3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

A short, small-group boat trip off Puerto de Mogan is a smart way to see Gran Canaria’s wild coastline without spending the whole day in transit. This one is built around a single highlight: snorkeling at El Perchel from a boat stop, with lunch and drinks onboard as your downtime.

I really like two things here. First, you get a proper protected cove stop, not a rushed “float past the rocks” moment. Second, the hosts, Marta and Ruben, run it like a friendly day out, with lots of practical guidance and extra little photo touches. You’ll still want to plan for one drawback: reaching the beach during the snorkeling stop requires swimming. There’s no walking access from the boat.

On top of that, the tour only runs if there’s a minimum of 10 people onboard, and the drone footage depends on good weather. If you’re very motion-sensitive, remember you are on the water, so a little chop is possible on the way out and back.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• El Perchel snorkeling stop from a boat-only cove, with gear included
• Open bar plus lunch onboard, with vegetarian-friendly food options
• Hosts Marta and Ruben keep the vibe relaxed and explain what to look for in the water
• Photos and drone footage included when weather allows (drone results can vary)
• Small-group feel, with a maximum of 25 travelers
• You must swim to reach the beach, so it’s best for confident water-goers

Why This Puerto de Mogan Boat + Snorkeling Trip Works So Well

If you want Gran Canaria’s sea views and an easy snorkeling plan in one morning, this itinerary is built for that. You’re not switching buses, juggling multiple stops, or doing a long day that drains your energy. Instead, you board in Puerto de Mogan, cruise the island’s south-west coast, and then anchor for a set snorkel session at El Perchel.

The value is in how much you get for a half-day window. Between the cliff scenery, the snorkeling time, the included gear, and the fact that lunch and drinks are already taken care of, you avoid the common “nickel and dime” feeling that can happen on some water tours.

One more detail I appreciate is the practical friendliness. The crew makes a big effort to get you comfortable in the water, including guidance on fish spotting. If you’re traveling with kids or non-swimmers, this is also one of those trips where the boat itself still feels like part of the fun, with space to relax while others snorkel.

Boarding Marta and Ruben’s Yellow Boat: The Small-Boat Difference

This excursion is run by Yellow Boat Mogan & Snorkel Excursions, and it shows. The boat stays intentionally calm in size, with a maximum of 25 travelers. That matters because smaller groups usually mean fewer bottlenecks around the equipment and less time waiting around to get in the water.

Also, the hosts, Marta and Ruben, come across as hands-on. You’ll get real explanations about the coastline and the marine life you might see. That’s useful even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler, because it turns your time in the water into something you can actually pay attention to, not just float and hope.

The boat is described as smokefree and family friendly, and the crew keeps the atmosphere welcoming. You’ll see it in the way people are encouraged to try, whether it’s full-face masks, a safer floating option, or simply learning what to watch for.

The Coast Cruise Part: Cliff Views Along the South-West Shore

You start at 10:00 am back in Puerto de Mogan, at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán. From there, the route follows the wild south-west coast of Gran Canaria, from Puerto de Mogán toward the Tasarte area. The point of this cruising segment is simple: get the dramatic coastline views early, before you’re busy with snorkeling logistics.

This is the “pause and look” portion. The scenery along this part of the island is all about steep cliffs and rock formations, the kind you can’t really appreciate from the road. If the morning is sunny, you’ll get good light for photos from the deck.

The cruise time also gives you a rhythm. You’ll settle in, get oriented, and then everyone shifts into snorkel mode at the stop. In practice, this flow tends to feel less stressful than tours that pack too much into a tight schedule.

El Perchel Snorkeling Stop: Protected Water and Real Fish Spotting

The snorkeling session is the heart of this trip, and it happens at a cove called El Perchel. The key detail is access. This beach stop is boat-only. And there’s a crucial line you should take seriously: to reach the beach, you must swim, and there is no walking access from the boat.

That changes who this tour suits.

If you are comfortable in the water

You’ll likely love the protected setting. The water is clear enough for fish spotting, and the snorkeling setup is designed to help people feel confident. Full-face masks are available, and other support gear like floating options are part of the experience, which helps first-timers and less confident swimmers join in.

You can also expect plenty of marine life activity, including the kind of “lots of fish” experience that makes snorkeling feel worth it rather than random. People also report seeing more than just small fish, with occasional surprises like stingrays and octopus mentioned during the stop.

If you are not comfortable in the water

If you cannot swim confidently, this becomes a hard stop. You can still enjoy the cruise and hang out on the boat, but you should not expect the snorkeling beach to be accessible without swimming. In other words, this is not a “stay dry and still join everything” tour.

The good news is that the boat experience itself is pleasant. There’s sun on the top deck, seating areas for relaxing, and space for family members who aren’t snorkeling.

A practical tip

Bring a mindset that says, I’m here for an encounter, not a perfect photo. The best snorkeling moments happen when you slow down, watch still, and let the fish come to you. The crew helps with that by pointing out what to look for.

Onboard Lunch and Open Bar: Simple, Fills-You-Up Value

One of the reasons this tour feels like good value is that food and drinks are included. You’re not just buying a boat ride with a snorkel break. You’re getting a full onboard meal, with the kind of convenience that saves money and time later.

