Few places feel as free as open water. This private sailing trip from Puerto de Mogán mixes hands-on sailing time, a real snorkel stop, and easy food-and-drink sailing-party energy without the chaos. The vibe is simple: you join the crew, you get out to sea, you relax, and you come back with saltwater memories.

I especially like the chance to be part of the action, including the moment you can help hoist the sails and even take the helm. I also like that the boat portion includes tapas plus drinks, so the day doesn’t feel like it’s built around paying for extras later. One thing to consider: pickup only works from the tourist area in the south of Gran Canaria, so if you’re staying farther north, this may be inconvenient.

Key things to know before you go

• Private group (up to 8): You get a more personal sailing experience than the big-boat options.
• Hands-on sailing: You may help with sail work and you can try steering.
• Snorkeling time in a secluded bay: You’ll have about 75 minutes for snorkeling, with equipment provided.
• Food and drinks on board: Tapas plus soft drinks, wine, and beer keep the mood relaxed.
• A harbor meal at Mogan Harbor: There’s scheduled time around the harbor after your sea time.
• Stand up paddle board included: It’s part of what’s provided, so you might have a chance to use it.

Entering Puerto de Mogán: how this trip starts

This tour is built around a clean, start-to-finish rhythm: you meet the boat in Puerto de Mogán, get moving soon after, and then the day flows from sailing to a snorkel stop and back again. It’s a good setup for people who want to do more than just look at the coastline from shore.

Pickup is part of the deal, but it’s limited to the tourist area in the south of Gran Canaria. Common pickup points include Puerto de Mogán itself, plus Bahía Feliz, Maspalomas, Taurito, Arguineguín, and Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. In plain terms: it’s convenient if you’re staying in the south. If you’re not, you may need extra planning to get to the pickup area.

Once you’re at the harbor, the tour leans into the sailing experience fast. You’re not just sitting there for the entire trip. Even before the long stretch out, you’ll get that sense that you’re joining a working crew.

Price and what you’re really buying (577 per group)

The price is $577 per group, for a private group up to 8. That matters, because you shouldn’t compare it like it’s a per-person ticket for a public cruise. Instead, think of it as renting the experience: boat time, crew attention, food, and snorkeling gear.

Where the value gets real is that you’re not paying for one highlight and ignoring the rest. You get:

• Sailing time around southern Gran Canaria
• The option to help handle sails and steer
• A snack-and-meal style food setup (tapas plus drinks)
• Snorkeling equipment included
• A stand up paddle board included
• Scheduled time back at Mogan Harbor for the harbor portion of the day

If you’re going as a couple, you’ll feel the price as a premium. If you can split it with a small family or a couple of friends, the cost starts to look a lot more reasonable for the mix of sailing, food, and water time.

Getting hands-on: crew energy and what you can do

The best part of this kind of private sail isn’t only the view. It’s the feeling of being useful, even briefly. Here, the crew invites you in. Before you settle into relaxation mode, there’s sailing work you can take part in.

You’ll have time on the move right after leaving Puerto de Mogán, and then a longer sailing stretch where you’re not stuck watching from the sidelines. Depending on how the crew is running the day, you may get a chance to help hoist the sails and then take the helm.

Two details from the experience that I think are worth taking seriously:

• The crew is friendly and attentive in a way that keeps the day from feeling scripted.
• People often treat the boat like a “special occasion.” One person I spoke with said the hosts even noticed and handled a birthday moment. That’s the kind of personal touch that makes a private trip feel like it actually belongs to your group, not to the company schedule.

This isn’t a party boat. Party groups aren’t allowed. That’s good news if you want a calm, nature-first day and not loud, crowded chaos.

The sailing portion: southern Gran Canaria from the Atlantic

Once you’re out, the day settles into the Atlantic rhythm. You’ll have multiple stretches of sailing time, with a schedule that includes short sailing segments and then longer travel between the main moments.

The overall route focuses on the southern parts of Gran Canaria, and you’ll get those classic “why do we not do this more often” feelings: wind in your hair, open water ahead, and coastline changing shape as the boat moves.

A quick practical note: it’s easy to assume it’ll feel like warm beach weather the whole time. One thing that can catch people off guard is that the sea can feel cold. Plan for that. Bring a light layer and something you can throw on when you’re sitting still and the wind is doing its job.

Snorkeling in a secluded bay: what to expect and how to be prepared

The centerpiece water moment is the snorkeling stop. You’ll be at a secluded bay with the kind of access that feels more quiet than the main tourist swim spots. The snorkeling segment is about 75 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is included.

