Puerto de Mogan: Boat and Snorkeling Trip

The best part of this three-hour boat trip is the combination of coastal sightseeing and a long stop at El Perchel, a cove reached only by boat. You first pass the cliffs near Tasarte, then spend about 1.5 hours in clear water looking for fish.

I like the personal touch from guides Ruben and Marta, who explain the coastline and show you where to look for marine life. I also like that the price includes equipment, drinks, vegetarian food, photos, and use of paddle boards. The main consideration is simple: this trip is not suitable for non-swimmers, and sea conditions can affect how enjoyable the snorkeling feels.

What makes this Puerto de Mogan trip worth considering

• El Perchel snorkeling stop: Spend roughly 1.5 hours swimming and looking for fish in a cove accessible only by boat.
• A family-run experience: Ruben and Marta host the trip together and are involved from the safety briefing through the return to port.
• Vegetarian Canarian food: Expect potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, fresh fruit, and drinks.
• Helpful extras included: Snorkeling gear, photographs, and paddle boards are provided without separate charges.
• Cliff views toward Tasarte: The outbound cruise gives you a fine look at the rugged southwest coast of Gran Canaria.
• Small-group comfort: The boat has both a covered area and a sun deck, with space to sit and eat during the trip.

Leaving Puerto de Mogan on the Yellow Boat

Your meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. If the port is unfamiliar, searching that name on Google Maps should take you to the exact spot.

The trip begins with a short safety briefing of about five minutes. That may sound routine, but it matters here because the main activity takes place in open water. You need to understand how the snorkeling equipment works and where you can swim around the boat.

Ruben and Marta run the boat themselves, and their style is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They explain the route, answer questions, and give clear guidance before you enter the water. If this is your first time snorkeling, that patient introduction can make the difference between feeling nervous and enjoying yourself.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with a sun deck and a covered area. That gives you a choice during the cruise. You can sit in the sun for the sea views, or move under cover when you have had enough heat. Bring sunscreen either way. The Canary Islands sun can be strong even when the air feels pleasantly cool.

The coast from Puerto de Mogan to Tasarte

Once you leave the marina, the boat follows the coast toward the Tasarte area. This is the sightseeing part of the trip, lasting about an hour. The cliffs are the main attraction, and the boat gives you views that are difficult to get from land.

You will have time to take photographs as the coastline changes. The cliffs around southwest Gran Canaria give the trip a sense of place, rather than making it only a transport ride to the snorkeling stop. Guides also share information about the island, the coast, and local fish, so pay attention during the cruise instead of treating it as background scenery.

The route reaches the Tasarte area before turning back toward El Perchel. That turn is useful to understand when planning your expectations. This is not a full-day coastal voyage or a trip that keeps pushing west. The goal is a balanced half-day outing: a scenic boat ride, a substantial swim stop, and food before returning to Puerto de Mogan.

If you are mainly interested in cliffs and coastal photographs, you may wish the sightseeing section lasted longer. For most families, though, the one-hour cruise followed by a long water stop is a sensible split. Children get something to look at on the way out, then plenty of active time once the boat anchors.

El Perchel and its 1.5-hour swim stop

The boat then reaches El Perchel, a small cove accessible only by boat. This is the heart of the trip. You have around 90 minutes for snorkeling, swimming, and free time.

The clear water lets you look for different kinds of fish close to the boat and around the cove. The guides explain where to search and what sea life you may see. A ray has been spotted on one outing, but it would be wrong to promise a particular animal. Marine life changes from day to day, and visibility depends on the weather and water.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The boat carries traditional masks and full-face masks, along with flippers. That choice is useful for families because one style does not suit everyone. Full-face masks can feel easier for some beginners, while experienced swimmers may prefer standard gear.

The crew also provides instruction before you get in. For a first-time snorkeler, listen carefully rather than rushing straight into the water. You will get more from the stop if your mask fits properly and you know how to clear it.

This is still a swimming activity, not a glass-bottom boat tour. You need to be comfortable in the water. The experience is specifically listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers, and parents should judge their children’s confidence honestly. The guides are attentive, but they cannot turn an open-water activity into a dry sightseeing tour.

Paddle boards are also available during the stop. They add another way to enjoy the cove if you need a break from snorkeling. The included boards are a useful extra, especially for a family with mixed interests. Someone can paddle while another person swims or rests on the boat.

Food, drinks, and the value of the included extras

After swimming, you are served a vegetarian spread of potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. The food reflects familiar Spanish and Canarian flavors without making the meal complicated. Potatoes with mojo are particularly fitting here, and the meal gives you something substantial after time in the water.

Drinks are included and available during the trip. Several people especially enjoyed the homemade sangria, while others appreciated having drinks ready after snorkeling. The supplied information does not give a full drinks menu, so do not book this expecting a restaurant-style selection. Think of it as a generous boat lunch and refreshments included in the outing.

