3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

The coast looks best from the water. This three-hour trip from Puerto de Mogán follows Gran Canaria’s wild southwest shore toward Tasarte, with cliff views, a swim stop at El Perchel, and lunch served aboard. I especially like the small group size, capped at 25 people, and the warm, personal hosting from Marta and Ruben. The main consideration is simple: reaching the beach means swimming from the boat, and the ride can feel choppy on the way out and back.

You also get snorkeling gear, unlimited drinks, Canarian food, photos, and possible drone footage at no extra charge. That makes the $71.35 price reasonable for a half-day outing, especially if you plan to eat and have drinks on the boat anyway. Just remember that drone filming depends on good weather, and the excursion needs at least 10 people to operate.

Key points to know before booking

• A real swim-from-the-boat stop: El Perchel has no walking access from the boat, so you must swim to reach the beach.
• A family-run outing: Marta and Ruben host the trip themselves, offer coastal and marine information, and make a point of welcoming children and first-time snorkelers.
• Food and drinks are part of the deal: Expect Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, other fresh food, vegetarian options, and an open bar.
• Space without a packed-party feel: The boat carries a maximum of 25 people, with seating inside and on the upper deck.
• Photos are included: The crew takes pictures during the trip and sends them afterward. Drone photos and video are possible when weather allows.
• Friday needs extra planning: Puerto de Mogán’s market closes car access to the port, so ask the operator about parking or use public transport.

Setting off from Puerto de Mogán at 10:00

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, by the port in Puerto de Mogán. The boat returns to the same place after roughly three hours, so the timing works well as a morning activity followed by lunch or a walk around town.

Puerto de Mogán is one of Gran Canaria’s prettiest coastal bases, and the port gives you an attractive start and finish. If you arrive early, leave time to find the boat and get settled. One useful parking warning comes from the Friday market: cars cannot access the port in the usual way on market day. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan & Snorkel Excursions before Friday’s departure if you are driving.

The boat holds no more than 25 people. That is not a tiny private charter, but it is much more comfortable than the big party boats that can leave you shoulder to shoulder. You have seating inside the cabin and padded areas on the upper deck, giving you a choice between shade, shelter, and open-air sun.

The boat is smoke-free, which matters on a three-hour trip when the breeze may not always carry odors away. It is also family-friendly and vegetarian-friendly, so the outing is not aimed only at strong swimmers or young adults looking for a loud day at sea.

Along the southwest coast toward Tasarte

Once underway, the main attraction is the coast itself. The boat heads from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte along Gran Canaria’s rugged southwest edge, where steep cliffs meet the Atlantic. From the water, you get a viewpoint that roads and lookout points cannot provide.

Marta and Ruben add context about the geology, coastline, and marine life. That makes the cruise more than a transfer to the snorkeling stop. You can sit back for the views, listen to the explanations, and stop for photographs as the boat passes the cliffs and coastal formations.

The sea conditions matter here. On a calm, sunny day, the cruise should feel relaxed, with clear views and good chances for photographs. On the way out and back, waves can be noticeable. If you are prone to motion sickness, take that seriously and choose your seat carefully. The trip is only about three hours, but the open sea can feel lively even when the weather looks pleasant from land.

The timing is well judged. You have enough time to enjoy the coast, swim, eat, and sit in the sun without giving up an entire day. I would not book this expecting a long-distance cruise or a full-day sailing adventure. Its appeal is a compact mix of scenery, water time, food, and conversation.

El Perchel, the trip’s main event

The boat stops at El Perchel, a small cove reached by boat. This is the part that gives the excursion its character. You are not simply swimming from a busy beach packed with sun loungers. You arrive by sea and spend time in a quieter setting, with the cliffs around you.

There is one important practical point: you must swim from the boat to reach the beach. There is no route for walking directly from the boat. If you cannot swim, do not assume you can step ashore. You may still enjoy the boat, the views, and the food, but the beach itself is not suitable for non-swimmers.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment, including masks, snorkels, and fins. Full-face masks have also been available, along with noodles and other flotation help, which can make a big difference for nervous swimmers and first-timers. The crew gives tips before people enter the water, and the stop allows enough time to look around rather than rushing everyone back aboard.

The water is described as full of marine life. You might see many small fish, octopus, flying fish, or even a stingray. Of course, wild animals do not follow a schedule, so no sighting is guaranteed. The clear water and protected setting give you a good chance to see plenty, but conditions and luck still play a part.

A paddle board is included as another option. That is useful for someone who wants to enjoy the cove without spending the entire stop snorkeling. Children or less confident swimmers can also remain aboard, watch from the boat, or relax on the upper deck. Several families have found that the outing works even when not everyone enters the water.

Lunch, sangria, and a proper break aboard

After the water stop, food and drinks turn the trip into more than a standard snorkel outing. The spread includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh food. Vegetarian food is available, and the hosts keep the portions coming rather than treating lunch as a token snack.

