3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

Gran Canaria’s south-west coast is best seen from the water, and this small boat trip gives you both scenery and swimming time. Marta and Ruben take you from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte, along cliffs and coves that are difficult to reach by land, then stop at El Perchel for snorkeling.

I like the small maximum group of 25, which keeps the boat from feeling packed, and I like the generous food and drink service: Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, other fresh food, and an open bar. The main consideration is that you must swim from the boat to reach the beach, and the sea can be choppy on the outward and return journey.

At a glance

• Rugged coastline: Cruise from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte beneath the wild cliffs of Gran Canaria’s south-west coast.
• El Perchel swim stop: Reach this boat-access-only cove by swimming, then look for fish, octopus, stingrays, and other marine life.
• Lunch and open bar: Expect Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, vegetarian food, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
• Friendly family operation: Marta and Ruben handle the boat, hosting, food, snorkeling help, and local information.
• Photos included: The crew takes photos during the trip and may provide drone pictures and film during the swim if weather allows.
• Good for mixed groups: Confident swimmers, first-time snorkelers, families, and people who prefer to stay aboard can all find something to enjoy.

Leaving Puerto de Mogán for the cliffs

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, beside the port in Puerto de Mogán. The boat leaves at 10:00 am and returns to the same place after about three hours, making this an easy morning plan.

The route heads west from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte. From the boat, you get a broad view of the island’s cliffs, sea caves, and hard-to-reach shoreline. This is not a high-speed sightseeing ride designed to tick off a dozen stops. The appeal is the relaxed pace, the views, and the chance to spend real time in the water.

Marta and Ruben are a husband-and-wife team, and their personal approach is a big part of the experience. They explain the coast, local geology, and marine life while keeping the mood informal. The boat is smoke-free, and the upper deck has padded mats and seating areas where you can dry off or simply watch the coast pass by.

The boat holds no more than 25 people. That matters here. You have room to sit inside the cabin or outside, and the snorkeling stop does not feel like a mass beach transfer. The boat is also suitable for families, although parents should pay close attention to the swimming requirement.

One practical point: Friday is market day in Puerto de Mogán. Cars cannot access the port in the usual way, so contact Yellow Boat Mogan & Snorkel Excursions before setting out for parking information. Public transport is available near the meeting point.

El Perchel requires a swim

The main stop is El Perchel, a small protected cove accessible by boat. There is no walking route from the boat onto the beach. To reach the swimming area, you must get into the water and swim.

That detail is easy to overlook when planning. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, since the crew provides snorkeling equipment and floating aids such as noodles, but you must be comfortable entering the sea. Some people in mixed-age families choose to remain on the boat, watch from the deck, or relax on the padded mats. You can still enjoy the scenery and food without snorkeling.

The stop gives you enough time to explore rather than making the water entry a quick photo opportunity. Equipment includes masks, snorkels, and fins, with normal and full-face mask options mentioned by the crew. First-time snorkelers receive help with the gear and basic advice before heading out.

The water can be full of life. You might spot several types of fish, and sightings have included octopus, flying fish, and stingrays. Marine life is never guaranteed, of course, but El Perchel is chosen for its underwater appeal rather than simply as a place to anchor.

A paddle board is also available. That gives non-snorkelers another way to enjoy the stop, though the boat has only one board, so use may need to be shared.

What the snorkeling is really like

This is a good choice if you want a first taste of snorkeling without booking a dedicated technical excursion. The crew supplies the equipment, helps with fit, and can offer floating support. You are not expected to bring your own mask or fins.

The underwater views are a central part of the trip, but the experience depends on conditions. Clear water and calm seas make it easier to spot fish. Wind and waves can affect visibility, comfort, and the drone filming. The tour requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a date change or refund.

One limitation is the lack of underwater camera equipment. The included photography focuses on pictures from the boat and aerial drone footage, not a personal underwater camera recording your swim. If underwater photos are important to you, bring your own waterproof camera if you have one.

You should also consider sea comfort. The boat ride can feel wavey on the way out and back, especially for anyone prone to motion sickness. A shorter three-hour trip helps, but it does not remove the possibility of a rolling ride.

Canarian food on the return from the water

Food is served onboard and is more substantial than a token snack. Expect Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, tapas-style items, and other fresh food. Vegetarian guests are catered for, and the excursion is specifically described as vegetarian-friendly.

The open bar includes unlimited drinks, with soft drinks and alcoholic options available. Sangria is part of the popular onboard offering, and the food and drink continue after the swim while you dry off in the sun.

