2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat

Exploring the 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat

If you’re planning a trip to Gran Canaria and love the idea of floating above vibrant marine life, this snorkeling tour might catch your eye. While I haven’t tried it myself, reviews and details paint a pretty good picture of what you can expect.

What immediately draws you in is the short, manageable duration—just about two hours—and the fact that it’s designed to show you the best of the local underwater world. Plus, the fact that it’s priced at around $52 per person makes it a pretty accessible way to dip your toes into the Atlantic’s waters without a huge time or money commitment.

Two things I really like about this experience are the focus on quality gear and guided expertise—they provide wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins—and the small group size, capped at 10 travelers, which typically means less chaos and more personalized attention. That said, one thing to consider is that this tour is recommended for people who are comfortable swimmers and have some snorkeling experience; it’s not necessarily ideal for absolute beginners or those who prefer calm, shallow waters.

This tour seems suited for anyone who wants a quick, guided peek into Gran Canaria’s marine life, especially those who have some prior snorkeling experience or are comfortable in the water. Families with older children and friends looking for a fun, active afternoon might find it just right.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: This is a compact, 2-hour activity, perfect if you’re short on time but want a taste of underwater adventure.
• All Equipment Included: Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and life jackets are provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.
• Small Group Feel: With only up to 10 participants, expect more personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Flexible Snorkeling Locations: Depending on weather conditions, the guide will select the best bay, meaning your experience might vary day to day.
• Guided Experience: The guides are knowledgeable, taking you around local reefs and pointing out marine life like sea wrasse, damselfish, and possibly rays or octopus.
• Weather Dependent: The tour relies on good weather; if the conditions are unfavorable, it might be canceled or rescheduled.

What the Tour Looks Like: A Closer Breakdown

When you arrive at Blue Water Diving, you’ll start by gearing up with all the necessary equipment. The staff are usually quite thorough, making sure everyone is comfortable and knows how to use their gear—this is especially reassuring if you’ve snorkeled before, but less so if you’re new to it. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation in Las Palmas, which makes logistics easier.

Once ready, you’ll hop onto a boat, which takes between 5 to 15 minutes to reach the chosen snorkeling site. That short boat ride is part of the fun—you get a quick scenic trip across the water, often with some good views of the coast. The actual snorkeling will last up to 60 minutes, giving you plenty of time to float around, explore, and watch the marine life.

The guides are keen on showing off the best local reefs, which are home to a variety of fish—including sea wrasse, damselfish, and sometimes trumpetfish. If luck’s on your side, you might see stingrays, eagle rays, octopus, or cuttlefish. However, as with all wildlife encounters, these aren’t guaranteed, so it’s good to keep that in mind.

The weather does influence the experience—if it’s particularly windy or rough, the tour operator might choose a different bay to ensure safety and comfort. This flexibility can be a plus, but it’s worth noting if you’re eager to snorkel in a specific spot.

The Equipment and Comfort

Having all the gear included is a big plus. The wetsuits are helpful if the water feels chilly or if you want to stay comfortable longer in the water. Masks and snorkels are of decent quality, and fins help you cover more ground with less effort. Life jackets are also provided, which adds a safety buffer, particularly if you’re less experienced or a bit nervous in open water.

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are knowledgeable and patient, taking time to point out marine creatures and ensuring everyone feels confident. This kind of guidance is a definite advantage, especially if you’re new to snorkeling or traveling with kids who can swim but might need some reassurance.

The Cost-Value Connection

At around $51.59, this tour offers a solid value for the experience. For half a day, you get professional equipment, a guided tour, and the chance to see some of Gran Canaria’s underwater wonders—a pretty good deal when you think about how much you might pay for a similar experience elsewhere.

Of course, it is a shorter tour, so if you’re craving a full-day adventure or more in-depth marine exploration, you might need to look elsewhere. But for a quick, guided, hassle-free activity, this ticks many boxes.

What Travelers Say: Real Experiences

One reviewer described it as a “magnificent experience” and appreciated the “very patient and sympathetic” guide, noting they saw plenty of fish and crabs during their outing. That kind of feedback tells us that the guides are experienced and attentive, making the trip comfortable and educational.

On the flip side, there was a review from someone who found the trip “fürchterlich” (horrible), citing a lack of proper briefing and unsuitable conditions for children. The response from the provider clarified that a full briefing was given beforehand and that the site was chosen based on the weather. This highlights the importance of clear communication and realistic expectations—if you’re traveling with children or have specific needs, it’s worth discussing these with the operator beforehand.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This snorkeling trip is best suited for travelers who want a short, guided, and well-equipped introduction to Gran Canaria’s marine life. It’s ideal for those who are comfortable swimmers and familiar with snorkeling, as the activity involves being in the water for about an hour in open water, often at a lively, vibrant reef.

If your idea of fun is a quick escape to see underwater creatures without the fuss of full-day trips or complex logistics, this experience should satisfy. It’s especially good if you value knowledgeable guides who can enhance your understanding of local sea life.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children, or if you’re not confident in your swimming skills, you might want to consider other options or clarify details beforehand. Weather dependence is another factor—on windy days, the experience might not be as smooth.

All in all, for a practical, enjoyable, and well-managed snorkeling experience that offers good value for money, this tour is worth considering. It’s a straightforward way to add some aquatic adventure to your Gran Canaria trip.

FAQ

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?
It’s recommended for more comfortable swimmers and those who have tried snorkeling before. If you’re inexperienced, it’s best to communicate your level with the guides to ensure safety.

What’s included in the price?
The tour provides all necessary snorkeling equipment, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets.

How long do I spend in the water?
You can be in the water for up to 60 minutes, giving you enough time to explore and enjoy the marine environment.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions are poor, the activity may be canceled or rescheduled.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The starting point is at Blue Water Diving, Calle Olimpicos, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. It’s accessible via public transportation.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
The tour starts at 2:30 pm, so plan to arrive a little earlier. Weather and sea conditions are best in the early afternoon.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the maximum group size is 10 travelers, allowing for a more relaxed experience and personalized guidance.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest it’s suitable for older children comfortable in water. Check with the provider if you’re traveling with young children.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s approximately $51.59 per person, which includes gear and guidance but not extras like drinks or souvenirs.

If you’re craving a quick aquatic adventure to see some of Gran Canaria’s underwater world, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to do it. Just keep in mind your swimming comfort and weather conditions, and you’re likely to have a memorable time floating among the fish and rays.