There are clear rules about how to act in the water:

• Do not touch marine life.

That’s the right kind of guidance. It protects animals and it also keeps the snorkeling experience more natural. You’ll get a better look when you let things come to you.

Also, the experience mentions both marine life and a wild, deserted beach setting. In other words, this is designed to feel like you found a calm corner of the coast, not a managed platform.

What you should bring mentally:

• You’ll likely be in the water longer than a quick “splash and done.”
• You’ll want a steady pace. Move gently, breathe calmly, and focus on watching rather than chasing.

And if you’re the type who usually snorkels with a lot of excitement: great. Just keep expectations realistic. This is about quiet observation and a bit of freedom, not a guided chase with guaranteed sightings.

Food, drinks, and the harbor hour at Mogan Harbor

A big reason this trip feels worth it is how they handle food. Instead of forcing you into a restaurant plan, you get tapas plus soft drinks, wine, and beer as part of the boat experience. That’s the style that works well on the water, because it keeps the day social but not heavy.

After the main sea-and-snorkel portion, there’s scheduled time at Mogan Harbor for lunch-style enjoyment (about an hour). This isn’t just “drop you off and good luck.” It gives you a chance to reset, dry off, and take the harbor atmosphere in after being out at sea.

From what people describe, the tapas can be genuinely good rather than filler food. One person called it a delicious tapas lunch, and that aligns with the overall structure: this is a trip that treats the food as part of the experience, not an afterthought.

If you’re hungry after snorkeling, you’ll appreciate the timing. If you’re sensitive to temperature swings, you’ll appreciate the break in a sheltered harbor setting.

Stand up paddle board: a bonus you might use

The tour includes a stand up paddle board. That’s a nice extra because it gives you another way to be on the water besides sailing and snorkeling.

Just keep it flexible in your head. Your ability to use it will depend on the day’s conditions and the crew’s plan for timing. But even having it included signals they want the trip to feel like more than a one-dimensional “sit and look” outing.

Who this private sailing trip fits best

This works best for people who want:

• A private experience (not packed with strangers)
• A real shot at hands-on sailing
• A snorkeling stop with equipment included
• Food and drinks included without restaurant juggling

It’s also a great choice for families with kids who are comfortable on boats. One review I’ve seen noted that kids loved the boat and that the tapas were a perfect starter before a later dinner plan. Still, there’s a clear rule: it’s not suitable for children under 6.

Skip this if:

• You’re not staying anywhere in the south pickup zone (pickup is only in the tourist area south of Gran Canaria).
• You’re hoping for a heavy-action snorkel lesson. This trip focuses on time in the water with a rule set that emphasizes not touching marine life, not on technique coaching.

Small tips that make the day smoother

Here are the practical things I’d do if you’re planning around wind, water, and a snorkeling stop.

• Dress for sea-to-wind temperature changes. Even when the sun is up, the wind can make you feel cool during sailing.
• Wear something you can handle for snorkeling. You’ll want comfort and stability for getting in and out during the swim portion.
• Plan to be present, not just photos. The quiet bay snorkeling portion rewards slow looking.
• Treat the rules seriously. Not touching marine life keeps things respectful and more enjoyable.
• If you get cold easily, bring an extra layer. One person mentioned the sea felt cold, but they still walked away happy sailors—meaning the fix is simple.

Should you book this private sailing and snorkeling trip?

If you’re staying in southern Gran Canaria and you want a day that feels personal—sailing, a snorkeling stop, and included tapas and drinks—this is a strong yes. The private up-to-8 format is the big value driver, especially if you can share the group cost. The hands-on sailing element (helping with sails and trying the helm) is also the kind of detail that turns a sightseeing trip into a story you’ll actually remember.

I’d hesitate only if getting to Puerto de Mogán (or the south pickup points) is hard for you, or if cold sea conditions would ruin your comfort. Otherwise, this is the kind of trip that hits the sweet spot: authentic time on the Atlantic, not rushed, and with the right mix of activity and relax.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the trip start?

It starts in Puerto de Mogán, with hotel pickup and drop-off available from selected areas in the south of Gran Canaria.

How long is the sailing and snorkeling experience?

The duration is listed as 3 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private group experience, priced per group up to 8 people.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have tapas, plus soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there stand up paddle board time?

A stand up paddle board is included as part of the tour. The exact use depends on the day’s plan and conditions.

Can children join?

It is not suitable for children under 6.

What languages are offered?

The instructor is listed as speaking English and Polish.

Are there rules about marine life?

Yes. You’re not allowed to touch marine life.

What’s the cancellation policy?

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.