Gran Canaria: Sailing & Snorkeling Small-Group Trip with Pickup

Summary

Sail the atlantic from puerto de mogan, snorkel wild bays, taste lunch on deck

You’ll step aboard at Puerto de Mogan for real sailing with a small group—try steering or just relax as you glide along Gran Canaria’s coast. Snorkel or paddleboard in a quiet bay before sharing lunch and wine on deck. With hotel pickup included and friendly local guides leading the way, expect moments of laughter, salt air, and unexpected calm.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed onto New Karolka just after a sleepy drive down from our hotel — pickup was right on time, which honestly surprised me (I’m used to “island time”). The marina at Puerto de Mogan had that mix of sunscreen and salt in the air, and our guide, Marta, greeted us with this big grin like she’d been waiting all morning for us. She handed me the wheel for a minute — I mean, I’ve never driven anything bigger than a rowboat before — and the boat felt heavier than I expected, but also kind of freeing. The sails snapped above us as we headed out past the breakwater. There were only six of us plus Marta and her friend Luis, so it felt more like joining someone’s friends than being on a tour.

The water off Gran Canaria is that deep blue you see in postcards but never really believe until you’re floating on it. We passed cliffs where goats picked their way along ledges (Luis pointed them out; I almost missed them), and then we cut the engine so it was just wind and the slap of waves. At one point I tried to say “gracias por el viaje” in Spanish — Marta laughed and corrected me gently. We dropped anchor in this little bay that looked empty except for one fisherman’s boat bobbing near shore. Lunch was simple — bread, cheese, fruit, some veggie stuff for me — but eating it barefoot on deck with salty fingers made it feel special. Someone opened a bottle of wine; not fancy but cold enough.

I jumped in with the snorkel gear (included) and honestly didn’t last long because I’m still working on my ocean nerves. But the water was clear enough to see silver fish darting around rocks below. A couple from Germany paddled out on the SUP board while I just lay back on deck and let myself dry off in the sun. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for seagulls — I still think about that silence sometimes.

On the way back to Puerto de Mogan we sailed slower, maybe because nobody seemed in a hurry to get off. Marta poured more wine; someone told a story about getting seasick once in Greece (thankfully not today). The sun started dropping behind the cliffs but we weren’t watching clocks anymore — just letting Gran Canaria do its thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and snorkeling near Gran Canaria

• Pickup from hotel
• Board yacht New Karolka
• Sail from Puerto de Mogan
• Helm the boat or relax
• Stop for lunch in secluded bay
• Swim and snorkel at bay
• Sail back to Puerto de Mogan

Top questions

How many people are on this sailing trip?

This sailing trip is limited to 8 guests plus crew for a small-group experience.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts from Puerto de Mogan marina in Gran Canaria.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Is lunch provided during the trip?

Yes, lunch is served onboard along with soft drinks, wine, beer, fruits, and vegetarian options.

Can beginners try sailing or steering?

Yes! Guests are invited to help hoist sails or steer under guidance if they want to try.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling gear is included for use during the stop at the secluded bay.

Are kids allowed on this sailing trip?

The trip isn’t recommended for children under 6 years old.

How long does this Gran Canaria sailing trip last?

The full excursion lasts about 4 hours including sailing time and stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere nearby Puerto de Mogan or your accommodation; all sailing activities with local guides; vegetarian-friendly lunch served onboard alongside soft drinks, beer, wine, fresh fruit; plus use of stand-up paddleboard and snorkeling equipment before returning to port by afternoon.