Lunch typically includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food. There’s a vegetarian-friendly option, and the meal is described as plentiful, with people noting that it kept getting replenished.

Then there’s the drinks. You get an open bar onboard, and in practice that often means soft drinks plus alcoholic options like sangria. You’re on a boat, so keep it light and steady, especially if you’re going back in the water or your group includes kids.

There’s also a “pace” benefit. Eating right onboard keeps the timing smooth, and it helps everyone warm up after the water time.

Photoshoot and Drone Footage: Nice Extras, Weather-Dependent

If you like having proof that you had a good day, this tour has built-in extras. You’ll get a photoshoot during the boat trip, and there’s also drone film and photos during the snorkeling, but only if weather allows.

That weather dependency is real. If the day is clear and stable, you’re more likely to get the drone results everyone is hoping for. If conditions are rougher, the drone component may be limited. One practical caution: a few people found the drone output less impressive than expected. So if you’re chasing ultra-crisp action-cam style footage, keep your expectations flexible.

Still, the overall photo package is a strong plus. The crew takes pictures during the day and shares them after the trip, so you’re not scrambling to catch every moment with your own camera.

Paddle Board Included: A Bonus If You Want to Move Beyond Snorkel

You also get one paddle board included. That’s not always the case on snorkeling tours, and it adds variety if your group wants more than just floating.

The board also works well for people who want a gentler activity after swimming time. Just remember you are on a small boat schedule, so there’s likely to be a turn-based flow rather than open-ended use.

Getting There Without Stress: Puerto de Mogan Market-Day Note

Puerto de Mogan has a rhythm, and Friday can add friction. On Friday, it’s market day, and you can’t access the port by car. If your travel day falls on a Friday, plan to walk a bit, or contact the operator for practical directions.

That’s one of the few logistics gotchas that can actually affect your day. If you show up with a car expectation, you might waste time circling.

Also, the meeting point is near public transportation. If you’re already using buses or walking in town, you’ll probably find it easy to get to the dock area.

Price and Value: What $71.35 Buys for 3 Hours

At $71.35 per person for about 3 hours, the price feels fair mainly because of what’s included.

You get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch with Canarian-style food plus vegetarian-friendly options
• An open bar
• A photoshoot during the trip
• Drone footage and photos if weather allows
• One paddle board

For a lot of people, the real comparison is not against other tours in Gran Canaria. It’s against building your own day: boat transport, snorkeling gear rental, and a proper meal afterward. This package reduces decision fatigue and removes the need to negotiate add-ons.

The main “value trade-off” is the swim-only access to reach the snorkeling beach. If that’s not ideal for your group, you may end up feeling like you paid for something you could not fully do.

Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great choice if you want:

• A short boat trip + snorkeling combo in Puerto de Mogan
• A single strong snorkeling stop at El Perchel with time to actually look around
• Included food and drinks so you don’t burn your budget on lunch
• A small-group feel with hosts Marta and Ruben running the show

It’s also family-friendly in a practical way. Kids who don’t snorkel can still enjoy the boat, watch from onboard, and lounge on deck while adults snorkel. There are even notes that children have used the onboard setup and enjoyed being part of the day.

You should think twice if:

• You cannot swim comfortably, because there’s no walking access from the boat to the snorkeling beach
• Your group needs a fully dry experience
• You’re expecting the drone to be your main “wow” moment every time, since weather controls it

Quick, Honest Booking Checklist

• Confirm you can handle the swim to reach the snorkeling beach at El Perchel
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing what you normally use, since you are out on open water
• If your trip is on a Friday, plan for market-day restrictions around port car access
• Pick a day with good weather if possible, because the drone component depends on it
• Bring swimwear, since towels are not included

Should You Book Yellow Boat Mogan + Snorkel?

I’d book this if your goal is a compact Gran Canaria sea day with strong odds of seeing fish, getting a real onboard lunch, and not feeling like you’re rushed. The combination of El Perchel snorkeling, included gear, and the host-led friendliness with Marta and Ruben is exactly the kind of trip that makes people plan a return.

Skip it or approach with caution if swimming isn’t in your comfort zone. The beach access rule is not minor, it’s the main gatekeeper for whether you get the full experience.

If you match those two conditions, this is one of the better ways to spend a morning around Puerto de Mogán.

FAQ

What’s included in the snorkeling equipment?

The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment for your snorkeling stop at El Perchel.

Is lunch included, and is it vegetarian friendly?

Yes, lunch is included onboard. The food includes items like Canarian potatoes with mojo and Spanish omelette, and the excursion is vegetarian friendly.

Is there an open bar on the boat?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks through an open bar during the trip.

Are photos and drone footage included?

You get a photoshoot during the boat trip, and drone film and photos during the snorkeling stop. Drone footage is included only if the weather allows it.

Do I need to bring a towel?

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

What time does the trip start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and runs for about 3 hours (approx.).

How many people are on the boat?

The boat has a maximum of 25 travelers.

Can I reach the snorkeling beach by walking from the boat?

No. To reach the beach at the snorkeling stop, you must swim, and there is no walking access from the boat.

Is the port easy to access on Fridays?

On Friday, it’s market day in Puerto de Mogan, so you can’t access the port by car. You should contact the operator for specific guidance.