3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan

A small boat can make a big difference.

This 3-hour Puerto de Mogán boat trip feels like a real morning out on the water: you cruise the south-west coastline with cliff views, then stop at a protected snorkeling spot (El Perchel) where the water is clear enough for serious fish-spotting.

What I like most is how much you get done in a short time. You’re not just watching from a deck—you have snorkeling equipment included and guided tips on what to look for, plus a meal and drinks on board. A second big win: lunch comes with Canarian comfort food and an open bar, so the trip turns into a full experience, not a quick transfer.

One thing to weigh: reaching the snorkeling beach requires swimming. There’s no walk-on access from the boat, so if you’re not comfortable in the water (or with a step-in swim), this is a trip to approach carefully.

Key highlights you’ll actually notice

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - Key highlights you’ll actually notice

  • El Perchel snorkeling in a protected cove, with equipment included
  • Open-bar lunch onboard with Canarian potatoes with mojo, Spanish omelette, and more
  • Small-group feel (up to 25 travelers) on a comfortable boat layout
  • Photo shooting and drone film/photos when conditions allow good weather
  • One paddle board available during the stop
  • Family-friendly extras like full-face masks and float options for first-timers

The south-west coast vibe: cliffs, coves, and quick wow moments

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - The south-west coast vibe: cliffs, coves, and quick wow moments
Gran Canaria’s south-west coast has a dramatic look that works well in a short excursion. On this trip, you cruise out from Puerto de Mogán and head along the coast toward Tasarte, where you get that classic mix of rock cliffs and deep coastal angles. Even if you’ve been on other island tours, there’s something different about seeing this coast from the water—colors look richer, and you get those “how is that even there?” viewpoints without needing a long hike.

Also, the boat format matters. This isn’t described as a huge cattle-car excursion, and the size cap of 25 travelers makes it easier to move around and actually enjoy the scenery rather than constantly bumping into people.

Other Puerto de Mogán tours we've reviewed in Gran Canaria

Board at 10:00 and relax on a boat that’s built for people

You start at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán at 10:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That simple loop is handy because you don’t lose time figuring out transfers mid-day.

Onboard perks that matter for a 3-hour trip:

  • It’s a smokefree boat, so the air stays pleasant for families and for anyone who’s sensitive to smoke.
  • Lunch and drinks are handled on the water, which means less stress and fewer “where do we eat now?” decisions.
  • The boat has space on top deck where you can dry off and lounge after snorkeling—especially useful if you choose not to get in the water.

From the experience description, the crew runs the trip with a safety-first approach, and reviews highlight that people feel comfortable even if they’re not strong swimmers. There are guides and tips for what to do in the water, plus gear options that help beginners.

Coast cruise to Tasarte: cliff views plus plenty of photo opportunities

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - Coast cruise to Tasarte: cliff views plus plenty of photo opportunities
This is the part where the trip sets the mood. You’ll be navigating the wild south-west coast with stops for viewpoints and time for pictures. The cliff scenery around the route is the main “stay in your seat and look out” attraction, and you’ll likely spot great angles for photos right from the boat.

There’s also a practical reason to enjoy this cruise portion: it’s your warm-up. After you eat and snorkel later, you’ll appreciate having already seen the coastline from multiple perspectives. And since the tour runs about 3 hours, the schedule is built to keep momentum instead of dragging.

El Perchel snorkeling stop: the protected cove that’s worth the swim

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - El Perchel snorkeling stop: the protected cove that’s worth the swim
The main event is the stop at El Perchel, a cove you can reach only by boat. This is also where you need to pay attention to an important instruction:

To reach the beach, you must swim. There’s no walking access from the boat.

So here’s the honest way to judge if this is for you:

  • If you can confidently swim a short distance in open water, you’ll likely enjoy this as a straightforward, even fun, jump-off-and-go setup.
  • If you’re a weak swimmer, this might still work if you stay cautious and use the provided float aids, but you should consider whether swimming to the shore is realistic for you.
  • If you decide not to snorkel at all, you can still watch from the boat and lounge while others snorkel, which some families did.

What you’ll do during snorkeling:

  • The provided equipment lets you get in with less hassle than renting later.
  • The crew gives tips to help you identify and spot fish. Reviews specifically mention strong guidance on what kinds of marine life you might see.
  • The spot is protected, which usually helps with calm water compared to more exposed beaches.

Depth and sea conditions aren’t stated in detail, so trust the crew’s instruction once you’re there. Also, the ocean can be bouncy on the way out and in; one review called out that there can be wavier moments, so if you get motion sick, bring your usual remedy.

Lunch on the water: Canarian potatoes, omelette, and an open bar

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - Lunch on the water: Canarian potatoes, omelette, and an open bar
This trip scores points because lunch is not an afterthought. It’s served onboard as part of the same outing, and the menu is clearly designed around simple, filling local food.

