Wind, salt, and a quiet bay in 3 hours. This private sailing trip takes you along southern Gran Canaria from Puerto de Mogán, with time to hoist sails and even take the helm. What I like most is the hands-on sailing feel and steering the boat yourself, plus the laid-back board life with tapas and drinks included. One heads-up: the sea can feel chilly, so if you get cold easily, plan for it.

I also like how the day doesn’t feel jam-packed. You get long stretches on the water, then a stop that’s more about peace than sightseeing boxes, including snorkeling gear for a secluded swim. The trade-off is simple: it’s a short outing, so you’ll want to focus on the water time, not expect a long, multi-stop tour.

Key highlights at a glance

• Hoist the sails and take the helm: real crew time, not just a passenger seat.
• Secluded snorkeling stop: 75 minutes in a quieter bay with gear provided.
• Food and drinks onboard: tapas, soft drinks, beer, and wine included.
• Deserted beach time: sun on an out-of-the-way shoreline before you sail back.
• Stand-up paddle board included: for when you want to slow down and play.
• Private group with pickup options: up to 8 people, with transfers from the south tourist area.

From Puerto de Mogán to open Atlantic: the sailing part is the point

Your experience starts in Puerto de Mogán, a harbor town with that postcard vibe where boats actually matter. The crew picks you up from one of the south Gran Canaria pickup options (Arguineguín, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Taurito, Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, or Puerto de Mogán itself). If your hotel is outside the south tourist zone, this one won’t be set up for you, so double-check where you’re staying.

Once you reach the boat, the mood shifts fast. This is not a big-group “wave at the coast” cruise. It’s a private sailing trip, which means the crew can focus on your group. In fact, you’ll get the chance to join in the fun: helping hoist the sails and then taking the helm (the controls) while the boat sails out. That’s one of the best ways to understand what “sailing” feels like here—wind, balance, and movement in a way you just don’t get on a motorboat.

Timing-wise, you’ll spend a good chunk just sailing along the southern side. There are multiple sailing stretches before snorkeling, which keeps the day from feeling like a sprint to one photo spot. You’ll also get real Atlantic air. If you’ve been baking on shore, this part feels like relief.

A practical note on comfort

Sailing is great, but you’re on the water. Bring something you can sit in comfortably, and consider a light layer for the breeze. You’ll likely feel the wind more than you expect once you’re out.

Tapas, wine, and the rhythm of eating at sea

Food is included, and it’s one of the reasons this trip feels like a true “day on the water,” not a tour that happens to have snacks. You get tapas onboard along with soft drinks, beer, and wine. Then there’s time in the harbor after your swim, where lunch is served, with a full hour allotted there.

That hour matters. You don’t just race back to the pier and end the experience. You get a breather, a chance to refuel, and a moment to enjoy the harbor atmosphere around Mogan Harbour before your transfer.

What I like about the onboard setup is the pacing. You’re out sailing first, then you stop, then you eat. It matches the natural energy of the day: hungry after sun, relaxed after the swim, ready to sit down after a bit of saltwater time.

If you’re thinking about value

At $577 per group up to 8 people, the price isn’t cheap in the obvious way. But you’re paying for a private boat experience, with pickup/drop-off from the south tourist area, plus snorkeling equipment, plus drinks and tapas included. When you split the group cost, it starts to feel less like an individual ticket and more like renting time on the water with a crew.

The deserted-bay stop: sun time without the usual crowds

After the sailing stretches, you’ll reach a secluded stop where you can soak up the sun on a quieter shoreline. The key detail here is the vibe: out-of-the-way, less crowded, and focused on relaxing.

This is the part that turns the trip into something you’ll remember. You’ve got time to just be on a beach without feeling you have to keep moving for the next checkmark. Take advantage of that. Sit where the light is best. Walk a bit. Enjoy the stillness.

What to expect on the beach

Because it’s described as wild and deserted, don’t treat it like a full-service beach. Plan on a simpler setting. That’s part of the appeal, but it also means you should bring anything personal you’d want for comfort (like sunscreen you trust), and wear swimwear you’re happy to get sandy.

Snorkeling: 75 minutes of local marine life (with rules that make sense)

Snorkeling is scheduled for about 75 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is included. The tour is designed for a secluded bay stop, which is exactly what you want for a calmer swim.

