The Canary Islands archipelago is an Atlantic paradise made for exploration by boat. However, not all charters are the same, and such a beautiful destination needs an exceptional boat.
That’s why we took a guided cruise on one of Gran Canaria’s most exclusive vessels.
Operated by a Dutch and English husband and wife team, the gorgeous Afrikat Catamaran was a luxury cruise with remarkable attention to detail and outstanding hospitality, making it one of the best day excursions in the Canary Islands.
Best of all, the Afikat is affordable, accessible, and easy to book, making it easy to include a cruise as part of your holiday itinerary.
Amazing value day cruise from Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
We sailed on the Afrikat as part of a day cruise that explored the southwest coastline, anchoring at the bay of “El Perchel”.
We booked the Afrikat via Jet2, but you can also book a cruise via most local hotels and leading excursion vendors.
For just €65 per person, we received:
- A return bus transfer
- Food
- Drinks that included sangria, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and delicious cocktails.
- A 10-min speedboat ride with the Captain
- The option to book discounted watersports like jet skis, parasailing, and a fun donut ride
- Snorkelling
It really was an all-inclusive package, lasting over 6 hours in total with our bus transfers.
Afrikat: The boat
We sailed aboard the Afrikat 69, a newish 21-meter catamaran, built in 2017 in Valencia.
This impressive boat was actually designed by the Afrikat team and offers a layout that is wheelchair accessible, navigable, and comfortable for all who sail on her.
In fact, the Afrikat is award-winning and has received accolades from:
- The Cabildo de Gran Canaria
- The Canary Award
And I have to say, we were IMPRESSED!
The boat had three levels that were perfect for guests to enjoy the very best of the cruise, wherever they were on it.
We were able to chill out on the luxury sundeck which had plenty of space for lounging, sunbathing, and taking in the sights of the coastline as we cruised.
We also regularly popped into the main deck interior salon where the bar, cocktail machine, and food were located.
It appeared to have seating for around 30 people so it could be a great charter for events.
We also explored the swimming access sun deck and went up to the fly-bridge sundeck, just behind the captain!
Afrikat summary specs
| Date launched | 2017 |
| Port | Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, Spain |
| Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) | 225987223 |
| Boat type | Catamaran (passenger vessel) |
| Length | 21 meters |
| Width | 9 meters |
| Decks | SundeckMain deck interior salon with seating for 30 Swimming access sun deckFly-bridge sundeck. |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Accessible? | Yes |
The Afrikat Catamaran crew
At the helm of this impressive vessel are Potter and Wendie Grobben, joint CEOs and lead captain and operations director of the Afrikat respectively. It really is a family-owned operation!
Wendie has had a remarkable career in tourism, previously working for TUI, while Captain Potter’s renowned seamanship takes you to some of the most exclusive waters of the southwest of Gran Canaria.
This multi-lingual, adventure-loving couple took over in 2011, and have turned this impressive vessel into one of Gran Canaria’s most successful cruises.
They are supported by an international team of experienced captains, deckhands, and guides who will be delighted to show you the best of the Mediterranean. For every cruise, a three-man crew will be on hand to assist you.
Afrikat excursions available
The Afrikat departs for either morning or afternoon cruises daily.
There are four types of cruises available, which each offer all-inclusive travel and hospitality:
1. Morning cruise on the Afrikat, Gran Canaria
Morning cruises on the Afrikat take place at either 9:30 or 10 am, departing from Puerto Rico and lasting about 4 ½ hours on the water.
The cruise is very relaxed as you head into the Atlantic Ocean and roam the coast in amazingly sunny weather.
We took in sights that included the Port of Mogan, a beautiful fishing village with quaint cottages, and the magnificent volcanic cliffs, coves, and rock formations nearby.
Our destination was El Perchel, where the Afrikat was anchored. This idyllic bay was initially secluded but soon filled with yachts and charter vessels as the day wore on.
The water was relatively clear, but there was some evidence of pollution and littering, probably due to the number of boats that pass through these waters.
Once anchored, you can try out any of the following activities onboard or at sea:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- A thrilling 10-minute speedboat ride with the Captain
- Watersports like jet skis, parasailing, and a cool donut ride (for an additional fee)
It was great that comprehensive watersports and snorkeling equipment was provided, making it easy to travel-light on the day.
If you prefer, you can just lay back and lounge in the Canarian sun on the clean and comfortable sun cushions provided on all decks.
There were also opportunities to enjoy beautiful wildlife, with dolphin spotting, fish feeding, and observing crabs.
The crew is really knowledgeable about the coastline and happy to answer any questions you may have.
My reviews
2. Afternoon cruise on the Afrikat, Gran Canaria
A summer afternoon is perfect for enjoying the Afrikat, especially as temperatures gradually become bearable while you are out on the water and you don’t have to get up super early.
The itinerary is similar to the morning cruise but you’ll be heading over to the El Perchel bay at 2:30 pm and returning to port by 7 pm.
3. Afrikat cruises with music!
Another cool aspect of travel aboard the Afrikat is their cruises with music.
The boat has a resident saxophonist, Ashleigh, who will get you in the party mood with a jazzy performance that really complements the stunning scenery.
If you want a live music cruise, you must specifically book the Friday morning cruises.
4. Transfers from across Gran Canaria
We were staying in Maspalomas and received an inclusive transfer to and from the Afrikat.
Transfers are also available from the following resort towns on the island:
- Bahia Feliz
- Arguineguin
- Taurito
- Patalavaca
- Playa del Inglés
- Meloneras
- Sonnenland
- Playa del Cura
Delicious catering onboard the Afrikat Catamaran
We thought that the inclusive provision of food onboard the Afrikat made our trip amazing value for money.
Everyone could partake of a hearty tapas-style buffet that was served while anchored at El Perchel. The crew served a real feast which we washed down with plentiful free sangria.
We even treated ourselves to one of the giant cocktails being served.
Another great thing about the food and drink was the use of edible drinking straws and souvenir drinking glasses that were provided to each customer.
The Afrikat team believes in sustainable tourism and avoiding single-use plastics that pollute our oceans.
Accessible, wheelchair-friendly boat tours on the Afrikat
The Afrikat catamaran has been specifically designed to be wheelchair-friendly.
There is disabled access throughout the boat, including its boarding, sundeck, salon, and toilet.
If you or one of your party are wheelchair users, this is an important benefit of cruising with the Afrikat.
Events onboard the Afikat
This well-equipped boat is perfect for hosting events like weddings, conferences, and team training sessions. The vessel is so versatile that it can be set up for a bespoke event.
Organizing an event onboard the Afrikat is hassle-free because the catering is done for you and the experienced team can help you create unique and memorable events.
Afrikat Catamaran FAQ
What should I bring to the Afrikat Catamaran?
With everything included, you only need to bring yourself!
However, the Afrikat Catamaran crew advise that you carry swimwear and a towel, sun protection, your own snorkel, and money for the watersport activities and purchasing souvenirs.
Are watersports on the Afrikat free?
No. Watersports like jet skis, paragliding and the cute donut ride are not free, but prices are at least 50% cheaper than you would pay to a land-based watersports provider.
I am not near any of the pick-up points. Can I still get a transfer to and from the Afrikat?
If you are really keen to board the Afrikat, bespoke hotel transfers can be arranged by the team for an additional fee.
Rounding up
The Afrikat is outstanding value for money and we were quite shocked at just how much the crew packed in for our €65 per person. This catamaran has been making waves in Gran Canaria and if you can get a chance to sail aboard her, a glamorous cruise awaits!
