3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

El Perchel is a postcard you swim into. This 3-hour outing blends coast views with real snorkeling time, run by Marta and Ruben on a small boat out of Puerto de Mogán.

My two favorite parts: the snorkeling support, with proper gear like full-face masks and extra floating help for beginners. And the onboard meal, a vegetarian-friendly Canarian-style lunch plus an open bar that keeps things easy.

One catch to plan for: you’ll need to be comfortable getting in the water. To reach the snorkeling beach, there’s no walking access from the boat, so this trip is best for confident swimmers who don’t mind a short swim first.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group feel (max 25), so the boat never feels crowded
• Marta (skipper) and Ruben keep the vibe relaxed and the info clear
• El Perchel snorkeling stop at a protected beach reached from the boat
• Unlimited drinks and lunch onboard, including vegetarian options
• Photos and drone footage included when weather allows
• One paddle board is available for a different kind of fun

Setting Out From Puerto de Mogán: what this 10:00am trip really feels like

This trip starts at 10:00am in Puerto de Mogán, with the meeting point at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163. It’s a tight 3-hour experience designed to give you a full taste of Gran Canaria’s south-west coast without burning your day.

You’ll board a smokefree boat with a family-friendly setup, and the group is capped at 25 people. That small size matters. It usually means easier movement onboard, more time in the water, and less of that rushed, cattle-car rhythm you can get on larger cruises.

The best mindset for this tour: think “morning cruise plus a proper snorkeling session,” not “a long day at sea.” You’ll be back around lunchtime, ready to keep exploring Puerto de Mogán on foot.

Cruising the south-west coast: cliff views to Tasarte from a small boat

Right after you set out, the itinerary is about one thing: the coastline. You cruise along the wild south-west side of the island, with dramatic cliffs and rocky scenery that looks different as the light changes.

There’s also a practical reason this boat route works well. With a smaller vessel, the day doesn’t feel like a nonstop hustle to tick boxes. You get real stretches of time to look, take photos, and enjoy the sea breeze while the crew points out what you’re seeing.

If you’re the type who likes spotting small details, this is a strong match. The crew shares context about the coastline and the marine world, so your time on the water feels more connected instead of just scenic wallpaper.

And yes, the boat ride gives plenty of photo moments. The crew also captures pictures during the trip, so even if you don’t think you’re a great selfie person, you’ll still come away with images.

El Perchel snorkeling stop: protected water, full gear, and one important rule

The heart of the outing is the stop at El Perchel, a small cove you can access from the boat. It’s protected water, which is exactly what you want for snorkeling: better conditions and a calmer feel while you gear up.

Here’s the key detail you must plan around. You have to swim to get to the beach area. There is no walking access from the boat. So if you’re unsure about your swimming confidence, you’ll want to think carefully. The good news is that the crew is used to mixed groups, including families.

What you’ll get in the water is also set up for success. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can choose between different mask styles, including full-face masks. On top of that, you may be offered extra help like floating aids (for balance) and flippers for comfort, which is especially useful if you’re new to snorkeling.

As for what you might see: the water often has plenty of fish, and the best sessions have produced sightings like stingrays and octopus. The general takeaway is that you’re not just looking at one or two species. You’ll have a real chance at multiple fish types during your time in the water.

One more smart note: the cove is a protected spot, but you’re still on open ocean. If the sea has a bite to it, expect some bouncy moments on the way in and out. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your usual remedy.

Onboard lunch and unlimited drinks: mojo potatoes, omelette, and a relaxed pace

Lunch is served during the cruise, and it’s not an afterthought. The meal is Canarian-style, including Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food. There’s also a vegetarian-friendly setup, so you’re covered even if you don’t eat meat.

Drinks are an easy part of the equation. The tour includes an open bar with unlimited drinks, and sangria is commonly part of that experience. This matters because it changes the day from “snorkel, hurry, rinse, go” into a smoother morning where you can actually hang out and snack while you sail.

Also, the crew keeps replenishing food and drinks during the meal period, so you don’t end up doing the awkward scramble to grab the last bit of snacks. It’s the kind of setup that works well for families, where kids tend to get hungry at the least convenient moment.

Photos and drone footage: great value, but weather decides the drone

This tour includes a photo shoot during the day, plus drone film and photos if conditions allow. That means in good weather you’ll likely get the extra aerial content that makes the coastline look dramatic.

The drone part is not guaranteed. It depends on weather, so treat it as a bonus rather than the main event. When the drone can’t fly, you still get crew photos and the memories are still the snorkeling and scenery.

