Wind, sails, and silence in one trip. This private sailing outing from Puerto de Mogán puts you on the Atlantic with a small crew, and it has real hands-on moments like hoisting the sails and taking the helm. One key consideration: hotel pickup only runs in the south tourist zone of Gran Canaria, so if you’re outside that area you’ll need your own way to get to the pickup point.

I also love how it mixes snorkeling in a secluded bay with relaxed time on board, where you get tapas, soft drinks, wine, and beer without turning the day into a logistics puzzle. The vibe is meant to stay calm and nature-focused, so keep an eye on the rules about not touching marine life.

Key points to know before you go

• Private boat for up to 8 people, so it feels personal rather than crowded
• You can help run the boat, including hoisting sails and steering from the helm
• Snorkeling gear included, plus a stop designed for local marine life
• Food and drinks onboard: tapas, soft drinks, wine, and beer
• A quiet bay + deserted beach time for sun and downtime
• Stand up paddle board included, so ask the crew when it’s easiest to use

Why this private sail from Puerto de Mogán feels more than a tour

This trip works because it treats you like part of the crew, not just someone holding a phone. You’ll meet at Puerto de Mogán, then settle onto the boat as the day shifts from harbor routine to open-sea motion. The “private” part matters here: with a group size capped at 8, you’re more likely to get direct attention and actual chances to participate.

The pace is also built for balance. You’re not doing nonstop activities, but you also aren’t stuck in a passenger seat the whole time. If you like the feeling of wind on your face and the simple thrill of sailing, this hits that sweet spot.

One more plus: it’s English and Polish supported through the instructor/crew. That helps when you want to know what’s happening next and what the snorkeling stop expects.

Pickup and timing: where you meet the boat

You’ll have multiple pickup choices across southern Gran Canaria, including Arguineguín, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Taurito, Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, and Puerto de Mogán. That’s convenient if you’re staying in the south, where the service is designed to operate.

Keep in mind the trip’s duration is 3 hours total, so the schedule is tight. The day still includes meaningful blocks at sea, a dedicated snorkeling window, and time at the harbor afterward. This isn’t a half-day where you can wander off and return whenever you want. Be ready to move on time.

If you’re planning a later dinner, you’ll likely appreciate the fact that you return to Mogán Harbor after the water time and meal portion. That makes it easier to stay in the same area instead of crisscrossing the island at the end of your trip.

Hands-on sailing: hoisting sails and steering the helm

This is the moment that turns the day from pretty to memorable. You’ll leave Puerto de Mogán, then spend time out at sea sailing around southern Gran Canaria. Along the way, the crew offers you the chance to hoist the sails and, if you want, take the helm.

The key detail is that this is a private setup. With a group of up to 8, the boat is more manageable and instruction can stay practical. You’re not guessing what to do or waiting around for someone else to take their turn.

Even if you’re not a “boat person,” the experience is still straightforward. You get to feel how sailing changes the mood on board—wind, speed, and the little teamwork moments—without needing any prior knowledge.

On-board comfort: tapas, wine, beer, and the snack-first rhythm

Food and drinks are part of the point, not an add-on. You’ll relax on board with tapas, soft drinks, wine, and beer during the sailing and downtime. That matters because it keeps the day social and easy. Instead of packing a heavy meal or hunting for lunch, you just settle in.

The trip also includes lunch time at Mogán Harbor after the water portion. One of the best signs of value here is that the day is designed so you don’t lose momentum after snorkeling. You snorkel, you cool off and recover, then you eat and enjoy the view from land and water again.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this kind of snack-forward setup can work well. One review noted the tapas-style nibbles were a great starter before an evening dinner plan in the harbor area. That’s the sort of timing advantage you only notice when you’re actually hungry later.

The deserted-bay break: sun time without the crowds

After sailing, the day includes a stop at a picturesque, secluded bay where you can soak up the sun. The emphasis is on quiet rather than spectacle—think deserted beach time, not a busy tourist hotspot.

In practical terms, this part of the trip lets your brain switch off. You get a stretch of time to swim in shallow water, lay out, and enjoy the Atlantic rhythm. And because the bay is described as out-of-the-way and secluded, it’s more likely to feel peaceful.

