Puerto de Mogan: Boat and Snorkeling Trip

Gran Canaria’s southwest coast is best seen from the water, and this trip gives you both a scenic cruise and a long stop for snorkeling at El Perchel, a cove reachable only by boat. Ruben and Marta run the yellow boat, explain the local fish and coastline, and keep the pace relaxed rather than rushing you from one stop to the next.

I like the 90 minutes of snorkeling, which gives beginners time to get comfortable, and I like the homemade food, especially potatoes with mojo and Spanish omelette. The main catch is simple: this is not for non-swimmers, and Friday’s Puerto de Mogan market can make access by car awkward.

At a glance

• Boat-only El Perchel: Spend about 1.5 hours swimming and looking for fish in a sheltered cove.
• Ruben and Marta: The husband-and-wife team guide the trip in Spanish and English.
• Local lunch included: Expect potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, fresh fruit, and drinks.
• Photos at no extra cost: The crew takes pictures during the outing and sends them afterward.
• Small-group feel: The boat has a covered area and sun deck, with room to settle in between swims.
• Good family option: Children as young as 7 have enjoyed the snorkeling, but every participant must be able to swim.

Leaving Puerto de Mogan on the yellow boat

Your meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. If the marina layout leaves you scratching your head, search that exact name in Google Maps for directions to the boat.

The trip begins with a short safety briefing of about five minutes. This is useful even if you have snorkeled before, since Ruben and Marta explain the equipment, how to use it, and where to look for fish. Their instruction is especially helpful for first-timers and children who need a calm start.

The boat has both a sun deck and a covered area. You can enjoy the bright island weather outside, then move into shade if the sun gets too strong. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Towels are not supplied, and smoking is not allowed.

Friday needs extra planning. It is market day in Puerto de Mogan, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Contact the local operator before you go so you know where to park and how to reach the meeting point. One family received a message with parking help before its Friday trip, so this is worth sorting out early.

The coastal run toward Playa de Tasarte

After leaving the port, the boat follows the coast toward the Tasarte area. This section lasts about an hour and is mainly a sightseeing cruise, with the cliffs of Gran Canaria providing the big show.

From the water, the cliffs look far more dramatic than they do from a roadside viewpoint. You get changing angles as the boat moves along, so keep your camera ready. The crew also shares information about the coast, the island, and the fish you may see later.

This is not a high-speed thrill ride. The appeal is the combination of open water, cliff views, and time to settle into the day. If you want a fast, action-packed boat excursion, the pace may feel gentle. If you prefer a comfortable outing with room for photographs and conversation, it works well.

The route goes as far as the Tasarte area before turning back toward El Perchel. That means the coastal cruise is part of the experience, not simply transport to the swimming stop. I would sit where you can see the cliffs but still move easily when it is time to prepare for the water.

El Perchel and 90 minutes in the water

The main stop is El Perchel, a cove accessible only by boat. Here you have around 1.5 hours for snorkeling and free time, which is generous compared with trips that allow only a quick swim.

The water is described as clear, and the crew points out different kinds of fish and where to look for them. You can use a traditional mask or a full-face mask, depending on availability and preference. Flippers and other snorkeling equipment are included, so you do not need to pack your own gear.

The long stop matters. A first attempt at snorkeling can feel awkward for the first few minutes, especially for a child or anyone unused to breathing through a mask. With 90 minutes, you have time to adjust, swim around, return to the boat, and try again without feeling hurried.

Paddle boards are also available on board, according to the trip details and visitor experiences. Use of the equipment is included rather than treated as an add-on. Ask the crew what is available on your departure, since conditions and onboard space can affect how much equipment is in use at one time.

The cove is a strong choice for families, but the non-swimmer rule matters. This activity is not suitable if you cannot swim. Children need to be comfortable in the water, and parents should judge their own family’s confidence rather than relying only on the promise of a calm cove.

Cloudy weather does not necessarily spoil the stop. One family still had clear views of fish on a cloudy day, but underwater visibility can vary. Sea conditions, light, and the time of day all affect what you see, so no operator can promise a particular fish or perfect water.

Tapas, fruit, and drinks back on board

After the swim, food is served on the boat. The listed meal includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. Several people also singled out the homemade sangria, and drinks are available during the outing.

This is vegetarian-friendly food, not a token snack. The potatoes and omelette make it feel like a proper light lunch after time in the water. Portions were described as satisfying, and the crew keeps the food and drinks coming during the meal.

I like this part because it connects the trip to the Canary Islands rather than giving you a standard packaged lunch. Papas with mojo are a local staple, and the Spanish omelette is familiar enough for children who may be cautious about unfamiliar food.