Important rule: touching marine life isn’t allowed. That’s a good policy, and it also helps you snorkel without turning the experience into a science project or a careless interaction. If you see something, enjoy it from a distance and keep your hands to yourself.

Also, the tour notes that the sea can feel cold. One of the reviews specifically mentions the sea being cold, yet everyone left happy. That tells me the crew keeps it friendly and manageable, but you should still plan for temperature. If you’re prone to cold, consider a rash guard and quick-dry layer so you can get back onboard comfortably.

How to make the most of your snorkel time

You get one solid block of snorkeling, so don’t spend your whole time just floating. Pick a rhythm: a few minutes looking around, then a slow swim along the area, then pause and watch. The goal is local marine life appreciation, not sprinting.

Getting playful with the included stand-up paddle board

You’re also given a stand-up paddle board as part of the package. This is a nice bonus because it adds an option beyond snorkeling and beach time. If you like being active, you can use the board to explore near the stop area (when conditions allow and with the crew’s guidance).

If you don’t paddle, you still benefit from the option. It’s not a required activity. It’s there if you want to stretch your legs and turn the stop into more of a mini water playground.

Pickup, drop-off, and who this private trip fits best

This is built for people staying in the south tourist area of Gran Canaria. Pickup is available from Bahia Feliz to Puerto de Mogan, plus several other south points including Arguineguín, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Taurito, and Maspalomas. Drop-off is likewise available back at Puerto de Mogán and those surrounding areas.

The group is private, designed for up to 8 people. That matters because it keeps the experience controlled and more personal. Also, party groups aren’t allowed, so the vibe is calmer.

A key limitation: children under 6 aren’t suitable. If you’re traveling with little kids, this one may not work. With older kids, you’ll still want to check comfort with water time and the boat setting, since it’s an active sailing day.

Language and crew support

The instructor/crew speak English and Polish. That’s useful if you’re more comfortable communicating that way, and it usually means you won’t be left guessing when it’s time to hoist sails or get snorkeling set up.

Price and value: what $577 per group really buys you

Let’s talk straight. $577 for a group up to 8 means the headline number looks high if you’re thinking per person at retail prices. But this isn’t a mass-market cruise. You’re booking:

• a private boat experience,
• pickup and drop-off in the south tourist area,
• onboard tapas, soft drinks, beer, and wine,
• snorkeling equipment,
• a stand-up paddle board option,
• and time that includes sailing, a deserted beach stop, snorkeling, and lunch time at Mogan Harbour.

So the value depends on your group math. If you can fill the boat with friends or family, the per-person cost starts to feel more reasonable. If you’re two people, you still get a premium experience—just know it’s priced like a private outing, not a budget group tour.

One more value factor: the crew involvement. Being able to hoist sails and steer is exactly the kind of experience you can’t fake. It’s not only scenery. It’s participation.

Should you book this sailing-and-snorkeling trip from Puerto de Mogán?

I think you should book if you want a calm, personal time on the water in southern Gran Canaria. This one is especially good if you care about sailing (not just being on a boat), and you want snorkeling in a secluded bay with gear provided. The food package also helps: tapas and drinks onboard, plus lunch time in the harbor, keeps your day moving without making you plan meals.

Skip it (or rethink it) if you need lots of long, shore-based stops. This outing is about water time. Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to cold, plan for a chilly sea, because you may feel it.

If you’re on the fence, I’d decide based on two questions: Can your group split the $577 fairly? And do you want hands-on sailing plus a proper snorkeling block? If the answer is yes, this is a strong choice for a memorable half-day on Gran Canaria’s water.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing trip with snorkeling?

The total duration is 3 hours.

What does the price include?

It includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected south areas, tapas, soft drinks, beer, wine, snorkeling equipment, and a stand-up paddle board.

How much is it and how many people can be in the group?

It costs $577 per group, up to 8 people.

Where are the pickup and drop-off options?

Pickup and drop-off are available in the south of Gran Canaria, including Arguineguín, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Taurito, Bahia Feliz, Maspalomas, and Puerto de Mogán.

Is pickup available from anywhere on the island?

No. Pickup is only available in the tourist area in the south of Gran Canaria.

Is there snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are children allowed?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years old.

Are there any rules about marine life?

Touching marine life isn’t allowed.

What languages does the instructor/crew speak?

The instructor/crew speak English and Polish.