Puerto de Mogán Boat Trip with Snorkelling and Lunch Gran Canaria

Puerto de Mogán, the little Venice of Gran Canaria

Puerto de Mogán is a fishing harbour and marina at the mouth of the Mogán ravine, in the sunny south-west of Gran Canaria. It is often called the little Venice of the Canary Islands because of the short canals that run between its low white houses, crossed by small bridges and framed with bright bougainvillea. Fishing boats still unload at the quay, and a long sandy beach sits sheltered behind the breakwater.

Your Puerto de Mogán boat trip starts right in the harbour, so arrive a little early to walk along the canals and the marina promenade. On Fridays the village holds its popular market, which closes the port area to cars, so plan extra time if you come by car or bus that day. After the trip, the harbour is a lovely place for an afternoon stroll or ice cream by the water.

The volcanic coast of Veneguera and Tasarte

West of Puerto de Mogán the coast becomes wild and almost empty. Deep ravines carved by ancient lava flows reach the sea between towering cliffs streaked in ochre, red and brown. Veneguera is one of the last undeveloped valleys of the island, with a remote beach at its mouth, and further on lies the beach of Tasarte, a dark sand and pebble cove at the foot of its own ravine.

For about an hour the boat sails slowly past this scenery, which many visitors never see because there are few roads along this part of the coast. The crew points out the rock formations, the layers of volcanic history in the cliffs and the seabirds that nest there. It is one of the most scenic stretches of the whole Gran Canaria coastline, best enjoyed with a camera from the deck.

El Perchel cove: snorkelling and paddleboarding

El Perchel is a small secluded beach tucked between cliffs and reachable only by sea. The water here is usually calm and very clear, with a sandy bottom and rocks where fish gather, which makes it an excellent spot for a first snorkelling experience. The boat anchors for about an hour and a half, giving everyone time to enjoy the cove in their own way.

The crew provides masks, fins and snorkels and gives guidance to beginners, and paddleboards are available on board. If you would rather stay dry, you can relax on deck in the sun; nobody is pushed to get in the water. Travellers who want more adventure can book a short jet ski ride or a parasailing flight at the cove, run by an independent local team and paid on the day.

Canarian lunch on board

After the swim, a simple Canarian lunch is served on deck. It includes papas con mojo, the small potatoes of the islands served with the famous red and green mojo sauces, a Spanish omelette, fresh bread and seasonal fruit. Unlimited water and soft drinks are available throughout the trip.

Eating on board while anchored in a quiet cove is one of the reasons this boat trip is so popular with families. If you have allergies or dietary needs, tell us when you book so we can let the crew know in advance. The crew also takes souvenir photos during the trip and, when the weather allows, films drone footage of the boat in the cove, which you receive afterwards at no extra cost.

Practical tips and the best time to go

The trip lasts about three hours, leaving Puerto de Mogán at 10:30 and returning in the early afternoon. Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen, as towels are not provided. Smoking is not allowed on board. The south-west of Gran Canaria enjoys sunshine almost all year, so this is a great boat trip in every season, with the warmest water from late summer to autumn.

Many people ask what to do in Puerto de Mogán besides the beach: this trip is one of the best answers, because it shows a coast that is otherwise hard to reach. Children from 3 to 11 have a child rate and infants up to 2 travel too, and the calm cove suits young swimmers well. Trips depend on sea conditions and the crew decides on the day.