Sailing Trip and Snorkeling (max. 8 people)

The best thing about this Gran Canaria outing is its size. New Karolka carries no more than eight people, so you get a real yacht trip rather than a crowded boat ride with music blaring over dozens of passengers. Marek and Mara run the sailing, but they also invite you to help with the sails or take a turn at the helm.

I like the stop in a quiet bay with a wild beach, where you can swim, snorkel, or use the stand-up paddleboard. I also like that lunch, fruit, local cheese, ham, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included. The main consideration is wind: on a calm day, the yacht may motor instead of sailing under canvas.

Key points to know

• Only eight people: The small group gives this trip a calm, personal feel and plenty of room on deck.
• Marek and Mara host the cruise: They explain sailing, sea life, winds, and Gran Canaria’s past in a friendly, informal way.
• Swimming stop included: Anchor in a secluded bay for snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, or a jump from the boat.
• Fresh food on board: Lunch includes local items, fruit, cheese, ham, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
• Hotel pickup is available: Departure from Puerto de Mogan is at 9:30 a.m., with pickup arranged earlier according to your hotel.
• Allow for changing sea conditions: Good weather is required, and limited wind can reduce the actual sailing time.

A small yacht instead of a crowded boat

From Puerto de Mogan, New Karolka heads along the southwest coast of Gran Canaria across the Atlantic. The boat is the main attraction here. You are not simply transported to a swimming stop, then returned to port. You are part of a small sailing crew for roughly four hours.

That matters because the mood changes completely with eight people instead of a large crowd. You can sit quietly and watch the coast, ask questions without shouting, or take part in the sailing if you wish. Several people have been allowed to steer, including children and first-time helmsmen under supervision.

Marek and Mara keep the tone relaxed. They explain how the yacht works and share facts about the sea, winds, marine life, and the Canary Islands. Their style appears to suit both curious first-timers and people who simply want to sit back with a drink.

You do not have to help with the sailing. If you prefer a restful morning, stay on deck and enjoy the open water. If you have always wanted to hold a yacht’s wheel or understand a tack, this is a rare chance to try without joining a formal sailing course.

Leaving Puerto de Mogan at 9:30 a.m.

The listed meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. The boat departs the port at 9:30 a.m., but that is not necessarily your pickup time. If you use hotel pickup, Marek and Mara send the exact collection time by email, so check your messages before the day begins.

This is an important practical detail. A pickup arranged for a hotel in the south of Gran Canaria may be earlier than you expect, and missing the vehicle could mean missing the boat. The end point is the same port, with return transport available where pickup has been arranged.

Puerto de Mogan is a fitting place to begin. The harbor gives you an easy starting point before the yacht heads out toward the southwest coast. The trip then shifts from marina scenery to open sea, with the boat’s pace and the day’s wind setting the rhythm.

The cruise lasts about four hours. That is long enough to enjoy a proper sailing outing, lunch, and a water stop without consuming the entire day. You can still plan an afternoon around Puerto de Mogan or another part of the island.

Taking the helm on the Atlantic

One of the most appealing features is the invitation to become part of the crew. You might help raise the sails, learn a little about steering, or simply watch Marek handle the yacht. The exact amount of sailing depends on the wind, and that is worth understanding before you book.

Some outings have had enough wind for proper sailing and tack turns. One participant even helped teach a 13-year-old to snorkel after taking the helm. On other days, there was too little wind to sail as planned, so the boat used its motor instead.

That is not a failure by the crew. Sailing depends on conditions, and a calm day can be disappointing if hoisting the sails is your main goal. At the same time, light wind often makes the swimming stop calmer and more comfortable.

If sailing technique matters most to you, treat the experience as a coastal yacht trip with the chance to sail, not as a guaranteed lesson under full sail. If your priority is a peaceful boat ride with swimming and lunch, the lack of wind is less likely to spoil the day.

The cruise also gives you a different view of Gran Canaria. From the water, the southwest coast feels open and rugged, and the harbor of Puerto de Mogan looks especially attractive on the return. Reports of flying fish, dolphins, and even a turtle show what may appear around the boat, though wildlife sightings are never promised.

The secluded bay and its clear water

The halfway stop is the heart of the outing. The yacht drops anchor in a picturesque, secluded bay near the southwest coast, close to a deserted and wild beach. The setting is meant for slowing down, not rushing from one activity to the next.

You can stay on deck and sunbathe, swim from the boat, or walk toward the beach if conditions and access allow. The bay also provides the chance to use the included snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboard.

The water has been described as clear, warm, and full of colorful fish. That makes the stop appealing even on a day when the yacht cannot sail much. You may see small marine life close to the boat, and some outings have included sightings of flying fish, dolphins, or a turtle.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a casual coastal snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine expedition. The tour information does not promise a particular species, reef, or underwater route. Sea conditions and visibility can change, but the combination of a quiet bay and time in the water gives the stop real value.

The equipment is reported to be in good condition, and both snorkeling gear and the SUP are supplied. You should still bring the basics for a water day: swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need to feel comfortable after swimming. The supplied information does not list a towel policy, so do not assume one is provided.

