3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

El Perchel is the draw: a small, protected cove on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast that you can reach from this trip only by boat. You’ll have time to snorkel among fish, then return onboard for tapas and drinks as the cliffs slide past.

I like two things in particular: Ruben and Marta keep the trip personal and relaxed, and the price includes snorkeling gear, lunch, an open bar, and trip photos. One practical catch: you must swim from the boat to reach the beach, so this stop may not suit you if you cannot swim or prefer to stay dry.

At a glance

• The route: A three-hour cruise from Puerto de Mogán along the rugged coast toward Tasarte.
• The snorkel stop: El Perchel is reached by swimming from the boat, not by walking ashore.
• The food and drinks: Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, other fresh food, and unlimited drinks are included.
• The hosts: Ruben and Marta lead the trip, with Marta at the helm.
• The extras: Snorkeling equipment, one paddleboard, trip photos, and weather-dependent drone footage are included.
• The group: The boat takes up to 25 people and needs at least 10 to operate.

Leaving Puerto de Mogán for the southwest cliffs

The trip starts at 10 a.m. at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogán. From the harbor, the boat heads along Gran Canaria’s wild southwest coast, with views of high cliffs and rocky formations. The stated route runs from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte, so the ride is part of the outing, not just transport to the snorkel stop.

Three hours is a useful length for a morning on the water. It gives you time for the coastal cruise, a swim and snorkel stop, and food onboard without taking up a full day. You return to the same meeting point, leaving the rest of the day open for Puerto de Mogán or another plan.

The boat is described as family-friendly and smoke-free, and the maximum group size is 25. The size matters: you’re not signing up for a large excursion boat with hundreds of people. The boat has indoor seating and an upper deck, and reports of comfortable seating and room to spread out suggest there is space to relax between the cruise and the water stop. Still, the cap is 25, not a promise of a tiny private group.

The El Perchel stop: clear water, fish, and a swim ashore

The boat stops at El Perchel, a cove that is accessible by boat. The water is the main event here: you’ll get snorkeling equipment and time to look for fish in the protected beach area. People on the trip have spotted a range of sea life, including octopus and stingray, but sightings depend on conditions and luck. Treat those as possible treats, not a guarantee.

The most important detail is access. You must swim from the boat to reach the beach; there is no way to walk from the boat onto the shore. If you’re comfortable in the water, this gives the stop a more secluded feel than a beach reached from a road. If you’re not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the equipment and support available before booking. Floats and different mask styles have been used on the trip, but do not assume every type of gear will be available on your departure.

You don’t have to snorkel to take part in the boat trip. Some families have stayed aboard while others swam, and children have enjoyed the boat and upper deck without getting into the water. But if the cove is your main reason for going, swimming ability matters. Bring a towel, too: towels are not included.

One paddleboard is provided, which gives you another way to spend time on the water if conditions allow. The stop is not simply a quick photo break. The three-hour format leaves time to enjoy the water rather than rush straight back to the harbor.

Tapas, sangria, and an open bar onboard

Lunch is included, with Canarian potatoes served with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh food. The meal is simple and local rather than a formal sit-down lunch, which suits a boat trip. Vegetarian food is available, and the excursion is described as vegetarian-friendly.

Unlimited drinks are part of the fare. The open bar includes soft drinks and alcoholic options, with sangria mentioned as a popular choice. That can make the total price more appealing than a bare-bones cruise where you pay separately for food and drinks. If you have particular dietary needs beyond the vegetarian option, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming they can accommodate them.

There is a pleasing rhythm to the trip: cruise out, swim and snorkel, then eat and relax onboard. The meal and drinks are not decorative extras. They save you from having to pack lunch and give the return leg an easy, social feel. Families, couples, and friends can all settle into that pace, even if not everyone wants to swim.

Ruben and Marta make the trip feel personal

Ruben and Marta are the operators, and their hosting is a major part of what makes this excursion appealing. They welcome people aboard, help with snorkeling equipment, and give pointers about what you might see in the water. Marta is the skipper, a detail that adds a personal touch to a small, family-run operation.

The trip is not just a boat ride with a snorkel stop bolted on. The hosts share information about the coast, geology, marine life, and local history, while keeping the mood informal. That balance is useful if you want a little context without turning a sunny morning out at sea into a classroom session.

The crew also takes photos during the trip and sends them afterward. Drone footage and photos during the snorkeling stop are included when weather permits. The drone is a bonus, not the main reason to book: it may not fly in poor conditions, and aerial footage is not the same as underwater photography. If you want pictures of fish beneath the surface, bring a suitable camera if you have one.

What the $71.35 price buys you

At $71.35 per person, this is more than a simple coastal ride. The fare includes about three hours on the boat, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, lunch, unlimited drinks, crew photos, and drone footage when conditions allow. Add those together and the price can represent good value, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat excursion, a meal, drinks, and gear.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If your priority is a quiet, independent beach day or a long snorkeling session, this may not be the right fit. The schedule is shared with the group, and the water stop is one part of a broader cruise. If you want an easy half-day that combines scenery, swimming, food, and a friendly crew, the inclusions make the fare easier to justify.

The boat has a 25-person maximum, but the excursion only runs with at least 10 people. That minimum is worth keeping in mind if your dates are fixed. You’re advised to book around 11 days in advance on average, but availability can change, so that figure is a guide rather than a rule.

Getting to the harbor and choosing your day

Transportation to and from the port is not included. The meeting point is in Puerto de Mogán, and the activity ends back there. The port is near public transportation, and people have reached it by bus from Maspalomas. If you’re driving, check parking arrangements with the operator before departure.

Friday needs extra planning. It is market day in Puerto de Mogán, and car access to the port is restricted. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan & Snorkel Excursions for current directions and parking advice, and leave time to reach the meeting point. A short walk from the wrong parking area could be enough to make a 10 a.m. departure stressful.

The boat trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. The minimum group size also matters: if fewer than 10 people are booked, the operator may cancel and offer a different date or experience, or a refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This trip suits you if you like a relaxed outing with scenery, a chance to snorkel, and food and drinks taken care of. It works well for families and groups with mixed interests because you can stay aboard while others swim. The smoke-free policy and vegetarian-friendly food are useful details for people who care about those points.

It is a good choice for first-time snorkelers, too, provided you are willing and able to swim. Equipment is included, and the crew gives guidance. You can ask about full-face masks and flotation aids if those would help you feel more comfortable, but confirm what is available before you go.

This is less suitable if you cannot swim to the beach, need a guaranteed calm sea, or want an underwater photo package. Waves can make the ride out and back choppy, and drone footage depends on weather. If you are prone to seasickness, bear in mind that the open-water route may feel rough at times.

Should you book the Puerto de Mogán boat trip?

I’d book this for an easy, sociable morning that combines the southwest coast, a proper snorkel stop, and a meal with drinks onboard. Ruben and Marta’s personal hosting, the included equipment, and the generous food and drink make the price feel fair for a three-hour outing.

Before booking, be honest about the swim to El Perchel and check the forecast close to your date. If you’re comfortable in the water and want a small-group boat trip rather than a bare-bones transfer, this is a strong choice. If swimming is not for you, you can still enjoy the cruise from the boat, but the cove itself is best suited to people ready to get in.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The trip lasts about three hours.

Where does the trip start, and what time?

It starts at 10 a.m. at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, Puerto de Mogán.

Does the trip return to the same place?

Yes. It ends back at the meeting point in Puerto de Mogán.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Do I have to swim to reach El Perchel?

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

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and unlimited drinks are included. The food includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh food.

How many people can join the trip?

The boat has a maximum of 25 people. The excursion requires at least 10 people to operate.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.