Snorkeling off Puerto de Mogan is simpler than you think. I love the combination of a calm small-boat cruise and hands-on snorkeling gear at El Perchel, right in Gran Canaria’s protected waters. One catch to know: to get to the snorkeling area, you must swim from the boat since there’s no walking access from shore.

This trip also hits the best kind of vacation rhythm. You cruise the south-west coast, then settle into lunch with Canarian flavors and an open bar onboard, not back on land where you still need to plan everything. The hosts, Marta and Ruben, run it in a relaxed way that feels more like a local morning out than a production.

If the sea is a bit choppy, you’ll want to be ready. And the drone footage is weather-dependent, so it’s great when it happens, but you shouldn’t treat it like a guarantee.

Key points before you go

• El Perchel snorkeling stop inside a protected cove with gear included
• Marta and Ruben guide the experience and help you spot sea life
• Unlimited drinks and lunch onboard, so you’re not spending time hunting food
• Photos and drone footage included when conditions allow
• Small groups (up to 25), so it doesn’t feel like a crowded cattle call
• No shore walk-in at the snorkeling spot; you’ll swim from the boat

Where the Yellow Boat experience starts in Puerto de Mogan

The meeting point is right by the port area: C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán. The trip starts at 10:00 am, and it runs for about 3 hours, then you end back at the same spot.

I like how this keeps your morning straightforward. You don’t need to line up buses, coordinate transfers, or time two different activities. You just show up, get geared up, and enjoy the coast.

One logistics note that matters: Friday is market day in Puerto de Mogan. The port can be hard to reach by car that day, so plan for the way you’ll get there and contact the operator ahead of time if you’re driving.

Cruising the south-west coast: cliffs, caves, and lots of photo moments

Once you’re aboard, the morning shifts from “travel planning mode” to “sit back and look.” You head along Gran Canaria’s south-west coastline, navigating the dramatic areas between Puerto de Mogán and Tasarte, with cliff views that feel wild in the best way.

This is where you get the postcard angles without the hassle of stops and stairs. The boat setup gives you places to sit, plus open views as you pass the coast. If the weather treats you kindly, the photos usually come easy.

Also, there’s a steady flow of small picture opportunities built into the experience. The crew does a photo shoot during the boat trip, and they’ll keep capturing while you’re out near the snorkeling area, too. It’s a nice “I don’t have to take 200 phone shots” approach.

El Perchel snorkeling: protected water, included gear, and real guidance

Your main water time happens at a small cove called El Perchel. The big advantage here is that it’s described as a protected beach area, which typically means you get clearer, calmer conditions than you might in open water.

You’re not sent in with zero instructions. Ruben in particular helps guests by explaining what you might see, and that turns snorkeling from random wandering into something more like a fish-spotting game. The result is that even first-timers often get a lot out of it.

Gear you can actually use

Snorkeling equipment is included, and that’s a big deal for value. You don’t waste time renting. You also don’t have to guess what’s worth bringing from home.

One detail that stands out from real guest experiences: full-face-style snorkel masks are offered, and that can make the whole thing less intimidating if you usually hate the idea of water near your mouth.

The important access rule: swim required

Here’s the practical part you shouldn’t gloss over: to reach the beach, you must swim. There’s no walking access from the boat at the snorkeling stop.

So if you’re a confident swimmer, this is usually fine. If you’re not, plan for a different kind of enjoyment: you can still enjoy the boat cruise, watch what’s happening from the waterline, and soak in the sun on board. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure everyone understands what “swim from the boat” means before you get out there.

Paddle board time

You also get access to one paddle board as part of the included set-up. It’s not the whole plan, but it’s a fun add-on if you want an option beyond just floating and snorkel time.

Safety and comfort in real conditions

Wave conditions can change quickly. One guest noted that the waves can feel like a lot on the way out and back, which is a good reminder: if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing something before you go. It’s also smart to stay hydrated and keep a relaxed pace once you’re on board.

What you eat on this boat: Canarian potatoes, omelette, and mojo

The lunch is one of the strongest reasons this feels like good value. Food is included, and it’s Canarian-style: Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food. Vegetarian options are explicitly supported, and the vibe is that you won’t be left hungry while others finish.

What I like most is the timing. You snorkel, work up an appetite, then eat onboard while the morning is still moving. You’re not scrambling after the water activity to find lunch in a busy port.

Drinks are where it gets even better for many people: the trip includes an open bar with unlimited drinks. Guests specifically call out sangria, and the overall feel is that you can enjoy an adult drink without it turning into a chaotic party. The atmosphere stays relaxed.

One more useful detail: food and drinks are replenished for a lot of guests during the trip. That matters because boat time moves fast, and being able to grab more without waiting makes the whole flow smoother.

