Gran Canaria: Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

When it comes to enjoying Gran Canaria’s stunning coastline, taking a catamaran trip sounds like a perfect way to combine relaxation, adventure, and scenic beauty. This particular tour, offered by ESNAUTICA WATER SPORT, promises four hours of sailing along the south coast, complete with lunch, drinks, and the chance to add extra activities like parasailing or jet skiing. While it’s clear this experience is popular, it’s worth digging into the details to see if it matches your travel style.

What drew us to review this trip is its combination of comfort and adventure, its potential wildlife sightings, and the fact that food and drinks are included — a real bonus for making the most of your time on the water. But, as with any tour, there are some caveats, such as the crowd levels and quality of the amenities. If you’re someone who values a lively atmosphere with options for fun on the water, this could be just right; if you’re after a peaceful dolphin cruise, it might require some consideration.

In this review, we’ll explore what you can expect from the experience, highlight key benefits, and point out some of the less ideal aspects noted by previous travelers. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic escape, or just want to enjoy Gran Canaria’s coast, this tour offers a lot — with a few things to keep in mind.

Good To Know

• Includes lunch and drinks — great for a hassle-free day on the water.
• Optional extras available — like parasailing or jet skiing, for added fun.
• Suitable for groups of up to 35 people — so expect a lively, social atmosphere.
• Potential for dolphin sightings — but not guaranteed, as some reviews mention a lack of wildlife.
• Pickup and drop-off included — from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas, simplifying logistics.
• Crowd and comfort levels vary — with some guests mentioning overcrowding and basic amenities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Pickup and Check-in at Esnautica Facilities

Your day begins with a hotel pickup service from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, or Maspalomas — a significant convenience that takes the stress out of transportation. The supplier will confirm your exact pickup time, and you’ll find yourself at the Esnautica facilities, where check-in is straightforward. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to add on activities such as parasailing or jet skiing for an extra fee, booked directly on-site.

Setting Sail from Arguineguín Dock

Once onboard, the catamaran departs from Arguineguín dock heading south along the coast. The journey provides panoramic views of Gran Canaria’s southern coastline, with plenty of space to relax and take photos. This part of the trip is ideal for soaking in the scenery, spotting coastal landmarks, and maybe even catching a glimpse of dolphins, if you’re lucky — although, as one reviewer pointed out, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

The Beach Stop: Sunbathing and Snacking

After an hour or so at sea, the boat drops anchor at a beach for a relaxing stop. It’s here you’ll find opportunities to sunbathe, swim, or simply drift in the Atlantic’s warm waters. The crew prepares seasonal food, which accommodates vegans and other dietary preferences, making it inclusive for most guests. Expect light bites, such as pasta spirals with mayo, cucumber, and sweetcorn, along with bread, nachos, and olives — simple, but sufficient for a casual lunch.

This stop is where you can truly unwind, away from crowds, with plenty of space to spread out on the deck or in the shaded areas. Some reviews note that the only shaded area is the back of the boat, often filled with smokers, which might bother non-smokers or those seeking shade.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Optional Activities: Parasailing and Jet Skiing

If you pre-arranged or choose to add these extras on the spot, you’ll be transported via Zodiac to enjoy parasailing or jet skiing. This adds a splash of adrenaline and makes the day more memorable, though it does come at an additional cost. Keep in mind that these activities are not included in the base price, which might influence your overall value assessment if you’re after a full adrenaline-packed day.

Return Journey and Docking

After the beach stop and any added activities, the catamaran raises anchor and begins the return trip to Arguineguín dock. The atmosphere during the return leg is often lively, with guests chatting, enjoying drinks, and soaking in the last views of the coast. The drop-off is at the same location where you were picked up, making logistics simple.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The main selling points are the 4-hour sailing experience, lunch and drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off. The food is described as seasonal and accommodating for vegans, and drinks are unlimited, which adds great value for those who want to relax and enjoy a drink without worrying about extra costs.

However, extras like jet skiing and parasailing are available but not included, so budget accordingly if you’re craving extra adventure. A major consideration for some travelers is the overcrowding, with reviews mentioning up to 35 guests on board, which can make the experience feel a bit cramped, especially for those seeking quiet relaxation.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The Best Parts

• Convenience of pickup and drop-off from major resorts simplifies planning.
• Inclusion of lunch and drinks makes the trip feel more like a proper outing rather than just a boat ride.
• Opportunity to relax at the beach or swim in the Atlantic, away from crowds.
• Optional add-ons like parasailing and jet skiing enhance the experience for thrill-seekers.

The Challenges

• Crowding can lead to a less comfortable experience; some guests find many standing and limited shaded space.
• Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, are not guaranteed, and some reviews suggest there’s little chance of seeing any at all.
• Basic amenities such as toilets may be limited or in poor condition, as one review mentioned a blocked, overflowing toilet.
• Music and social atmosphere may be too loud or lively for those seeking serenity, as some reviews highlight the “booze cruise” vibe.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a fun, social day on the water with lunch and drinks included, this trip offers good value. It’s particularly suited for groups or families comfortable with larger crowds, and those interested in a mix of relaxation and optional adventure activities.

However, if your priority is wildlife sightings or seeking a quiet, intimate cruise, you might want to explore other options. The lively atmosphere means it’s more ideal for those who enjoy a bustling, energetic environment rather than peaceful solitude.

Final Thoughts

This 4-hour catamaran tour along Gran Canaria’s coast really delivers on ease and fun. The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers simplifies the day, making it a convenient choice for travelers who want a hassle-free experience. The beach stop is a highlight, providing a perfect spot for sunbathing or swimming, while the optional activities add a dash of adventure.

That said, it’s best suited for groups that don’t mind crowds and are happy with a lively, social environment. If you’re looking for wildlife encounters or a tranquil cruise, some compromises might be necessary. Overall, it’s a well-rounded outing for those wanting to enjoy Gran Canaria’s coast with a good balance of comfort and adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Mogan, Playa de Mogan, and Maspalomas, which makes logistics easy and stress-free.

Can I add extra activities?
Absolutely. Parasailing and jet skiing are available as on-the-spot purchases or pre-booked add-ons, giving you the chance to customize your adventure.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, but check the availability for specific start times during your booking.

Will I see dolphins or wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Some reviews mention a lack of wildlife, so don’t rely solely on this for your expectations.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, and perhaps a towel. The boat has limited shaded areas, so extra shade or a hat might be helpful.

Is there food suitable for vegans?
Yes, the food is seasonally prepared and includes vegan options, ensuring most dietary needs are met.

This Gran Canaria catamaran tour offers a lively, well-organized way to enjoy the island’s south coast, with enough flexibility to add some extra thrills if desired. Just keep in mind the crowd levels and amenities to ensure it’s the right fit for your ideal day at sea.

You can check if your dates are available here: