Snorkeling off Gran Canaria beats pool time. This Puerto de Mogan boat trip hits two big wins: family snorkeling that actually feels manageable, plus the kind of cliff-and-cove scenery you can’t fake. I also like the vegetarian-friendly Spanish lunch setup, served right on board after your swim. One catch, though, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, so plan accordingly.

The trip is run by Marta and Reuben on the Yellow Boat Mogan, a yellow boat that’s easy to spot once you know where to look. You get guided fish spotting, included snorkeling gear, and photo coverage so you do not spend the whole day fighting with your phone at the worst moment. If you forget your towel, you’ll wish you hadn’t.

Key things to know before you go

• Yellow Boat Mogan check-in is simple, at C. Explanada del Castillete 163, with clear Google Maps directions when needed
• 1.5 hours of snorkeling at El Perchel, with plenty of time to learn and explore the cove
• Food that works for vegetarians, with potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit
• Marta and Reuben make it feel personal, with attention during setup and while you’re in the water
• Expect fish spotting lessons, not just free time, plus lots of photo time for families
• Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, since towels are not included

Where Puerto de Mogan shines: cliffs, calm water, and a family-ready pace

Puerto de Mogan is one of those places where the scenery looks good from land, then improves once you’re on the water. This trip keeps the pace friendly, with a short safety briefing and then a slow cruise along the coast so everyone gets bearings before the snorkel stop. It also stays practical: you spend your time where it counts, the water and the views.

I like how the day is structured around doing one main thing well: snorkeling at the cove. You are not bouncing from stop to stop all afternoon. Even if someone in your group is new to snorkeling, the format gives you time to learn without feeling rushed.

And you’ll probably appreciate the vibe. The operation is family-run, and the tone on board is warm and relaxed. That matters, especially when you’re wrangling kids, masks, and that first splash into open water.

Meeting at C. Explanada del Castillete 163 and finding the Yellow Boat Mogan

Your meeting point is C. Explanada del Castillete 163 in Puerto de Mogan. At check-in, you should look for a yellow boat called Yellow Boat Mogan. If you have even a little trouble locating it, search Yellow Boat Mogan on Google Maps to get the exact spot.

Do keep one timing note in your pocket. On Fridays, Puerto de Mogan has market day, and port access by car is not straightforward. The solution is simple: reach out to the local supplier before you go so they can tell you the best option for parking or getting to the meeting area.

Bottom line: arrive early enough that you can park, walk, and still feel calm. With kids, that buffer time saves you stress.

Cruise time near Playa de Tasarte: views first, then the turn toward El Perchel

After the safety briefing (about 5 minutes), you’ll head out with scenic cruising near Playa de Tasarte. This is the stretch where you slow down and look around, not just look at the water. Expect the coast and cliffs of Gran Canaria to be a real part of the experience, and you’ll get photo moments without having to run around doing them yourself.

The trip route includes turning around in the Tasarte area and then navigating onward to the El Perchel snorkeling cove. That turn is a good mental cue: the fun shifts from sightseeing to underwater time.

A practical tip: if you can, put on sunscreen before you board and reapply after you return. Boat spray and sun burn happen fast, even when the sea feels cool.

El Perchel snorkeling cove: 1.5 hours, lots of fish, and real instruction

The heart of the trip is the stop at El Perchel, a cove you can access only by boat. You get around 1.5 hours in the water, which is long enough to settle in and still come out feeling like you actually explored.

This is not a one-size-fits-all snorkeling experience. Marta and Reuben guide you on what to do and where to look for fish. That guidance is a big deal. When you know what you are looking for, the snorkeling turns from I hope I see something into I can spot them again and again.

You can also expect a range of snorkeling gear. Many families like that there are different mask options, including a full-face style mask that makes breathing and comfort easier for some first-timers. Flippers and masks are provided, so you do not have to pack your own kit.

What you’ll likely notice:

• Crystal-clear water where fish are easy to see
• A mix of fish types, depending on what the cove is hosting that day
• Plenty of time to swim around without feeling like you’re being herded back on schedule

Cloudy conditions can happen, and the water is still worth it. Even when visibility is not perfect, the cove setting and the fish you track through the water still make for an exciting swim.

One more consideration: it’s not suitable for non-swimmers. You should also be prepared for real ocean water, not a kiddie pool. If you are comfortable in open water, you will probably love this section.

What happens after snorkeling: potatoes with mojo, omelette, bread, and fruit

Once you finish swimming, you’ll head into the food part of the trip. You’re served a Spanish-style onboard meal that includes potatoes with mojo, a Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit. It’s simple, filling, and designed to hit the spot after you’ve worked up an appetite in the water.

Vegetarian-friendly is built into the plan, and that matters for families. Kids often like potatoes and mojo, and adults often like not having to find a separate meal after a tour. More than one family loves that the food feels homemade rather than like a generic boat snack.

Drinks are also part of the experience, with refreshments available during the trip. Some guests specifically mention the sangria, so if you like a casual Spanish drink with your meal, this is the moment.

Practical note: bring your towel even if you think you won’t need it. You’ll want it right after the swim, and towels are not included.

The real value: Marta and Reuben, photos, and a small-group feel

A lot of boat tours say they’re family-friendly. This one earns the label because of how it’s run. Marta and Reuben handle the trip in a way that keeps people comfortable, from helping with snorkeling setup to guiding you in the water.

Two things I really appreciate based on the experience style:

1) They keep explaining, not just once, but again when it matters, especially for fish spotting and snorkeling basics.

2) They take care of the photo side so you can enjoy the moment instead of scrambling for a group picture.

You’ll also get photo coverage. Families mention getting photos by email afterward, which is a nice bonus because it saves you time. There are also mentions of extra footage like drone clips included on some departures, but the dependable part is that you get photos.

Also, the boat setup feels usable. Reviews mention a sun deck and a covered area, which is exactly what you want when the sun is intense but you still want shade at times. The boat itself is kept clean and comfortable, which you can feel when everyone settles in.

If you’re traveling with kids, the best part is how patient and attentive the hosts are. You’re not left to figure out snorkeling on your own, which can be stressful when you’re short on time and the kids are excited and wiggly.

Price check: what $69 buys you in real terms

$69 per person for a 3-hour trip can feel like a splurge if you compare it to a quick ferry ride. But compared to typical snorkeling experiences on the islands, this is strong value because a bunch of costs are wrapped in.

Here’s what you’re getting for your money:

• Boat tour (not just a shore stop)
• Guided experience on the water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Photos
• Food and drinks

You are also getting the “why” of snorkeling taken care of. Instruction and guidance cost extra elsewhere, and they are included here. So you are paying for a guided day that actually helps you see fish, not just a rental mask.

For families, value often means fewer separate purchases. You do not need to buy snorkeling gear, figure out lunch, or scramble for a meal that suits everyone. That convenience is worth money, especially on vacation when time and patience are limited.

Who this trip fits best, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if:

• You want an easy family activity that includes snorkeling
• You like the idea of seeing fish with help, not just hoping the water delivers
• You want a Spanish meal and drinks as part of the outing
• You care about photos without having to stage everything yourself

You should skip it if:

• You cannot swim, because it is not suitable for non-swimmers
• You do not want open-water snorkeling, even if the cove is calm-looking from the boat

If you’re the type who likes clear plans and a short, satisfying outing, this duration works nicely. Three hours is long enough to do something memorable, but short enough that kids usually stay in a good mood.

Should you book Puerto de Mogan’s Yellow Boat Mogan snorkeling trip?

If your vacation includes at least one “we’ll do it now, we’ll remember it later” moment, I’d book this. The combination is hard to beat: 1.5 hours snorkeling at El Perchel, a guided fish-spotting approach, and a proper onboard meal that includes vegetarian-friendly options.

Choose it especially if you are traveling with kids or you’re snorkeling for the first time and you want real coaching. The hosts, Marta and Reuben, are the kind of people who make the day run smoothly, and the photo coverage adds value when you want family memories without the hassle.

Do remember the basics: towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and being comfortable in the water. If you meet those needs, this is a smart use of a half-day in Gran Canaria.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

How long is the boat and snorkeling trip?

The total duration is 3 hours, with about 1.5 hours of snorkeling time at El Perchel.

What food is included on board?

You get food and drinks as part of the trip. The meal described includes potatoes with mojo, a Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh fruit, and it is vegetarian friendly.

What should I bring?

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

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163. Look for a yellow boat called Yellow Boat Mogan. If you need help, search Yellow Boat Mogan on Google Maps for directions.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Anything special about Friday in Puerto de Mogan?

On Friday, it is market day, and you may not be able to access the Port by car. Contact the local supplier for the best info on parking and access.