Gran Canaria: Stand-Up Paddle Lesson & Snorkeling Tour

If you’re looking for a fun, approachable way to explore Gran Canaria’s coastline, this Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) and Snorkeling Tour might just be your perfect match. It’s designed to give you a taste of surfing in the most laid-back way possible, all while soaking in the island’s breathtaking scenery.

What we really like about this experience is how accessible it is—great for beginners—and how it combines two fantastic water activities in one trip. Plus, it’s guided by experienced instructors who are surfers themselves, so you’ll be in safe hands. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the weather can affect the schedule, so some flexibility might be necessary.

This tour suits pretty much anyone over the age of 8 who is up for a gentle water adventure. If you enjoy being active outdoors, love the ocean, or are just curious about trying something new, it’s an excellent choice. It’s also a nice option if you want a relaxed, scenic experience without the pressure of more intense surf lessons.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners with expert guidance making it easy to learn.
• Ideal conditions in Gran Canaria’s waters make paddling and snorkeling enjoyable.
• Visit multiple viewpoints along the south and west coasts for varied scenery.
• Small group setting enhances safety and personalized attention.
• Includes hotel pickup if you’re staying in popular areas like Playa del Inglés.
• Flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind for changing plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

We love how this tour is laid out to give you a well-rounded taste of Gran Canaria’s coast, all within a 4-hour window. It’s not a full-day extravaganza, but enough time to get comfortable on your paddleboard, explore underwater life with a snorkel, and enjoy some stunning views.

Starting Point and Transportation

The meeting point is conveniently located right in front of the Lidl supermarket, with private parking available. If you’re staying in Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, or Meloneras, hotel pickup is an option, which makes life easier—no need to worry about transportation logistics. From there, a quick 20-minute van ride takes you closer to the coast, setting the scene for your aquatic adventure.

The Paddleboarding Lesson

Once at the coast, your experienced instructors will give you an introductory lesson to SUP. They’re multilingual—speaking both English and Spanish—and all are licensed lifeguards, which should put you at ease, especially if you’re new to the sport. We loved the way they explain everything clearly but without overloading you, making the learning process enjoyable rather than intimidating.

Gran Canaria’s conditions are perfect for beginners: calm waters, steady winds, and warm temperatures. These factors mean you’re more likely to catch small waves and paddle comfortably. The instructors help you master the basics, from how to balance on the board to paddling techniques, so you can start weaving around the coastline with confidence.

Exploring the Coast

For about two hours, you’ll paddle along the south and west coasts, experiencing different vantage points of the landscape. The tour visits hidden beaches and crystal-clear waters, which you might not find on your own. The views are really spectacular—think rugged cliffs, sandy coves, and maybe even some local wildlife. Several reviews highlight how much they appreciated the variety of perspectives and the stunning scenery.

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Snorkeling Adventure

After your paddle session, it’s time for snorkeling. The tour includes a snorkeling stop in waters renowned for clarity. Plenty of reviewers noted how good the visibility was — ideal for spotting colorful fish and marine life. If you’re lucky, you might see things like small reef fish or even some sea turtles, though that depends on the day’s conditions.

Final Return and Optional Extras

Once back at the starting point, you’ll have had a full, active four hours. The experience wraps up at the same location, making it straightforward to head off to your next adventure or grab some lunch. The guides are friendly and supportive throughout, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and gets the most out of the trip.

What We Think You’ll Love and What to Consider

The positives:
– Expert instructors truly make a difference. The reviews rave about how approachable and helpful they are—“We felt very well taken care of,” one reviewer said.
– The scenic coastline viewing opportunities are plentiful. It’s rare to get such a variety of perspectives without dedicating an entire day.
– Beginner-friendly conditions mean most people, even those with no experience, can enjoy paddleboarding and snorkeling.
– Small groups ensure personalized guidance and safety, making it more fun and less intimidating.

Potential drawbacks:
– The weather can change quickly, and activities might be canceled or delayed if conditions aren’t safe. So, flexibility in plans is helpful.
– The tour isn’t overly long—just two hours of paddling—so if you’re a water sports enthusiast craving more, you might want to look for a longer session or additional activities.

Value for money:
At around 4 hours, with instruction, equipment, and guiding included, this tour offers good value—especially considering the personalized attention. Plus, the chance to paddle and snorkel in some of Gran Canaria’s most scenic spots makes it a memorable, relatively affordable outdoor activity.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point:
You’ll meet the team at PRO SURFING COMPANY, easily accessible with parking. If you want to skip the hassle, hotel pickup is available from central resorts, which is a nice perk.

Van Ride:
A brief 20-minute transfer whisks you from the meeting point to the coast, allowing you to settle in and get excited for your water adventure.

SUP Session:
The core of the tour, lasting around two hours, where you get hands-on instruction and a chance to paddle along the coast. The instructors’ expertise ensures you’ll learn the basics quickly and enjoy your time on the water.

Snorkeling:
Post-paddle, you’ll stop to snorkel in clear, calm waters. The reviews confirm the water quality is excellent, and the marine life is lively enough to make it worthwhile.

Return:
Back to the starting point, with plenty of time to relax or explore nearby.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those new to water sports or anyone wanting a relaxed but active way to see the coastline. It’s suitable for adults and children over 8, making it family-friendly if you’re traveling with older kids.

If you’re after an adrenaline-filled day of surfing, this may not satisfy that craving, but if you want a friendly introduction to paddleboarding with some snorkeling thrown in, it’s a great option. It’s especially ideal if you’re seeking a scenic, outdoor activity that combines physical activity with breathtaking views.

FAQ

Do I need to have prior experience?
No, this tour is designed for beginners, with instructors guiding you through every step.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera. All paddleboards and snorkeling gear are provided.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, instruction, paddling, and snorkeling.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, if you’re staying in Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, or Meloneras, hotel pickup can be arranged.

What if the weather is bad?
Activities can be canceled or delayed on the same day in case of unsuitable weather conditions, so flexibility is advised.

Can children join?
Yes, children over 8 are welcome to participate, provided they’re comfortable in the water.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, it’s suitable for families with older children who enjoy outdoor water activities.

How large are the groups?
Groups are limited to four participants for a more personalized experience.

What’s the cost?
Pricing isn’t specified here, but it offers good value considering the instruction, equipment, and the scenic experience.

Final Thoughts

All in all, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic way to enjoy Gran Canaria’s coast, this SUP and snorkeling tour provides a solid mix of fun, safety, and breathtaking views. It’s especially great if you’re not into intense water sports but still want to feel like you’re truly exploring the ocean.

The knowledgeable guides, combined with the calm waters and the chance to see hidden beaches and marine life, make this a memorable part of any trip to the island. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s a versatile experience that delivers both adventure and beautiful scenery without overwhelming intensity.

For anyone curious about paddleboarding or snorkeling, or simply looking for a laid-back outdoor activity, this tour gets the thumbs up from many past participants. Just remember to stay flexible with the weather, and you’re good to go.

Enjoy your trip to Gran Canaria—these moments on the water are truly worth it.

You can check availability for your dates here: