Puerto de Mogan: Boat and Snorkeling Trip

The best part of this 3-hour Puerto de Mogan boat trip is the balance. You get a scenic cruise past Gran Canaria’s west coast, then plenty of time in the water at El Perchel, a cove reached only by boat. Marta and Ruben keep the pace easy, explain the fish and coastline, and serve a proper vegetarian lunch rather than a token snack.

I like the long snorkeling stop, which gives first-timers time to get comfortable, and I like the thoughtful extras: photos, drinks, paddle boards, and a choice of regular or full-face masks. The main consideration is simple: you need to be able to swim, and sea conditions can affect how clear and calm the water feels.

Key points

• About 1.5 hours at El Perchel: This is a real water stop, not a quick swim beside the boat.
• Run by Marta and Ruben: Their small family operation keeps the mood friendly and personal.
• Vegetarian food included: Expect potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, fresh fruit, and drinks.
• Good for first-time snorkelers: Instructions, equipment, and help spotting fish are provided.
• Photos are included: The crew takes pictures during the trip and sends them afterward.
• Friday needs planning: Puerto de Mogan is closed to cars during market day, so parking and access require extra care.

Why this Puerto de Mogan trip works so well

A lot of boat outings give you either sightseeing or swimming. This one gives you both without stretching the day too long. The boat leaves from Puerto de Mogan, cruises toward the Tasarte area, turns back along the coast, and stops at El Perchel for the main activity.

That structure suits a family holiday. The sightseeing portion lets you stay dry and enjoy the cliffs, while the long stop gives swimmers time to use the equipment, look for fish, and return to the water after a break. You are not pushed through a short ten-minute snorkel session.

The tour has earned a 4.9 rating from 855 reviews, and the pattern is clear: the hosts, food, snorkeling time, and relaxed service receive the most praise. I would not book it expecting a fast, high-adrenaline ride. This is a friendly coastal outing with a strong emphasis on comfort and personal attention.

Meeting the Yellow Boat in Puerto de Mogan

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. If the port is unfamiliar, searching that name in Google Maps should take you to the exact location.

The tour begins with a short safety briefing of about five minutes. That is useful for families and anyone trying snorkeling for the first time. The crew explains the equipment and the basic plan before the boat leaves.

Friday is the day to watch carefully. Puerto de Mogan holds its market then, and cars cannot access the port. The supplier can provide current guidance, so contact them before setting out rather than assuming you can drive right to the boat. This is a small detail, but it can save a rushed start.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included. Smoking is not allowed on the boat.

The cruise toward Playa de Tasarte

The first part of the outing is a coastal cruise toward Playa de Tasarte. It takes about an hour, including the sightseeing run and return toward El Perchel. You will see the rugged cliffs of Gran Canaria from the water, a view that is hard to match from a road or beach.

This is a good time for photographs. The boat gives you changing angles on the cliffs, sea, and small coastal stretches, and Ruben takes pictures during the outing. The included photos are a useful touch for families, since getting everyone into one picture is often harder than it sounds.

The guides also share information about the island and the sea life. Several guests valued the explanations about the coast, local wildlife, and the fish found at the snorkeling site. I like that this adds context without turning the cruise into a formal lecture.

The boat has a sun deck and a covered area, according to the trip details shared by the operator through the experience. That gives you some choice during the cruise, although sunscreen remains essential in the strong island sun.

El Perchel and the 90-minute snorkeling stop

The boat then reaches El Perchel, a cove accessible only by boat. This is the heart of the experience. You get around 1.5 hours for snorkeling and free time, which is generous for a short boat excursion.

The water is described as clear, and the site is known for a range of fish. The crew points out where to look and explains what you may see. That guidance matters more than it might sound. A first-time snorkeler can easily swim past fish without noticing them, while a little help from the crew makes the stop more rewarding.

Equipment is included. You can use masks, fins, and other snorkeling gear, and the crew has provided both traditional masks and full-face masks on recent trips. Paddle boards are also available as an extra way to enjoy the cove. The exact equipment available can vary, but the trip price includes the snorkeling setup rather than charging you again at the beach.

This is not suitable for non-swimmers. You need to be comfortable in open water and able to manage yourself in the sea. The crew provides instruction and support, but this is not a supervised swimming lesson.

For children, the activity can work very well if they are confident swimmers. Families have taken children aged 7, 10, and 14, with the younger swimmers enjoying the fish and the full-face mask option. Still, parents should judge their own children’s water skills and comfort before booking.