The food matters because the $69 price is not paying only for a boat seat. You receive the cruise, a guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, photos, and access to paddle boards. On a separate boat ride, each of those extras could add to the total cost or require more planning.

I would call the price good value for a three-hour activity, particularly for families. The snorkeling stop is long enough to feel worthwhile, and the meal means you do not need to arrange lunch immediately afterward. The value is less compelling if you do not intend to swim, since the main purpose of the trip is the water stop.

Vegetarian food is built into the experience, which makes planning easier for anyone seeking a meat-free lunch. If you have other dietary needs, the supplied information does not confirm special menus, so ask the operator before booking.

The personal service from Ruben and Marta

A large part of the appeal comes from the way the boat is hosted. Ruben and Marta are not simply pointing out the route and handing you equipment. They explain the area, talk about fish, help with snorkeling, and try to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

They also take photographs during the trip. The photos are sent by email afterward, and some outings have included video or drone footage. This is a practical bonus because taking a good group photograph from the water is difficult. Families especially appreciate having a picture with everyone in it, rather than one person being left behind the camera.

The hosts also make an effort with children and beginners. The ages that have worked well include children of 7, 10, and 14, although swimming ability and confidence matter more than age alone. Younger children should be watched closely, since this remains an open-water activity.

The warm, attentive style may not suit someone who wants a completely private charter or a silent cruise. You are joining a hosted group experience, with explanations, shared food, and a social atmosphere. For most people choosing this type of excursion, that is a benefit rather than a problem.

Practical details that can affect your day

The total duration is three hours, with departure times varying by availability. Plan to arrive ready for the water. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided, so this is an easy item to forget if you are coming straight from another activity.

Smoking is not allowed on the boat.

Friday requires extra planning. Puerto de Mogan holds its market that day, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan before your trip for current parking and access advice. One particularly useful detail is that the hosts have contacted customers through WhatsApp before a Friday outing to help them reach parking during the market day. Do not leave this until the last minute.

The meeting point is in the port, not at a hotel. If you have trouble finding the boat, use Yellow Boat Mogan in Google Maps. Look for the yellow vessel.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English. That makes the safety instructions and fish information accessible to a broad range of visitors.

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 weather or other island plans. Check the available starting times before booking, since the exact departure schedule can change.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples, and first-time snorkelers who can swim. The guides give clear instruction, the equipment is included, and the 90-minute stop leaves enough time to try the activity without feeling rushed.

It also suits anyone who wants more than a basic sightseeing cruise. You get cliff views, fish watching, food, drinks, and photographs in one compact outing. The experience works especially well when you want a relaxed afternoon rather than a full-day adventure.

It may not be the right pick if you do not swim, dislike boat travel, or want a trip focused only on sightseeing. The Tasarte cruise is attractive, but the main event is El Perchel. You should also remember that clear water and fish sightings depend on conditions. The guides can show you good places to look, but nature sets the schedule.

The trip has earned a 4.9 rating from 855 reviews, with particularly strong praise for the hosts, food, snorkeling instruction, photos, and value. The consistent pattern is more useful than the number alone: this experience succeeds because Ruben and Marta combine practical help with a friendly, personal touch.

Should you book the Puerto de Mogan snorkeling trip?

Book it if you want a well-balanced three-hour outing with real time in the water, local food, and attentive hosts. The included gear, drinks, photos, and paddle boards make $69 per person a fair price, especially when you would otherwise pay separately for several of those extras.

Before booking, make two checks. First, make sure everyone in your party can swim and is happy with an open-water stop. Second, plan your access carefully if you are visiting on Friday, when the market restricts car access to the port.

For a family that wants cliff views without committing to a long cruise, this is a strong choice. Go prepared with a towel and sunscreen, listen to the briefing, and leave room in your camera roll for the fish, the coast, and the group photograph.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto de Mogan boat trip start?

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat called Yellow Boat Mogan.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts three hours, including the boat ride, sightseeing, snorkeling, food, and return to Puerto de Mogan.

What places does the boat visit?

The route travels from Puerto de Mogan toward the Tasarte area, then turns back toward El Perchel for the snorkeling stop.

How long do you spend snorkeling?

You have about 1.5 hours for snorkeling, swimming, and free time at El Perchel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including masks and flippers. Traditional and full-face masks may be available.

Is food included?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. Food and drinks are included in the activity.

Are photographs included?

Yes. Photos are included and are sent by email after the trip. Some outings have also included video or drone footage.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers because the main stop involves swimming and snorkeling in open water.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided.

Can you smoke on the boat?

No. Smoking is not allowed.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What happens on Fridays in Puerto de Mogan?

Friday is market day, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Contact the local supplier for current access and parking information.

Can you cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now-and-pay-later booking is also available.