Puerto de Mogan: Boat and Snorkeling Trip

The best part of this three-hour trip is the contrast: you cruise beneath Gran Canaria’s rugged cliffs, then trade the boat for clear water at El Perchel, a cove reached only by sea. The stop gives you about 90 minutes to snorkel, so it feels like the main event, not a quick swim squeezed between photo stops.

I like two things in particular: Marta and Ruben make the trip feel personal, and the price includes snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, and photos. The meal is a welcome taste of local fare, with potatoes and mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit.

One important catch: this is not suitable for non-swimmers. You can take your time in the water, but the trip is built around snorkeling rather than simply watching from shore.

At a glance

• El Perchel is reached by boat: The cove is the snorkeling stop, with clear water and fish to look for.
• The crew is Marta and Ruben: They explain the route and help with snorkeling equipment and fish spotting.
• About 90 minutes are set aside at the cove: That leaves room for an unhurried swim and time back on the boat.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fruit.
• Photos are part of the package: The crew takes pictures, which are sent afterward.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: Both are useful after a swim in the island sun.

From Puerto de Mogan toward Tasarte’s cliffs

The boat leaves from C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. The crew starts with a short safety briefing, about five minutes, before heading out along the coast.

The first stretch is a sightseeing cruise toward the Tasarte area. For roughly an hour, you can watch Gran Canaria’s cliffs rise above the sea and take photos from the water. The coastline is the scenic introduction; the boat’s pace gives you time to look around rather than treating the ride as mere transport to the snorkeling spot.

You’ll want to have your camera ready, though keep it secure and follow the crew’s instructions. One of the pleasures of a boat trip is seeing familiar land from a different angle. The cliffs and open water give this short outing a sense of escape without committing to a full-day cruise.

The guide also shares information about the coast and local marine life. That context is useful once you reach the cove: it gives you something to look for beyond simply counting fish. If you enjoy asking questions, this is a good time to do it while the boat is moving.

El Perchel: the reason to bring your swimwear

After reaching the Tasarte area, the boat turns back toward El Perchel. The cove is accessible only by boat, which is part of its appeal. You step into the water away from a regular beach setting and get a generous stretch of time to swim and snorkel.

The stop lasts about an hour and a half, including snorkeling, lunch, and free time. That is enough to make the water portion feel substantial. You are not expected to rush through a short swim, climb aboard, and leave before you have settled into it.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment and explains how to use it, along with tips on where to look for fish. Traditional masks and full-face masks have both been available on trips, though you should not assume every specific style will be on hand. If you have a preferred fit, ask before setting off.

Fish are often easy to see in the clear water, but visibility is never something a tour can promise. Weather and sea conditions can change what you see. Even on a cloudy day, families have found that children could spot fish clearly, but it is sensible to treat wildlife sightings as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

This is a family-friendly outing in the practical sense that children can join and the guides take time to explain the equipment. It is still a water activity, not a supervised pool session. The trip is specifically unsuitable for non-swimmers, so make your decision based on everyone’s comfort in open water.

A simple Spanish lunch, served on board

Once you’re back on the boat, food is part of the experience rather than an afterthought. The spread includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. It is vegetarian-friendly and offers a satisfying break after swimming.

Mojo, a Canarian sauce often served with potatoes, brings a local touch to a straightforward meal. You don’t need to plan a separate lunch stop, and the food is included in the ticket price. Drinks are included, too. Some outings have featured homemade sangria, but the exact drinks may vary, so don’t book on the assumption that one particular option is guaranteed.

The meal is not a formal restaurant lunch. Think of it as a generous, relaxed boat-side spread that fits neatly into the three-hour trip. If you have a dietary restriction beyond the stated vegetarian-friendly options, contact the operator before booking rather than assuming the menu can be changed.

Marta and Ruben make the outing feel personal

Marta and Ruben are the hosts guests most often encounter on this trip. Their role is more than steering the boat: they explain the route, help people get comfortable with the snorkeling gear, point out fish, and look after the group. Their attentive style is a strong part of the trip’s appeal.

That matters most if you are new to snorkeling. A clear explanation and a little encouragement can make the difference between staying on the boat and enjoying your first look beneath the surface. The crew also makes an effort to take group and family photos, a thoughtful extra when everyone would otherwise be behind the camera.

Photos are included, and pictures have been sent by email after trips. That is a useful keepsake, especially for families who want a shared picture in the water or on board. Don’t count on a particular photo style or delivery time, but the photo service is a genuine part of what makes this outing feel more complete.

The boat has been described as clean and comfortable, with sun and covered areas. Conditions and seating preferences vary, so bring sun protection even if you expect to spend some time under cover. The small-scale feel can also vary with the day’s bookings; some departures have felt spacious, but there is no stated maximum group size to rely on.

Is $69 good value for three hours?

At $69 per person, the trip costs more than a basic coastal boat ride, but several practical extras are included: the boat tour, guide, snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, and photos. You do not need to rent a mask separately or arrange lunch after swimming. That makes the price easier to assess as a complete half-day activity rather than a ride alone.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If you mainly want a short cruise and do not plan to swim, you may not get the full benefit. If you want a coastal ride, a substantial snorkeling stop, local food, and a crew that helps you make the most of the water time, the package is more appealing.

There is also an intangible value in the pacing. The cove stop is long enough to settle into snorkeling, and the crew does not appear to rush people back aboard once they are enjoying the water. The trip is only three hours, so it can fit into a day without taking over the schedule.

Plan for the port, the sun, and the water

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not included. The sun can be strong on an open boat, so apply sunscreen before departure and bring it with you if you need to reapply. Smoking is not allowed on the activity.

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163. Look for the yellow Yellow Boat Mogan boat; searching that name in Google Maps provides directions to the exact location. Check your starting time when you book, since departure times depend on availability.

Friday needs extra planning. Puerto de Mogan has market day then, and cars cannot access the port. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan for current parking and access advice before driving in. One useful option is to message the supplier ahead of time; the crew has contacted people before trips with practical directions.

The tour operates in Spanish and English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Those options help if your plans are not fixed, but check the booking terms at the time you reserve.

Who should book this Puerto de Mogan boat trip?

I’d choose this trip if you enjoy being on the water and want snorkeling to be a meaningful part of the outing. It suits families with children who are comfortable swimmers, couples, and first-time snorkelers who appreciate patient instructions. The included meal, drinks, gear, and photos also make the price easier to justify.

It is a weaker fit if you do not swim, dislike open-water activities, or want a trip focused only on sightseeing. The cruise is scenic, but the cove stop is central to the experience. If you can swim and are curious about Gran Canaria’s coastline beneath the surface, book it. If you are unsure about water confidence, ask the operator before reserving.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto de Mogan boat and snorkeling trip?

The trip lasts three hours. It includes a short safety briefing, a coastal cruise toward Tasarte, and about an hour and a half at the El Perchel stop for snorkeling, lunch, and free time.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $69 per person. Snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, photos, a guide, and the boat tour are included.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat called Yellow Boat Mogan. Searching that name on Google Maps gives directions to the exact location.

What food is included?

The meal includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. Drinks are included as well.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not included.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for non-swimmers, and snorkeling is a central part of the outing.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish and English.

Can I cancel, and is Friday access different?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. On Fridays, market day prevents cars from accessing the port, so contact the local supplier for access and parking information.