Gran Canaria: Snorkel tour with boat on the west coast

If you’re looking for a way to combine scenic vistas with underwater exploration, this snorkeling and boat tour on Gran Canaria’s southwest coast is a fantastic choice. It promises a blend of dramatic cliffs, calm bay waters, and vibrant marine life, all wrapped into a 3-hour adventure that’s suitable for most travelers—excluding very young children and those with mobility issues.

What we love most about this experience is how it offers authentic access to Gran Canaria’s biosphere, with expert guides who make sure everyone stays safe while having fun. Plus, the chance to see sea creatures like octopus, cuttlefish, and even an Angel Shark is something special. On the flip side, some might find the tour’s duration a little short if they’re eager for more snorkeling or sightseeing. Still, it’s an ideal activity for those who want a taste of both land and sea in a single half-day.

This tour is perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, and families who enjoy a mix of scenic boat rides and underwater discovery. If you’re eager to see the island’s rugged coastline from the water and get up close with marine life, this experience hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal scenery: The southwest coast features impressive cliffs and caves, perfect for memorable photographs.
• Vibrant marine life: Snorkelers often see fish, octopus, and even rare sightings like Angel Sharks.
• Expert guidance: Friendly guides like Katya and Sabine are praised for their knowledge and welcoming attitude.
• Good value: For around $78, you get transportation, snorkeling gear, water, and cookies—making it a well-rounded experience.
• Convenient pickup: Hotel pickups in the south simplify logistics, with options from Taurito to Puerto Rico.
• Short but sweet: The 3-hour duration is perfect for a quick, immersive break without overcommitting.

The Experience in Detail

The Journey Begins with Pickup and Transfer

The tour kicks off with hotel pickups in the southern part of Gran Canaria. Options include Taurito, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán, and Bahia Feliz, giving flexibility to most travelers staying in the popular southern resorts. The transportation is by van, and the journey to Puerto de Mogan takes around 30 minutes—a good chance to relax and get excited about what’s ahead.

On arrival, the group meets the friendly team, which includes guides fluent in English, Spanish, French, German, and Dutch. This multilingual approach makes it accessible for international visitors. You’ll also get a brief overview of the day’s plan and safety instructions, which are straightforward and designed to make everyone comfortable, especially first-time snorkelers.

The Boat Ride and Coastal Views

Once onboard the RIB (a rigid inflatable boat), the real fun begins. The boat ride itself is often highlighted as a scenic highlight. The high cliffs, caves, and rugged coastline of the biosphere reserve create a dramatic backdrop that looks even better from the water. Reviewers, like Janice, have noted how the boat trip is not rushed and offers plenty of opportunities to soak in the sights.

Expect a roughly 30-minute ride along the coast, where the wind and sea spray add an adventurous touch. The boat’s stability and speed make for an exhilarating experience, especially when passing through narrow caves or skimming along the waves.

Snorkeling in a Pristine Bay

The main event is the snorkeling session, lasting about an hour in a carefully selected bay filled with marine life. The guides, like Sabine and Alvaro, are praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, often giving detailed explanations about the underwater environment. They ensure safety and help first-timers feel at ease.

The water is described as warm and clear, making it easy to spot fish, octopus, and even shy creatures like cuttlefish. One reviewer was thrilled to come within feet of an Angel Shark, a rare sight that underscores the quality of the snorkeling spot.

The underwater scenery is complemented by the sunlight filtering through the water, creating a perfect setting for photos. While the tour doesn’t include professional photos or videos, many guests appreciate the chance to capture the moment themselves.

Refreshments and Return Journey

After snorkeling, you’re treated to water and cookies onboard, a simple but appreciated refreshment. This is a great time to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and share stories of what you saw underwater.

The trip back to Puerto de Mogan offers more scenic vistas and a chance to reflect on the morning’s highlights. The entire experience lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that leaves plenty of time to enjoy other parts of the island.

The Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

The itinerary involves multiple stops to maximize the experience:

• Pickup from 5 locations: Taurito, Puerto Rico, Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán, Bahia Feliz. This range ensures most visitors’ accommodations are covered.
• Transfer to Puerto de Mogan: Around 30 minutes, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Guided tour of Puerto de Mogan: For about an hour, exploring this charming harbor, often praised for its picturesque setting.
• Snorkeling session: An hour in a protected bay where marine life is abundant. This part is the main draw, especially for those eager to see vibrant fish and perhaps an elusive Angel Shark.
• Visit to Mogan Harbor: A quick 15-minute stop to soak in the atmosphere or take photos.
• Return transfer: About 30 minutes back to your hotel.

What Makes Each Part Special

The boat ride offers the chance to see the rugged coast from a different perspective, often accompanied by interesting commentary from guides. The snorkeling spot is carefully chosen for its marine biodiversity and calm waters—ideal for all levels. The stop in Mogan is a bonus, giving you time to stroll and perhaps grab a snack or photo.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Many travelers have expressed how knowledgeable and friendly guides like Katya, Sabine, and Alvaro made the trip memorable. One reviewer, Paul, called it a “fantastic value for money” and was especially thrilled to experience close encounters with fish, octopus, and an Angel Shark.

Janice’s comment about seeing a pod of 100 dolphins from the boat highlights how unexpectedly magical these trips can be. Another traveler, Jae, emphasized the incredible value and the friendly atmosphere, noting that the photos and videos they received afterward added a special touch to their memories.

For first-timers, Dani shared how her first snorkeling experience was made comfortable and fun thanks to the explanations given beforehand and the attentive guides. The warm water temperatures and vibrant sea life contributed to making it an unforgettable experience.

Practicalities and Tips

• Price: At $78 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering the included transport, snorkeling gear, water, and cookies.
• Duration: The 3-hour length makes it easy to slot into a busy itinerary.
• What to bring: Swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are recommended.
• Not suitable for: Children under 6, mobility issues, or wheelchair users.
• Booking: Flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Additional Considerations

While the tour doesn’t include professional photos, many guests record their own underwater moments or enjoy the scenery from the boat. If capturing memories is a priority, bringing a waterproof camera or phone case is a good idea.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to adventurers and nature lovers eager to combine scenic boat rides with underwater discovery. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking for a manageable half-day activity that offers a taste of Gran Canaria’s diverse coastline and marine biodiversity.

It’s also ideal for families with children over 6 who are comfortable in the water, as well as solo travelers wanting a guided, safe snorkeling adventure. If you’re someone who values knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and authentic marine encounters, this tour ticks those boxes.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling boat tour along Gran Canaria’s west coast provides a balanced mix of adventure, beautiful scenery, and marine life. With friendly guides, good value, and the chance to see rare creatures like Angel Sharks, it delivers an authentic and memorable experience for most travelers.

While it’s not a full-day expedition or an extreme adventure, it offers just enough time to enjoy the best of what the coast has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned water baby, the calm, clear waters and impressive cliffs will leave you with plenty to remember.

For those seeking a relaxed, scenic, and engaging activity that combines natural beauty with underwater surprises, this tour is a fantastic pick—especially for anyone staying in the southern resorts of Gran Canaria.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, including pickup, travel, snorkeling, and return.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers pick-up and drop-off from specific South Gran Canaria hotels, the boat ride, snorkeling gear, water, and cookies.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old, mainly due to safety reasons and the physical nature of snorkeling.

Do I need to have previous snorkeling experience?
Not at all. The guides provide explanations and safety instructions, ensuring first-timers feel comfortable.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are recommended.

Can I take photos or videos?
The tour does not include photos or videos, but many guests bring waterproof cameras to capture underwater moments.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

This snorkeling boat trip on Gran Canaria offers a great way to enjoy the island’s stunning coastline and vibrant sea life in a relaxed and well-guided setting. Whether you’re after photogenic scenery, marine encounters, or simply some time on the water, it’s a memorable addition to any itinerary.