I like this setup because it makes the boat trip feel like a complete morning rather than a short cruise with an expensive add-on lunch. You can return from the water, eat without rushing, and chat with the other people onboard.

Still, this is informal boat food, not a restaurant meal. If you have strict dietary needs beyond vegetarian food, ask the operator before booking. The supplied information confirms vegetarian options but does not list every ingredient or allergy arrangement.

Photos, drone footage, and the little extras

The crew takes photos during the boat trip and sends them to you afterward. This is useful if you want pictures of the group, the coastline, or your time on deck without having to keep your phone out around salt water.

Drone photos and film may be taken during the snorkeling stop when weather conditions allow. Wind, visibility, and local operating conditions can affect this, so treat the drone footage as a welcome extra rather than a guaranteed part of the day.

The photography is not the same as a professional underwater shoot. One piece of feedback about the drone footage was that it could feel less impressive than expected. Still, the fact that the photos are included, with no extra charge mentioned for receiving them, adds real value for many people.

Marta and Ruben also provide personal help throughout the trip. They can take pictures for you, explain how to use the equipment, and offer information about the coast and marine life. Their relaxed hosting style is especially useful for families and people trying snorkeling for the first time.

Who will enjoy this most

This excursion suits you if you want a manageable boat trip with several elements in one booking:

• A scenic coastal cruise
• A protected swimming stop
• Snorkeling equipment
• A paddle board
• Lunch
• Unlimited drinks
• Photos
• A small group atmosphere

Families can make good use of it. Children can stay aboard if they do not want to swim, and the crew provides equipment intended for different ages. That said, the boat stop is centered on the water, so this is not ideal if everyone in your group wants a land-based beach visit.

It also suits couples and friends who want a relaxed morning rather than a loud party cruise. The smoke-free policy is helpful for families and anyone sensitive to cigarette smoke.

First-time snorkelers are well served by the equipment choices and guidance. Strong swimmers will likely appreciate the time in the water, while less confident swimmers should make use of the floating aids and listen carefully to the crew’s instructions.

This may not be the right choice for you if you dislike boats, get motion sick easily, or cannot swim from the boat to shore. You can remain onboard, but the key stop will be less useful if you do not enter the water.

Is $71.35 a fair price?

At $71.35 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the full package. You are not paying only for a three-hour cruise. The cost includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, unlimited drinks, crew assistance, photography, possible drone footage, and access to the paddle board.

The small group size also affects the value. A maximum of 25 people gives you more space than a large excursion boat, and the experience includes time to sit inside or on the upper deck rather than standing in a crowded group.

The value is strongest for people who will snorkel, eat onboard, and enjoy the social side of the trip. If you only want a short coastal cruise and will not swim or drink, you may find the price less compelling.

The included photos are another useful touch. You do not have to pay separately for a basic photo package, though drone coverage depends on weather. For a half-day activity in a major resort area, combining transport by boat, food, drinks, and water equipment keeps the price competitive.

Timing, meeting point, and booking notes

The activity starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the Puerto de Mogán meeting point after approximately three hours. That leaves much of the afternoon free for lunch, a walk around the port, or another island activity.

You arrange your own transportation to the port. Puerto de Mogán is near public transport, but parking needs extra thought on Fridays because of the market. Leave time to find the correct area near the boats, and contact the operator if you are driving.

The excursion operates only if at least 10 people are booked. If the minimum is not reached, the operator offers another date or experience, or a full refund. Poor weather can also lead to a date change or full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Yellow Boat Mogan trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, all-in-one morning with cliff views, a genuine swim stop, simple Canarian food, and plenty of time to relax onboard. The strongest reasons are the small group, the warm hosting from Marta and Ruben, the included equipment, and the amount of food and drink built into the price.

Think twice if you need a walk-in beach, dislike choppy water, or expect polished underwater video. You must swim to reach El Perchel, and the drone footage is weather dependent.

For families, couples, and first-time snorkelers based near Puerto de Mogán, this is a well-balanced choice. It gives you a look at Gran Canaria’s coast that you cannot get from the road, without committing an entire day to a large cruise.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

It starts and ends at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain, in Puerto de Mogán.

What time does the excursion start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including masks, snorkels, and related equipment.

Do I have to swim to the beach?

Yes. The beach at El Perchel can only be reached from the boat by swimming. There is no walking access from the boat.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. Lunch, vegetarian food, and unlimited drinks from the open bar are included. Food includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh items.

Are photos and drone footage included?

Photos taken during the boat trip are included. Drone film and photos during snorkeling are included only when weather conditions allow.

What happens if the weather is poor or too few people book?

If poor weather or insufficient bookings causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.