A short boat ride can still feel like a whole day. This Puerto de Mogan trip pairs wild South-West coastline cruising with easy access to a protected snorkeling cove, plus lunch and drinks onboard. Run by Marta and Ruben on the Yellow Boat, it’s the kind of small-group morning that stays relaxed while you get actual time in the water.
What I love most is the combination of real snorkeling time at El Perchel with equipment included, and the fact that lunch isn’t an afterthought—Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food show up while the boat keeps cruising. The hosts also guide you on what you might spot underwater, which helps even if you’re not a confident swimmer. My only real caution: the snorkeling stop requires you to swim to reach the water, since there’s no walking access from the boat.
In This Review
- Key things that make this 3-hour Mogan boat and snorkel work
- Getting to the 10:00 start: where the trip begins and how long you’re out
- Cruising the South-West coast from Puerto de Mogán to Tasarte
- Stop at El Perchel: snorkeling in a protected cove (and a safety reality check)
- Lunch on board with an open bar: Canarian comfort food in real time
- Photoshoot, drone footage, and onboard extras: what you’ll get (and what you won’t)
- Price and value: what $71.35 really covers for a 3-hour morning
- Who should book this, and who should think twice
- Friday market-day reality and the port-swim rule (your two biggest gotchas)
- Should you book this Puerto de Mogan boat trip with El Perchel snorkeling?
- FAQ
- How long is the boat trip and snorkeling?
- Where does the tour start?
- Do I get snorkeling equipment?
- Where do you snorkel?
- Is lunch included?
- Is there an open bar?
- What photo extras are included?
- What should I bring or expect about towels?
- Do I need to swim from the boat to the snorkeling area?
- What happens if weather or the group size affects the trip?
Key things that make this 3-hour Mogan boat and snorkel work
- Protected snorkeling cove (El Perchel): calmer conditions and clear underwater views compared with open water.
- Small group feel (max 25): you’re not packed in like a tour bus on the sea.
- Marta and Ruben run the show: friendly hosting, coastline context, and practical snorkeling coaching.
- Lunch plus unlimited open bar: you get fed well during the 3 hours, not just snack-sized food.
- Photo and drone extras when weather cooperates: you’ll have visuals to relive the day, but drone timing depends on conditions.
- One paddle board included: a fun option if you want to stay above the water after snorkeling.
Getting to the 10:00 start: where the trip begins and how long you’re out
This is a 3-hour excursion starting at 10:00 am, with the meeting point at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán. It ends back at the same place, so you’re not stuck with a long shuttle plan afterward—nice if you want to keep the rest of your day free for the port.
You’ll want to arrive a bit early to get oriented. The tour is English-friendly, and the boat stays small enough that you’ll actually hear what the hosts are saying rather than straining to catch instructions.
One other timing note that matters: on Friday, Puerto de Mogan is a market day, and you can’t access the port by car. If you’re driving, plan for a different route or parking option and contact the operator for local guidance.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Gran Canaria
Cruising the South-West coast from Puerto de Mogán to Tasarte
Once you leave the port, the vibe shifts fast—from harbor bustle to open coastline views. The route runs along the wild South-West coast of Gran Canaria, from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte, with cliffs and dramatic shoreline scenery that you can enjoy from both the cabin and the top deck.
This part isn’t just a transfer. You get picture moments as the coast changes, and the hosts share what you’re seeing along the way. There’s also a big practical win here: because the boat is comfortable and not overcrowded, you can relax between the main event (snorkeling) and the food/drink portion.
Expect some boat movement. A few people note the waves can feel choppy going out and back. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what works for you and don’t wait until you’re already swaying.
Stop at El Perchel: snorkeling in a protected cove (and a safety reality check)
The highlight is the stop at El Perchel, a small cove you can reach only by boat. The whole point is that this area is protected, which usually makes the water friendlier for snorkeling than open sections of coastline.
Here’s the key detail you should take seriously: you must swim to access the beach from the boat—there’s no walking path. That means the trip isn’t ideal if you want a simple step-in experience or you don’t feel comfortable in open water for a short swim.
That said, the setup is designed to help. You get snorkeling equipment, and you can choose different gear styles; some first-timers and families specifically mention full-face masks and flotation support. The hosts also give tips on what fish you may see, which turns snorkeling from random looking into something more like guided exploring.
How long you’re in the water isn’t spelled out minute-by-minute, but the trip feels intentionally paced for a morning: enough time to explore, plus time to enjoy the boat and then eat. People also talk about seeing plenty of fish, and some rare moments like a stingray or octopus—exact wildlife sightings vary, but the chance is clearly there.
Lunch on board with an open bar: Canarian comfort food in real time
Food is included, and that matters because it keeps this from feeling like a rushed half-day. You’ll enjoy a local lunch onboard with Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food, plus drinks throughout.
