Gran Canaria: Snorkel tour with boat on the west coast

If you’re looking for a way to experience Gran Canaria’s stunning coastline and marine life without the hassle of organizing everything yourself, this snorkel tour with boat might be just what you need. We’ve gathered insights from recent travelers and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect, the highlights, and potential pitfalls of this trip. It’s a popular choice for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation in just a few hours.

Two things we genuinely like about this experience are the beautiful scenery and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. The boat trip offers fantastic views of the high cliffs and caves along the biosphere reserve, making it visually rewarding even before jumping into the water. Plus, the guides seem to go the extra mile to ensure safety and fun, which makes a big difference when you’re snorkeling in unfamiliar waters.

One thing to keep in mind is that the duration is around 3 hours, which is perfect for a half-day outing but may leave some looking for more if they’re eager to explore longer. Also, the tour is not suitable for children under 6 or travelers with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy nature, water activities, and scenic boat rides. It’s especially good if you’re staying in the south of Gran Canaria and want a straightforward, well-organized trip that combines adventure with stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastline with high cliffs, caves, and clear waters.
• Snorkeling in a guaranteed sea-life spot with a safety instructor.
• Comfortable boat ride with excellent views of the biosphere reserve.
• Flexible options for morning or afternoon trips.
• All necessary gear and safety measures included.
• Great value for money with reviews praising the experience’s quality and guides.
• Less suitable for young children or mobility-impaired travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in the south of Gran Canaria, making things convenient for travelers staying in popular resorts like Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Taurito, Bahia Feliz, or Puerto de Mogán. After a roughly 30-minute van ride, you’ll arrive at Puerto de Mogán, a charming town known for its vibrant marina and picturesque streets.

From there, you’ll hop aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), which is known for being fast, stable, and fun. The briefing is straightforward, and the crew introduces themselves and explains what you’ll be doing, setting a friendly, relaxed tone for the trip.

The Scenic Boat Ride

The boat ride itself is a highlight. As you cruise along the southwest coast, you’ll be treated to views of towering cliffs, caves, and the open sea. The coastline here is dramatic and photogenic, especially in the sunlight, offering plenty of opportunities for photos. The trip allows you to sit back, enjoy the breeze, and take in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Travelers have raved about this part of the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “The landscape during the boat trip is beautiful, and the cliffs are just breathtaking,” highlighting how much the views add to the overall enjoyment.

Snorkeling in the Biosphere

Once the boat reaches the designated snorkeling spot, you’ll don gear and jump into the water. The tour includes an instructor who accompanies you in the water for safety, which is reassuring for those new to snorkeling or nervous about the activity.

The chosen bay is known for its guaranteed marine life, and you can expect to see a variety of fish, octopus, and even a rare Angel Shark—an experience described as “brilliant” by recent guests. The water temperature tends to be comfortable, and the underwater landscape is rich with fish and other sea creatures.

One reviewer shared, “First-timers will find the snorkeling spot perfect for beginners, and seeing the marine life close-up is really special.” The clarity of the water and the chance to observe sea life in their natural habitat seem to be the real draws here.

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The Return and Refreshments

After about an hour of snorkeling, the crew offers water and cookies onboard, perfect for rehydrating and snacking after the underwater adventure. The boat then heads back to Puerto de Mogán, giving everyone time to relax and enjoy the views once more.

The entire trip lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours, making it an excellent option if you’re looking for a half-day activity. It’s not overly rushed, and you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the scenery and experience the marine environment.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour includes several stops designed to maximize your experience of the area:

• Pickup from five locations in the south, including Puerto Rico and Maspalomas.
• A 30-minute van ride to Puerto de Mogán.
• A guided tour of Mogan Harbor lasting an hour, which is a charming area with plenty of photo opportunities.
• The snorkeling stop in the bay, about an hour in the water.
• A brief visit to Mogan Harbor for 15 minutes, giving you a chance to explore or grab a quick coffee.
• A second 30-minute van ride back to your hotel or accommodation.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $78 per person covers the essentials: hotel pick-up and drop-off in the south, the boat ride, snorkeling gear, and snacks (water and cookies). It’s a good deal considering the guided aspect and the quality of the experience. However, photos or videos are not included, so if you want professional footage, you’ll need to arrange that separately.

It’s also worth noting that the tour isn’t available from areas outside the south of the island, and travelers should bring essentials like swimwear, towels, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. As always, avoid high-heeled shoes, smoking, food, and alcohol in the vehicle.

What Travelers are Saying

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. One traveler called it “fantastic value for money,” and another described the day as “marvellous,” noting they saw a pod of approximately 100 dolphins during the trip. Many highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, as well as the exceptional marine life sightings, including octopus, fish, and even the Angel Shark.

First-time snorkelers also felt comfortable, with one reviewer saying, “My first time snorkeling was pretty nice,” thanks to the clear instructions and calm waters. The trip seems to suit those who enjoy relaxed, scenic outings with a touch of adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you enjoy outdoor water activities, scenic boat rides, and exploring marine environments. It’s perfect for travelers staying in the south of Gran Canaria who want a well-organized, hassle-free outing that combines sightseeing and snorkeling. It’s especially suitable for those who want to see marine life up close and appreciate beautiful coastal landscapes without spending a whole day at sea.

However, it’s important to note that young children under 6 and travelers with mobility challenges may not find this trip suitable. The activity requires some swimming ability, and the boat ride involves a bit of speed and movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is not recommended for children under 6, older children who can comfortably swim and are supervised should enjoy it. Always check with the provider if unsure.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for after snorkeling. Avoid high-heeled shoes, food, drinks, alcohol, and smoking in the vehicle.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, including pick-up, boat time, snorkeling, and the return journey.

Are photos included?
No, photos or videos are not included, so consider bringing your own waterproof camera or phone case if you want to capture the underwater moments.

What languages are the guides speaking?
Guides speak multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, and Dutch, making it accessible for many travelers.

What if I don’t want to snorkel?
Snorkeling is the main activity, but if you prefer not to participate, you can still enjoy the boat ride and scenic views on deck.

Is the water temperature comfortable?
Most reviews mention the water temperature is suitable for snorkeling, with plenty of marine life and good visibility.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your plans shift.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic adventure with some underwater exploration, this Gran Canaria snorkeling tour offers a satisfying blend of stunning views, marine encounters, and good value. The organized nature, friendly guides, and marine life sightings seem to add real quality to the experience. It’s particularly suitable for those who are comfortable in the water and enjoy a relaxed, guided exploration in a beautiful setting.

While it might not be the best choice for those with mobility issues or very young children, it’s a solid option for anyone looking to connect with the natural beauty of Gran Canaria’s west coast without much fuss. Expect gorgeous landscapes, friendly company, and a memorable underwater experience that captures the essence of this captivating island.

You can check availability for your dates here: