Puerto de Mogan: Boat and Snorkeling Trip

The best part of this three-hour boat trip is the balance: you get a proper look at Gran Canaria’s cliffs, then plenty of time in the water at El Perchel. Ruben and Marta run the Yellow Boat Mogan as a warm, hands-on operation, with fish-spotting tips, photos, drinks, and a simple vegetarian lunch included.

I like two things in particular. First, the snorkeling stop lasts about 90 minutes, so it is not a rushed swim between a short cruise and a snack. Second, the food is more local than the usual boat-trip buffet: potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fruit. The main caution is clear: this trip is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the sea may not feel comfortable for everyone.

Key points to know before booking

• El Perchel is reached only by boat, giving the snorkeling stop a sense of escape from the usual beach crowds.
• Ruben and Marta guide the outing together, explaining the coast, local fish, and snorkeling equipment.
• Traditional vegetarian food and drinks are included, with potatoes and mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit.
• Snorkeling equipment is supplied, including masks and fins, with full-face masks available on some outings.
• Photos are included, and the crew makes a real effort to capture families together.
• Friday requires extra planning, since Puerto de Mogan’s market can block car access to the port.

Setting off from Puerto de Mogan

You meet the boat at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. If you are unsure, search that exact name in Google Maps, which takes you to the meeting point.

The outing begins with a short safety briefing of about five minutes. That is a useful pause before the boat gets moving, especially if you are bringing children or using snorkeling gear for the first time. Ruben and Marta explain how the equipment works and help you get settled rather than sending you straight into the water.

The boat itself has received praise for being clean, comfortable, and well kept. It has both an open sun deck and a covered area, so you can choose between full sun and shade. Bring sunscreen either way. The Canary Islands sun can feel gentle when you are out on the water, but it is easy to forget how long you are exposed.

Friday is the awkward day for arrival. Puerto de Mogan holds its market then, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan ahead of time for current parking advice. This is one of those small details that can save you from arriving flustered and late.

Along the cliffs toward Playa de Tasarte

The first major part of the cruise heads west toward the Tasarte area. The route takes about an hour, including sightseeing and passing Playa de Tasarte before turning back toward El Perchel.

This is the scenic section of the trip. Gran Canaria’s coast becomes more dramatic as the boat leaves Puerto de Mogan, with tall cliffs and open sea views that are hard to appreciate from a road. Keep your camera handy, but do not spend the entire hour looking through it. The best views come when you simply watch the coastline change.

Ruben and Marta add local information along the way, including details about the island, the coast, and sea life. The commentary is part of what makes this more than a simple ride to a swimming stop. You get context without having to commit to a full sightseeing cruise lasting half a day.

The Tasarte section is a pass-by stop rather than a landing. That matters if you are hoping to walk on a remote beach or spend time ashore. You will see the area from the boat, take photographs, and then continue to the snorkeling cove. For most people, this is a sensible use of the three-hour schedule, but it is worth knowing that the emphasis is on views from the water rather than beach exploration.

Snorkeling at El Perchel

The boat then turns toward El Perchel, a cove accessible only by boat. This is the heart of the experience, with about an hour and a half set aside for swimming and snorkeling.

The long stop gives you time to learn the equipment, get comfortable, and look for fish without feeling hurried. That is especially helpful if this is your first time snorkeling. Ruben and Marta explain where to look and what kinds of sea life you may see, rather than simply handing over a mask and pointing at the water.

The cove is described as clear, and people regularly spot many kinds of fish. A ray has also been seen here. You should keep expectations sensible, since sea conditions and visibility change, but this is a stronger setup than a quick ten-minute swim attached to a sightseeing cruise.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Masks, fins, and flotation or other onboard equipment are available, and several families appreciated having a choice between traditional and full-face masks. Equipment fit can make or break the experience, so ask for help early if your mask leaks or feels uncomfortable.

The crew is attentive to first-timers and children. Families with children aged seven, ten, and fourteen have found the stop especially enjoyable, but the trip still requires basic swimming ability. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, and parents should judge their children’s comfort in open seawater rather than relying only on age.

The boat also carries paddle boards on some outings. They have been available as an extra activity without a separate charge, but availability can vary, so do not book solely for that feature. The main activity is snorkeling.

A local lunch on the return stretch

After swimming, you return to the boat for food. The meal is vegetarian friendly and includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. This is a modest spread, not a restaurant lunch, but it fits the setting well and gives you something filling after time in the water.

The potatoes with mojo are the star. Mojo is one of the Canary Islands’ signature sauces, and this is a pleasant way to try a local staple without arranging a separate food tour. The Spanish omelette adds a familiar option for children or anyone who is cautious about unfamiliar dishes.

