Boat trips from Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas

Why sail from the south-west rather than Maspalomas

Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are where a great many British holidaymakers stay in Gran Canaria, and for good reason: the dunes, the long beaches, the choice of hotels and restaurants. What they do not have is the coastline that makes a boat trip memorable. The beaches here are wide and sandy, and the shore is fairly low.

The drama starts further west. As you travel along the south coast, the land rises into cliffs and ravines, and past the end of the coastal road lie beaches such as Veneguera, El Perchel and Güigüí that you can only reach by sea or on foot. That stretch is also on the most sheltered side of the island, out of the north-east trade winds. It is why our boats sail from the marina at Puerto de Mogán, on the south-west coast, rather than from your resort.

By car along the GC-1

If you have a hire car, driving is the most flexible option. The GC-1 motorway runs along the south coast of the island and links the Maspalomas area with the resorts and marinas further west. Follow it westwards, then follow the signs for Puerto de Mogán. We are not going to quote a journey time: traffic, roadworks and where exactly you start from all make a difference, so check a live map app on the morning of your trip.

Parking near the marina can be busy, especially on market days and in high season, so allow extra time to find a space. We send you the exact meeting point when you book, with a map link you can open directly on your phone.

By taxi

A taxi is the easiest option if you do not want to drive or you are a small group. Taxis are easy to find at ranks in the main resort areas, and your hotel reception can call one for you. Ask the driver to take you to the marina at Puerto de Mogán and show them the meeting point we send you.

For a group, it is often worth booking a larger taxi in advance, particularly for early departures. Ask the driver or the taxi company for an estimate before you set off, and think about how you will get back: arrange a return pickup or take the number of a local taxi company.

By bus with Global

Gran Canaria has a good island-wide bus network run by Global, and there are services linking the Maspalomas area with the south-west coast. It is the cheapest option and a relaxed way to travel if you are not in a hurry.

Because routes and timetables change, we do not list line numbers or times here. Check the official Global website or app shortly before your trip for the current routes, stops and timetables, and plan to arrive with a comfortable margin — a missed bus should not mean a missed boat.

• Check the Global website or app for the current route and timetable.
• Aim for a bus that gets you there with time to spare.
• Check the return times too, especially after an afternoon trip.
• Keep your booking confirmation handy, with the meeting point.

Planning your day

Whatever transport you choose, the key is to leave enough margin. Boats leave on time, and a group waiting on the pontoon for a late arrival is a group losing time at sea. We confirm the meeting time when you book, and we recommend arriving a little earlier so you can find the meeting point calmly.

Make a day of it if you like. The marina area has cafés and restaurants for before or after your trip. And because the weather sometimes forces a change, try to book your boat trip early in your holiday: that way there is time to move it if needed.

Frequently asked questions