No towels are included, though, so bring your own or plan on drying off with what you have. (A quick towel matters if you snorkel, since you’ll be wet and ready to change zones fast.)

Marta and Ruben: what makes the hosts feel different

This is a family-run operation, and it shows in the small things. Marta is the skipper, and Ruben guides guests and explains sea life. That personal touch matters, especially if you’re trying snorkeling for the first time or you don’t know what you’re looking at under the surface.

In practice, it means you get help when you need it. Guests talk about feeling comfortable in the water because the crew gives clear guidance on safety and on what you might spot. It’s also why many people describe the mood as friendly and chill, not rushed.

Photos and drone footage: a nice souvenir system

The tour includes photo shooting during the trip, plus drone film and photos during the snorkeling when weather allows. That weather note is important. On a clear day, you’re likely to get great visuals. If conditions aren’t right, you may just get the standard photo coverage without the drone component.

Either way, the plan is set up so you’re not relying entirely on your own camera. Many guests say they get digital photos after the trip, which turns into an easy way to remember the morning without building a complicated photo workflow.

Small group size and a boat that doesn’t feel packed

With a maximum of 25 travelers, the boat time feels manageable. That cap is part of why people keep recommending this experience so strongly: you can move, you can find a comfortable place to sit, and you don’t feel like you’re squeezed in.

The boat is also described as clean and comfortable, with open deck space where you can dry off in the sun. One neat detail from the onboard experience is that some guests who didn’t swim still enjoyed watching from the boat and relaxing upstairs. That’s a good fit for mixed groups where not everyone is equally excited to get in the water.

Also, it’s a smokefree boat, which improves the air quality and makes the onboard experience more pleasant for everyone.

Price and value: why $71.35 can be a smart deal

At $71.35 per person for about 3 hours, this could be one of the better bargains in Gran Canaria if you compare it to booking snorkeling gear, lunch, and a paid boat trip separately.

Here’s why the math works for many people:

• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not paying extra to rent
• Lunch is included, with specific Canarian meal components
• Drinks are unlimited via an open bar, which can easily be the biggest hidden cost on many boat tours
• Photos (and drone footage if conditions allow) are included, so you’re not paying for souvenirs later

Put simply: you’re buying a coordinated morning with food, water time, and keepsakes built in.

If you’re the type who always ends up spending vacation time figuring out where to eat, this kind of all-in structure is a lifesaver. You leave the port with a plan already done.

Who should book this snorkeling boat, and who should think twice

Best fit

This excursion is a strong match if you want:

• A family-friendly morning out
• A snorkeling intro where you get help and gear
• A small-group cruise with room to breathe
• A vegetarian-friendly lunch onboard
• A relaxed experience with real hosts who answer questions

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you’re comfortable in the water and you don’t mind that the snorkeling spot requires swimming from the boat.

Considerations

Think twice if:

• You don’t swim and you need a walk-in beach option
• You’re very sensitive to motion and you expect choppy seas
• You’re going on a day where weather might limit drone footage (it’s included only if conditions allow)

Quick booking checklist for a smooth morning

A few practical things I’d do before you go:

• Bring your own towel since it’s not included
• Wear swimwear under clothes so you can change fast once you return
• If you get seasick, consider a remedy ahead of time
• If it’s Friday and you’re driving, plan around market day port access
• If you’re picky about the drone footage, remember it depends on weather

One more operational detail: the excursion won’t operate if the boat doesn’t meet a minimum headcount (it requires at least 10 people). That’s normal for small tours, but it’s still worth knowing.

Should you book the 3-hour boat trip with snorkeling at El Perchel?

I’d book this if you want a small, friendly morning that combines coast views, real snorkeling time, and an included lunch + open bar. Marta and Ruben make it feel welcoming, and the snorkeling setup is designed to help you actually see sea life instead of guessing your way through.

Skip it if swimming from the boat sounds like a deal-breaker for your group. That one rule changes everything. Otherwise, for most people—especially families and first-time snorkelers—it’s the kind of trip that turns into a highlight without turning your vacation into homework.

If your timing works and weather looks reasonable, this is a strong value pick for Puerto de Mogán.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

It starts at 10:00 am and lasts about 3 hours. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán, Las Palmas, Spain.

What snorkeling spot do we visit, and do I need to swim?

You snorkel at El Perchel. To reach the beach area, you must swim from the boat, because there is no walking access from the boat.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, unlimited drinks (open bar), lunch (vegetarian friendly), photo shooting during the trip, drone film and photos if weather allows, and one paddle board.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Is the boat smokefree and is it family friendly?

Yes. It’s a smokefree boat, and it’s described as family friendly. Vegetarian options are also supported.