3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

The best part of this three-hour boat trip is the mix of scenery and easygoing time in the water. From Puerto de Mogán, you cruise along Gran Canaria’s rough southwest coast toward Tasarte, then stop at El Perchel, a small cove reached only by boat. The cliffs are the main show from deck, while the cove brings clear water, fish, and a chance to use the paddle board.

I like the small group limit of 25 and the warm, hands-on hosting by Marta and Ruben. I also like that lunch, an open bar, snorkeling gear, photos, and possible drone footage are bundled into the $71.35 price. The main point to weigh is that you must swim from the boat to reach the beach, and waves on the outward and return legs can bother people prone to seasickness.

Key points before you book

• El Perchel is reached by swimming: There is no walk-on route from the boat, so you need to be comfortable getting into open water.
• Marta and Ruben run the trip: Their friendly, personal hosting is a major part of the experience, with information about the coast, fish, and local area.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, other fresh food, and unlimited drinks, including alcoholic options.
• Photos come with the fare: The crew takes pictures during the cruise, and drone photos or film may be made during snorkeling if conditions allow.
• It stays fairly uncrowded: The boat takes no more than 25 people, giving you room on the cabin and upper deck.
• Friday needs extra planning: Puerto de Mogán is market day, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way.

Why this Puerto de Mogán boat trip works so well

Many sea excursions around Gran Canaria ask you to choose between a scenic cruise and time in the water. This one gives you both without filling the whole day. You leave at 10:00 a.m., spend about three hours on the boat, and return to the same meeting point in Puerto de Mogán.

I see the real appeal in the pace. You have enough time to look at the cliffs, swim, snorkel, eat, and dry off on deck, but you are not committing to a full-day outing. That makes it easy to pair with lunch or a walk around Puerto de Mogán afterward.

The setting also feels more natural than a standard harbor cruise. The route heads west along the wild southwest coast, where steep rock faces, caves, and open sea replace the neat waterfront of the port. The scenery depends on the weather, but on a sunny morning this is the kind of view that gives a boat trip its worth.

The tour is family-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, and smoke-free. Children can enjoy the boat even if they do not enter the water. The upper deck has seating and padded lounging areas, and the cabin gives you somewhere to sit away from the sun.

Meeting Marta and Ruben at the harbor

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, near the boats in Puerto de Mogán. The boat returns here at the end, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup.

The departure time is 10:00 a.m. Transportation to the port is not included. Public transportation is nearby, but you need to allow enough time to find the correct area of the harbor. One especially useful warning applies to Fridays: the market makes the port inaccessible by car. If you are driving, contact Yellow Boat Mogan for the current parking instructions rather than assuming you can pull up beside the departure point.

Marta and Ruben are more than people who point out the safety equipment and start the engine. They explain parts of the coastline, talk about marine life, and help first-time snorkelers get comfortable. The personal tone is useful if you are traveling with children or a mixed group where some people are confident swimmers and others are not.

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, with room in the cabin and on the upper deck. With a maximum of 25 people, it is not a packed party boat. That matters during the meal and when you want a quiet place to watch the coast.

Following the cliffs from Mogán to Tasarte

Once underway, the boat follows Gran Canaria’s southwest coast toward Tasarte. This is the scenic half of the trip, so keep your camera ready and spend some time outside if the sea is calm.

The coast here is rugged and exposed. You will see large cliff faces and rock formations from an angle that you cannot get from the road. The crew also takes photos during the boat ride, which is handy if you want pictures of your group rather than only pictures of the coast.

There can be waves on the way out and back. Most people will find that part of the normal sea journey, but if you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously when deciding where to sit and whether this trip suits you. The information provided does not specify medication, seating advice, or a sheltered route, so bring your own usual precautions if needed.

The cruise is not simply a transfer to the snorkeling site. You have time to enjoy the ride, ask questions, and take in the cliffs. The shorter duration keeps the outing manageable, but it also means the boat does not linger for hours at several different coves. You are choosing one main swimming stop and a coastal cruise rather than a full day of repeated snorkel sites.

El Perchel, the swimming-only beach stop

El Perchel is the heart of the excursion. This small cove can be reached by boat, and the stop gives you time to swim and snorkel in the protected water.

There is one important practical detail: you must swim from the boat to the beach. There is no way to walk from the boat onto the beach. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the available equipment and floating aids before getting in. The trip can still work for non-swimmers who stay onboard, but the central activity is built around entering the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask, snorkel, or fins separately. The equipment available has included standard sets and full-face masks, along with floating aids that can make the first attempt less stressful. The crew gives basic help and tips, and Ruben can point out the sort of fish you may see.

