Puerto de Mogan: Boat and Snorkeling Trip

The best part of this three-hour trip is the stop at El Perchel, a clear-water cove reached by boat. You get about 90 minutes to snorkel among fish, paddle, swim, or simply enjoy the sun while Gran Canaria’s cliffs rise along the coast. Ruben and Marta run the yellow boat and keep the outing personal and easygoing.

I like the generous time in the water, especially for families and first-time snorkelers. I also like the food: potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit, with drinks available on board. The main point to consider is simple: this is not suitable for non-swimmers, and sea conditions can affect how comfortable the ride and snorkel stop feel.

Key points at a glance

• El Perchel is reached only by boat, giving you a quiet swimming stop away from the port.
• Around 1.5 hours of snorkeling leaves enough time to get comfortable, look for fish, and take breaks.
• Ruben and Marta guide the trip together, explaining the coastline, local wildlife, and how to use the equipment.
• Lunch and drinks are included, with vegetarian-friendly Spanish food such as papas with mojo and tortilla.
• Photos are included, and the crew has also provided video or drone footage on some outings.
• Friday requires extra planning, since Puerto de Mogan market day limits car access to the port.

From Puerto de Mogan to the cliffs of Tasarte

The boat leaves from C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. If the port feels confusing, search that exact name in Google Maps for directions to the boat’s location.

The trip begins with a short five-minute safety briefing. That is enough time to cover the basics without turning the start into a long lecture. You then head along the southwest coast toward the Tasarte area, where the cliffs provide the main sightseeing section of the cruise.

This hour is not a formal shore visit. The boat passes by Playa de Tasarte, so you stay on board and take in the rock walls, sea views, and changing angles of Gran Canaria’s coast. Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure. The best pictures come when the boat slows near the more dramatic sections.

I like this opening because it gives the excursion a purpose beyond simply reaching the snorkeling cove. You see a stretch of coast that is difficult to appreciate from inland roads, and the guides add information about the island and its fish. Anne, one of the people who joined the trip, particularly valued the explanations about Gran Canaria’s past and coastline.

The tradeoff is that the sightseeing portion takes about an hour of the three-hour outing. If you want a fast trip with nearly all the time spent swimming, this may feel long. If you enjoy a boat ride and want a better sense of the coast, it gives the day a pleasant rhythm.

El Perchel: the main event in clear water

After reaching the Tasarte area, the boat turns back toward El Perchel. The stop lasts about 90 minutes, which is the heart of the excursion.

El Perchel is described as accessible only by boat, so this is not a beach stop where you can wander ashore. Instead, the boat serves as your base. You swim directly from it, use the snorkeling equipment, and return to the boat for food, shade, or a rest.

The water is clear enough to spot many kinds of fish. Several outings have included large numbers of fish, and one person saw a ray. The exact sea life will vary, but the crew helps you know where to look and explains the types of fish in the area.

That guidance matters. Snorkeling can be disappointing when you are left to float around without knowing what to watch for. Ruben and Marta explain how to use the mask and fins, point out likely places to see fish, and help first-timers feel more at ease. You can choose from standard masks or full-face masks, depending on availability and preference.

The long stop works well for mixed-age families. Children can swim and look for fish, then take a break before returning to the water. A family with children aged 7, 10, and 14 found the fish easy to see, even on a cloudy day. That does not guarantee the same visibility every time, but it shows why the stop can work for younger swimmers who are comfortable in open water.

The boat also has paddle boards, adding another water activity without an extra charge. You are not forced to snorkel for the entire 90 minutes. You can alternate between snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and sitting on board with a drink.

Still, you need to be honest about your swimming ability. This is not suitable for non-swimmers. The activity takes place at a cove reached by boat, not at a shallow pool with a simple walk-out option. Parents should stay alert, and anyone uneasy in open water should think carefully before booking.

A small boat atmosphere with room to relax

The Yellow Boat Mogan is described as clean, comfortable, and equipped with both a sun deck and a covered area. That gives you a choice between sitting in the sun and getting out of it. Pack sunscreen and a towel, since towels are not provided.

The setting feels more personal than a large sightseeing vessel. Ruben and Marta operate the boat together, and their attention is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They explain what is happening, answer questions, check that people are comfortable, and avoid rushing the water stop.

One useful detail is that the crew takes pictures during the trip. Photos of the group and the snorkeling session are sent by email afterward at no extra charge. Some outings have also included video or drone footage, though you should treat that as an added feature rather than something to rely on every time.

The photo service has real value for families. It is hard to take a good picture when everyone is in the water or when one person must stay behind with the phone. The crew has also made an effort to take full-family pictures, which can be a welcome souvenir.

The boat does not allow smoking. Food and drinks are included, and drinks are available throughout the outing. Homemade sangria receives frequent praise, while one person suggested that coffee or tea would be a useful addition. That is a fair expectation to set: this is a cold-drinks-and-snacks setup, not a café on the water.

Local lunch after the swim

After the water time, food is served on board. The spread includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. It is vegetarian-friendly and gives you a taste of simple Canarian and Spanish fare rather than a generic packaged lunch.

