Gran Canaria Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Rico

If you’re considering a sea-based adventure during your trip to Gran Canaria, a catamaran cruise from Puerto Rico might catch your eye. While this particular experience isn’t perfect, it offers a relaxed way to enjoy the coast, spot some sea life, and have a bit of fun on the water. We’ve looked into what it involves, and here’s the scoop to help you decide if it’s right for you.

One of the things we like about this cruise is its casual, laid-back vibe. You get to soak up the sun, sip drinks from the bar, and enjoy a scenic ride along the southwest coast. The inclusion of lunch, snorkeling gear, and a banana boat ride makes it a fairly complete package for the price. On the flip side, a couple of reviews point out some issues with safety standards and misrepresented capacity, so it’s worth going into this with clear expectations.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, social experience with the chance to see marine life and have some water-based fun. If you’re after a high-end, exclusive cruise or are worried about safety, you might want to explore other options. But if you’re looking for a friendly, inexpensive way to spend a few hours on the water, this could be worth considering.

Key Points

• Relaxed atmosphere with sunbathing, drinks, and scenic views.
• Includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, and banana boat for added fun.
• Potential safety concerns noted in some reviews, especially during disembarkation.
• Capacity issues have been reported, with some guests feeling they were placed on boats that didn’t match the advertised size.
• Good for those seeking a casual, social experience with marine sightings like dolphins and turtles.
• Price around $72.59 per person offers decent value for the activities included.

What the Tour Offers and What You Can Expect

This 4-hour catamaran cruise departs from Puerto Rico and heads along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. The main draw is the chance to see the coast from the water, with the boat taking you past the charming Puerto de Mogán area, often called the “Venice of the Canaries” because of its canals and colorful buildings. As you glide away from shore, you’ll appreciate the stunning sea views and the feeling of being away from it all.

The Itinerary and Onboard Experience

While the tour is relatively straightforward, it offers a few notable activities. The boat stops for a swimming and snorkeling session, giving you the opportunity to cool off and explore underwater life. Usually, you’ll have access to snorkeling gear, which is included, so you can get a closer look at the marine environment. If you’re feeling more energetic, there’s a banana boat ride — a classic water activity that’s often a hit with those looking for some thrills.

The boat itself is well-equipped with a sun terrace where you can lounge and soak up the sun, and a bar serving drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The staff is generally described as friendly and attentive, making the experience more enjoyable.

The Highlights

• Cruising along the coast offers scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.
• The chance to spot marine life like dolphins, turtles, or flying fish enhances the experience.
• The banana boat adds a fun, energetic element to the trip.
• Lunch and drinks are included, which helps make the outing feel like a full package rather than just a boat ride.

The Downsides: What to Keep in Mind

Despite the positives, there are some notable drawbacks. According to reviews, safety concerns have been raised, particularly around disembarkation after the banana boat ride. One reviewer mentioned that safety was “not top notch,” which is something to consider if you’re cautious about safety standards.

Another issue highlighted by a reviewer was capacity misrepresentation — they booked a trip meant for 50 people but ended up on a boat with room for 250. This discrepancy can impact your comfort, especially on a sunny day when the boat feels crowded. They also mentioned being charged for vessels and activities that weren’t part of the original package, which could be frustrating.

On top of that, the quality of the lunch was described as underwhelming by some guests, though it’s worth noting that this is a primitive-style meal, so expectations should be realistic.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $72.59 per person, this cruise isn’t overly expensive considering the activities included. Still, the value depends heavily on personal expectations. If you’re after a fun, social, and scenic experience with some water activities, it might be okay. But if safety, comfort, or food quality are your top priorities, this may fall short.

The Experience in Detail: Who It’s Perfect For

This tour is particularly suitable for those seeking a casual day at sea. It’s not marketed as a luxury cruise, but rather a relaxed outing with friends or family. The group size is capped at around 50 travelers, which helps keep things friendly and manageable.

If you’re traveling with people who enjoy outdoor activities and marine life, you’ll likely appreciate the chance to snorkel and look for dolphins. The experience is also accessible to most travelers who can swim unaccompanied, making it inclusive for those comfortable in water.

However, if safety standards are a major concern for you, or if you’re looking for a more exclusive or high-quality experience, you might want to research other options. The mixed reviews suggest that while some guests had a lovely day, others felt the experience could be better managed.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting Point: C. Puerto Base, 1, Puerto Rico. The tour offers pickup from various nearby areas, so you can check if your accommodation is included.
• Duration: 4 hours, which makes it a manageable half-day activity.
• Included: The cruise, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, banana boat ride, insurance, and transfer.
• Not Included: Additional activities like jet skiing or parasailing.
• What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, shoes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, towel, and camera.
• Participation Requirements: Most travelers can join, but you need to be able to swim unaccompanied.
• Restrictions: The tour is limited to a maximum of 50 travelers, which is a nice way to keep the vibe friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a laid-back, affordable way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s coast and don’t mind the potential for crowded boats or basic food, this catamaran cruise might be just what you need. The combination of scenic views, marine life spotting opportunities, and water-based fun makes it a decent option for a casual day out.

But be mindful of the reviews mentioning safety issues and capacity concerns. It’s worth doing a little extra research or asking about safety protocols if that’s a priority for you. The experience is best suited for travelers who value informal, social outings rather than luxury or exclusivity.

In the end, this cruise offers a simple, inexpensive way to enjoy the sea, especially if you’re traveling in a group and looking to fill a few hours with some sun and fun on the water.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children?
While the tour doesn’t specify child restrictions, the activities like snorkeling and the banana boat ride generally require a certain level of swimming ability. Always check if your kids are comfortable with water activities.

Can I cancel this tour for a refund?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transfer services are included, and you can contact the provider for pickup details from various nearby locations.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a bathing suit, towel, and your camera to capture the moments.

How many people usually join this tour?
It’s capped at 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and less crowded.

What marine animals might I see?
Guests have reported spotting dolphins, turtles, and flying fish during the cruise.

Is the food served on the boat good?
Reviews suggest the lunch is simple and may not appeal to everyone, so consider bringing some snacks if you’re hungry.

If a relaxed day on the water sounds appealing, this cruise could be a fun part of your Gran Canaria trip — just go in knowing what to expect and plan accordingly. Safe travels!