Drinks are included and available during the trip. Several outings have also featured homemade sangria. Since the supplied details list food and drinks as included, you do not need to plan for a separate meal during the three hours. You should still bring water if you prefer a particular drink, though the boat provides refreshments.

There is a nice practical touch here: the crew keeps people comfortable after swimming rather than treating the food as a rushed handout. One group appreciated having its table for the duration of the outing. Details like that matter when you are wet, carrying gear, and trying to keep children fed.

If you need a special diet beyond vegetarian food, ask before booking. The included menu is clearly suitable for vegetarians, but no broader list of dietary adaptations is provided.

Photos and the personal touch

Photos are included, which adds real value for families. Getting everyone into one picture is often difficult on holiday, and Ruben makes a point of taking group and family shots rather than leaving one person behind the camera.

The photos are sent by email after the trip. Some outings have also included video or drone footage, but treat that as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed part of every departure. The reliable inclusion is the photo service.

This is also where the small-scale nature of the operation helps. Ruben and Marta are not simply handling tickets and pointing out the next stop. They explain the snorkeling area, answer questions, check how people are doing, and keep the mood relaxed. Their approach suits people who prefer a friendly owner-operated trip over a large boat with a formal script.

The review score is 4.9 out of 5 from 855 reviews, and the praise is unusually consistent around the hosts, food, snorkeling time, and included extras. That does not remove the normal risks of weather, sea conditions, or personal comfort, but it does point to a well-established operation.

What the $69 price includes

At $69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it is strong value if you plan to use the inclusions. The price covers the boat ride, guide, safety briefing, snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, and photos.

Compare it with the cost of arranging those pieces separately. A coastal cruise gives you the views, but usually not a long snorkeling stop. A beach visit gives you swimming, but not the boat-only access to El Perchel, the commentary along the coast, or the included equipment. A restaurant lunch and drinks would add more cost on their own.

The best value comes if you are interested in both sightseeing and snorkeling. If you only want a short scenic cruise, three hours may feel too long. If you do not swim, much of the central activity will not suit you, even though you can still enjoy the boat ride and food.

Families may find the price particularly reasonable because the day includes an activity for children, a meal, refreshments, and photos. Just remember that the trip is family-friendly, not non-swimmer friendly. Children need to be comfortable in the water, and adults should be ready to supervise them.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing for:

• Families with confident-swimming children
• First-time snorkelers who want clear instructions
• Couples looking for a relaxed coastal activity
• People who prefer small, personal tours
• Visitors who want local food included rather than a generic packed lunch
• Anyone who values photos and does not want to manage the camera all day

I would think twice if you dislike open-water swimming, want a long stop on a beach, or prefer a large sightseeing boat with plenty of room to move around. The outing is centered on the sea, so even a pleasant cruise cannot replace a land-based day for someone who feels uneasy on water.

The three-hour length is well judged. You get enough time for the Tasarte coast and the snorkeling cove without giving up an entire day. The only tradeoff is that the schedule is fairly focused. There is no extended walk, town visit, or major beach stay.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided. A waterproof phone case is sensible if you want to take pictures in the cove, though the crew supplies photos as part of the outing.

Wear something easy to move in and bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool after swimming. The boat has a covered section, which helps with shade, but sunscreen remains essential.

Arrive with enough time to find the yellow boat and listen to the safety briefing. On Friday, allow extra time for the market-day traffic and access restrictions. Contact the operator before the trip if you need parking advice.

Smoking is not allowed on the boat. The live tour is offered in Spanish and English, so you can expect guidance in either language.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed in the activity details.

Should you book Yellow Boat Mogan?

Yes, if you want a friendly, food-inclusive boat trip with a serious snorkeling stop rather than a quick swim added at the end. The long El Perchel stop, clear water, local lunch, drinks, photos, and attentive guidance make the $69 price easy to justify for confident swimmers.

I would especially recommend it to families and first-time snorkelers. Ruben and Marta’s personal help, full-face mask option, and relaxed pace remove much of the stress that can come with trying a new water activity.

Skip it if you are a non-swimmer, want substantial time on land, or are looking only for a short cliff-viewing cruise. For everyone else, this is one of the better-balanced ways to combine Gran Canaria’s coast, sea life, and local flavors in a single morning or afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto de Mogan boat trip start?

It starts at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan, or search that name on Google Maps for directions.

How long is the activity?

The full boat trip lasts three hours. The route includes a short safety briefing, about an hour of coastal sightseeing toward Playa de Tasarte, and approximately 1.5 hours for snorkeling, lunch, and free time at El Perchel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including masks and fins. Full-face masks have also been available on some outings.

What food and drinks are provided?

The included food consists of potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. Drinks are also included. The meal is vegetarian friendly.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers because snorkeling and swimming are central parts of the experience.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not included. Smoking is not allowed on the boat.