You should still tell the operator about any dietary needs before booking if the listed food does not suit you. The supplied information confirms vegetarian-friendly dishes, but it does not promise separate meals for allergies or other diets.

Photos, fish facts, and the personal touch

Photos are included in the price, which is a useful extra on a family outing. Ruben takes pictures of people in the water and on the boat, and the images are sent by email afterward. Some trips have also included video or drone footage.

This solves a common holiday problem: the person taking the family picture is often missing from it. The crew makes an effort to photograph the whole group, so you can enjoy the day without keeping your phone in a waterproof case at all times.

Ruben and Marta also add context to the scenery and marine life. They explain where to look for fish rather than simply dropping you into the water. That makes a difference for beginners, who may otherwise see only flashes of movement and wonder what they are looking at.

The atmosphere is friendly and attentive. The crew checks how people are doing, answers questions, and does not appear to rush the end of the swim. One small example from the trip reports is that the boat waited while a passenger took one last jump into the sea. That gives you a sense of the relaxed approach, though you should still follow the crew’s safety instructions.

What the $69 price includes

At $69 per person, this sits above a basic sightseeing cruise but includes more than a short boat ride. Your price covers the three-hour excursion, guide service, snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, photos, and the boat tour itself.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full package. A family can combine coastal sightseeing, a long snorkeling session, lunch, drinks, and photos in one booking. You also avoid renting masks and flippers separately.

The included photos add practical value. A camera operator or professional family photo session would cost extra elsewhere, while here the crew takes pictures as part of the day. The food also saves you from arranging lunch immediately after swimming.

The price is less compelling if you do not want to enter the water. Since non-swimmers are not accepted, this is not a good choice for a mixed group where one person plans to stay aboard. A person who wants only cliff views may find a shorter sightseeing cruise more suitable.

The outing has a rating of 4.9 from 855 reviews, and the strongest pattern is clear: people praise the hosts, the snorkeling time, the food, the included drinks, and the photos. That does not remove the normal limits of a sea trip, but it shows the package is delivering what it promises for most participants.

Who should book this Puerto de Mogan trip

I would choose this for a family with children who can swim, a couple wanting a relaxed coastal afternoon, or a first-time snorkeler who wants instruction and support. The crew’s patient explanations and choice of masks make it less intimidating than arranging a snorkeling stop alone.

It also suits you if you value a personal, small-business feel. Ruben and Marta operate the boat themselves, and the experience includes conversation, local information, and homemade food rather than only transport and a timetable.

You may want another activity if you dislike getting wet, need a fully dry sightseeing tour, or want serious scuba-style marine exploration. The focus here is easy snorkeling, coastal views, food, and a pleasant few hours on the water.

The three-hour duration is well judged for a holiday schedule. You get a full coastal route and a substantial swim without giving up an entire day. Check the start time when booking, since departure times vary by availability.

Practical tips before you go

• Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and your own towel.
• Wear sun protection even if you plan to spend much of the trip under the covered section.
• Arrive with enough time to find the yellow boat and complete the safety briefing.
• Plan carefully for Friday, when the market limits car access to the port.
• Tell the operator about food concerns before departure.
• Do not book if you cannot swim.
• Keep your camera ready for the Tasarte cliffs, but do not rely on your phone for the main family photos.
• Ask the crew about the available paddle boards and mask choices once aboard.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Gran Canaria plans are still moving around, but you should still check the available start time before committing.

Should you book the Yellow Boat Mogan trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, all-in-one sea outing with real time in the water. The best parts are the 90-minute snorkeling stop, the boat-only cove, the local vegetarian food, and Ruben and Marta’s hands-on guidance.

I would especially recommend it for families and beginners who want help with equipment and fish spotting. Skip it if you are a non-swimmer or if your main goal is a fast boat ride with dramatic waves. For most confident swimmers, $69 is fair value because lunch, drinks, gear, photos, and the coastal cruise are all included.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip leave from?

It leaves from C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan.

How long does the experience last?

The complete trip lasts three hours. The route includes about one hour of coastal sightseeing and around 1.5 hours for snorkeling, lunch, and free time at El Perchel.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including masks and flippers. Traditional and full-face masks may be available.

Is food included?

Yes. Food includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. Drinks are also included.

Is the food vegetarian-friendly?

Yes. The listed meal is vegetarian-friendly.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel, along with swimwear and sunscreen.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What happens on Friday in Puerto de Mogan?

Friday is market day, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan before the trip for information about reaching the meeting point and parking.