Snorkel time off Gran Canaria looks effortless. This 3-hour boat outing from Puerto de Mogán pairs big coast-and-cliff views with a real snorkeling stop at El Perchel, with kit included. I love the small-group vibe on board (it rarely feels packed), and I love the extras that make it feel like a proper experience, not just a quick swim: onboard photo moments and drone footage when weather cooperates.

One catch to plan for: to reach the snorkeling spot in El Perchel, you must swim—there’s no walk-on access from the boat.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• El Perchel snorkeling cove: a protected beach stop you can only reach from the boat
• Small group feel: up to 25 travelers, with a relaxed pace instead of feeling herded
• Full lunch + open bar onboard: Canarian-style food, plus unlimited drinks
• Snorkel support for all levels: you’ll get equipment, tips, and options like full-face masks
• Crew photos and drone recording: included if conditions are good
• Beach-to-boat fun: a paddle board is also included for play

The El Perchel snorkeling stop: why this cove is the point

The day centers on one main moment: the boat stop at El Perchel, a small protected cove along Gran Canaria’s south-west coast. The best part is that this kind of spot is where marine life shows up more easily—clear water, calmer feel, and a natural “hang out here” zone instead of a busy, noisy beach scene.

You’re not snorkeling from a crowded shore. You’re floating in a quieter, boat-access-only area. That matters because it affects what you see and how you feel while you’re in the water. You’ll get time to just work through the water slowly, look for movement, and try to identify fish rather than rushing from one spot to the next.

There’s also a very practical reality check: the cove is accessed by boat, and you’ll need to swim to get in. That’s fine if you’re comfortable in open water. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the cruise and the onboard time, and you’ll likely spend most of the trip watching from the boat’s top deck—but the snorkeling itself isn’t set up as a “step down and go” moment.

The boat experience: calm, family-friendly, and run by Ruben and Marta

This is a family-friendly excursion on a smokefree boat. The vibe is noticeably relaxed, and that’s not an accident. The trip is run by Ruben and Marta, and their role shows up in the flow of the morning: welcoming you on board, talking through the coastline, and keeping the whole schedule from feeling rushed.

What I like about this setup is the ratio of people to boat space. The tour caps at 25 travelers, and multiple details point to a “comfortable, not sardines” feel—space in the cabin, lounging areas on top, and enough room to dry off and settle after snorkeling.

They also make an effort to keep first-time snorkelers comfortable. In the water, this shows up through practical guidance and by offering equipment choices that help you feel more secure. One review mentioned full-face masks being available, and you may also see setup options like flippers or flotation aids for people who want extra help staying comfortable.

If you’re traveling with kids, this style of hosting can be a big deal. Reviews mention families doing well here even when children don’t get fully into the water. If that’s your group, plan for a split day: kids can hang out on the boat while adults snorkel.

Cruise time along Gran Canaria’s south-west cliffs

Before El Perchel, you’ll cruise the wild south-west coastline. The route runs from Puerto de Mogán toward Tasarte, passing stunning cliff scenery that you simply can’t see the same way from the road.

Even if you’re not a “views person,” this cruise portion helps set the tone. It gets you out on the water early, puts you in a holiday mindset, and gives you a built-in break between the dock and the snorkeling stop. This is the kind of morning where you can take photos while the boat glides, then switch gears without needing to “gear up” endlessly.

It also helps you appreciate why the island has that dramatic coastline. You’ll hear and learn some of the geology and what to look for along the coast. That kind of storytelling can be quick, but it’s useful. When you understand a little about the coast, the whole cruise feels more intentional.

What the itinerary feels like in real time (3 hours)

This is a compact tour. It starts at 10:00 am and runs about 3 hours, returning to the same meeting point.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

• You gather at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, 35139 Mogán.
• You board and settle while the crew starts pointing out the coastline and setting expectations for the snorkeling stop.
• You cruise the south-west coast (this is where the cliff views and photo opportunities happen).
• You reach El Perchel, where snorkeling is the main event.
• You return onboard for lunch and more relaxed deck time.

Because the trip is short, it’s not trying to do everything. Instead, it aims to deliver one strong highlight—snorkeling—plus a satisfying food-and-drink finish.

Lunch and open bar: the value trick most people miss

Most boat trips charge you for food. This one includes it, which changes the math.

You’ll get a local lunch with Canarian touches—think Canarian potatoes with mojo, plus items like Spanish omelette, bread, and fresh food. On top of that, there’s an open bar with unlimited drinks onboard.

What that means for you: you don’t have to plan a separate lunch stop afterward. You also avoid the awkward “bring your own sandwich” stage that can kill a morning on the water. It’s a full payoff built into the ticket price.

Also, keep expectations realistic. This isn’t a fancy, multi-course meal. It’s better than that, though—because it’s served as part of the experience. Reviews specifically call out the food as delicious and not stingy, including mention of sangria being part of the drink lineup.