The potatoes with mojo are a highlight. Papas with mojo are a familiar Canarian dish, usually small potatoes served with a seasoned sauce. Here, the meal is part of the experience, not just fuel between activities. Several people found the homemade food generous and especially enjoyed the tortilla and sangria.

You can expect the meal after snorkeling, when a proper bite tastes especially welcome. Drinks are included, and the crew has been praised for keeping them available during the trip. Portion sizes have been described as satisfying, though you should not expect a full restaurant meal with several courses.

For vegetarians, the included menu is a clear advantage. The supplied information specifically identifies the activity as vegetarian friendly, and the listed dishes fit that description. If you have other dietary needs, contact the local supplier before booking rather than assuming the standard meal can be changed.

The lunch also helps make the $69 price easier to judge. You are paying for a boat excursion, a coastal sightseeing ride, equipment, guiding, snorkeling time, lunch, drinks, and photos. Compared with an outing where each of those items costs extra, this is a strong package.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, the trip is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Puerto de Mogan. You could walk the port, visit the market, or swim from a beach for much less. The comparison changes once you count the boat access to El Perchel and the included extras.

You receive snorkeling equipment, a guide, food, drinks, photos, and the boat tour. Paddle boards have also been available without an added fee. There are no surprise charges listed for the basic activities, which makes the price easier to plan around.

I see the value most clearly for families and first-time snorkelers. A family of four pays a meaningful total, but the package covers several hours of entertainment and a meal for everyone. You also avoid the trouble of finding equipment, arranging a separate boat, and figuring out where fish are easiest to see.

For a couple or solo visitor, the calculation depends on how much you value the personal service and the photos. If you only want a short ride along the coast, $69 may feel high. If you want a guided swim, food, drinks, and a boat-only cove in one booking, it is a reasonable price.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option can help if your plans are still changing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Check the available starting time when booking, since the schedule can vary.

What to bring and how to handle Friday

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not included, and the mix of open water and sun makes sunscreen especially important. A phone or camera is useful for the coastline, though you may prefer to leave water photography to the crew.

Wear something comfortable for a three-hour outing and keep personal items secure on the boat. Smoking is not allowed. The practical details are simple, but forgetting a towel can make the ride home less comfortable.

Friday is the one scheduling detail that can catch you out. It is market day in Puerto de Mogan, and cars cannot access the port in the usual way. Contact the local supplier before the trip for current parking and access instructions. One family received a WhatsApp message from Marta and Ruben that helped them deal with this problem, but you should still check ahead rather than arrive and hope for the best.

The meeting point is the yellow Yellow Boat Mogan boat at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163. Searching the boat name in Google Maps should bring up the exact location.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this trip for a family with confident swimmers, a couple wanting a relaxed half-day on the coast, or anyone trying snorkeling for the first time. The crew’s patient instruction and choice of masks make the activity less intimidating than arranging an independent swim.

It also suits people who care about the food and social side of an excursion. You are not simply dropped at a snorkeling site and left alone. The guides explain the coast, serve lunch, offer drinks, and take photos.

The activity is less suitable if you dislike open water, cannot swim, or want a quiet beach day with no fixed schedule. The Tasarte section is sightseeing from the boat, and the main swimming stop depends on the conditions at sea. You should also avoid booking it as a substitute for a serious scuba experience. This is a friendly snorkeling outing, not a technical underwater tour.

The Spanish and English guiding makes it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Ruben and Marta’s role is part guide, part host, and part snorkeling coach. That combination is particularly useful when a group includes both confident swimmers and nervous beginners.

Should you book the Yellow Boat Mogan trip?

Yes, if you want an easy family boat day with plenty of water time and a meal included. The strongest reasons are the 90-minute snorkeling stop at El Perchel, the attentive guidance from Ruben and Marta, and the unusually complete package of equipment, food, drinks, and photos.

I would book it with two cautions in mind. You must be able to swim, and Friday access to the port needs planning because of the market. Also, the boat ride to Tasarte is a real part of the outing, so choose this experience because you enjoy coastal scenery as well as snorkeling.

For $69, you get more than a quick look at the coast. You get a small-boat outing, time to see fish at a boat-only cove, a vegetarian-friendly Canarian meal, and useful help from a couple who have run the trip for years. Pack your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, then allow the afternoon to move at the boat’s relaxed pace.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto de Mogan snorkeling 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, or search that name on Google Maps for directions.

How long does the activity last?

The boat and snorkeling trip lasts three hours. The schedule includes a five-minute safety briefing, about an hour passing the Playa de Tasarte area, and around 1.5 hours for lunch, free time, and snorkeling at El Perchel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a guide, boat tour, food, drinks, and photos. Paddle boards have also been available during the water stop.

What food is served?

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

Is the trip suitable for children?

The activity is family-friendly and includes kid-friendly snorkeling. However, it is not suitable for non-swimmers, since the main stop is in open water at a cove reached by boat.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, subject to the booking terms.

What should I bring?

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