Bring the basics that make sun-and-sea time enjoyable: swimwear you can live in, a towel, and sunscreen. If you tend to get cold easily, remember that reviewers specifically flagged that the sea can feel chilly, so a quick rinse-and-dry and warm layers later are smart.

Snorkeling in a secluded bay: what’s included and the rules that matter

Snorkeling is built into the schedule with a 75-minute snorkeling window, and snorkeling equipment is included. That’s a real convenience. You don’t waste time figuring out gear rentals or worrying whether the fit is right.

The stop is planned in a secluded bay, aimed at letting you experience local marine life. The rule you must follow is clear: no touching marine life. It’s there for both the animals and you—so stick to observing with your mask and fins, not chasing or handling anything.

Also, don’t forget the human-side details. You’ll want to be comfortable in the water long enough to actually enjoy it, not just pop in and out. If you’re bringing a group, set expectations early: snorkeling time is a block, and you’ll want everyone to follow the crew’s guidance for smooth transitions.

Mogán Harbor lunch: finishing the day near the water

After the snorkeling and sailing portion, you’ll head back toward Mogán Harbor for about 1 hour of lunch. This is a nice pacing choice. You’re not sent straight back to your hotel hungry or tired; instead, you get a proper buffer to eat, chat, and reset.

Because the trip ends in the same general area, it’s easier to keep your evening plans simple. If you’re staying in Mogán or nearby, you can often roll directly into dinner without a complicated ride across the island.

One practical tip: plan your day so you don’t need to rush off immediately at the end. After time on the water and in the sea, you’ll feel better if you use that harbor hour to stretch your legs, dry off, and warm up.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $577 per group for up to 8 people, and it includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the south tourist area, tapas, soft drinks, beer, wine, snorkeling equipment, and a stand up paddle board.

Here’s the simple math. If you fill the boat with 8 people, you’re paying about $72 per person for a private sailing experience plus food, drinks, and snorkeling gear. If you go with only 2 or 3 people, the per-person cost rises fast—but you still get the “private crew attention” factor, which is hard to replicate on larger tours.

The best value typically comes when:

• You’re traveling as a family or small group
• Everyone is interested in doing both sailing and snorkeling
• You want drinks and lunch handled without searching around

If your priority is only one activity, you might compare it to other shorter options. But if you want a real half-day sea experience with included comforts, this price is easier to justify.

Who this trip suits best (and who should skip it)

This works especially well for people who like hands-on travel and don’t want to babysit a schedule. The private setup is ideal if you want a calmer, more personal day. It’s also a strong choice if you’re comfortable with basic snorkeling and want to see marine life in a secluded setting.

It’s not suitable for children under 6, and the boat rules also prohibit party groups. That’s a good thing for the mood: fewer distractions, more focus on the water and the shared experience.

If you’re traveling from the south tourist areas, pickup options make life easier. If you’re elsewhere on Gran Canaria, double-check your transportation plan, because pickup is only offered in the tourist zone in the south.

Should you book this private sailing trip and snorkeling?

If you’re the type who likes wind, water, and simple comfort—plus you want real participation instead of just watching—you’ll likely love this. The combination of private sailing, hands-on helm/sail moments, included tapas and drinks, and a dedicated snorkeling window is a strong package for a short day.

I’d skip it if you’re outside the south pickup zone and don’t want to coordinate your own rides, or if you’re traveling with very young kids who can’t meet the minimum age.

Otherwise, book it—especially if you’re going with a full group and you want your day to feel like a boat trip with a crew, not a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the sailing trip?

The total duration is 3 hours.

Is this activity private?

Yes. It’s a private group experience with up to 8 people.

What does the price include?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected south-of-Gran-Canaria areas, tapas, soft drinks, beer, wine, snorkeling equipment, and a stand up paddle board.

Where are the pickup and drop-off locations?

Pickup and drop-off are available in the south tourist area, including Arguineguín, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Taurito, Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, and Puerto de Mogán.

Can I help with the sailing?

You’ll have the opportunity to hoist the sails, and you can also take the helm of the boat if you’d like.

When do you go snorkeling?

Snorkeling is part of the schedule with a 75-minute snorkeling stop.

Are snorkeling masks and other equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are there rules about marine life?

Yes. Touching marine life is not allowed.

Is it suitable for young children?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 6 years.