Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

This experience made our article of 4 Best Lunch Experiences In Gran Canaria (With Reviews & Prices).

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Exploring Gran Canaria from the Water: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

Taking a boat trip along Gran Canaria’s scenic southern coast is often on travelers’ wish lists, and this 4-hour catamaran excursion promises a blend of relaxation, adventure, and stunning views. While not a wildlife-focused cruise, it offers a chance to soak up the sun, enjoy a tasty meal, and perhaps catch a glimpse of dolphins if luck is on your side.

What makes this tour appealing are the beautiful coastal vistas, inclusive lunch and drinks, and the option to add on adrenaline activities like parasailing or jet skiing. However, some reviews highlight that the experience can be crowded and noisy, which might not suit those seeking quiet or wildlife watching.

This trip is best suited for travelers looking for a lively, all-in-one day on the water, with a balance of socializing and relaxation. If you want a fun group outing with the chance to unwind and enjoy the Atlantic, this tour could be just right.

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Key Points

Scenic Coastal Route: Sail along Gran Canaria’s southern coast with potential dolphin sightings
Inclusive Food & Drinks: A seasonally appropriate, vegan-friendly meal, plus unlimited drinks
Optional Add-Ons: Parasailing or jet skiing available on the spot for extra thrill-seekers
Comfort & Crowds: Expect a lively atmosphere that can be busy with up to 35 people on board
Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas
Limited Wildlife Focus: Not ideal for wildlife enthusiasts or dolphin watchers expecting sightings

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What to Expect from the Catamaran Experience

This 4-hour tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel, which is included if you are staying in Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas. The transportation is a branded “Esnautica” van, setting the tone for a well-organized day ahead. Once at the Esnautica facilities, you’ll check in and have the opportunity to purchase additional activities such as parasailing or jet skiing—these are pay-on-arrival options that can add a splash of adrenaline to your trip.

The boat departs from the Arguineguín dock, heading south along the coast. The trip itself is lively, with music and a friendly crew, including guides who speak both Spanish and English. The group size can reach up to 35 guests, which contributes to the energetic atmosphere but might feel a bit cramped for some, especially during peak times.

The Coastal Voyage & Dolphin Chances

Sailing along the southern coast of Gran Canaria, you’ll cruise past key spots and get a good view of the coastline’s rugged beauty. While dolphin sightings are possible, one review bluntly states, “Do not expect to see any wildlife on this trip,” implying that sightings are not guaranteed. Still, the chance exists, and many travelers enjoy the boat’s smooth glide past cliff formations and sandy beaches.

Beach Stop & Lunch

The highlight for many is the stop at a sandy beach where the boat anchors. Here, you can relax, sunbathe, or take a dip in the Atlantic. The lunch is prepared seasonally, with options suitable for vegans, and includes a simple but filling meal—think pasta with mayo, cucumber, and sweetcorn, plus bread, nachos, and olives. For some, the lunch may seem modest, especially compared to the overall cost, but it’s adequate for a casual day on the water.

A reviewer noted that “lunch was a bowl of pasta spirals with what seemed to be mayo, cucumber and sweetcorn and a chunk of bread,” describing it as simple but sufficient. Keep in mind that this is a relaxed, social meal rather than a gourmet experience.

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Drinks & Atmosphere

Unlimited drinks are included, which can be a hit if you enjoy a lively, party-like vibe. However, this aspect can be polarizing. One reviewer mentioned, “Unnecessarily loud music and flowing alcohol which was not really our thing,” suggesting that the tour leans more towards a booze cruise than a tranquil day on the sea.

The back deck area is the main shaded spot, but it tends to get crowded and filled with smokers, which might affect your comfort if you prefer a quieter environment. There are no handwashing facilities or sanitizers reported, so if hygiene is a concern, plan accordingly.

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Optional Activities & Return

Post-lunch, the boat raises anchor for the journey back to Arguineguín. If you purchased extra activities, such as parasailing or jet skiing**, these will be arranged during the stop and transported via Zodiac to the boat, allowing you to enjoy a quick adrenaline rush.

The drop-off is straightforward—the same pickup points, making logistics simple for travelers. The entire experience lasts about four hours, making it a manageable half-day trip with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Assessing the value depends on what you’re after. If you’re seeking a fun, social day on the water with solid food and drinks included, it offers good value—especially with hotel pickup. It’s a lively outing, perfect if you enjoy music, drinks, and meeting new people.

However, if your priority is wildlife watching or tranquility, you might find this tour too noisy or crowded. The food, while adequate, is simple and may not satisfy those expecting a gourmet meal. Also, the crowd size and limited facilities on board could impact comfort, especially if you are traveling with elderly family members or seeking a peaceful experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This catamaran trip is ideal for groups of friends or couples looking for fun and social vibes. It’s suitable for adventurers wanting extra thrills, thanks to parasailing and jet skiing options. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic cruise without the wildlife focus, this could be a good pick.

Travelers who enjoy lively atmospheres, drinks, and meeting others will feel right at home. Conversely, those seeking serenity, wildlife sightings, or a gourmet culinary experience might want to explore other options or be prepared for the lively scene.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas, making logistics easy.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about four hours, including transportation, sailing, beach stop, and return.

Can I add activities like parasailing or jet skiing?
Yes, these are available for purchase on the spot. They are arranged during check-in and transported via Zodiac to the boat.

What is the food like?
The lunch is seasonal and vegan-friendly, featuring simple fare like pasta with mayo, cucumber, and sweetcorn, plus bread, nachos, and olives.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited drinks are part of the package, including soft drinks and possibly alcoholic beverages.

Is dolphin or wildlife watching guaranteed?
No, sightings are not guaranteed, and some reviews note there’s little wildlife to see, so don’t rely on this as a wildlife tour.

What’s the atmosphere on board?
It’s lively with music and drinks, but can also be crowded and filled with smokers, which might impact comfort.

Is this suitable for families?
It can be, but be aware of the lively atmosphere and limited facilities. The simple lunch and party vibe may not appeal to all families, especially with young children or older relatives.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

Final Thoughts

This Gran Canaria catamaran tour offers a spirited way to enjoy the island’s southern coast with friends or family. It provides a fun-filled afternoon with scenic views, simple but adequate food, and optional adrenaline rushes. While it doesn’t guarantee wildlife sightings and can get crowded, its lively atmosphere is perfect for those who enjoy social outings with drinks and music.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic cruise with a party vibe and don’t mind the noise or crowds, this trip delivers good value for a half-day on the water. It’s especially suited for travelers who want easy logistics, inclusive provisions, and a chance to unwind after exploring Gran Canaria’s vibrant southern beaches.

For a quieter, wildlife-focused experience, or gourmet dining, you might want to consider other options. But if you’re ready for a lively, fun adventure with the option to add extra thrills, this catamaran tour is worth considering.