One small expectation check I’d suggest: even when drone footage is produced, don’t assume it will match professional action-camera quality. The real reason people love these extras is that they capture the day with the coastline and snorkeling moments in context.

If you like having photos without asking every few minutes, you’ll appreciate how the crew handles pictures onboard. And they send the images to you after the trip, so you’re not stuck with a dead phone battery and a dozen blurry shots.

Comfort level onboard: for kids, first-timers, and non-swimmers

This boat is set up so different comfort levels can coexist. Even if not everyone swims, the experience still works because you can stay onboard, relax on the deck, and enjoy the views while others snorkel.

In practice, that means families often do well here. Kids who don’t want to get in can still lounge and watch from the boat, and there’s paddle-board time for extra fun. The crew also provides guidance and safety attention while gear is fitted, which helps first-timers feel less like they’re guessing.

The onboard layout also helps. You get space to sit, and you can dry off in the sun on the top deck with padded seating. That small comfort detail makes a real difference after you’ve been in cool water, even on warm days.

One more practical consideration: since you’ll be entering and exiting the water from the boat, it’s smart to bring a plan for drying off and changing quickly. Towels are not included, so pack one of your own. It’s the simplest thing you can do to make the end of the snorkeling stop feel easy instead of rushed.

Price and value for $71.35: what you’re really paying for

At about $71.35 per person, this is priced like a true bundle. You’re not only paying for a boat ride. You also get snorkeling equipment, lunch, and unlimited drinks, plus photo extras and a drone add-on when weather cooperates.

Let’s break down the value logic in plain terms. Snorkeling gear rental plus a guided snorkeling session usually costs a chunk on its own. Add in a full lunch, including vegetarian options, and then the open bar, and the package shifts from “activity” to “morning event.”

Then consider the small group cap of 25. You’re more likely to get attention, smoother transitions, and less crowding than on larger boats. That’s a real quality-of-experience factor, not just marketing.

For me, the best value sign is this: the trip isn’t trying to squeeze in too much. Three hours is short enough to feel focused, but long enough to include the cruise, snorkeling time, and a proper meal.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates paying extra at the end, this all-in structure is a big win.

Who should book this boat and snorkeling trip in Gran Canaria

I’d book this if you want a family-friendly morning with enough structure to feel safe and enough freedom to go at your own pace in the water.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• you’re comfortable swimming short distances, because El Perchel requires swimming in
• you want a guided snorkeling experience with gear included
• you like the idea of a boat outing that includes lunch and drinks onboard
• you’re traveling as a family or group where not everyone snorkels

It might be the wrong pick if:

• you strongly dislike open-water entry from a boat
• you need a fully walking-access snorkeling location
• you get very seasick in choppy conditions (the ride can have bouncy moments)

That said, even if you’re not a strong swimmer, the crew generally supports first-timers well with full-face masks and extra floating help. The main divider is your comfort with being in the water at all, not your snorkeling skill level.

Should you book Yellow Boat Mogan for 3 hours of snorkeling and coast views?

If you want one clear “best use” of your morning in Puerto de Mogán, this trip is a top contender. You get cliff scenery along Gran Canaria’s south-west coast, a dedicated protected snorkeling stop at El Perchel, and an onboard lunch that’s more substantial than typical cruise snacks. Add in unlimited drinks and the photo extras, and it feels like a complete small-group outing rather than a rushed transport-and-tread water experience.

My vote comes with one strong condition: be honest with yourself about swimming. Since there’s no walking access from the boat, you need to be okay with that first step into the water. If you are, the experience is cheerful, well-run, and genuinely fun, with Marta and Ruben guiding the day so you spend more time enjoying and less time worrying.

So yes, I’d book it. Just bring a towel, think motion-sickness thoughts if you’re sensitive, and plan to enjoy a morning that mixes scenery, snorkeling, and an easy meal.

FAQ

What time does the 3-hour boat trip start?

The activity starts at 10:00am.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where do I meet the group in Puerto de Mogán?

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain.

Where do you snorkel during the trip?

Snorkeling happens at a protected cove called El Perchel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch and drinks included onboard?

Yes. Lunch is included, and there is an open bar with unlimited drinks.

Is the meal vegetarian friendly?

Yes. Vegetarian food is included.

Do I have to swim to reach the snorkeling area?

Yes. To reach the beach you must swim, and there is no walking access from the boat.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.