Snorkelling in Gran Canaria from the boat

Skip the crowded beach entry: drop in straight from the boat, in clear water under volcanic cliffs.

Clear turquoise water in a sheltered cove, ideal for snorkelling in Gran Canaria

Why snorkel from a boat

You can snorkel off plenty of beaches in Gran Canaria, but the busiest ones share the same drawbacks: sandy, churned-up water near the shore, lots of swimmers, and the fish long since moved on. Starting from a boat changes all of that. You drop in from the swim platform into deeper, clearer water, right beside rocks and reefs that you could never reach with a towel under your arm.

The volcanic coastline helps too. Lava flows meet the sea in boulders, ledges and little arches, and that broken seabed gives marine life plenty of places to hide. Even a short look under the surface usually rewards you with something to point at.

There is also the matter of access. Some of the best water on the west of the island lies off beaches that no road reaches, and from the shore you would have to scramble over rocks to get into it. From the boat, you simply climb down the ladder, and climb back up again when you have had enough.

Two ways to snorkel with us

We do not run a dedicated snorkelling tour. Instead, snorkelling is built into our trips in two ways, depending on whether you prefer to share or have the boat to yourselves.

In both cases the skipper chooses where to stop on the day, looking for water that is calm, clear and sheltered. That is the one decision we never hand over, because it depends on conditions that change from morning to afternoon.

The shared Güigüí beach trip — includes stops to swim and snorkel, with snorkel gear on board. Ideal if you want a destination and a swim without organising anything.
Any private charter — your skipper can anchor in a clear, sheltered spot so you can swim and snorkel for as long as you like. Ask when you book what gear is on board, or bring your own mask.

Getting the most out of it

The clearest water tends to come on calm days, and on this coast those are common because the south-west sits in the shelter of the island, out of the north-east trade winds. Calima episodes, when Saharan dust hangs in the air, can reduce visibility both above and below the water, and a big swell stirs up the bottom. Your skipper will choose the spot based on the conditions on the day.

A mask that fits makes all the difference, so if you have your own, bring it. Put sun cream on well before you get in — and consider a rash vest or T-shirt instead, because your back gets the full force of the sun while you float face-down. And do not touch or stand on anything alive: the rocks here are home to plenty of creatures that do not want to be stepped on.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Snorkelling is one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the sea, and many of our guests try it for the first time on board. You float on the surface and breathe through the snorkel; there is no need to dive down. If you are not confident in the water, say so to the crew: a life jacket or a float lets you enjoy it without effort, and there is never any pressure to get in.

For children, the key is a mask that fits their face and an adult close by. Tell us about your group when you book and we will help you pick the right trip.

Whatever your level, a few minutes getting used to the mask while holding on to the ladder is time well spent. Once you are breathing calmly through the snorkel, let go, put your face in the water and let the sea do the rest.