3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

The best part of this three-hour boat trip from Puerto de Mogán is the mix of scenery and water time. You cruise along Gran Canaria’s rugged southwest coast toward Tasarte, then stop at El Perchel, a small cove reachable only by boat. The setting feels far removed from the busy resort beaches.

I like the friendly, family-run feel created by Marta and Ruben, and I like that the trip includes lunch, unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, photos, and a paddle board without a string of extra charges. The main thing to consider is that you must swim from the boat to reach the beach, and the open-water ride can be choppy if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• El Perchel is reached by swimming: There is no walkway from the boat to the beach, so you need to be comfortable entering the water.
• Marta and Ruben run the trip: Their warm hosting and practical help are a big part of the experience.
• The boat carries no more than 25 people: That leaves more room than many large sightseeing cruises.
• Lunch and an open bar are included: Expect Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, other fresh food, and drinks.
• Snorkeling equipment is supplied: Standard and full-face masks, fins, and floating aids may be available, depending on the group’s needs.
• Photos are part of the package: The crew takes pictures during the cruise, with drone images and film added during snorkeling when weather allows.

Setting out from Puerto de Mogán at 10 a.m.

The trip begins at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, beside Puerto de Mogán. You return to the same point after about three hours, so the outing fits neatly into a morning. That leaves time to eat in the port, stroll its flower-lined streets, or simply sit by the water afterward.

I would arrive with enough time to find the boat and settle in. The port is served by public transport, and transportation to the meeting point is not included. If you drive, pay special attention to Friday. Puerto de Mogán holds its market that day, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan for parking instructions rather than assuming you can pull up beside the departure point.

The boat is smoke-free, an important detail for families and anyone who dislikes the smell of tobacco at sea. The maximum group size is 25, and the trip will only run if at least 10 people are booked. That minimum is worth keeping in mind if your dates are flexible.

Cruising the cliffs toward Tasarte

Once out of the harbor, the boat follows Gran Canaria’s wild southwest coast toward Tasarte. This is not a fast transfer to a swimming stop. The cruise itself is part of the point, giving you time to see the high cliffs, coastal rock formations, and small sections of shore that are difficult to reach by land.

I would keep your phone or camera ready during this section. The crew also takes photos, and you can request pictures during the ride. These are sent to you afterward, adding a useful record of the day without asking you to pay an additional fee.

Marta and Ruben also share information about the coast, geology, and marine life. Their explanations help you notice more than just the cliffs. You might learn how the shore was formed, then hear what fish to look for once you are in the water.

The ride is comfortable rather than formal. You can spend time inside the cabin or head to the upper deck, where padded mats and beanbag-style seating provide a place to dry in the sun. The boat has small sitting areas, so it does not have the feel of being packed into rows on a large excursion vessel.

One practical warning: parts of the ride out and back may have noticeable waves. If you get seasick, sit where the movement feels gentler, watch the horizon, and consider bringing your usual remedy. The information provided does not specify a particular seat as best, so ask the crew when you board.

El Perchel, a cove reached from the boat

The main stop is El Perchel, a protected cove accessible only by boat. It is quieter and more secluded than a standard beach stop, but there is an important catch: you cannot walk from the boat to the beach. You must swim.

That makes the stop a good fit for confident swimmers and people willing to use flotation support. It may be less suitable if you cannot swim, dislike open water, or want a shore visit with a simple ladder or pier entry. The crew can make the water easier for beginners with noodles and other floating aids, but the basic requirement remains the same.

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins. Full-face masks may be available, which can help first-time snorkelers feel more at ease. Families with children have also found the boat enjoyable even when some children chose not to enter the water. You can stay aboard, watch the activity, and use the upper deck seating, though the beach itself is not accessible without swimming.

The crew gives basic snorkeling guidance before you start. That matters here because the cove is not just a quick dip. You get enough time to look around and identify fish in the clear water. Marine life may include several kinds of fish, and sightings have included octopus, stingray, flying fish, and plenty of smaller fish. Wildlife is never guaranteed, of course, but the protected setting gives you a good reason to bring patience and keep looking.

A paddle board is also included. It offers another way to enjoy the stop if you tire of snorkeling or want to take turns with family members. The supplied information does not state how many boards are available, so I would expect one paddle board to be shared among the group rather than assume individual use.

Lunch, sangria, and time to dry off

After the water stop, food and drinks are served on board. The meal includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and other fresh food. Vegetarian diners are welcome, and the trip is described as vegetarian-friendly.

This is simple local food, not a restaurant meal, but it fits the setting well. Canarian potatoes with mojo are a classic island dish, and Spanish omelette is practical boat food: filling, easy to share, and familiar to most people. The food is replenished during the outing, so you are not left with a tiny snack after swimming.

Drinks are unlimited and form part of the open bar. That includes soft drinks and alcoholic choices, with sangria receiving particular praise. Drink responsibly, especially after snorkeling and before the ride back. The combination of sun, water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

The timing also works well. You can eat while drying on the upper deck, chat with other people on board, or settle into the padded mats. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the hosts making an effort to include children and keep first-time snorkelers comfortable.