Sea conditions matter. A cloudy day does not necessarily spoil the stop, since fish can still be visible, but the experience depends on the water being suitable for snorkeling. If your main goal is a perfectly calm sea, remember that no boat operator can control wind, waves, or visibility.

Lunch with potatoes, mojo, and Spanish omelette

After swimming, the crew serves a vegetarian spread on board. Expect potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. Drinks are included, and several trips have also featured homemade sangria.

This is more useful than a basic packaged snack. You have been in the sun and water for a while, so a filling plate makes the return journey more comfortable. The potatoes with mojo are a particularly good local touch, and the Spanish omelette gives the meal some substance.

The food is vegetarian-friendly, but the supplied information does not list vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-specific alternatives. If you have dietary needs beyond the standard vegetarian meal, ask the operator before booking.

The meal also helps keep the trip relaxed. You are not immediately hurried back to the port after leaving the water. The crew serves food and drinks on board, and the mood is more like a small hosted outing than a strict sightseeing transfer.

A small boat, friendly hosting, and useful extras

Marta and Ruben are the couple who run Yellow Boat Mogan. Their personal approach is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion. They explain the snorkeling gear, answer questions, keep an eye on how people are doing, and make an effort to include families in the photos.

The tour is conducted in Spanish and English. That makes it accessible to a broad range of visitors, although the amount of explanation may vary depending on the group and the day.

Photos are included, and the crew sends them by email after the trip. Some outings have also included video or drone footage, but you should confirm what will be provided on your date rather than assuming every format is guaranteed.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with space to sit in the sun or under cover. It is not a large party cruise. That helps create the friendly atmosphere many people value, but anyone wanting lots of room or complete privacy should understand that this is a shared boat experience.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, the price is fair for what is included. You are paying for three hours on the water, a coastal cruise, a substantial snorkeling stop, equipment, a guide, food, drinks, and photos.

The value improves if you would otherwise rent snorkeling gear or pay separately for a boat ride and lunch. You also avoid the hassle of finding a suitable cove on your own. El Perchel is accessible only by boat, so the excursion gives you access to a spot you cannot simply reach by walking from Puerto de Mogan.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short scenic cruise and do not plan to swim. The snorkeling stop is central to the outing, and non-swimmers are not suitable for it. You should also remember to bring your own towel, since that is not included.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add flexibility. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Who should book this boat and snorkeling trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families with children who can swim
• First-time snorkelers who want clear instruction
• Couples looking for a calm half-day activity
• Visitors who like local food and small-group hosting
• Anyone who wants coastal photographs without a full-day excursion
• Swimmers who prefer plenty of time in the water

I would be more cautious if you dislike boat travel, cannot swim, or want a high-speed adventure. The trip is friendly and relaxed, not built around loud music, racing, or extreme water sports.

It also suits people who want a little more than a standard beach afternoon. The cliff views, explanations about fish, included meal, and photos give the outing a sense of occasion without taking up an entire day.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive with swimwear already under your clothes if that is more convenient. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and any personal medication you may need. A waterproof phone case could be useful, but the crew already takes photos during the trip.

Use sunscreen before boarding and reapply after snorkeling. The sun can feel mild when you are moving on the water, but the reflection off the sea is strong.

If you are new to snorkeling, do not rush into the water. Listen to the instructions, try the mask at the boat, and let the crew help you find a comfortable setup. The full-face mask option has been especially popular with beginners, but a traditional mask may suit you better if you prefer a simpler design.

On market-day Fridays, sort out parking before you leave. The port access restriction is the one practical complication most likely to affect your morning or afternoon.

Should you book Yellow Boat Mogan?

Yes, if you want a well-balanced coastal outing with real snorkeling time, included food, and attentive hosts. The combination of El Perchel, the Tasarte cliffs, vegetarian tapas, drinks, equipment, and photos makes $69 a sensible price for a three-hour activity.

I would choose it over a basic sightseeing cruise if you are happy to swim. Families should book with confidence if their children are capable in open water. Just bring a towel, plan around Friday’s market access, and remember that sea conditions can affect the water.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts three hours, including the coastal cruise, safety briefing, snorkeling, free time, and lunch.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan.

How much time do I get for snorkeling?

The stop at El Perchel includes around 1.5 hours for snorkeling and free time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a guide, food, drinks, photos, and the boat tour.

What food is served?

The meal includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. The food is vegetarian-friendly, and drinks are included.

Can non-swimmers join the activity?

No. The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers because snorkeling in the sea is a central part of the trip.