One more useful note: towels aren’t included. If you want to dry off comfortably after snorkeling, bring a small towel or a packable quick-dry option. You’ll likely dry on the boat’s top deck areas, but you’ll still want something practical for getting settled.

Snorkeling equipment, support, and what you’ll likely see

Your ticket includes snorkeling equipment. But the bigger win is how it’s handled in the water.

From the information you’ve got here and the feedback from the experience, you can expect:

• Equipment provided, including different snorkel mask options (including full-face masks in some cases)
• Safety and snorkeling tips before you go in
• Help for people who aren’t confident swimmers, including flotation support mentioned in reviews

What about fish? The snorkeling stop is treated like a “look around and identify” moment. Multiple reviews mention lots of different fish, and some memorable sightings like a stingray and even octopus. Nobody can guarantee specific wildlife, of course. Water conditions and seasonal movement affect what you’ll see. But the cove is set up to make it easier to spot wildlife during your time in the water.

Also, note the physical requirement: you must swim from the boat to access the snorkeling area. If your comfort level is in question, this is where you’ll want to self-check. If you can handle open-water swimming for a short distance, you’ll get the full benefit of the trip. If not, you can still enjoy the cruise and onboard atmosphere, but the main activity won’t be as available.

Photos, drone footage, and how the memories get delivered

If you like photos but don’t want to micromanage your phone camera all morning, this part is built for you.

They take photos during the trip, and drone footage and images are included if the weather allows it. That weather condition is important. The drone moment isn’t guaranteed, so don’t plan around it like it’s guaranteed every time.

The practical plus: reviews mention that photos are emailed afterward so you can actually download them without searching. That turns the tour from a “hope you got enough shots” experience into a “you’ll have something” experience.

One small consideration that comes up in the feedback: some people felt the drone footage quality wasn’t as strong as they expected. If drone video is the main reason you’re booking, keep your expectations flexible. The bigger certainty here is that the crew will be taking photos during the day.

Getting to Puerto de Mogán’s port without getting stuck

This is the kind of tour where logistics matter more than you’d think.

The meeting point is at C. Explanada del Castillete, 163, and the start time is 10:00 am. The tour notes it’s near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re staying inland or want to avoid parking stress.

But here’s the specific heads-up for your planning: Friday is market day in Puerto de Mogán, and you may not be able to access the port by car. The operator asks you to contact them for details in that case. If you’re going on a Friday, plan a little extra buffer time and consider how you’ll get there without needing port parking.

And don’t forget the snorkeling access rule: you’ll need to swim to get to the water area. That’s not a “maybe”—it’s part of how the stop is set up.

Who this trip is best for (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit for:

• Families who want a fun morning, not a long travel day
• People who can swim and want a guided snorkeling experience with gear included
• Anyone who values food and drinks included in the price
• Groups who prefer a smaller boat over crowded day-tour fleets

It might be less ideal for:

• Non-swimmers or anyone who’s uncomfortable swimming from a boat to a cove
• People who get seasick easily, since reviews mention the waves can be noticeable on the way out and back

If you’re somewhere in the middle—like you’re okay with water but not thrilled about open-water swimming—this is still worth considering. The crew’s support and the equipment options can help you feel safer. But you should be honest about your comfort level before booking so the experience matches what you want.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $71.35 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for a bundle:

• Boat cruise along the coast
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch (Canarian potatoes with mojo, omelette, bread, and fresh food)
• Unlimited drinks via open bar
• Photo coverage during the trip
• A drone component when weather is good
• A paddle board is included

That pricing makes sense if you count what you’d pay for separately. Many trips give you a short swim but then charge for gear, food, or drinks. Here, the ticket tries to cover the whole experience, so you’re not constantly reaching for your wallet mid-holiday.

The other value angle is group size. With a max of 25, it’s easier to feel the crew can spend time with people rather than keep everyone moving in a crowd.

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

Yes—if your priority is a high-quality morning on the water with snorkeling time, included gear, and a proper onboard lunch. I’d especially recommend it if you like the idea of being hosted by a couple who clearly runs the day for real comfort, not just checklists.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

1) Confirm your swimming comfort for reaching the cove from the boat. There’s no walk-on access at this stop.

2) If you’re going on a Friday, plan for possible port access issues due to the market day and give yourself extra time to arrive.

If those two points work for you, this trip has a lot going for it: cliff views, a protected snorkeling spot, and included food-and-drink that makes the ticket feel more like a full experience than a quick activity.

FAQ

What time does the Puerto de Mogán boat trip start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll also get snorkeling support and tips from the crew.

What food and drinks are included on board?

A lunch is included, and there’s an open bar with unlimited drinks onboard.

Do you provide vegetarian food?

Yes. The excursion is vegetarian friendly, and lunch is included.

Are drone photos and video included?

Drone film and photos are included only if weather allows it.

Do I need to swim to access the snorkeling area?

Yes. To reach the beach/cove where snorkeling happens, you must swim. There is no walking access from the boat.