Puerto de Mogan: Boat and Snorkeling Trip

The best part of Gran Canaria may be offshore. I like this three-hour trip for its long snorkeling stop at El Perchel and for the warm, personal service from owner-guides Ruben and Marta. You also get cliff views, local food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and photos for $69, which makes the price look fair rather quickly.

The main consideration is simple: you must be able to swim. This is not a sightseeing cruise with a quick toe-dip. The outing includes about 1.5 hours in the water, and towels are not provided. Friday visitors also need to plan around Puerto de Mogán’s market, when cars cannot reach the port.

Key points at a glance

• A full 1.5-hour snorkel stop: El Perchel gives you time to look for fish rather than rushing back aboard after a few minutes.
• Cliff scenery on the way to Tasarte: The coast west of Puerto de Mogán supplies the big photo moments, with steep Gran Canaria cliffs viewed from the sea.
• Ruben and Marta run a personal trip: Their care, clear instruction, and local information receive especially strong praise.
• Lunch is vegetarian and local: Expect potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, fresh fruit, and drinks.
• Useful extras are included: Masks, fins, photos, a guide, food, drinks, and the boat ride are part of the $69 price.
• A good first snorkeling experience: Full-face masks are available alongside traditional masks, though non-swimmers should choose another activity.

Leaving Puerto de Mogán on the Yellow Boat

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogán. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. If the harbor layout leaves you scratching your head, searching that name in Google Maps brings up the exact location.

The trip begins with a short, roughly five-minute safety briefing. That may sound routine, but it matters here because the snorkeling portion is substantial. You have time to ask about the masks, fins, swimming area, and what sort of fish to watch for before reaching the cove.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and equipped with both sunny and covered areas. That gives you a choice during the coastal ride. Sit in the sun for the full island feeling, or use the covered section if the glare becomes too much. Bring sunscreen either way. Gran Canaria’s sunshine is not shy.

The overall tone is more relaxed than formal. Ruben and Marta are repeatedly praised for making people feel at ease, answering questions, and checking that everyone is comfortable. That personal attention is especially helpful if you are snorkeling for the first time or bringing children.

The Tasarte coast, one hour of cliffs and open water

After leaving the port, the boat heads toward the Tasarte area. The route takes about an hour, including sightseeing and passing along the coast before turning back toward El Perchel.

This is the scenic heart of the ride. From the water, you get a different view of Gran Canaria’s west coast, with tall cliffs rising above the sea. The boat offers a steady stream of photo opportunities, so keep your camera ready if you have a waterproof phone case. Photos are included as part of the experience, which saves you from trying to photograph every family member while also holding onto your hat.

The trip is not designed as a full coastal history cruise, but the guides do share information about the island, coastline, and marine life. That helps give the views some context. You are not simply being transported from one swimming spot to another.

The route can also be the least active part of the outing for children who are eager to get in the water. The ride to Tasarte and back occupies about an hour, so young children should be prepared for a scenic boat journey before the main activity begins. The payoff is that the snorkeling stop is not squeezed into a short gap between port departure and lunch.

El Perchel, the reason to book

The boat then turns toward El Perchel, a cove reached only by boat. This is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to hands-on fun.

You get around 1.5 hours for snorkeling and free time. That is a generous allowance. You can swim, look for fish, try different masks, and return to the boat without feeling hurried. Families benefit from this flexibility because not everyone enters the water at the same pace.

The water is described as clear, with many fish visible around the cove. Different trips have produced sightings of numerous fish and even a ray. The guides explain where to look and what marine life you may see, adding a useful layer to the swim. You are not left to guess why one rocky patch is more interesting than another.

The equipment includes masks and fins, with both traditional and full-face masks available according to the trip details shared by participants. Full-face masks can be useful for first-timers who find breathing through a standard snorkel awkward. Still, no mask removes the need to swim confidently, and the activity is specifically unsuitable for non-swimmers.

There is also a paddleboard available, according to the activity experience described by recent customers. Since the formal inclusions list snorkeling equipment but does not separately promise a paddleboard for every departure, treat it as a possible extra rather than the main reason to book.

For children, El Perchel looks like the strongest part of the day. Children as young as seven have enjoyed the fish and the equipment, but the practical question is not age alone. You know your child’s swimming ability, comfort in open water, and willingness to follow instructions. A child who dislikes masks or becomes nervous in the sea may prefer to remain on the boat.

A simple Canarian lunch on board

After the water time, food is served on the boat. The meal includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. It is vegetarian-friendly and fits the setting better than a heavy restaurant-style meal would.

The potatoes with mojo are a particularly good local touch. Mojo is one of the Canary Islands’ signature sauces, and this is a chance to try it in a casual setting rather than ordering a large meal around it. The Spanish omelette adds something familiar for children, while bread and fruit keep the meal straightforward.

