3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

This 3-hour boat trip turns Puerto de Mogán into a snorkeling morning with real scenery. You’ll cruise the Gran Canaria south-west coast for cliff views, then stop at El Perchel for a protected-beach swim with snorkeling gear included. The crew runs a relaxed vibe on board, with Marta (skipper) and Ruben guiding you along the coastline and in the water.

What I really like is the combo: snorkeling time at the cove plus a proper onboard lunch. You’re not stuck with dry snacks—there’s Canarian-style food (including potatoes with mojo) and an open bar, and the boat stays calm enough that even kids can enjoy being on the water.

One consideration: access to the snorkeling spot requires swimming from the boat. There’s no walk-off option from the boat, so if you’re a non-swimmer or have zero confidence in the water, you’ll still be on the boat watching—but you may not be able to do the snorkeling stop.

Key points before you go

• Protected cove at El Perchel: a boat-only-access snorkeling spot with lots of marine life to look for
• Snorkeling gear is included: full-face masks, plus flotation support options for first-timers
• Open bar + Canarian lunch onboard: food and drinks are built into the price, not added later
• Photos and drone only when conditions are good: you’ll get photo coverage, and drone footage depends on weather
• Small-group feel (max 25): more room, less crowding, and plenty of deck time
• One paddle board included: a fun extra for calmer moments at the surface

Cruising the Gran Canaria south-west: what you’re paying for

This trip is built around one simple idea: you get scenery first, then you earn your lunch with a snorkel stop. You start at 10:00 am from C. Explanada del Castillete in Puerto de Mogán, and you return to the same meeting point at the end. The total time is about 3 hours, so it fits nicely into a morning when you don’t want to lose your whole day to long travel.

Once you’re aboard Yellow Boat Mogan & Snorkel Excursions, the focus shifts to the coast. The route runs along Gran Canaria’s rugged south-west side, from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte, where the shoreline is all cliffs and drop-offs. If you like photography, this is where you rack up the easy wins: open sea views, steep rock faces, and that classic “island coast from the water” perspective.

The boat itself matters more than you’d think. You’re on a smaller vessel rather than a mass-tour cattle car. That tends to make a difference in comfort and how fast you feel settled—especially when families are around. The top deck is where you’ll probably spend time between the snorkeling moments, drying off and catching the sun.

El Perchel snorkeling: the swim requirement (and how to plan for it)

The highlight stop is a small cove called El Perchel, which is protected and reachable only by boat. This is not a “jump in, swim 2 meters, done” situation. The key detail you need up front: to reach the beach you must swim—there is no walking access from the boat. So think of this as a water activity with a shoreline element, not a simple ladder-and-lounge setup.

If you can swim comfortably, you’ll likely feel at ease fast. The crew guides you, and they’ve got gear and options that make the experience smoother for beginners. Full-face snorkel masks are available, and there’s flotation support on board (like noodles) for people who want a bit of help staying relaxed.

The snorkeling itself is why many people rate this trip so highly. The water is clear enough to spot plenty of fish, and the protected nature of the cove helps keep the experience enjoyable. You can also look out for standout sightings—stingsray, flying fish, and octopus have shown up during snorkel time, so it’s not just “some fish.” The underwater views are the main reason to pick this over a generic cruise.

The drawback part is simple: if swimming is a no-go for you, you may not get the El Perchel beach access. But don’t assume it’s a waste of money. You’ll still be out on the water, the crew runs a friendly pace, and some guests choose to stay on board while others snorkel.

Onboard lunch and open bar: real value, not just extras

A big part of the price here feels more like “all-in” planning than a nickel-and-dime day. The lunch is included, and it’s very much Spanish and Canarian in style: potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food. On top of that, there’s an open bar with unlimited drinks.

In practice, this means you’re not hunting for lunch after the tour. You go from snorkeling gear to food on the same schedule. And if you’re the kind of traveler who hates planning—this is the kind of trip that turns planning into one neat package.

The open bar also helps with the mood. It’s not a party cruise, but it does make the post-snorkel part more pleasant. Many people remember sangria in particular, and it fits the setting: sun on the deck, salty air, and a calm cove moment before you head back.

Also notice what you don’t get: towels aren’t included. That’s a small detail, but it affects comfort. If you want to dry off properly after snorkeling, bring a towel or use your own quick-dry method.

