3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

Sea cliffs, clear water, and lunch on deck. This three-hour trip from Puerto de Mogan combines a scenic cruise along Gran Canaria’s wild southwest coast with snorkeling at the small cove of El Perchel. I especially like the small maximum group of 25 and the friendly, family-run feel created by hosts Ruben and Marta. The included food, open bar, photos, and snorkeling gear also make the $71.35 price easier to justify.

The main thing to consider is the swim from the boat to the beach. You cannot walk ashore, so you need to be comfortable getting into the water, although flotation aids and different mask options help less-confident swimmers. Sea conditions can also be choppy on the way out and back, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• El Perchel is reached by swimming: There is no gangway or walking route from the boat to the beach.
• The boat carries up to 25 people: That gives you more room than many larger coastal cruises.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, other fresh food, and an open bar.
• Ruben and Marta host the trip: Their warm, informal approach is a major part of the experience.
• Photos and drone footage cost nothing extra: Drone images depend on suitable weather.
• Friday requires extra planning: Puerto de Mogan’s market closes car access to the port area.

Cruising From Puerto de Mogan Toward Tasarte

The trip begins at 10:00 a.m. at Yellow Boat Mogan Excursions, on C. Explanada del Castillete near the port. You return to the same place after about three hours, so the outing fits neatly into a morning without taking over your whole day.

From Puerto de Mogan, the boat follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast toward Tasarte. This is the scenic heart of the outing. Instead of a quick ride straight to a swimming spot, you get time to look back at the port and then watch the developed coast give way to rugged cliffs, rock faces, and small areas that are difficult to reach by land.

I like this route because it gives the snorkeling stop a proper setting. You are not simply dropped at a generic patch of water. The coast becomes wilder as the boat moves away from Puerto de Mogan, and the views are best on a clear, calm day.

The boat itself is arranged for a relaxed morning, with seating inside and space on the upper deck. Padded mats and beanbag-style seating make it possible to dry off in the sun after swimming. The group limit of 25 is important here. A boat can feel very different with 15 people compared with a full load, and this trip is designed to avoid the packed, impersonal feel of a large excursion vessel.

Ruben and Marta are part of what gives the trip its character. They explain features of the coast, discuss geology and marine life, and take time to help people feel at ease. Marta also skippers the boat, a detail that adds to the personal, family-run atmosphere.

One practical warning: the outward and return portions may feel wavy. One person specifically found the sea rough enough to mention seasickness as a concern. If that sounds like you, sit where movement is less noticeable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider taking your usual motion-sickness precautions before departure.

El Perchel: A Protected Cove With Plenty of Marine Life

The boat stops at El Perchel, a small cove accessible by boat. This is where the trip changes from sightseeing to active fun. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and the crew gives advice on using it and on what you may see below the surface.

The water has produced some memorable sightings, including many kinds of fish, an octopus, flying fish, and even a stingray. No wildlife sighting can be guaranteed, of course, but the area is described as full of marine life, and you should have time to look around rather than being hurried back onto the boat.

You can choose between standard snorkeling equipment and full-face masks, with flippers and flotation support available according to the equipment used on the trip. That matters if you are new to snorkeling or not a strong swimmer. Several people who had little or no previous snorkeling experience found the setup reassuring, and children were given suitable equipment as well.

Still, do not treat the flotation gear as a substitute for swimming ability. You must swim to reach the beach, and there is no way to step directly from the boat onto the shore. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on board, enjoy the views, and watch the family activity from the deck. Parents also have the option of bringing children who would rather sit on the boat than enter the water.

The stop is not only about snorkeling. A paddle board is included, giving you another way to enjoy the cove if conditions allow. You may also jump from the boat into the water, but this is optional. The crew’s approach seems well suited to mixed groups, where one person wants to snorkel, another wants to paddle, and someone else is happy with a drink in the sun.

The clear strength here is the amount of support. Ruben explains what kind of fish you might see, while Marta helps keep the mood easy and welcoming. That makes a difference for first-timers, who often need practical help with fitting a mask or breathing calmly through a snorkel.

Canarian Food and an Open Bar on the Return

After the water time, the boat serves lunch. The food includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh items. The menu is simple, local, and well matched to a morning at sea. It is also vegetarian-friendly, which makes the meal more useful for mixed groups.

Drinks are included through an open bar. The available refreshments described by people on the trip include soft drinks, sangria, and alcoholic drinks. The sangria receives particular praise, while the food is often described as plentiful and replenished until everyone has had enough.

This is where the price begins to look sensible. At $71.35 per person, you are not paying only for a boat seat and a short ride. The fee includes the coastal cruise, equipment, lunch, unlimited drinks, a paddle board, crew assistance, photographs, and possible drone footage. Buying some of those extras separately would quickly narrow the price difference between this outing and a basic boat tour.

The meal is not a formal restaurant service, and you should not expect a long dining stop with a broad menu. Think of it as generous Spanish-style food served casually on deck. That suits the trip. You can eat, dry off, chat with the people around you, and watch the coast without losing much time.

The boat is smoke-free, another useful detail for anyone who dislikes cigarette smoke in a confined space. Families and vegetarian diners are specifically welcome, and the relaxed format works well for groups with different energy levels.

Photos, Drone Clips, and the Little Extras

The crew takes photos throughout the outing and sends them afterward for you to download. This is a thoughtful inclusion because it lets you enjoy the day without constantly holding a phone near the water.

The drone can capture photos and video during the snorkeling stop, but this depends on good weather. It is worth keeping expectations sensible. Drone footage may provide a fun overhead view of the boat and swimmers, but it is not the same as professional underwater photography. One person felt the drone material was less impressive than expected and wished for an underwater camera option.

That is the clearest weakness in the extras. If your main goal is dramatic snorkeling footage, bring your own waterproof camera if you have one. The included photos are still a nice bonus, especially for families and couples who want pictures of the day without paying another fee.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most?

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, and small groups who want a social morning rather than a fast, highly scheduled excursion. The hosts make a real effort to include children, and young people can use the equipment, try the paddle board, or simply relax on the upper deck.

It also suits first-time snorkelers. You receive equipment, guidance, and flotation support, and the crew takes time to explain the marine life. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy the stop, but you do need to be willing and able to swim from the boat.

This trip may also suit you if you prefer a smaller boat to a large party cruise. The maximum of 25 people leaves more room to find a comfortable place inside or above deck. The atmosphere is friendly and informal rather than loud or club-like.

I would think twice if you strongly dislike waves, cannot swim, or want a guaranteed underwater photography package. The route requires time at sea, and the beach stop cannot be reached without entering the water. Poor weather can also lead to cancellation or a change of date.

Getting to the Port and Choosing Your Date

Transportation to and from the port is not included. Puerto de Mogan is served by public transportation, and the port is close to the meeting point. If you drive, allow extra time to find the correct parking area near the boats. Parking instructions have caused confusion for some people, so contacting Yellow Boat Mogan directly before departure is sensible.

Friday needs special attention. It is market day in Puerto de Mogan, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Ask the operator for current directions rather than assuming you can drive right up to the meeting point.

The experience is commonly reserved around 11 days ahead, so booking early is wise if your holiday dates are fixed. The boat requires at least 10 people to operate. If that minimum is not reached, or if the weather is poor, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Is the $71.35 Price Good Value?

For a three-hour outing, $71.35 is not the cheapest way to see the coast. A basic sightseeing cruise may cost less, particularly if it does not include food, drinks, or water equipment.

The value here comes from the package. You receive a coastal boat ride, a protected snorkeling stop, all the main gear, lunch, an open bar, a paddle board, crew guidance, and photos. The smaller capacity also matters because you are paying for space and attention, not just transport.

I would call it good value for an active morning, especially if you plan to eat lunch on the boat and make use of the snorkeling gear. It is less compelling if you only want a short cruise and have no interest in swimming. In that case, you may spend part of the outing waiting while others are in the water.

The strongest feature is not one single attraction. It is the way the pieces fit together: dramatic coast, time in a quiet cove, practical help for beginners, local food, and hosts who treat the outing as a personal experience rather than a conveyor belt.

Should You Book the Puerto de Mogan Boat Trip?

Yes, if you want a friendly, small-group morning with real time for snorkeling, food, and coastal scenery. I would especially choose it for a family with mixed swimming ability, a couple wanting a relaxed sea outing, or anyone who values included extras and personal attention.

Before booking, make three checks. Confirm that you can swim from the boat to El Perchel, prepare for possible waves, and plan your route to the port carefully if you are driving on Friday. If those points work for you, this is a well-rounded Gran Canaria excursion with better value than its price first suggests.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto de Mogan boat trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

What time does the excursion start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

Where does the boat trip begin?

It begins at Yellow Boat Mogan Excursions, C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price. Equipment options described for the trip include standard and full-face masks, along with flotation support and other basic snorkeling gear.

Can I walk from the boat to El Perchel beach?

No. You must swim to reach the beach, and there is no walking access from the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food. Unlimited drinks are also included through the onboard open bar.

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

If bad weather prevents the trip from operating, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The excursion also requires a minimum of 10 people, and if that minimum is not met, you are offered a different date, another experience, or a full refund.