The open bar is unlimited, and it’s the kind of setup that keeps you from doing the math every time you ask for a refill. People also mention sangria, and the overall impression is that the food and drinks are plentiful rather than symbolic.
One nice detail: this meal happens while you’re still on the water. That makes the whole experience feel more like a boat day than a quick stop-and-go snorkel. And if you’re traveling with kids, the onboard pacing tends to work because there’s always something happening—snorkeling, sitting in the sun, jumping off the boat if you’re comfortable, and snack-and-sip downtime between.
Photoshoot, drone footage, and onboard extras: what you’ll get (and what you won’t)
You get a photo shooting during the boat trip, and the operator also does drone film and photos during the snorkeling, but only if the weather allows it. This is a smart inclusion because it captures the underwater moment and the coastline from above, but it keeps expectations realistic: wind and cloud cover can cancel the drone part.
You’ll also see people mention the drone footage can be hit-or-miss. That doesn’t change the value of the experience, though, because you’re still paying for the whole day: small-group cruising, snorkeling time, and lunch with drinks.
Another included extra that’s easy to use is one paddle board. It’s not a full “water sports center,” but it gives you a fun option once you’re done with snorkeling—especially if some in your group prefer staying on top of the water.
Finally, the boat itself gets praise for being clean and not feeling cramped. After snorkeling, you’ll likely appreciate the space for drying off and relaxing on the top deck. People describe padded seating/mats up top, which is exactly what you want when the water time is over.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Gran Canaria
Price and value: what $71.35 really covers for a 3-hour morning
At about $71.35 per person, this trip competes well with other short excursions because the price stacks multiple things together:
- boat time along the coast
- snorkeling equipment
- an onboard meal (not just snacks)
- unlimited drinks
- photo coverage during the trip
- a drone add-on when conditions allow
- and even a paddle board
If you’ve ever paid for a separate snorkeling rental and then found you still had to buy lunch and drinks on top, you’ll understand why this works. Here, food and drinks are baked into the experience, which is a big part of why so many people rate it highly.
It also helps that the maximum group size is 25, so it doesn’t feel like you’re sharing your snorkeling moment with a crowd. That improves the odds that your gear experience and safety briefing feel more personal rather than rushed.
Who should book this, and who should think twice
This trip is a strong match for:
- families looking for a family-friendly way to spend a morning together
- first-time snorkelers who want support and practical guidance
- people who care about good food and an open bar without adding more plans afterward
- travelers who like small boats and prefer a relaxed pace over crowded tour stops
It might be a poor fit if:
- you don’t want to swim from the boat to access the snorkeling area (there’s no walking access)
- you’re uneasy in choppy water and can’t handle boat movement
- you expect a completely accessible, step-on snorkeling setup
The operator also notes the minimum is 10 people for the excursion to run. If your schedule is tight, keep that in mind.
Friday market-day reality and the port-swim rule (your two biggest gotchas)
Two details can make or break your day if you’re not ready.
First, Friday in Puerto de Mogán is market day. Car access to the port can be restricted, so plan on walking from where you can park or arranging alternative transport. Contact the operator so you get clear, up-to-date instructions.
Second, the snorkeling stop has a non-negotiable rule: you must swim to reach the water from the boat. Even if snorkeling itself sounds easy, the swim segment is part of the experience. If that part makes you nervous, you should weigh it carefully before booking.
If you’re traveling with mixed swimmers, don’t assume everyone will want the water at the same moment. The boat still has value if you stay onboard, relax topside, and enjoy the scenery while others snorkel.
Should you book this Puerto de Mogan boat trip with El Perchel snorkeling?
Yes, you should book it if you want a short, well-paced morning that combines coastline scenery, actual time at a protected snorkeling cove, and a proper included lunch with drinks. It’s also a great call for families and first-timers because the hosts (Marta and Ruben) focus on comfort, instructions, and a smooth flow so you’re not guessing what to do next.
I’d think twice if swimming to reach the water sounds like a deal-breaker for you, or if you’re sensitive to boat movement. If you’re okay with that one practical challenge, this feels like a very solid value for Gran Canaria’s south-west coast.
FAQ
How long is the boat trip and snorkeling?
The tour runs for about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start?
It starts at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain at 10:00 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
Do I get snorkeling equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Where do you snorkel?
The snorkeling stop is at a protected beach/cove called El Perchel.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch onboard is included, and it includes items like Canarian potatoes with mojo and Spanish omelette. Vegetarian options are supported.
Is there an open bar?
Yes. Drinks are included as an open bar with unlimited drinks.
What photo extras are included?
A photo shooting is included during the trip. Drone film and photos during snorkeling are included only if weather allows it.
What should I bring or expect about towels?
Towels are not included.
Do I need to swim from the boat to the snorkeling area?
Yes. There is no walking access from the boat to the beach—you must swim to reach the water.
What happens if weather or the group size affects the trip?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum of 10 people on board; if that minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
