If there's one thing you have to do in Gran Canaria, it's to get out on the water. The Afrikat morning cruise is one of the best options and a top excursion recommended by the Gran Canaria Info team.
The Afrikat catamaran was designed and built specifically for cruising the south coast of Gran Canaria. It has lots of deck space, plenty of shade, wide aisles and is very stable.
Add to this the excellent customer service, top reviews and free pickups, and you get one of Gran Canaria's best day trips.
The five hour Afrikat morning cruise runs from from 10.00 to 15.00 during Winter or 09.15 to 14.15 in Summer. It takes a maximum of 67 people and is suitable for wheelchair users.
The Afrikat leaves from Puerto Base in Puerto Rico resort and takes you west along the Gran Canaria coast to a beautiful and secluded cove called El Perchel; the perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling (equipment provided) and watersports (up to 50% cheaper than if you book on land). You even get a free speedboat ride!
On the way to the bay you'll see the pretty beaches at Anfi and Amadores from the ocean and go past Puerto de Mogán and Taurito.
The price includes lunch: Traditional potatoes with “Mojo” sauce, meatballs with sweet sauce, a choice of two salads and bread rolls. Sangria, beer, soft drinks, juice and water are included, while cocktails are well-priced.
Free pickup from Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Sonnenland, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Mogan, Taurito & Playa del Cura.
As with all Afrikat boat trips, you'll need a towel, swimming costume, suncream, camera or fully-charged mobile phone, a sunhat and money or card for watersports or souvenirs.
Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria.
The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower).
You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.
One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.
The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare.
You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients.
To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure.
Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back.
It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card.
Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure.
Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.
Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.
See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.
We have 4727 guests and no members online