospiten Roca, Av. Estados Unidos, 39. In practice, this reduces the hassle if you’re not staying right at Puerto Rico.

Tip for smoother boarding

Arrive early enough to find the correct dock and get oriented before the group fills up. It’s easier when you’re not rushing, especially if you plan to grab sun spots or want a quick scan of the boat’s activity areas.

Coastline Sights Between Puerto Rico and Mogán

The route focuses on the south coast of Gran Canaria. You’ll see the dramatic mix of beaches and rocky cliffs from the water, and you’ll get scenic sailing time along the way.

You also pass through a glass-bottom boat ride segment and a hop-on hop-off style stop in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. On the Mogán side, there’s additional sailing time plus another glass-bottom portion. In other words, even before the main anchoring swim break, you get a chance to look at what’s happening under the surface.

Wildlife you might spot (and shouldn’t count on)

It’s possible to see flying fish, turtles, and dolphins while sailing along the route. You don’t get guarantees here, and that’s the honest part. Still, the company clearly builds the day around the chance to spot marine life, so the trip feels like more than just scenery.

Mogán Segment: Views and Time to Move Around

The Mogán portion is part sailing, part viewing, and part activity setup. You’re on the water, and the day doesn’t feel like a one-note loop around the harbor. That matters, because the south coast changes character quickly—less like a straight coastline and more like a mix of coves, rock faces, and beach stretches.

There’s also a banana boat component on the day. One itinerary version notes it as a roughly two-hour segment tied to the Mogán portion, but what you experience can depend on how turns and schedules flow on the boat. Bottom line: if you want water sports thrills, Mogán is where the “fun equipment” energy ramps up.

Who will like Mogán the most?

If you enjoy variety—sailing views plus a more action-heavy water section—you’ll likely find the Mogán segment satisfying. If you want pure calm and zero noise, you might prefer to anchor your day around the swim stop rather than the activity push.

The Anchoring Bay: Lunch, Swim Time, Underwater Vision

This is the core of the experience. The catamaran anchors in an exclusive-feeling bay, and this is when lunch is served. It’s the moment where the trip turns from cruising into actual sea-time.

You can swim in the water from the boat and take advantage of the underwater viewing setup—often described as a way to admire the bottom of the sea and fish through underwater vision. That’s a great option if you don’t want full-on snorkeling gear or you want an easier way to still see marine life.

Food comes at the right moment

Lunch is included, and drinks are part of the experience too. Serving food after anchoring makes practical sense: you’ve worked up some appetite from sun and wind, and you’re not trying to eat while the boat is in motion.

Optional water activities

Depending on what you choose, the day can stay simple (swim and view) or turn into more active fun (water sports on-site). One important note: extra activities exist, and not all of them are included.

Food and Drinks: Basic vs Full Park (What You Actually Get)

The price structure matters here, because there are two levels of what’s included.

Basic Pack

The basic pack includes water and soft drinks.

Full Park

The full park option includes beer and mojitos, plus a meal with items such as salad, paella, and wrinkled potatoes. It also includes the banana tour.

This is where the value math comes in. At around $47 per person for a 4-hour outing, you’re paying for:

• time on the water (sailing + anchoring)
• included lunch
• a stocked drinks lineup depending on pack
• at least one structured fun activity (banana ride)

If you choose the basic pack and you mainly want a swim + coastal cruise, it can still feel worthwhile—especially if you don’t drink much. But if you like the idea of an included lunch plus alcohol and a proper sit-down meal, the full park option is the one that turns the day into a more complete package.

A practical note on service pacing

Food and drinks are served onboard, and the experience is set up to keep the day moving. If you’re the kind of person who likes a long leisurely meal, this won’t be that. If you want a smooth flow—eat, swim, relax, then repeat—the setup fits.

Extra Activities On Board: Jetski, Parasailing, and Cave Trips

Not everything is included, and that’s normal for a boat excursion like this. Jetski and parasailing are listed as possible add-ons you can purchase on the boat.

There’s also mention of an optional cave tour available as an extra during the day. One traveler cited an extra fee of about €10, and the cave part seems to pair with additional time by boat along the rocky coast. That’s a good candidate if you want something more dramatic than swimming and viewing fish.

How to decide on add-ons quickly

If you’re traveling with kids or you’re short on time and energy, stick with the included banana ride and swim break. If you’re there for thrills and don’t mind spending a bit more, the optional activities can turn this into a more memorable, multi-moment day.

What I’d Pack and What You’ll Want to Do First

This is a sea day in warm weather, so pack like you’re going to live in water and sun for a few hours.

Bring:

• swimwear you’re comfortable getting on quickly
• sunscreen (yes, even if you think you’ll hide in shade)
• a towel or plan for how you’ll dry off after the swim
• water shoes if you’re worried about entry surfaces

Do first:

• locate your best sun or shade spot early
• confirm where the underwater viewing setup is during the anchoring time
• if you want the banana ride, be ready when your turn window starts (so you don’t miss your preferred slot)

Motion-sickness reality check

If you’re prone to nausea on boats, you’ll want to plan ahead. A traveler reported that rougher seas led to many people feeling sick during the trip. You don’t need to panic, but you should treat it like a real possibility and bring whatever you normally use.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This fits best for:

• families with teens who want structured fun like banana rides and open play time
• couples who want relaxation plus activity without planning a full itinerary
• travelers who like the sea views and want a swim stop rather than a quick pass-by

It may be less ideal for:

• anyone who gets very seasick, especially in choppier conditions
• people who dislike group activity energy (music onboard and scheduled fun can feel lively)

The crew makes a difference

One theme in the day’s reports is the friendliness and attentiveness of the team. Names like Sergio and Abdera show up as part of that experience, and Yeray is also mentioned as welcoming and friendly. That matters because on a mixed-activity day, good crew guidance improves safety, turn-taking, and overall comfort.

Booking Advice: Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise?

If you want a straightforward value-packed sea day in Gran Canaria’s south—cruise time, an anchoring swim break, lunch, and a fun included activity—this is a strong option. The rating sits around 4.3 across hundreds of bookings, and the consistent themes are good vibes, friendly service, solid food and drinks, and meaningful time in the water.

I’d book it if:

• you’ll actually use the included drinks and lunch
• you like a mix of scenery + swim time
• you’re open to marine-life sightings as a bonus, not a requirement

I’d think twice if:

• you’re very sensitive to waves
• you’d be disappointed by optional activities being optional (jetski/parachute/cave are extra)

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is 4 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $47 per person.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Puerto Rico – Puerto Base, near the gas station. The boat is named Princesa Ico.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional, with listed pickup points including Clinica Roca (San Agustin) at 9:10, Hotel Tropical (Playa del Inglés) at 9:20, and C.C. Yumbo at 10:00, plus Casino Meloneras at 10:10, depending on the option you select.

What’s included in the Basic and Full Park packs?

Basic Pack includes water and soft drinks. Full Park includes beer and mojitos, plus a meal (salad, paella, wrinkled potatoes) and the banana tour.

Are water activities like snorkeling included?

The experience includes swim time in an anchored bay and underwater viewing (glass bottom). Additional water sports may be available, and some activities are optional add-ons.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. Flying fish, turtles, and dolphins are possible sightings, but they are not guaranteed.

Is parasailing or jetski included?

No. Jetski and parasailing are not included, but you may be able to purchase them on the boat.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.