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 snorkeling stop at El Perchel, a cove reached by boat. You cruise past the cliffs toward Tasarte, then return along the coast for about 90 minutes in the water. I like the generous swim time and the chance to see Gran Canaria from offshore rather than only from a beach.

I also like the warm, hands-on hosting from Ruben and Marta, who explain the coastline and help you spot fish. Food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and photos are included, which makes the $69 price easy to understand. The main consideration is simple: this is not suitable for non-swimmers, and sea conditions can affect how comfortable the ride and snorkeling feel.

Key points to know before you book

• About 90 minutes of snorkeling: El Perchel gets most of the active time, with clear water and many fish to look for.
• A family-run boat: Ruben and Marta guide the trip, explain the area, and help first-time snorkelers use the equipment.
• Vegetarian food included: Expect potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, fresh fruit, and drinks after swimming.
• Good value at $69: Gear, food, drinks, a guide, the cruise, and trip photos are included.
• Useful family touches: Traditional and full-face masks are available, and paddle boards have been available on some trips.
• Market-day warning: On Fridays, cars cannot access Puerto de Mogan port, so contact the operator ahead of time for parking advice.

Leaving Puerto de Mogan on the Yellow Boat

You meet the boat at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat marked Yellow Boat Mogan. If the port feels confusing, searching that name in Google Maps brings up the exact location.

The trip begins with a short, five-minute safety briefing. That matters here because the boat combines a moving cruise, open-water swimming, and snorkeling. You get a quick sense of the rules before the boat leaves, rather than trying to figure everything out once you reach the cove.

Puerto de Mogan is a pleasant starting point, with its marina setting and easy access to the water. The boat ride quickly changes the view. Instead of looking at the harbor from shore, you see the town and coast recede behind you, with the volcanic cliffs becoming the main attraction.

This is a shared boat outing, but the atmosphere may feel fairly personal. Several departures have been described as small and uncrowded, with enough room to sit under cover or enjoy the sun. Group size can vary, so do not assume every sailing will have the same amount of spare space.

The Tasarte coast gives you the scenic hour

The first major part of the route heads toward the Tasarte area. You spend roughly an hour sightseeing and passing along the coast before turning around. The focus is on the cliffs, sea views, and photographs rather than a shore visit.

This is a good use of time if you enjoy seeing coastlines from the water. The cliffs of Gran Canaria have a different scale when viewed from below, and the boat gives you angles that a road or lookout cannot provide. Keep your camera ready, since the route is designed for photographs.

The trip also includes commentary about the island, its coastline, and local sea life. Ruben and Marta are especially good at making this useful for beginners. You are not left to guess what you are looking at or why a particular section of coast matters.

There is one practical point to keep in mind: the Tasarte portion is a cruise-by sightseeing section, not a stop where you walk around. If your ideal boat trip includes a beach landing or a village visit, this outing will feel focused on the sea instead.

El Perchel is where the trip earns its price

After reaching the Tasarte area, the boat turns back toward El Perchel. The cove is accessible only by boat, which gives the stop a sense of occasion without requiring a long hike or complicated transfer.

You get around an hour and a half for snorkeling and free time. That is the heart of the experience. Many short boat tours offer a quick swim, but 90 minutes gives you time to settle into the equipment, look for fish, take breaks, and get back in the water without feeling hurried.

The water is described as clear, and the fish are a major part of the appeal. The guides explain where to look and point out different types of sea life. If you are new to snorkeling, that guidance is valuable. Floating over the water is easy enough, but knowing where to focus your attention can make the difference between seeing very little and spotting plenty.

Some people have seen a ray at the cove. That is not something you should expect on every trip, but it shows the variety of sea life that may be present. Conditions, visibility, and luck all play a role.

The cove is also a practical place for a family outing. Children aged 7, 10, and 14 have enjoyed the stop, and first-time snorkelers have received clear instruction before entering the water. Still, the operator lists the experience as unsuitable for non-swimmers. You need to be comfortable in the sea, even with guidance and flotation support.

Snorkeling equipment for beginners and regular swimmers

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask, fins, or snorkel unless you strongly prefer familiar gear. Traditional masks and full-face masks have both been available. A full-face mask can be especially appealing if you dislike breathing through a mouthpiece, though fit and personal comfort vary.

The guides explain how to use the equipment and where to look for fish. That short lesson is one of the more useful parts of the outing because it turns snorkeling from a trial-and-error activity into something you can enjoy right away.

Paddle boards have also been available on some trips. Since they are not listed in the formal inclusions, treat them as an extra that may depend on the boat and departure rather than a guaranteed feature.

Bring your own towel. You also need swimwear and sunscreen. The boat provides the active equipment, but not the basic beach items. Sunscreen is particularly important during the sightseeing portion, when you may spend time exposed on deck even if you plan to swim later.

Smoking is not allowed. That is worth noting for a three-hour trip, since the boat is a shared space and the air matters to everyone onboard.

Local lunch, fruit, and drinks after the swim

Once you are back on the boat, the food helps turn this from a simple snorkel outing into a fuller half-day experience. The meal includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. It is vegetarian-friendly and draws on familiar Canarian and Spanish flavors.

The potatoes with mojo are a highlight for many people, especially if you have not tried this local staple before. The Spanish omelette is a practical choice after swimming because it is filling without being complicated. Fresh fruit adds a lighter finish.

Drinks are included, and the trip has been praised for readily available refreshments. Homemade sangria has also been served. The exact drinks selection is not specified, so do not book expecting a particular brand or hot drink. One person specifically noted that coffee or tea would have been a welcome addition.

The food is not restaurant dining, nor should it be. It is a casual boat lunch served after the main activity. That is exactly where it works best: you can eat in swimwear, enjoy the view, and avoid losing half your day to a separate meal stop.

Ruben and Marta make the trip feel personal

The strongest feature of this outing is the hosting. Ruben and Marta run the boat together and are repeatedly praised for being attentive, friendly, and well informed about the coastline and fish.

That attention shows up in small ways. They explain the snorkeling area, answer questions, check that people are comfortable, and take photos of the group. For families, the photographs can be especially useful because getting everyone into one picture is difficult on a normal beach day.

The photos are included and sent by email after the trip. This is a real benefit, not just a decorative extra. You can concentrate on swimming instead of protecting your phone, and you still leave with a record of the day.

The guides also make an effort with first-time snorkelers. If you feel uncertain, tell them before entering the water. The experience is designed to be welcoming, but it still involves open-water swimming and will not suit someone who cannot swim.

What $69 gets you, and where the value comes from

At $69 per person, the price covers a three-hour boat trip, the guide, snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, and photos. You would normally pay separately for several of those elements on a coastal excursion, so the bundled price is strong if you intend to swim and eat onboard.

The value is better for active participants than for someone who only wants a scenic cruise. The route includes an hour of coastal sightseeing, but the main purpose is the El Perchel stop. If you do not plan to snorkel, you may find that a dedicated sightseeing cruise suits you better.

For families, the included gear and food simplify the day. You do not need to rent equipment at the beach or arrange lunch immediately afterward. The photographs also remove one small but common holiday expense.

The trip has a rating of 4.9 from 855 reviews, and the praise is unusually consistent around the same points: the hosts, the snorkeling time, the food, the included drinks, and the photos. That consistency gives you a clearer picture of what the operator does well than a list of vague compliments would.

Timing, parking, and the Friday market problem

The activity lasts three hours, but starting times depend on availability. Check the time when booking and allow a little extra time to reach the port.

Friday needs special planning. Puerto de Mogan has its market that day, and cars cannot access the port. Contact Yellow Boat Mogan before the trip for current advice on parking and reaching the meeting point. One family received a WhatsApp message with parking guidance before a Friday departure, so checking ahead can prevent a rushed start.

You should also remember that the boat returns to the same meeting point at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163. This makes the outing easy to pair with time in Puerto de Mogan, provided you do not schedule another activity too tightly afterward.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still moving, but you should still check the exact departure availability before committing to other arrangements.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this trip for families with children who can swim, couples wanting an easy coastal outing, and adults trying snorkeling for the first time. The 90-minute water stop gives beginners enough time to learn without making the whole day about instruction.

It also suits anyone who likes a relaxed pace. The boat does not rush from one photo stop to another. You get a long swim, a casual meal, drinks, and time to enjoy the coast.

This is less suitable for non-swimmers, people who dislike being on boats, or anyone seeking a serious scuba experience. It is snorkeling, not a certified underwater course, and the Tasarte section is sightseeing from the boat rather than a land excursion.

If you want a fully private trip, ask about the booking arrangement before paying. The supplied details describe a boat tour, but they do not promise private hire.

Should you book the Yellow Boat Mogan trip?

Yes, if you want a friendly, well-rounded outing rather than a bare-bones transfer to a snorkeling spot. The strongest reasons to book are the long stop at El Perchel, clear explanations for beginners, local vegetarian food, included drinks, and photos sent afterward.

The $69 price is fair because the essentials are already covered. Just plan around the Friday market, bring a towel and sunscreen, and be honest about your swimming ability.

I would skip it only if you want a land-based activity, cannot swim, or prefer a quiet sightseeing cruise with no time in the water. For everyone else, this is a practical way to combine Gran Canaria’s cliffs, sea life, and local food in one compact half-day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

It starts and ends at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, in Puerto de Mogan. Look for the yellow boat named Yellow Boat Mogan.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts three hours. The route includes a five-minute safety briefing, about one hour passing the Tasarte coast, and around 1.5 hours for snorkeling and free time at El Perchel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and traditional and full-face masks have been available on trips.

What food is served?

The meal includes potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. The food is vegetarian-friendly.

Are drinks included?

Yes, food and drinks are included. Homemade sangria has been served, but the exact drink selection is not specified.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

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