Drinks are included, and the experience has earned repeated praise for readily available refreshments. Homemade sangria is also singled out in the trip feedback. That makes the food stop feel generous for a $69 excursion, though you should not expect a long restaurant lunch with a wide menu. This is boat food, served as part of a relaxed outing.

One small point for cooler months: warm drinks such as tea or coffee are not listed among the inclusions. If you are visiting in winter or tend to feel chilly after swimming, bring a towel and a light layer. The operator specifically asks you to bring your own towel, so do not assume one will be waiting on board.

Photos, service, and the little extras

Photos are included, which is one of the nicest touches for families and couples. Ruben has been praised for making an effort to photograph entire families together, something that is surprisingly hard to arrange on a holiday. You may receive the images by email after the trip.

The guides also take photos and videos during the outing. The formal details confirm photos, while some recent experiences have included extra video or drone footage. Because that extra footage is not clearly guaranteed as a standard inclusion, think of it as a pleasant possibility rather than a promised feature.

The owner-operated feel is central to the experience. Ruben and Marta are described as attentive without making the trip feel stiff. They explain the snorkeling area, answer questions about fish and the coast, and give people time to enjoy the water. Several returning customers have chosen the same outing again, which says a lot about the service.

This is not the best choice if you want a silent boat ride or a strictly scheduled excursion with little interaction. The guides share information throughout the trip, and the atmosphere is friendly and social. For most families, that is an advantage. Solo visitors and couples who prefer a more private outing should be aware that the personal style may feel lively rather than secluded.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, the price covers three hours on the water, the coastal route, a long snorkeling session, equipment, a guide in Spanish and English, lunch, drinks, and photos.

I consider that solid value because the inclusions address the costs that can quickly add up on a boat excursion. You do not need to rent a mask and fins separately, buy lunch at the port, or pay extra for basic refreshments. The photos also add value for families who want a shared record of the day.

The trip is especially good value if you plan to snorkel seriously. A shorter cruise with only 20 or 30 minutes in the water may be cheaper, but it gives you less time to get comfortable and spot fish. Here, the 1.5-hour stop gives you room to try again if your first few minutes are spent adjusting your mask.

The value is less clear if you dislike swimming or mainly want a scenic cruise. In that case, you would spend a large portion of the excursion waiting while other people snorkel. Since non-swimmers are not suitable for the activity, choose a land-based viewpoint or a sightseeing cruise instead.

Practical details before you go

The tour lasts three hours, with starting times dependent on availability. Spanish and English are the guide languages.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen

Smoking is not allowed on the boat. You should also plan for sun exposure, wet clothing, and the chance of wind during the coastal ride.

Friday needs special attention. Puerto de Mogán’s market makes the port inaccessible by car that day. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan before setting out for parking and access instructions. One useful detail from the operator’s service is that the guides have contacted customers through WhatsApp before the trip, particularly to help with the busy Friday arrangement. Do not leave this until the last minute.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule depends on the weather or other island plans.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this trip for families with confident swimmers, couples who want a half-day on the sea, and first-time snorkelers who appreciate patient instruction.

It also suits people who want a friendly outing rather than a large, impersonal cruise. The experience has often felt uncrowded, with enough room on board to relax, though exact boat capacity is not specified. The covered area, sun deck, included food, and long swim stop make it easy to settle into the afternoon.

Children can enjoy the activity, especially if they are comfortable in open water. The family appeal is not just marketing language: the equipment choices, simple lunch, photos, and flexible swim time all work well for mixed-age groups.

I would skip it if you cannot swim, dislike boats, or want a dry sightseeing tour. I would also think twice if you need a fully private charter, since this is a shared boat experience.

Should you book the Yellow Boat Mogan trip?

Yes, if you want a well-priced combination of Gran Canaria coast views, serious snorkeling time, and a friendly crew. The long stop at El Perchel is the key advantage, while the local lunch, drinks, equipment, and photos make the $69 fee feel reasonable.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are getting a three-hour coastal outing, not a full-day marine expedition. The Tasarte ride is scenic, the snorkeling is the main event, and the food is simple but generous. Bring your own towel, check the Friday port situation, and book only if everyone in your group can swim.

With a 4.9 rating from 855 reviews, Yellow Boat Mogan has built a strong reputation. The most consistent praise goes to Ruben and Marta, whose care seems to turn a standard boat ride into a personal, easygoing day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto de Mogán boat and snorkeling trip?

The experience lasts three hours, including the coastal boat ride, sightseeing near Tasarte, snorkeling, free time, and lunch.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogán. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan, or search that name on Google Maps for directions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the experience provides masks and fins. Traditional and full-face mask options have been available on trips.

What food and drinks are provided?

The meal includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. Food and drinks are included, and homemade sangria has also been served.

Can non-swimmers take part?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers because it includes about 1.5 hours of snorkeling and swimming at El Perchel.

What should I bring, and what happens on Fridays?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Smoking is not allowed. On Fridays, the Puerto de Mogán market prevents cars from accessing the port, so contact Yellow Boat Mogan for parking and arrival advice.