Children can participate, but the activity is not recommended for children under six. For older children who can swim and follow instructions, the chance to steer, snorkel, or paddleboard may be a highlight.

A generous lunch with local flavors

Lunch is served on board after the boat anchors. This is more than a token snack. The food has included fresh fruit, local cheese, ham, and other light local items, with enough food to satisfy the appetite that often arrives after time in the sea.

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included. That makes the price easier to assess, particularly if you compare the outing with a basic boat transfer that charges extra for food and drinks. You can have lunch while looking across the bay, rather than returning to port to find a meal.

The meal is not presented as a formal restaurant service, and you should not book this expecting a long multi-course lunch. It is a relaxed meal on a yacht, suited to a half-day trip. That fits the overall character of the outing: fresh food, a friendly crew, and time to enjoy the setting.

A practical point is that alcohol is available. If you plan to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard, pace yourself and follow the crew’s advice. The boat is small, so considerate behavior helps everyone enjoy the limited deck space.

Why the eight-person limit matters

The maximum of eight people is the clearest reason to choose this trip over a larger catamaran cruise. You get more personal attention, easier conversation, and a better chance to ask Marek and Mara about sailing or the island.

The small group also affects the water stop. You are not waiting for a large crowd to load equipment or competing for a place at the rail. A solo person can join without feeling stranded, since the hosts make an effort to include everyone.

There is one tradeoff. On a small yacht, the group’s mood matters more. If you prefer a private charter, eight people may still be more than you want. If you enjoy meeting people from different countries, the limited capacity usually makes conversation easier.

The boat is not a party cruise. It is clean, safe, and focused on the sea, food, and company. That will please you if you want a quiet, social outing. It may not suit you if you want loud entertainment, a packed activity schedule, or a large vessel with extensive facilities.

The value of $92.55

At $92.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Gran Canaria. The useful comparison is not only the boat ride itself. Your price covers about four hours, hotel pickup where offered, a small group, lunch, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboarding, and beer, wine, and soft drinks.

The maximum group size is especially important when judging value. A larger cruise may cost less per person, but you are paying for a very different experience. Here, the crew can explain the yacht, let you try the helm, and keep the day personal.

The food and drinks also reduce extra spending. You are not left to buy lunch at the port after the cruise, and the water stop is included rather than sold as an add-on. For a couple or family seeking a special half-day on the sea, the package is reasonably strong.

I would be less convinced if your only goal is a long period of fast sailing. Four hours includes the outward cruise, the anchored stop, lunch, and the return to port. Wind may also limit the time under sail. But for a mix of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, food, and a small group, the price is fair.

The experience is popular and often booked about 29 days in advance. That is a useful planning clue. If you know your Gran Canaria dates, booking early is sensible, especially if you want hotel pickup and a particular day.

Who should choose this cruise?

This outing fits couples, solo visitors, families with children over five, and anyone who prefers a personal boat experience. It is particularly good for people who want a gentle introduction to sailing rather than a technical sailing course.

You should also consider it if your holiday plans include Puerto de Mogan and you want to see the coast from a different angle. The harbor departure keeps the day simple, while the bay stop adds swimming and snorkeling without requiring a full-day commitment.

It may not be right for you if you dislike being on a small boat, need a guaranteed sailing session, or want a major sightseeing tour with a long list of stops. The route is centered on open-water peace, the bay, and the pleasure of being aboard.

The activity is offered in English. Marek and Mara have also translated explanations for people in mixed-language groups, but the social mix can vary from one departure to another. If you want a tour conducted in another language, confirm that before booking.

Most people can take part, though you should be comfortable with a boat outing and water activities. The tour requires good weather, and it may be canceled if conditions are poor or if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.

Booking details worth knowing

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience ends back at the port meeting point. Hotel pickup is offered, but you need to watch for the email with your specific pickup time.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the local start time are not accepted for a refund.

If bad weather prevents the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of people is not met. These rules are straightforward, but the 24-hour deadline matters, so do not leave a cancellation decision until the morning of departure.

Should you book Sailing Trip and Snorkeling?

Book it if you want a small, friendly yacht outing with real time on the water, a quiet swimming bay, and food included. The chance to steer, help with the sails, or learn about Gran Canaria from Marek and Mara gives the trip more character than a standard coastal cruise.

Book with one qualification: sailing depends on the wind. If you can accept a motor-assisted trip on a calm day, the snorkeling, lunch, scenery, and eight-person limit still make this a strong choice. If full-sail performance is your only reason for going, choose a tour that guarantees a specific sailing format instead.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip start?

The meeting point is C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain, in Puerto de Mogan.

What time does the boat leave Puerto de Mogan?

The yacht departs the port at 9:30 a.m. Hotel pickup takes place earlier, and the exact time is sent by email.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join?

The yacht carries a maximum of eight people.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The yacht stops in a secluded bay where you can swim and snorkel. Stand-up paddleboarding is also offered.

Is the trip suitable for young children?

Most people can participate, but the activity is not recommended for children younger than six.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.