The boat is family-friendly, but parents should still consider the swimming requirement. A four-year-old may enjoy the seating, food, and boat ride without entering the water, but children who want to reach El Perchel must be able to swim or be closely supported by an adult. The supplied information does not give a minimum age or child-specific safety rule, so ask the operator if you have a young child or any concern about participation.

Photos and weather-dependent drone footage

The included photography is one of the more useful extras. During the cruise, the crew takes photos of the group, the coast, and your time on board. You can enjoy the trip without trying to document every moment yourself.

Drone film and photos are taken during snorkeling only if weather permits. That qualification matters. Wind, waves, or other conditions may make drone use impossible, so treat it as a bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the package.

The drone footage is not the strongest reason to book. Some people may find it a little basic, and there are no underwater cameras included. If you want close-up images of fish, bring a waterproof phone case or underwater camera if you have one. Do not count on the supplied photography to show every underwater moment.

Still, receiving photos afterward is a pleasant touch, especially for families and couples. The crew sends them for you to download, and there is no stated extra fee for the photography or use of the snorkeling equipment. That helps the $71.35 price feel more reasonable.

Is $71.35 a good value?

At $71.35 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Gran Canaria. But the price includes much more than a short harbor cruise. You receive about three hours on the coast, snorkeling gear, lunch, unlimited drinks, photography, possible drone footage, and access to a paddle board.

The small group size strengthens the value. With a maximum of 25 people, you have more personal space than on a large party boat, and the crew can spend time helping beginners. You are also paying for a boat that stops at a cove reached only from the sea, rather than visiting an ordinary beach that you could reach by road.

I would compare this with what you actually want from a boat trip. If your priority is unlimited swimming time, a luxury yacht, or a full-day trip to several locations, this three-hour outing may feel short. If you want a manageable morning with scenery, food, friendly hosting, and one good snorkeling stop, the package is strong.

The included lunch and drinks also make budgeting easier. You do not need to add money for basic snorkeling gear, photos, or a meal during the trip. Towels are not provided, so bring your own.

Who will enjoy this Puerto de Mogán excursion?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and small groups who want a social but not crowded morning at sea. It works especially well for first-time snorkelers because the crew offers guidance, supplies equipment, and provides flotation aids.

It also suits people who want more than a beach day. The cliff cruise gives you a view of the coast from the water, while El Perchel provides a change from the usual resort swimming area. The combination of food, drinks, and dry seating means non-swimmers can still take part, provided they are happy to remain on board.

You should think twice if you are very uncomfortable in waves or cannot swim and are hoping to walk onto a beach. The boat does not provide a walking route to El Perchel. The trip is also weather-sensitive, so anyone with a tight schedule should leave room for a change of date if conditions are poor.

The excursion is family-friendly and smoke-free. Vegetarian food is available. The published details do not promise wheelchair access, a specific minimum age, or a dedicated medical service, so contact the operator before booking if any member of your party has mobility, health, or age-related needs.

Practical details that can make the morning easier

Bring a towel, since none is supplied, along with swimwear, sun protection, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. You may spend time in the sun on the upper deck, and the boat ride can be bright even when the air feels mild.

If you are nervous about snorkeling, tell the crew early. Ruben and Marta are used to helping people choose between regular and full-face masks and can explain how to use fins and floating aids. You will get more from the cove if you take a moment to check your mask before swimming away from the boat.

Plan your transport carefully. The start and finish are at the same Puerto de Mogán meeting point, but getting there is your responsibility. On Fridays, the market changes car access, so confirm where to park. Public transport is available near the port.

The experience can be canceled if the weather is poor or if the minimum of 10 people is not reached. In either case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the 10 a.m. start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted.

Should you book the Yellow Boat Mogan trip?

I would book it if you want a friendly, well-priced morning that combines Gran Canaria’s cliffs with a proper snorkeling stop. The strongest reasons are the small maximum group, the warm hosting from Marta and Ruben, the included food and drinks, and the chance to see fish in a cove that is not reachable by road.

I would skip it if your ideal beach day requires walking ashore, calm water at all times, or underwater photography supplied by the operator. For everyone else, the $71.35 package covers the details that often add up on a boat outing, and the three-hour length is easy to fit into a Puerto de Mogán stay. With a 5-star rating from 785 reviews and 99% recommendation, it is a well-supported choice, provided you are ready to swim from the boat.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

The excursion starts at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain, at 10 a.m. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the excursion?

The boat trip lasts approximately three hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew provides guidance. Full-face masks, fins, and floating aids may be available for participants who need extra support.

Do I have to swim to reach El Perchel beach?

Yes. El Perchel can only be reached from the boat by swimming. There is no walking access from the boat to the beach.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food. Vegetarian food is available, and unlimited drinks are included through the onboard open bar.

Are photos and drone footage included?

Photos taken during the boat trip are included. Drone film and photos during snorkeling are included only when weather conditions allow.

What happens if the weather is poor or the trip does not reach its minimum group size?

If bad weather cancels the trip, or if fewer than 10 people are booked, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.