The food is simple, local, and well suited to a day at sea. Canarian potatoes with mojo give you a taste of the islands, while tortilla and bread are familiar choices for children or anyone who wants something mild. Sangria, soft drinks, and other beverages are included through the open bar.

The drinks are unlimited, but remember that you are still on a moving boat. It makes sense to pace yourself, drink water, and eat before or after getting in the sea. The open bar adds real value, but it does not turn this into a party cruise. The mood is relaxed, social, and family-friendly.

I like that the meal comes after the active part of the outing. You can dry off, sit on the padded upper deck, and enjoy the scenery without trying to balance a plate while wearing snorkeling gear. It also gives non-swimmers something substantial to look forward to while others are in the water.

Photos, drone footage, and what you actually receive

The crew takes photographs during the trip and sends them afterward. This is a useful extra because it lets you enjoy the swim without worrying about carrying a phone into the water. Photos may include time aboard, coastal views, and people snorkeling.

Drone footage and photographs are included when weather permits, especially during the snorkeling stop. Keep your expectations realistic. Drone coverage depends on wind, visibility, and operating conditions, and the aerial material may be limited. One person found the drone footage less impressive than hoped and suggested underwater cameras would add more.

That is a fair point. If your priority is a polished film of your underwater experience, this may not satisfy you every time. The included photos are best treated as a pleasant bonus, not the main reason to book. You are paying for the boat ride, food, drinks, equipment, and access to the cove first.

How good is the value at $71.35?

At $71.35 per person, the cost is not the lowest way to spend a morning in Gran Canaria. You could visit a beach for much less. But that comparison misses what is included: a three-hour coastal cruise, snorkeling equipment, a protected swimming stop, lunch, an open bar, a paddle board, crew-led help, and photographs.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, drinks, and a boat excursion. The maximum of 25 people also matters. You are not buying a bare transport ticket. You are paying for a hosted experience with food and equipment already arranged.

The trip is particularly good value for families and couples who want a gentle morning rather than a full day of activities. First-time snorkelers can use the provided masks and flotation aids, and confident swimmers get time to explore the water. Vegetarian diners are not left with a token side dish.

The value is weaker if you do not want to swim, dislike boat motion, or mainly want drone footage. Non-swimmers can still join, but the central stop is built around getting into the sea. If you get seasick, the coastal views and meal may not fully offset an uncomfortable crossing.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, mixed-age groups, and people trying snorkeling for the first time. It is also a good choice if you prefer a personal, small-scale boat trip to a crowded excursion with loud music and a fixed party atmosphere.

Children are welcome, and the hosts make an effort to include them even if they stay dry. The upper deck provides a place to watch, rest, and enjoy the views. The boat is smoke-free, and vegetarian food is available, which removes two common sources of friction on group trips.

Confident swimmers should enjoy the freedom to explore around El Perchel and use the paddle board. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and use the flotation equipment. Do not treat the supplied gear as a replacement for sensible caution.

This is less suitable for anyone wanting a private boat, a long sailing day, or guaranteed underwater photography. The group can reach 25 people, the sea may be choppy, and the drone depends on weather.

Booking, weather, and small practical details

Confirmation is provided when you book, though final operation depends on availability, weather, and the minimum group size. At least 10 people are needed for the excursion to run. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:00 am start. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Plan ahead if you are booking around a short stay in Gran Canaria.

Bring a towel because towels are not included. You should also arrive ready for a swim, with suitable clothing and sun protection. Transport to the port is not included, but the meeting point is near public transport and the tour ends where it begins.

The operator offers the experience in English. The hosts also speak several languages, according to the information available, but English is the listed language for the activity.

Should you book the Puerto de Mogán boat trip?

I would book it if you want a friendly, well-priced morning that combines coastal scenery, a genuine swim stop, food, drinks, and a manageable group size. The strongest reasons are the welcoming approach from Marta and Ruben, the time allowed at El Perchel, and the fact that snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and photos are already included.

Before paying, ask yourself one practical question: are you comfortable swimming from a boat? If yes, this is an easy recommendation. If no, you can still enjoy the cruise and lunch, but you will miss the central part of the outing.

Book with realistic expectations about the sea and the drone footage. Choose a calm-weather day when possible, allow extra time for parking, and contact the operator if you are visiting on Friday. For most families, couples, and first-time snorkelers, this is a personable way to see a striking stretch of Gran Canaria without committing to a full day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the boat and snorkeling trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and starts at 10:00 am. It returns to the same meeting point in Puerto de Mogán.

Where does the excursion start?

It starts at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain, near the port in Puerto de Mogán.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and flotation aids are available for people who need extra support.

Can I reach El Perchel without swimming?

No. You must swim from the boat to reach the beach. There is no walking access from the boat.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The meal includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh food. Vegetarian food is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included through an open bar.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum group size is not reached?

If poor weather cancels the experience, or if fewer than 10 people are booked, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.