The lunch includes:

  • Canarian potatoes with mojo
  • Spanish omelette
  • bread and fresh food

And then there’s the drinks situation: unlimited drinks with an open bar onboard. Expect a mix of soft drinks and alcoholic options (sangria is specifically mentioned in reviews). In other words, you’re not just “having snacks”—you’re getting a meal that can realistically tide you over for the rest of your day.

Vegetarian-friendly matters here too. The description states it’s vegetarian friendly, and one key review notes simple vegetarian food with no hidden add-ons for photos or equipment. You’ll still want to use your own judgment, but the intent is clear: this isn’t meat-only catering.

Photos, drone footage, and how to get the best results

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - Photos, drone footage, and how to get the best results
You’ll get a photo shooting during the trip. On top of that, drone film and photos are included only if weather allows it.

This is a nice add-on because it saves you from constantly being the person who never gets a good shot. Reviews also mention that the crew took photos throughout and sent them after the excursion, which is a big practical win if you don’t want to chase your camera.

One possible drawback: drone footage quality can depend on conditions. One review called the drone footage quietly lackluster, while many others praised the extra. Translation: if the weather cooperates, it’s a fun bonus. If it doesn’t, you may still get photos but the drone part might not deliver the same wow.

Value for money: $71.35 for 3 hours that packs a lot in

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - Value for money: $71.35 for 3 hours that packs a lot in
At $71.35 per person for about 3 hours, this tour competes well with other island excursions because so much is bundled.

Here’s what’s included, not just “nice to have”:

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Unlimited drinks (open bar)
  • Lunch (with Canarian potatoes and omelette)
  • Photo shooting
  • Drone film/photos when weather allows
  • One paddle board

And it’s not a long day where you’re paying for time you don’t enjoy. The schedule is built around two big activities—coast cruise and snorkeling—plus the meal and drinks that make it feel like a proper experience.

Transportation isn’t included, and towels aren’t included, so you’ll want to handle those yourself. But even with that, the overall package is strong for anyone who wants snorkeling without extra rentals and wants to avoid the “just snacky” lunch trap.

Who should book this (and who should think twice)

3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan - Who should book this (and who should think twice)
This trip is a strong fit if you:

  • want a family-friendly snorkeling outing without complicated planning
  • like small-group experiences (max 25 travelers)
  • want a guided stop at a known cove (El Perchel) rather than guessing beach access
  • care about value: snorkeling + lunch + drinks + photos bundled into one

It’s also a good choice if your group has mixed comfort levels. Reviews mention people who didn’t get in the water still had a good time watching and lounging upstairs, which tells me you’re not forcing everyone into the same activity.

But think twice if:

  • swimming to reach shore is a problem for you (no walking access from the boat)
  • you’re highly sensitive to choppy water and don’t plan for it
  • you expect drone footage every time regardless of weather (it’s conditional)

Practical tips that will make your morning smoother

A few details are worth planning for so the day feels easy:

  • Bring your own towel. Towels are not included.
  • Wear swimwear you’re comfortable getting wet in right away. You’ll snorkel after boarding, and you may need to dry quickly afterward.
  • If you’re not a confident swimmer, consider using the provided support gear options (reviews mention noodle/float help and full-face mask choices).
  • Plan for possible movement. Some people noted waves on the way out and in.
  • If you’re traveling on Friday, this is market day in Puerto de Mogán. The port can’t be accessed by car, so you’ll want to plan arrival and parking carefully and contact the operator for guidance.

Should you book the 3-hour Puerto de Mogán boat + snorkeling trip?

Yes, if you want a short, high-reward outing: coast views, a real snorkeling stop at El Perchel, and an onboard lunch with an open bar plus included photos. It’s also a smart pick for families and mixed-skill groups because the equipment and crew support are part of the experience, not an afterthought.

I’d only hold back if swimming to reach the shoreline is not something you’re comfortable with. Everything else is straightforward, and the overall value is strong for what’s packed into about 3 hours.

FAQ

What time does the 3-hour boat trip start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and runs for about 3 hours. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, unlimited drinks (open bar), lunch, photo shooting during the boat trip, drone film/photos when weather allows, and one paddle board.

Do I need towels?

No. Towels are not included, so you’ll want to bring one.

Do I have to swim to reach El Perchel?

Yes. To reach the beach at El Perchel, you must swim. There is no walking access from the boat.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?

Yes. The excursion is listed as vegetarian friendly, and vegetarian lunch options are included.

Will I definitely get drone footage?

Drone film and photos are included only if the weather allows it. If weather doesn’t cooperate, you may not get the drone portion.

What happens if the weather is poor or there aren’t enough people?

If the trip can’t operate due to weather or if the minimum number of travelers (10) isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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