2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat

A Practical Look at the 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria

If you’re dreaming of spending a couple of hours exploring underwater wonders in Gran Canaria, this 2-hour snorkeling tour by boat offers an accessible, guided glimpse into the island’s marine life. With a focus on comfort and authenticity, this experience is perfect for those who enjoy calm waters and a chance to see colorful fish and perhaps even some rays or octopuses.

One of our favorite aspects? The knowledgeable guides who ensure you’re well-informed and safe while pointing out the most interesting marine creatures. However, bear in mind that this is a snorkeling-only experience, so it’s best suited for swimmers who are comfortable in the water and have some previous experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, half-day adventure that combines boat travel with underwater viewing. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy guided activities with a small group, since the maximum group size is only 10 people. Overall, it offers solid value—a chance to explore Gran Canaria’s marine beauty without breaking the bank or requiring advanced diving skills.

Key Points

• Duration & Convenience: About 2 hours, including boat transfer, making it a manageable outing.
• Marine Encounters: Opportunities to see sea wrasse, damselfish, trumpet fish, rays, octopus, and cuttlefish.
• Equipment & Comfort: Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets are provided, emphasizing comfort and safety.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Weather Dependence: The tour is weather-dependent; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable.
• Experienced Guides: Guides are praised for their patience and knowledge, enhancing the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Snorkeling Adventure in Gran Canaria

Starting Point & Logistics

The adventure begins at the Blue Water Diving center in Gran Canaria, conveniently located near public transportation. Here, you’ll meet your guides, get your gear fitted, and receive a briefing about what to expect. This initial step is crucial, as it clarifies safety protocols and ensures everyone feels confident before heading out to sea.

The meeting time is set for 2:30 pm, aligning well with afternoon plans, and the entire activity wraps up around 3:30 pm back at the diving center. The boat transfer to the snorkel site takes between 5-15 minutes, offering a quick yet scenic ride that gets you to the most promising snorkeling spots without long travel times.

What’s Included & What’s Not

You’re provided with all necessary equipment, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets if needed. The focus on providing quality gear ensures comfort—particularly important for those who may be sensitive to colder waters or unfamiliar with snorkeling equipment.

However, note that sodas and other refreshments are not included, so bringing your own water or snacks is advisable if you plan to stay longer in the water or want to stay hydrated.

The Snorkeling Spot & Marine Life

The chosen snorkeling site varies depending on weather conditions, which means the guides will select the best bay on the day for optimal viewing. Expect a calm, picturesque bay, perfect for exploring underwater with clear water and colorful reefs.

During the 1-hour water time, you might encounter sea wrasse, damselfish, trumpet fish, and possibly more elusive creatures like rays, octopus, or cuttlefish—though sightings are never guaranteed. As one reviewer noted, the guides are adept at showing you the best areas, making sure you don’t miss out on the marine highlights.

Guide & Group Experience

Guides at Blue Water Diving are often praised for their patience and knowledge. One reviewer, Geoffrey, shared that their guide was very friendly and attentive, making the experience especially enjoyable. Their role is to point out interesting marine life, ensure safety, and make the experience accessible, especially since it’s geared towards more comfortable swimmers with some snorkelling experience.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, allowing guides to give personalized attention and answer questions. This small group size also means you’ll get more time in the water with fewer crowds.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once aboard the boat, you’ll enjoy a brief safety orientation before heading out to the snorkel site. The boat ride itself is short but scenic, giving you views of the coast and an anticipation of what’s below the surface.

In the water, you’re free to explore the reef and take in the vibrant marine life at your own pace. The guides stay close, offering tips and pointing out interesting fish and creatures. After an hour of floating and exploring, the boat returns to port, and the adventure concludes back at the diving center.

Worth the Price?

At around $51.59 per person, this tour offers good value—especially considering all equipment is supplied, and the small group setting enhances the experience. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a guided snorkel with knowledgeable staff, without the need for extensive planning or equipment investment.

What Do Travelers Say?

While most reviews are positive, with one describing the experience as “magnificent” and praising the patience of the guides, there’s also a negative review from Ramona, who found the trip unsuitable due to a lack of proper information and difficulty with the open Atlantic waters. This highlights the importance of being comfortable in water and understanding the nature of the chosen snorkeling site.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is particularly suited for those with some snorkeling experience who want a guided, relatively short outing. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, small-group activity that combines boat travel with marine exploration. If you’re looking for a quick but engaging way to see some of Gran Canaria’s underwater life, this tour fits the bill.

It’s less suitable for beginners who haven’t snorkeled before or for those seeking a longer or more adventurous underwater expedition. Also, if you’re traveling with children, ensure they’re comfortable in open water, as the tour emphasizes more comfortable swimmers.

The Sum Up

This 2-hour snorkeling experience in Gran Canaria offers a straightforward, well-organized way to enjoy the island’s marine environment. Thanks to its small-group format, experienced guides, and supplied equipment, it provides a safe, engaging, and visually rewarding activity.

It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a guided, approachable snorkeling outing and who want to experience the local underwater world without complex logistics or high costs. The flexible site selection based on weather conditions ensures that you’re likely to have good visibility and calm waters—key ingredients for a memorable snorkel.

While not the most extensive or adventurous option, it strikes a nice balance of value, comfort, and authenticity. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or someone who simply enjoys floating with a mask on, this tour is worth considering for a relaxing afternoon in Gran Canaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The snorkeling activity begins at 2:30 pm and lasts approximately 2 hours, wrapping up around 3:30 pm back at the diving center.

Is transportation included?
You meet at the Blue Water Diving center; transportation from other locations is not specified, but the meeting point is near public transportation.

What do I need to bring?
Since equipment is provided, you mainly need to bring personal items like water, sunscreen, and possibly a towel. Just arrive in comfortable swimwear suitable for snorkeling.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is recommended for more comfortable swimmers and those who have tried snorkeling before. Children should be confident in the water, as the activity takes place in open waters.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkeling site?
The boat transfer takes about 5 to 15 minutes, offering a quick scenic ride to the chosen bay.

What marine animals might I see?
You could encounter sea wrasse, damselfish, trumpet fish, stingrays, eagle rays, octopus, and cuttlefish, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather conditions. If canceled because of weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the snorkeling gear high quality?
Yes, the equipment—including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets—is provided and maintained for comfort and safety.

In summary, this guided snorkeling tour in Gran Canaria offers a balanced mix of comfort, expert guidance, and marine discovery. Whether you’re looking to relax in calm waters or learn more about the local sea life, it’s worth considering for a memorable afternoon on the water.