Photos, drone footage, and paddle board: the little wins

This trip includes photo coverage during the boat trip. On top of that, drone film and photos are included only if weather allows. That’s a fair condition—wind and cloud cover can ruin drone time. Still, it’s a nice perk because you don’t have to remember to ask strangers to take pictures of you in the right light.

One reality check: if the weather isn’t ideal, you might not get the full drone set. The trip is still worth it without drone content, but it’s good to know this is conditional so you don’t feel let down if conditions shift.

Then there’s the paddle board. You get one paddle board included, so if you’re eager to try something beyond snorkeling, you’ll have that option during calmer periods. In real use, it’s a fun activity for stronger swimmers and also for kids who can follow instructions while staying safe.

Between the boat ride, snorkeling, and the onboard hangout time, this isn’t just a check-the-box activity. It’s more like a half-day at sea with multiple reasons to take photos.

The crew’s style: why it feels easy even for first-timers

This experience stands or falls on the hosting. Here, the hosts do the heavy lifting—Marta runs the boat and Ruben shares the coastline and marine-life info in a way that makes snorkeling feel less intimidating.

If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is the kind of trip where it helps to have a guide that explains what you’re seeing. It’s not just about where to put your face in the water. You’re also learning what to look for—fish behavior, what makes the cove interesting, and how to stay comfortable.

Safety also shows up as a theme in the way the trip is run. Even when you’re swimming to the beach, you’re not thrown in and left to figure it out. The crew keeps the pace relaxed, but still attentive.

And yes, the small-group size matters. With a maximum of 25 people, it doesn’t feel like you’re waiting your turn in a long line. It’s easier to get comfortable, and questions get answered without a rush.

Family-friendly details that actually help

This is labeled family friendly, smokefree, and vegetarian friendly. Those aren’t just marketing tags; they shape the day.

A smokefree boat is an underrated comfort for families and for anyone who doesn’t want their hair and clothes smelling like smoke after a saltwater morning. The vegetarian option is also reassuring: lunch is included and is set up to work for different diets without you needing to order separately.

For kids, the key is that they’re not forced into the water if they’re not ready. Some children do choose to snorkel, others prefer watching from the boat, and either way the atmosphere is welcoming. Full-face masks and flotation tools help younger or less confident swimmers, but even if someone sits this one out, they still get the fun part: the boat ride, deck time, and the sea views.

Price and logistics: is $71.35 actually a good deal?

At $71.35 per person for about 3 hours, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for.

Here’s what you’re getting included:

• snorkeling equipment
• unlimited drinks (open bar)
• lunch (vegetarian friendly)
• photo shooting during the trip
• drone film and photos if weather allows
• one paddle board
• mobile ticket

You’re also getting the protected-cove location that you’d struggle to reach on your own. In Puerto de Mogán, that boat-access difference is a real part of the cost.

The main “hidden” cost is what you bring yourself: towels aren’t included, and you’ll want to come ready for water time (swimsuit, sunscreen, and a plan for what you’ll do with wet clothes).

Also note one practical local quirk: Friday is market day in Puerto de Mogán, and you can’t access the port by car that day. If you’re arriving by taxi or driving, plan ahead and contact the operator for guidance on the best way to reach the meeting point.

What to bring, and how to make your morning smoother

This trip runs on the assumption that you’ll be in the water at the snorkel stop. So prep like it’s a water day, not a land tour.

Bring:

• your swimsuit (if you can, arrive dressed)
• sunscreen and a hat
• your own towel or something that works as one
• water shoes if you prefer extra foot comfort

In your mind, plan for the swim aspect. If you’re worried about the El Perchel access, think about choosing full-face masks and flotation support. The goal is to enjoy the marine life without turning it into a stress test.

If the weather looks questionable, keep expectations flexible. The trip requires good weather, and drone content is only available when conditions allow it. In other words: the snorkeling and boat cruise are the core. Everything else is a bonus when the sky cooperates.

Should you book this 3-hour boat + snorkeling trip?

Book it if you want:

• a short morning on the water instead of a full-day commitment
• real snorkeling time at El Perchel with included gear
• lunch and unlimited drinks included (so you don’t have to plan a meal afterward)
• a small, friendly boat with hosts who guide you in the water

Maybe skip or ask questions first if:

• you can’t swim and you’re hoping for a walk-off option from the boat
• you expect drone footage no matter the weather (it depends on conditions)
• you dislike swims because the snorkeling stop involves swimming access

For most people in Puerto de Mogán—especially families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants value that’s more than just sightseeing—this is one of those trips that makes the morning feel special without overcomplicating it.