The water is described as full of marine life. You might see many small fish, and sightings have also included stingrays, octopus, flying fish, and other species. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course, but El Perchel offers enough time in the water to look carefully rather than rush through a quick swim.

You can also use the paddle board during the stop. There is one board onboard, so it may need to be shared if several people want a turn. The stop is a good fit for a family group because one person can snorkel while another relaxes on the boat, watches children, or waits for a turn on the board.

The drone footage is another nice extra, but keep expectations sensible. It is available only when weather permits, and the quality or amount of footage can vary. The regular photos taken by the crew are the more dependable souvenir.

Canarian food and an open bar on the return

Food is served onboard, with Canarian potatoes and mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh food. The meal is simple rather than formal, which suits a morning on the water. The menu is vegetarian-friendly, and the food is replenished during the trip.

Drinks are unlimited and included in the price. The open bar includes soft drinks and alcoholic choices, with sangria receiving particular praise. Having food and drinks included changes the value calculation: you are not paying $71.35 for transport and a short swim alone. You are also covering the meal, beverages, equipment, crew photos, and the boat time.

I would still view the lunch as tapas-style food, not a restaurant meal. That is not a criticism. Canarian potatoes with mojo and Spanish omelette are exactly the kind of unfussy local fare that works after swimming. If you have strict dietary needs beyond vegetarian food, confirm them before booking because the supplied details do not list other special menus.

After snorkeling, you can dry off in the sun on the upper deck. Padded mats and relaxed seating make this part feel less hurried. You are free to eat, drink, talk with the other people onboard, or simply watch the coast on the way back.

What the $71.35 price really includes

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the sea around Gran Canaria. Its value comes from how many extras are already included.

You receive:

• About three hours on the boat
• The coastal cruise from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte
• Snorkeling equipment
• Time at El Perchel
• One paddle board
• Vegetarian-friendly lunch
• Unlimited drinks from the open bar
• Photos taken during the trip
• Drone footage and photos during snorkeling when weather allows

A larger boat excursion may offer more space on the route or a different program, but you may also pay separately for drinks, equipment, photos, or food. Here, the cost is easier to understand from the start. There are no listed charges for the snorkeling gear or photos.

The small capacity is important. A maximum of 25 people means you are paying for a more personal outing rather than a high-volume cruise. That does not guarantee a private-feeling boat every day, but it should reduce the cramped feeling that can spoil a swimming trip.

The price is strongest for people who plan to eat and drink onboard, use the equipment, and spend real time snorkeling. If you only want a short scenic cruise and have no interest in getting wet, you may find better value elsewhere.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed morning rather than a loud party cruise. It also suits first-time snorkelers because equipment is supplied and the crew offers guidance.

Families should note that children can enjoy the boat without entering the water. The crew has welcomed young children, and the boat has indoor and upper-deck places to sit. Still, the swimming requirement at El Perchel means parents need to judge their own children’s comfort and ability. The tour data says most people can participate, but it does not give a detailed age policy or a child-specific safety program.

Vegetarians have a clear advantage here because vegetarian food is included. The boat is smoke-free, which makes the ride more pleasant for anyone sensitive to smoke.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or cannot swim. You can remain onboard during the stop, but you would miss the main reason to choose this particular excursion. I would also avoid booking it as your only fixed plan if your holiday schedule is very tight, since the trip needs at least 10 people and good weather to operate.

Practical details that can save your morning

Confirmation is provided when you book, but availability is confirmed before the card is charged. The excursion may be canceled if fewer than 10 people are booked or if weather conditions are poor. In those cases, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so check your plans before the cut-off based on local time.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and you will want one after swimming. Transportation is also not part of the fare, so plan your route to Puerto de Mogán in advance.

If you are driving, Friday is the day to be especially careful. The market affects vehicle access to the port. On other days, leave time to park and walk to the boat, and contact the operator if the harbor layout is unclear.

Should you book the Yellow Boat Mogan trip?

Yes, if you want a small-group coastal cruise with real time for snorkeling, a straightforward local lunch, and drinks included. The personal hosting from Marta and Ruben, the clean boat, and the extra photos give this outing more character than a basic sightseeing transfer.

Book with care if you are not comfortable swimming, if sea conditions concern you, or if your main aim is a long, serious snorkeling session. This is a balanced morning of cliffs, one good cove, food, and relaxed time on deck. For most people staying near Puerto de Mogán, the $71.35 fare is fair, especially when you use the equipment and open bar. Just remember the essential rule: El Perchel is reached by swimming, not by walking from the boat.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

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

What time does the excursion begin?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the boat return?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Puerto de Mogán.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

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.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included food features Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh food. Vegetarian food is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included through the onboard open bar.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Is the tour canceled in poor weather?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The trip also requires at least 10 people to operate.